Kurt joined WST in 2021 as Portfolio Analyst before transitioning to the role of Portfolio Manager in 2023. In his role, he is responsible for sourcing, executing, and reconciling alternative investments for clients. He also supports development of investment proposals. Prior to joining the firm, Kurt held the position of Senior Consultant at Grant Thornton in Washington, DC. He was the lead analyst supporting operations research engagements for clients. He was also responsible for strategizing with executive leadership, modernization of management reporting and general business development.
Kurt was born and raised in Williamsburg before relocating to Harrisonburg where he graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Economics. Kurt returned to Williamsburg to attend The College of William & Mary, Raymond A. Mason School of Business for his MBA in Finance.
In his free time, Kurt enjoys outdoor activities, including running, biking, surfing, golfing, and spending long days at the beach. He is also an active member of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Alumni Association, an organization that performs in local events and raises scholarship funding for current members.
Steve is a Principal, Portfolio Manager and member of the firm's Investment Committee – having previously served as President of Virginia Capital Strategies (VCS), a Roanoke-based investment management firm that joined WST in January 2020. Steve brings to bear over 30 years of financial industry experience – including holding roles as Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Fund Manager and Client Service Officer. He formed Virginia Capital Strategies (VCS) in 2001.
A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Steve received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory & Henry College where he also participated on the football team and received an MBA from Wake Forest University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and earned his Certified Financial Planning (CFP) status.
Steve actively serves as Board Treasurer of Center in the Square, where he has launched a number of successful initiatives, including the Roanoke Pinball Museum. Until recently, he served as Board Chair of Roanoke Ballet Theater and as Trustee of Patrick Henry Family Services – a position he held for nearly 30 years. He, his wife Joy and children Ben, Jake and Eli attend Windsor Hills United Methodist Church, where Steve serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. In his free time, he enjoys staying active and watching his children play sports (swimming and baseball).
Andrew joined WST in 2023 as an Operations Associate, where he helps supervise and execute daily account reconciliation and assists in other special projects in support of portfolio management and reporting. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Early Career Investor Intern at Wellington Management.
A native to Raleigh, NC, Andrew received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University before relocating to the Hampton Roads area. In his free time, he enjoys biking, going to the movies with his wife, and staying involved with the development of his church and volunteering efforts.
Ryan joined WST in 2022 as Research Analyst & Trader. In his role, he provides research to support the firm’s Multi-Cap investment strategy and supports the development of investment proposals and custom portfolio analysis. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for Rowe Furniture where he focused on strategic planning and leading pricing initiatives, and held the role of Financial Analyst with Lawrence Companies, a mid-market diversified transportation firm.
Born and raised in Blacksburg, Virginia, Ryan relocated to Roanoke where he received his Bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College. He is a CFA Charterholder. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors (hiking/running/biking), exercising with his two dogs, watching and playing soccer, or rooting for his favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals.
As an Accounting Associate, Marcela oversees the calculation and billing of client management fees and external fee-related arrangements, and she is ultimately responsible for the firm’s revenue projections. Prior to joining the firm in 2012, she held a portfolio management role at U.S. Bank’s Private Asset Management division.
Marcela is a Brooklyn native who spent time in the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. before settling in Virginia Beach; she holds a degree in Finance from Rutgers University. She enjoys cooking and golfing and, as an active member for the Chesapeake Beach Civic League, she commits her free time to the advancement and beautification of her beachfront neighborhood.
As a Research Analyst and Trader, Danny conducts research in support of the firm’s Multi-Cap investment strategy, assists in alternative investment analysis, and supports custom portfolio analysis. Prior to joining WST, he interned at Coho Partners, Ltd. where he conducted fundamental equity research and generated dividend discount models for potential investments, along with other research initiatives.
Danny was born and raised in Davidson, North Carolina. He received his bachelor's from the University of Richmond and a Master of Science in Finance degree from Villanova University. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. In his spare time, Danny enjoys playing golf and basketball, working out, and watching the Charlotte Hornets.
As an Operations Associate, Tim helps supervise and execute daily account reconciliation as well as assists in other special projects in support of portfolio management and reporting. Prior to joining WST, Tim was in the mortgage industry, holding roles ranging from Loan Officer Assistant to Loan Processor and Loan Coordinator.
A native to Virginia Beach, Tim received his MBA from Old Dominion University after completing his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In his spare time, Tim volunteers as a financial coach with BankOn Hampton Roads and facilitates a support group for those suffering from Crohn's disease and/or Colitis and their loved ones in Hampton Roads. He also enjoys exercising, reading, playing chess, playing basketball and spending time with his girlfriend and two cats, Cheddar and Gouda.
Working as a Research Analyst, Robert conducts research in support of the firm’s Roanoke office and supports custom portfolio analysis. He assists with the team’s relationship management efforts as an additional day-to-day point of contact for clients and related parties. Prior to joining WST in 2020, Robert interned for a wealth management firm located in Knoxville, TN.
Born in Richmond, VA, Robert grew up in Lynchburg before relocating to Tennessee where he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s in Business Administration – focusing on Finance and Economics. In his free time, you can find Robert playing and watching sports as well as spending time with his family and friends.
Kyle is a Portfolio Manager and Principal, managing client relationships and leading WST’s North Carolina-based efforts out of Raleigh. He serves on the firm’s Investment Committee. Kyle joined the firm in 2001, and he brings to bear over three decades of industry experience.
Kyle, a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earned a BBA in Trust Management from Campbell University. He is a graduate of the Southeastern Trust School and the College for Financial Planning, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation as well as the Series 66 securities license.
Kyle is a member of the Campbell University Trust Education Foundation Advisory Board, the Wake County Estate Planning Council and the Salvation Army of Wake County Advisory Board – also serving as a member of the Red Shield Club Committee of Raleigh. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Coastal Federation – serving as a member of their Inland Committee and Finance Committee – and on the Board of Directors for Band Together. Kyle enjoys hunting, playing music and spending time with his family at the beach; he and his wife have two daughters.
Roger is a Principal, Portfolio Manager and member of the firm’s Investment Committee. He also serves as Chief Investment Officer for WST Capital Management, the firm’s in-house ETF strategist.
Before joining WST in 2009, Roger held relationship and portfolio management responsibilities at a global wealth management and investment banking firm. Prior to entering the financial services industry, he was a Senior Manager in Ernst & Young’s Private Client Services division.
A native of Texas, Roger graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the Personal Financial Planning Section and holds the Personal Financial Specialist credential. Roger has taught Portfolio Management to MBA candidates as an adjunct professor at a local university.
Current community activities include serving as a Board member of the Tidewater Community College Educational and the Robins Foundation. Roger also serves on the Investment Committees of the Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation and the Robins Foundation. Roger is a member of the 2001 Leadership Class with Lead Hampton Roads, a program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. He spends his free time golfing, camping and woodworking; he and his wife live in Virginia Beach.
Mark is a Principal and Portfolio Manager at WST; he sits on the firm’s Investment Committee and helps direct analyst research initiatives. Prior to joining WST in 2001, he served as Vice President and Head of Investment Research at a regional investment advisory firm. Mark began his finance career in banking roles specializing in bankruptcy and distressed debt restructuring.
A Virginia Beach native, Mark graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia with a degree in Commerce. He also earned an MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.
Mark serves on the boards of the Old Dominion University Educational Foundation, the Eastern Virginia Medical School and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Foundation. He spends his free time with his wife and their three children.
As a Trader, Khristian assists in facilitating buys and sells, raising cash and representing the firm in custodial and broker interactions. Prior to joining WST, Khristian assisted in optimizing wholesale clients’ businesses as well as quality control for cafes and restaurants at Counter Culture (Corporate). Former experience includes holding the position of Income Maintenance Caseworker for the Department of Social Services — where he worked with Spanish-speaking populations for a myriad of programs.
Khristian was born in Puerto Rico and relocated to Hampton Roads at a young age. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Language from Elizabeth City State University and his MBA with a concentration in Finance, from University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
In his free time, Khristian enjoys running, cycling, engaging with the arts and foods community, and spending time with his beloved dachshund-chihuahua and calico cat. His past volunteer work includes translating for the Spanish-speaking population, serving on a domestic violence shelter board and helping first-generation Spanish-speaking children of immigrants apply for college.
Zach joined WST in 2023 as an Operations Associate, where he helps supervise and execute daily account reconciliation and assists in other special projects supporting portfolio management and reporting. Prior to joining the team, Zach worked for a research firm focused on providing additional research and due diligence to Private Equity Firms. He assisted in Sub-Sector Tracking & Mapping, further Due Diligence research, and Operating Chair/Board Member searches.
A native to the Hampton Roads area, Zach grew up in Suffolk, VA, and moved to North Carolina to pursue his degree. He graduated in 2019 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Exercise & Sport Science and was a member of their Baseball team from 2014-2016. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, going to the beach, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and two dogs, Callie and Cooper.
In her role as a Client Associate, Julia supports her team’s relationship management efforts as a day-to-day point of contact for clients and related parties, serving as a liaison between the firm’s various functional groups. She joined WST in 2021.
Julia was raised in New Jersey and relocated to Virginia to attend Virginia Tech, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In her free time, she can be found running, reading, knitting, and spending time on the beach. She is active in the community, volunteering for the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast and serving the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention where she organizes “Out of the Darkness” walks. Julia also delivers meals to families in need.
As a Portfolio Manager, Luke is responsible for investment research, account management and nurturing client relationships within the firm’s high-net worth and institutional lines of business. He joined WST in 2022 as Research Analyst and Trader, supporting the firm’s efforts as they pertain to the Multi-Cap investment strategy along with daily upkeep & trading for custom client portfolios. Luke brings to bear over 8 years of industry experience; predominantly spent in an operational capacity working on Fixed Income mutual fund reconciliation.
Luke was born and raised in the greater Boston area before relocating to Norfolk in 2022. He received his bachelor’s degree from Clark University, majoring in economics and minoring in English, and spent a year studying at the London School of Economics. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. In his free time, you can find Luke staying active with soccer, running and skiing.
In his role as a Portfolio Manager/ Research Analyst and Investment Committee member, Dan supports efforts to serve the firm’s wealth management clients and executes wide-ranging research initiatives focused on macro trends, asset allocation, and risk management. Prior to joining WST in 2016, he held the role of Director of Research at a Richmond-based investment advisory firm, as a portfolio strategist at a broker/dealer, and as a portfolio manager/research analyst within the trust division of a large regional banking organization.
Dan grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. A CFA charter-holder, he is a member of the CFA Institute and previously served on the board of the CFA Society Virginia, as Treasurer and Den Leader of Cub Scout Pack 747 in the Heart of Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and on the Endowment Committee at All Saints Episcopal Church (Richmond). Dan has four children, and his spare time is spent cheering on their endeavors in youth basketball, gymnastics, and swimming.
Theresa serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer at WST; she is responsible for top-down oversight of the firm. After serving for seven years as Director of Operations at a local company, Theresa joined WST in 2008; her tenure at the firm has spanned roles in finance, human resources, compliance and operations, and has seen her awarded a local "Top 40 Under 40" award in 2011, a place in the LEAD Hampton Roads Class of 2011, and a "Women in Business" award in 2012. She is proud of the firm’s receipt of the Volunteer Excellence Award and its consistent placement on the annual "Best Places to Work" list.
A native of New Jersey, Theresa graduated from the University of Tennessee and later continued her education at Old Dominion University. She settled in the area after marrying a Virginia Beach native; she and her husband have three children and spend their free time at the beach, riding bikes and sampling new restaurants as a family.
A WST fixture since the firm’s establishment, Suzanne O’Donnell serves as a Client Associate supporting Managing Principal/ Chief Investment Officer Wayne Wilbanks, with whom she has worked since day one. Suzanne acts as a day-to-day contact for clients, facilitating account openings, transfers and routine transactions. She most enjoys relationship-building with clients, and she is proud to be an integral part of the firm’s history.
Suzanne earned a degree in Business Management from Mary Baldwin College. A native of Norfolk, she supports our local community through the American Red Cross, CHKD, and United Way. In addition to doing charity work, Suzanne also enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Sarah serves as Director of Performance & Technology for WST. A member of the firm’s Investment and Compliance Committees, she directs account administration and is responsible for defining and maintaining firm composites. Sarah oversees the implementation of Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) and supervises GIPS® marketing compliance efforts. She also oversees the various technology systems implemented and used by the firm. Sarah served previously as the firm's Chief Compliance Officer. She joined WST in 2011 after spending several years as a Financial Account Manager for a Virginia Beach-based company.
A Virginia Beach native, Sarah graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She is active in the community through Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s Community Leadership Partners and the United Way’s Young Philanthropists, and she enjoys spending her down time at the beach and with her family, friends, and dog.
Maria joined the firm in the spring of 2018, bearing over 11 years of experience in roles spanning digital marketing strategy, integrated marketing strategy, graphic design, and content marketing strategy. She currently directs the firm’s marketing and creative initiatives, including communications, content, advertising, website management and development, brand strategy, art direction, and PR. Prior to joining WST, she served as a Digital Strategist for a financial services company headquartered in Virginia Beach, preceded by managing a social media and content marketing team for a digital company headquartered in Norfolk, VA.
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Maria lived in Tokyo, Japan, before immigrating to the United States. Her international exposure and multicultural background have enriched her perspectives and fostered a deep appreciation for diversity. She grew up in Champaign, Illinois, and graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing — minoring in Integrated Marketing Communications. Maria enjoys photography, graphic design, and traveling in her free time and lends her creative talents to helping local non-profit organizations, including The Quill Theatre in Richmond, VA, United Way of South Hampton Roads, and Tidewater Youth Services, an organization serving at-risk youth in the Tidewater region. Maria is bilingual in Russian and English and is an alumna of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce's LEAD757 Class of 2023.
Connor joined WST as Portfolio Manager in 2021 after previously holding the role of Equity Trader at Cantor Fitzgerald where he focused on Financials and Closed-End-Fund sectors. He was responsible for delivering liquidity solutions to clients through sourcing natural order flow or committing firm capital, managing market risk and driving revenue generation for each sector. He sits on the firm’s Investment Committee.
Connor, originally born and raised in Virginia Beach, graduated from Boston University – School of Management with a BBA in Finance & Strategy. He and his wife recently relocated back to Virginia Beach from New York City. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with family.
Caroline joined WST in 2023 as Client Advisor located in Roanoke, VA. In her role, she is positioned to foster strong client relationships, improve operational efficiency, and ensure service expectations are met and exceeded. She serves as a point of contact for our clients and acts as a liaison for her team. Working in close collaboration with the Portfolio Manager, she is relied on for proactive problem resolution and the overall delivery and daily management of the client experience.
Originally from Richmond, VA, Caroline earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where she majored in Finance with a minor in International Business. Caroline holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and possesses Series 66 and 7 licenses.
Outside of the financial realm, Caroline is an avid enthusiast of outdoor activities, cooking, exercise classes, particularly cycling and yoga, and attending Virginia Tech football games.
A presence at the firm since 1999, Heather is a deeply experienced equities trader whose responsibilities include facilitating buys and sells, raising cash and representing the firm in custodial and broker interactions. She values both the importance of her work to client experience as well as the independence her role affords. Prior to joining WST, she worked as a retirement plan specialist at a regional brokerage firm.
Heather is a Hampton Roads native and she holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University. She is proud of her three sons and enjoys spending time boating and at the beach with family.
Wayne, a co-founder of WST, serves as the firm’s Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer and chairs the firm’s Investment Committee. Prior to the establishment of WST in 1990, Wayne co-founded a regional investment advisory firm where he served as Senior Portfolio Manager and Director of Research. Wayne brings to bear over 35 years of investment experience and extensive training across asset classes and investment styles. He is a regular guest on CNBC, Bloomberg Financial News, and Bloomberg Radio, and is quoted often in publications including Bloomberg News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Virginian Pilot.
Wayne, a North Carolina native, graduated from Duke University with a degree in Economics, and he subsequently undertook study through Georgetown University’s Program of Comparative Business at Oxford University in England. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of CFA Society Virginia.
Wayne is particularly proud of the firm’s cultural emphasis on community engagement and service, and he currently serves as Chair of the Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation Board of Trustees and on the Boards of Directors for the Virginia Arts Festival, the Greater Norfolk Corporation, the Access College Fund and the Slover Library in downtown Norfolk. He served formerly on the Board of Trustees for the Chrysler Museum and the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. In his free time, Wayne enjoys tennis, skiing, sailing and spending time with his wife, Ashlin, and their two daughters.
Wayne is a Portfolio Manager and member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Based in Raleigh, NC, he oversees the creation and implementation of detailed financial plans and investment portfolios. Before joining WST in early 2018, he worked as a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management and, prior to that, served as Regional Director at Hatteras Funds, focused on hedge fund and private equity portfolio construction for registered investment advisors and family offices. Wayne began his career in institutional fixed income sales and trading at Carolina Capital Markets.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Wayne lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, daughter and son. He earned a bachelor's degree in History from Furman University, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation. Wayne is an active volunteer with The First Tee of the Triangle and Extraordinary Ventures, as well as a member of the Donald Ross Society.
Tom oversees the firm’s trading operations, serves as a quantitative strategist, is the lead Portfolio Manager on key strategies managed through WST Capital Management and is a member of the Investment Committee. Prior to joining WST in 2005, he served as a Portfolio Manager at a regional investment advisory firm.
Born on Long Island, New York, Tom graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a minor in Economics. He holds the professional designations of Chartered Market Technician and Chartered Financial Analyst. He spends his free time with his wife and two children, and plays guitar and piano in a band.
In her role as a Client Associate, Bethany supports her team’s relationship management efforts as a day-to-day point of contact for clients and related parties, serving as a liaison between the firm’s various functional groups. Prior to joining the team, Bethany held the role of Investment Operations Associate at Lili’uokalani Trust in Honolulu, Hawaii, a self-funded non-profit providing programs and services to destitute Hawaiian children started by the last Queen of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani. She worked on the endowment team, facilitating cash movement and managing the administrative processes.
Bethany is a native to the Hampton Roads area and graduated with a BBA from James Madison University. In her free time, she can be found enjoying the beach, gardening and traveling. She also serves regularly as a foster parent for animal shelters.
In her role as a Client Associate, Kristen supports her team’s relationship management efforts as a day-to-day point of contact for clients and related parties, serving as a liaison between the firm’s various functional groups. Kristen joined WST in 2018 with eight years’ industry experience spanning operations, compliance and banking.
Kristen was born and raised in Virginia Beach and earned her bachelors as well as an MBA from Liberty University. In her free time, she can be found traveling, biking, playing tennis and spending time with her fiancé and daughter. She also enjoys volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Beach Bags Program.
A member of the team since 2006, Brianna is a Relationship Manager positioned to enhance strong client relationships, improve operational efficiency, and ensure service expectations are met and exceeded. She is responsible for transition management and onboarding, serves as a point of contact for her clients and acts as liaison to various members of the WST team. She works closely with the Portfolio Manager to scope and refine customized planning and investment solutions, and she is relied on for proactive problem resolution and the overall delivery and daily management of the client experience. Brianna has two decades of industry experience spanning client service and trade-related roles at Raymond James and American Funds.
Brianna has a business degree from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Old Dominion University, as well as her Series 65. She, her husband and their two children enjoy travel and the outdoors and are active in local youth sports. Brianna is also a volunteer with YWCA of South Hampton Roads and a member of United Way’s Women United and the young professionals group, tHRive.
Working as a Client Associate, Maggie supports relationship-building and administrative aspects of the North Carolina-based client service effort. In the effort to deliver personalized service for the firm’s clients, she handles routine and complex requests, also serving as a point of contact for brokers, accountants and other parties working to preserve and grow client wealth. Prior to joining the firm in 2009, Maggie held creative and editorial responsibilities as an account manager and new business coordinator at a Chicago-based advertising firm.
Maggie earned a Political Science degree from Illinois State University. An Illinois native, she remains an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, and her personal interests include traveling, beach-going and volunteering for the United Way, Habitat for Humanity and Step Up for Down Syndrome.
Scott is a Portfolio Manager who sits on the firm’s Investment Committee and is responsible for both investment research and portfolio management. He has over two decades of industry experience, and his WST tenure began in equities trading; prior to joining WST in 1999, he held a trading, IT and operations-related role at national broker-dealer.
Scott, a Virginia Beach native, graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics. He holds the Certified Financial Planner designation, his Series 65 and his Health & Life Insurance license. Scott is a member of the LEAD Hampton Roads class of 2016, and is registered with the National Football League Players’ Association (NFLPA) Financial Advisor Program, a pioneering program designed to protect NFL players against fraud and unethical advisor practices. He volunteers for and undertakes an annual mission trip through ORPHANetwork, which provides aid for abandoned children in Nicaragua. Scott and his wife have two children.
As a Research Associate, Erin conducts research in support of the firm’s Norfolk office and assists with custom portfolio analysis. She prepares personalized reporting materials for potential and current clients in addition to assisting Portfolio Managers in aligning client accounts with their intended objectives. Prior to this role, Erin worked for two years as an Operations Associate in WST’s Operations Department. Before joining the firm, Erin worked as a seasonal Criminal Research Analyst.
A native of Clarksville, MD, Erin graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Howard Community College. She relocated from Delaware to Norfolk, VA, in 2021. In her free time, Erin enjoys dabbling in photography or reading a good book at the beach.
In his role as a Client Associate, Ericken focuses on the firm’s sub-advisory (Advisor Solutions) book of business, executing deliverables, facilitating data management and coordinating new investments. Prior to joining WST in 2019, Ericken held the position of Research Associate for a wealth management firm based in Williamsburg, VA – with responsibilities ranging from researching and preparing financial plans for delivery to delegating client service tasks and creating financial planning, project development and research/ portfolio processes.
Ericken was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area and earned his bachelor’s in business administration and management from Regent University. In his free time, Ericken can be found creating music, at a coffee shop with his wife, Vicky, or volunteering for a young adult community in Norfolk.
Larry is a Principal and Portfolio Manager at WST; he sits on the Investment Committee and previously served as the firm’s Director of Research. He joined the firm in 1995.
Larry graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's in English Literature, undertaking study at Cambridge University in England while pursuing that degree. He received an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Larry is active as a Board member for the Norfolk Innovation Corridor and the Employees Retirement System of the City of Norfolk, where he chairs the System’s Investment Committee. He also serves as a Trustee and Investment Committee Chair at Norfolk Academy, and as the Board Chair of the Children's Health Foundation, which supports the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.
Sophia joined WST in 2023 as Client Advisor located in Raleigh, NC. In her role, she is positioned to foster strong client relationships, improve operational efficiency, and ensure service expectations are met and exceeded. She serves as a point of contact for her clients and acts as a liaison for her team. Working in close collaboration with the Portfolio Manager, she scopes and refines customized planning and investment solutions, and she is relied on for proactive problem resolution and the overall delivery and daily management of the client experience. Prior to joining the firm, she was a financial planning administrator, preceded by a role as Client Specialist, where she supported advisors.
Originally from Rockford, IL, Sophia earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Judson University. She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation through Northwestern University and Series 66 license. She briefly lived in Milwaukee, WI, before relocating to Raleigh, NC.
Sophia spends her free time playing classical piano and regularly attends ballet classes. She and her husband share a love for the outdoors and enjoy exploring nature with their rescue dog, frequently embarking on hikes and relaxing at the beach together.
As Executive Assistant, Susan serves as the administrative linchpin for the firm’s Principals, liaising between WST’s functional units, facilitating client service, and supporting the firm’s client-first focus. She has over 20 years of experience as a Business Office Manager prior to her joining the firm.
Susan, born in Mississippi and raised in Hampton, VA, studied Public Relations at Old Dominion University. She spends her free time cooking, going to the beach, especially the Outer Banks, and entertaining guests with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and cat. She also enjoys spending time volunteering for Autism Buddies, VA Peninsula Food Bank, and the United Way.
Paul serves as Portfolio Manager and investment committee member, representing the firm out of Richmond, Virginia. Prior to joining WST, he spent over 28 years at Thompson Siegel & Walmsley, where his responsibilities included investment analysis, marketing, client service and portfolio management. Paul began his career at AmSouth Bank, where he spent five years and held similar responsibilities.
Paul graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and also earned an M.B.A. from Duke University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of CFA Society Virginia.
Julie serves as a Receptionist for WST. Prior to joining the firm, she spent 26 years with Robert Half International in numerous positions including her most recent role as Receptionist/ Administrative Assistant.
Raised in the western suburb of Cleveland (Olmsted Falls, Ohio), Julie received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Cleveland State University prior to relocating to the Hampton Roads area. In her free time, Julie enjoys boating, reading and spending time with her family and friends, or volunteering at organizations such as the Food Bank, SPCA and the H.E.R. Shelter.
Ryan Stallard joined WST in 2018 as a Product Associate focused on WST Capital Management, the firm’s ETF strategist division, and was promoted to the role of Portfolio Specialist in 2021. He is responsible for distribution efforts, reporting and supporting communications with clients, intermediaries and data platforms with exposure to WSTCM’s products and various vehicles. In addition, he supports product management as well as being responsible for platform analysis, commentary and product positioning efforts, and oversees marketing and special projects.
Ryan, a native of Virginia Beach, graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a major in Finance and a Minor in Economics. He has passed the Chartered Financial Analyst Level II exam.
Leveraging three decades of industry experience, MacKenzie serves as a Client Associate supporting and helping to manage the firm’s North Carolina operations. In her role on the Client Services Team, she is tasked with daily account administration, management of custodial arrangements, and personalized, consistent support of valued client relationships. She currently serves on the Schwab Advisor Center Modernization Research Panel. Prior to joining the firm, MacKenzie held management roles in operational, compliance and sales functions at Legg Mason and several Norfolk-based brokers.
MacKenzie is a Hampton Roads native and studied Business Administration at University of Mary Washington. She is active with the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, serves on the Board of Western Branch Philanthropy and serves the United Way of South Hampton Roads as a member of the New Agency Certification Panel and Agency Funding Review Panel. Her passion for animals keeps her involved with local shelters and rescue organizations as well. Her personal interests include travel, cooking, entertaining and spending time with her husband, son and puppies.
As an Accounting Associate, Denise assists the Controller with accounts payable and time tracking. Additionally, she assists the department with client billing. Prior to joining the firm in spring 2019, she enjoyed an expanding career in non-profit administration and performing arts production.
Originally from Virginia Beach, Denise earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Richmond and worked in Louisville, Buffalo, Chicago, and Harrisonburg before returning to the area in 2013. She is active in the community as treasurer of Spotlight News, and she volunteers with the Downtown Norfolk Council. In her spare time, Denise enjoys reading, cooking with friends and family, and attending live theatre, music, and dance performances. She lives in Norfolk with her husband and their young son.
Amie is a Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager; in her role, she serves on the firm’s Investment Committee and is responsible for investment research, account management and client relationships on the wealth management side of the business. Prior to joining WST, Amie worked at Waypoint Advisors, an RIA in Norfolk, conducting research on various asset classes.
Amie was born and raised in Franklin, Virginia. She earned from Longwood College a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics, and a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University. She also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of CFA Virginia.
Amie is a member of the LEAD Hampton Roads class of 2013. She serves on the board for Edmarc Hospice for Children and is chair of the foundation committee. She enjoys tennis, running and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Ana serves as the firm’s Controller. She was welcomed to the firm in late 2020 after her tenure as Controller at Indel Power Group where she led all accounting, treasury and financial reporting for the company.
Ana was born and raised in Brazil before moving to the U.S. for college. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M CC where she studied Marketing, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (for Accounting) and a Master of Science in Accounting from Old Dominion University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the Virginia Society of CPAs.
In her free time, Ana enjoys traveling, trying new foods and spending quality time with friends and family.
Kirtan joined WST in 2022 as Operations Associate where he helps supervise and execute daily account reconciliation and assists in special projects in support of portfolio management and reporting. Prior to joining the team, Kirtan held the role of HR Specialist for Portsmouth Naval, preceded by his role as Member Service Representative at Navy Federal Credit Union.
A native to Massachusetts, Kirtan received his bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University before relocating to Hampton Roads. He enjoys spending his free time traveling, listening to music and immersing himself in videography and photography.
employees are active, proud community members and leaders.
