Our Team
Meet Your GAA Team
We are proud of our stable team and collaborative workforce at Balentine. We place strong emphasis on our culture, with a focus on integrity, excellence, mutual respect and entrepreneurial spirit.
Our Departments
Robert Balentine
Robert Balentine is Chairman of Balentine. He brings 40 years of experience advising clients and families on matters relating to their wealth and legacy. A seasoned entrepreneur, Robert has experience building, buying, and selling businesses, and has counseled many of our entrepreneurial clients on matters relating to managing their businesses, as well as managing their wealth. He was the inaugural recipient of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s 2013 Business Person of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. Barron’s and Forbes have each named Robert one of the country’s top wealth management advisors, and Atlanta Business Chronicle named Robert to its 2018 list of Most Admired CEOs. He is a frequent contributor to the media and addresses audiences across the country on topics related to investing and entrepreneurship.
Education
BA, Washington and Lee University
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2018 Most Admired CEOs
- Barron’s, Top 100 Independent Advisors (highest-ranked advisor in Georgia: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Barron’s, Top Advisors State by State (highest-ranked independent advisor in Georgia: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Boy Scouts of America, Atlanta Area Council, Eagle Scout Centennial Class Honoree (2012)
- Forbes, America’s Top Wealth Advisors (2016, 2017, 2018)
- Library of American Landscape History, Preservation Hero Award (2017)
- Metro Atlanta Chamber, Business Person of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
- Rotary Club of Atlanta, Sheffield Leadership Award (2013)
- Think Advisor, Research Magazine, Advisor Hall of Fame (2015)
- Vistage 150, Member
Community Involvement
- Southern Highlands Reserve, Founder
- Rotary Club of Atlanta, Member & Past President
- Washington and Lee University, Board of Trustees Emeritus
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Board of Directors, Chairman (Past)
- Woodruff Arts Center, Board of Directors, Vice Chairman (Past)
- The Garden Conservancy, Board of Directors, Vice Chairman
- The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta, Board of Directors, Chairman (Past)
- Georgia Prevention Project, Board of Directors
- Atlanta Speech School, Board of Trustees (Past)
- Reinhardt University, Board of Trustees (Past)
- Southeastern Horticultural Society, Founding President
Q&A
What was your best business decision?
To leave a successful career with a large Wall Street firm to start Balentine & Company with my dad in 1987.
Who were your heroes growing up and how did they influence your life and career?
My dad was always my hero. He taught me the virtues of hard work, integrity, and faith.
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
In September 2008, I went fly fishing in Northern Mongolia. That was also the week Lehman Brothers failed—not a good time to be on vacation!
What was your hardest lesson learned?
That you can’t change the culture of an organization unless you’re the one in charge.
What is the toughest business decision you’ve faced?
To resign as CEO of a publically traded investment management business and start over again as an independent firm in the depths of the Great Financial Crisis. But we had a vision to build the type of firm we’d hire to manage our own money—and we did it.
What are the big issues that Balentine and companies like it need to solve to truly benefit the parties they serve?
Ours is an industry mired in conflict and lack of transparency. As Charley Ellis famously said, “We’ve confused the economics of the business with the values of the profession.” At Balentine, our role is to simplify clients’ lives in a conflict-free setting, providing peace of mind and performance.
Christina Callesis
Christina Callesis, MSHRM is Balentine’s Office and Business Manager. In this role she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Atlanta office, leads firm-wide training, assists with new hire onboarding, serves as a member of Balentine’s Technology Committee, and coordinates employee volunteer opportunities in the local community. Prior to joining Balentine, Christina worked for two years as director of operations at GatorCPR, LLC in Gainesville, FL. The start-up atmosphere allowed her to wear many hats, including supporting human resources, accounting, and marketing; assisting with the company’s nonprofit arm, HeartSafeCity Foundation; and teaching CPR classes. Christina is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she majored in business administration with minors in entrepreneurship; non-profit organizational leadership; and family, youth, and community sciences. In December 2018, she received her Masters in Human Resource Management from Florida International University Online.
Education
- BA, University of Florida (Business Administration)
- MS, Florida International University Online (Human Resource Management)
Professional Experience
GatorCPR, Director of Operations
Community Involvement
- Maids of Athena, Scholarship Chair
- Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, Volunteer
Q&A
What inspires you to come to work each day?
Balentine’s welcoming environment, combined with anticipation about learning something new, are both huge motivators.
What do you like to do in your down time away from work?
One of my biggest passions is Greek dancing, which I have been doing since I was four years old. Traditional costumes and music are paired with choreographed steps to form such an expressive experience. It’s the best way for me to bond with my culture!
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
Lunahuaná, Peru. I stayed in a country house where the organic garden onsite has over 300 species of plants. Down the road, I was able to go zip lining from mountain to mountain, ATV riding around town, and white-water rafting.
What is your favorite sport or activity? Why?
I love to watch football, both NCAA and NFL (Go Gators! Go Eagles!). I also love to play Ultimate Frisbee. If you think about it, it’s a mixture of football, soccer, and basketball, and there’s hardly any downtime while playing.
If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have?
The ability to be multiple places at once.
Adrian Cronje
Adrian Cronje, Ph.D., CFA is Balentine’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer. He is also a founding partner of Balentine and a member of the Management Committee. A CFA® Charterholder, Adrian is an active member of the CFA Institute, contributing frequently on a regional, national, and international level. Adrian’s presentation, “Revisiting the Winners’ Game,” at the CFA Institute’s Asset Allocation for Private Clients conference, was chosen by the CFA Institute to be included in its prestigious publication Conference Proceedings Quarterly. Adrian is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and has been a member of Vistage 151 since 2009. He also frequently addresses Vistage audiences across the country and recently earned recognition as a top new Vistage speaker for 2019. Additionally, Adrian is a charter member of TiE Atlanta, an organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship with a focus on giving back to the community. In 2010, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named Adrian one of Atlanta’s 40 under 40, an honor designating the region’s up-and-coming business and community leaders.
Education
- B.Com. (Hons), University of Cape Town (Economics and Accounting)
- M.Phil., Cambridge University (Economics and Finance)
- Ph.D., Cambridge University (Macroeconomics and Econometrics)
Professional Experience
- Wilmington Trust, Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Strategist
- Schroders (London), Director, Deputy Head of Quantitative Equity Products
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- Atlanta Business Chronicle, 40 Under 40 (2010)
- CFA Charterholder
- CFA Institute, Future of Finance Initiative, Member & Approved Speaker
- CFA Society Atlanta, Member & Course Instructor
- CFA Society of the UK, Member
- Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, Guest Lecturer
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Quantitative and Computational Finance Program, Guest Lecturer
- South African Budget Speech Competition, Winner (1993)
- TiE Atlanta, Charter Member & Top Entrepreneur Awards Honoree (2018)
- Vistage 151, Member & Top New Vistage Speaker (2019)
- Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Member
Community Involvement
- A+ Squash, Board of Directors & Founding President
- Agnes Scott College, Investment Committee, Board of Trustees & Investment Committee Chairman
- Atlanta Hedge Fund Challenge, Judge
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Endowment Committee (Past)
- Marcus Autism Center, Supporter
- Rotary Club of Atlanta, Member & Past Membership Committee Chair
Q&A
What was your best business decision?
Walking away from a comfortable position to join Robert Balentine and my other partners to reconstitute Balentine as an independent firm. It was a huge risk for my young family, but the opportunity to start with a clean slate and build a lasting firm to manage client assets the way in which we would want our own capital to be stewarded has been more rewarding than I could have imaged at the time.
If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?
Perhaps teaching in some capacity. Nothing is more rewarding than to help someone finally have that “a-ha!” moment. Having studied theoretical economics and applying those concepts in building my own business, I have developed strong opinions of what the textbooks are missing and how academia can benefit from a practical, entrepreneurial perspective.
What keeps you up at night?
Differentiating ourselves in a perceived “sea of sameness.” Many people believe that independent Registered Investment Advisers, brokers, trust companies, banks, and even consultants offer the “same thing,” when in fact there are important differences in business models and investment philosophies that influence outcomes. Often people spend more time planning their next vacation than planning their investment future.
How do you contribute to Balentine’s global perspective?
I was born in South Africa, continued my education in the UK, and began my career in London. My wife is from Augusta, GA, so we “split the difference” and decided to raise our family in Atlanta.
David Damiani
David Damiani, CFA is Balentine’s Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer. With more than two decades of industry experience, David brings his expertise to bear as Chair of the Investment Strategy Team, overseeing the development and implementation of investment policies and leading the firm’s institutional management business. He is also a founding partner of Balentine and a member of the Management Committee. David’s innovative views on liquidity management as a risk management tool have been recognized by the CFA Institute in the article “The Case for Cash.” Passionate about educating the next generation, David is a guest lecturer at the University of Georgia and serves on the board of directors of the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF).
Education
- BA, Georgia State University
- MS, Georgia State University (Finance)
Professional Experience
- Wilmington Trust Company, Vice President & Senior Investment Advisor
- Mercer Investment Consulting, Senior Associate & Consultant
- Advent Software, Senior Consultant & Project Manager
- Credit Suisse Asset Management, Assistant Vice President & Senior Equities Trader
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CFA Charterholder
- CFA Institute, Member
- CFA Society Atlanta, Member
- CFO Leadership Council, Board of Directors
- Vistage, Member
Community Involvement
- Christian City, 2018 Bob Crutchfield Memorial Golf for Kids Tournament Committee
- Knights of Columbus, Member
- University of Georgia, Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), Board of Directors
Q&A
How and why did you get into this business?
I was drawn to this industry as a senior in high school watching the 1987 crash unfold. I was fascinated by what drove this machine called the market and wanted to know how it worked. While it is a centuries old mechanism, it is perhaps the purest form of capitalism in existence, and I saw “Wall Street” as an immediate way to convert hard work and knowledge into reward.
What was your best business decision?
To help found Balentine as an equity partner in December 2009.
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
Despite the economic and market malaise at the time, it was a great risk-adjusted decision. As a founding partner, I enjoy having control of my own destiny, leaving an old guard traditional bureaucracy to participate in building a firm with people I truly like.
Why does Balentine exist?
Balentine exists to provide clients with a better alternative to managing all matters financially related and to develop, grow, and empower employees to become future leaders.
What do you think makes Balentine different from other wealth management organizations?
Our level of commitment. Passion is not just a word. I see it every day in the effort and emotion folks bring to their work.
What inspires you to come to work each day?
I love what I do. I have the latitude to execute/implement strategy, I know that my voice will be heard, and I appreciate the support I receive from my colleagues.
Lexie Elwell
Lexie Elwell is an Account Services Associate at Balentine. She has experience in the real estate and insurance industries. Most recently, she was an inside claims representative at Capstone ISG. Prior to that, she was a leasing consultant for Post Properties in Houston, TX and Atlanta, GA. Lexie is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. An avid tennis player, Lexie is a member of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Education
BSFCS, University of Georgia (Consumer Economics)
Professional Experience
- Capstone ISG, Inside Claims Representative
- Post Properties, Leasing Consultant
Community Involvement
- Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, Member
- United States Tennis Association, Member
Q&A
If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?
I would likely be working in the real estate industry. It’s a field that allows you to help people and also provides investment opportunities.
Who were your heroes growing up and how did that influence your life and career?
My mom is my greatest hero. She raised me as a single mother, and growing up, I witnessed her devotion to her family and her career. Watching her balance all aspects of her life so well instilled within me a lifetime of values that I will always follow.
What do you like to do in your down time away from work?
I enjoy playing tennis, trying new restaurants, and going to concerts with friends.
What was your biggest missed opportunity?
Turning down a tennis scholarship from a small college in favor of attending UGA, where I believed I would be more academically challenged. While I don’t regret my decision, I do think that it would have been a great opportunity.
Erica Farber
Erica Farber is Balentine’s Chief Compliance Officer and a founding partner. In her role, Erica oversees all aspects of the firm’s trading, reporting, and client service functions. She has also been instrumental in the adoption and implementation of technologies to streamline processes and make Balentine more operationally efficient. Erica has more than two decades of experience in the wealth management industry and has been with Balentine since 1999. Erica is a panelist and guest speaker at industry conferences on topics relating to operations, process improvement, and compliance.
Education
BA, The Ohio State University
Professional Experience
- Wilmington Trust, Operations Manager
- Balentine & Company, Portfolio Administrator
Professional Affiliations & Awards
FA Insight, Pershing INSITE Conference, Panelist & Speaker
Community Involvement
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Caring Outcomes Committee
Q&A
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
I reached a point where I didn’t feel like I was in control of my own professional destiny. I really wanted to be someplace where I could be more creative and make changes that didn’t take years to come to fruition. When we founded Balentine, we all had an idea of what we wanted to do differently. It’s exciting to start over knowing how we wanted to build the business and, for me personally, to build my operations team from scratch; you don’t get that very often. That being said, it’s the hardest thing that I’ve ever done, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What was your best business decision?
Founding Balentine. Any of us could work anywhere in this industry. We could probably work fewer hours and be less stressed. We’re all here because we want to be here, and I think that’s the most important message for clients and staff. We made a choice to do this every day. This is not the easiest journey, but it’s the one that we think is the best.
What do you think makes Balentine different from other wealth management organizations?
We put a real premium on making life easier for clients. In this day and age, there is too much information, too many forms to fill out, and it becomes overwhelming. We try to have all those conversations internally, so that when we speak to clients we know exactly what it is they need and the best way to handle a situation. Clients have busy lives. Our goal is to make their lives easier, not to be the central focus of their lives.
Alexa Gevin
Alexa Gevin is an Executive Assistant and Office Receptionist in Balentine’s Atlanta office. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring all guests, whether in-person or on the phone, feel welcome and well-cared for from the start. Alexa also provides critical administrative support to two key personnel, thereby playing a significant role is the success and well-being of the firm. Before joining the Balentine team, Alexa was a new business manager at Moxy Financial in Alpharetta, GA. Alexa is a graduate of Mercer University, where she majored in entrepreneurship with minors in finance and psychology.
Education
BBA, Mercer University (Entrepreneurship)
Professional Experience
- Moxy Financial Group, New Business Manager
- Chubb, Underwriting Associate
Community Involvement
- Atlanta Humane Society, Volunteer
- Make-A-Wish America, Volunteer
Q&A
What inspires you to come to work every day?
Helping people has always been a passion of mine. I wake up each morning eager to see who I can help and in what way I can make someone’s life a bit easier.
Why did you choose to work at Balentine?
Everyone I met and spoke with during the interview process seemed both passionate and proud to work for Balentine, which made me even more excited about this opportunity. Balentine is a place where you can grow and develop yourself within a tight-knit team.
What do you like to do in your down time away from work?
As a Savannah native, Atlanta is still relatively new to me, so I enjoy exploring everything the city and surrounding areas have to offer. My husband and I are foodies, so we love trying new restaurants, especially Mexican and Chinese cuisine. We’re also animal lovers, and our two cats and two dogs keep us busy when we’re not out and about.
Where is the most exotic place you’ve ever been?
Costa Rica, which is one of my favorite travel destinations. There are so many different things to experience—you can explore the rain forest one day, hike volcanoes the next, and end your trip with a relaxing day at the beach—and the coffee is amazing.
Josh Grubbs
Josh Grubbs, MBA is an Institutional Relationship Associate at Balentine. In this role, he assists with preparations for prospective clients and meeting the service needs of existing clients. Josh is charged with providing proactive solutions to the challenges our institutional clients face. Josh began his career as a performance analyst at LCG Associates in Atlanta. He is a Level II candidate for the Chartered Financial Analyst program. Josh earned his BBA and MBA from Rollins College in five years while balancing the demands of being a student athlete as a member of the varsity baseball team.
Education
- BBA, Rollins College, cum laude (Business Management)
- MBA, Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College (Finance)
Professional Experience
- LCG Associates, Performance Analyst
- WoodMark Capital Advisors, Investment Analyst Intern
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program, Level II Candidate
Q&A
How and why did you get into this business?
Two of my passions are the financial markets and meeting new people. This industry provides the opportunity to continually expand my knowledge about the markets while also establishing strong relationships.
Why did you choose to work at Balentine?
The people. Balentine’s reputation within the investment management industry is due in no small part to its emphasis on hiring great people. I’m fortunate to be part of an incredible team.
What inspires you to come to work every day?
I have always loved learning, so working in an industry that is constantly changing gets me excited to come to work every day.
What do you like to do in your down time away from work?
My fiancé and I enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking and boating. We also adopted a cat named Ozzy who keeps us very entertained.
If you were abandoned on a deserted island, what single creature comfort would you desire most?
Given my complexion, a large bottle of sunscreen would be a necessity!
Jaclyn Kireyczyk
Jaclyn Kireyczyk is Balentine’s Reporting and Compliance Analyst. In this role, she maintains the reporting system and facilitates portfolio performance analysis and client reporting. Prior to joining Balentine, Jaclyn served as an associate at an institutional asset management firm. She was responsible for portfolio accounting and custom performance reporting to fund accounting agents and clients. Additionally, she helped execute client-originated cash and securities directives. Jaclyn began her career at a green-energy technology startup backed by venture capital and private equity investors. Currently, Jaclyn is a Level II Candidate for the CFA certification. In her free time, she also volunteers with LifeLine Animal Project.
Education
BA, Emory University
Professional Experience
- EARNEST Partners, Portfolio Operations Associate
- SUNIVA, Executive Assistant
Professional Affiliations & Awards
Chartered Financial Analyst Program, Level II Candidate
Community Involvement
LifeLine Animal Project, Volunteer
Q&A
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
The working environment at Balentine is reflective of the firm’s core values. We work incredibly hard on behalf of our clients and strive for excellence, but we still manage to balance work with family and community involvement.
What inspires you to come to work each day?
My team is inspiring. I’m also inspired by the environment at the firm; it truly feels like a best place to work.
What are the big issues that Balentine and companies like it need to solve to truly benefit the parties they serve?
Transparency and client education—nothing is so complicated that it can’t be explained in relatable terms. The more our clients understand what we do, the more we can help them achieve their goals, and the better they can objectively assess the kinds of help they receive.
If you were abandoned on a deserted island:
What three books would you want to have with you? The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne; The Complete Works of Shakespeare
What three CDs?
“Graceland” by Paul Simon, “Settle” by Disclosure, and “Yeezus” by Kanye West
What single creature comfort would you desire most?
My Clarisonic Plus—I like to be well exfoliated!
Gabe Lembeck
Gabe Lembeck, MBA, CFA is Balentine’s Director of Research. In this role, Gabe brings strong research and quantitative analytical skills to Balentine’s Investment Strategy Team. Gabe has more than a decade of experience, with expertise in financial and valuation modeling and corporate finance. Gabe is a CFA® charterholder and member of CFA Society Atlanta. After scoring a perfect 800 on the mathematics section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Gabe attended the University of Georgia. He graduated magna cum laude with honors and Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in mathematics. Gabe received his MBA in quantitative finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.
Education
- BA, University of Georgia, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa (Mathematics)
- MBA, New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business (Quantitative Finance)
Professional Experience
- BMO Capital Markets, Associate Research Analyst
- The Home Depot, Senior Financial Analyst & Manager, Demand Planning
- Miles Properties, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
- Mercer, Actuarial Analyst
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CFA Charterholder
- CFA Society Atlanta, Member
- Vistage Emerging Leader Program, Member
Community Involvement
- Congregation Ariel, Board of Directors & Past Treasurer
- CURE Childhood Cancer, Volunteer
Q&A
What do you consider a necessity in being successful?
Getting up early, procrastinating as little as possible, using your mind as often as possible to keep it fresh, and never assuming that you can’t get better.
How does your role fit in the big picture of serving clients?
To bring value to clients via prudent capital allocation and quality investment decisions.
What are the big issues that Balentine and companies like it need to solve to truly benefit the parties they serve?
Eliminating conflicts of interest (which, fortunately, Balentine has already done).
What do you think makes Balentine different from other wealth management organizations?
The value we put on client satisfaction, knowing that business success will come secondarily from that.
Who were your heroes growing up?
My grandmother, who escaped Europe just before World War II, as well as Ronald Reagan.
Katie McClanahan
Katie McClanahan is a Senior Marketing Associate at Balentine. In this role, she supports Balentine’s online presence, branding, communications, media coordination, and event planning. Prior to joining Balentine, Katie worked with education nonprofits for seven years, beginning with a stint as a 2009 Teach For America corps member (teacher). Upon completion of her two years of service, Katie relocated to Atlanta where she served as a member of Teach For America – Metro Atlanta’s Development team in the roles of development coordinator and individual giving associate. Most recently, Katie was the regional marketing and communications manager for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. Katie graduated with highest honors and highest distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently enrolled in Duke University’s Digital Media and Marketing Certificate program.
Education
BA with highest honors and highest distinction, University of North Carolina (Political Science & Journalism)
Professional Experience
- KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, Marketing & Communications Manager
- Teach For America – Metro Atlanta, Development Coordinator & Individual Giving Associate
Professional Affiliations & Awards
American Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter, Member
Community Involvement
- Atlanta Carolina Club, Member
- Hands On Atlanta, Volunteer
Q&A
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
I’d been thinking for a while about transitioning to the corporate world, and culture was very important to me. I was instantly drawn to Balentine because of its values, emphasis on client service, and great sense of team.
How does your role fit in the big picture of serving clients?
One of the Marketing Team’s goals is to make our materials accessible to all clients, regardless of their level of familiarity with wealth management. Given that I don’t come from a finance background, and thus am not as familiar with the technical jargon, I’m constantly checking to ensure that our communication with clients is as concise and understandable as possible.
What is your favorite sport or activity?
As a proud alumna, I’m a huge fan of all University of North Carolina sports, particularly football and men’s basketball. Go Heels!
If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?
I previously considered careers in education policy or school operations, but marketing and communications is my passion.
If you were abandoned on a deserted island, what three books would you want to have with you?
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes—I try to read at least 50 books a year—so it isn’t easy to narrow down to just three. My favorites are the classics, though, so I would want to bring The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
Kathryn Sandoval
Kathryn Sandoval, CFP®, CTFA is Balentine’s Family Office Manager. She has worked in the wealth management industry for more than two decades, most recently as Balentine’s Transition Manager. Kathryn began her career in Austin, TX, with Wells Fargo and joined Wilmington Trust in 2006 as a private client associate. She received her Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation in 2007. In 2008, she completed Emory University’s Certified Financial Planner Program, and she earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation in 2020.
Education
- BS, Elon University
- Certified Financial Planner Program, Emory University
Professional Experience
- Balentine, Transition Manager
- Wilmington Trust, Client Service Officer
- Wells Fargo, Portfolio Manager
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA)
Q&A
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
I joined the firm in December 2009 as the first non-partner employee. I was attracted to the opportunity to work for a small organization while participating in the creation of a new firm.
What was your best business decision?
Serving as Balentine’s Transition Manager was a great experience for me. Having seen the struggles clients face when transitioning to a new firm, I had the opportunity to develop the Transition Manager role with the help of seasoned industry professionals. The role continues to provide value to all our clients. We have one group focused on the nuances of new client on-boarding while allowing our relationship management team to provide uninterrupted service to our existing clients.
What inspires you to come to work each day?
The opportunity to interact with interesting, intelligent, and motivated individuals. I also enjoy watching younger co-workers develop a love for the business and the supportive environment.
Alexa Svensson
Alexa Svensson is a Senior Executive Assistant at Balentine. In this role, she provides support to the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Family Office Services and Private Capital. Prior to joining Balentine in 2016, Alexa lived in New York City, where she served as an executive assistant at Rogers & Cowan and Republic Records. Alexa is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she received a BA in public relations and was a member of Alpha Phi sorority.
Education
BA, University of Alabama (Public Relations)
Professional Experience
- Rogers & Cowan, Executive Assistant
- Republic Records, Executive Assistant
Community Involvement
- Alpha Phi Sorority, Alumna
- Atlanta Humane Society, Volunteer
Q&A
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
Balentine’s values, culture, and staff reflected exactly what I wanted out of a company; I’ve never felt so welcomed and appreciated.
What was your best business decision?
My best decision was to move to New York upon graduating from college. I knew almost no one and had no job lined up. However, New York taught me how to hustle and handle adversity in a way I never knew.
What is your favorite sport or activity?
Hands down, kickboxing. It’s my daily work out and the best stress reliever available.
If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?
I would most likely join my family’s food business. My mom owns a gourmet food-to-go and home goods shop called Simply Fresh Market. I’ve always loved to cook, so it seems natural to join her.
Liz Thomas
Liz Thomas, CFP® is Balentine’s Director of Marketing. In this role, Liz oversees the firm’s communications, public relations, and online presence. She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing strategy and implementation, the last decade of which she brought her knowledge into the financial services industry for AIG SunAmerica, UBS and Nora Wealth. Liz eventually established her own firm, Thimble Marketing. She has enjoyed being a guest speaker at several regional and national conferences and was heavily involved in both the internship and career development programs at UBS. Liz is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She achieved her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification after recognizing the value in understanding at a deeper level the problems our clients face and how our services can help clients achieve their financial and philanthropic goals. She recently completed the Yale School of Management’s Digital Marketing Executive Education program.
Education
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Professional Experience
- Thimble Marketing, Marketing Executive
- Nora Wealth, Director of Marketing
- UBS Financial Services, Wealth Strategy Associate & Marketing Manager
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Vistage Emerging Leader Program, Member
Community Involvement
- Make a Wish Foundation, Volunteer
- Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
Q&A
What inspires you to come to work each day?
Balentine has the people, experience, and leadership to make a tremendous impact on clients and change the landscape of the wealth management industry. It’s inspiring to be a part of that, and it motivates me to elevate my own role and contribution to the team.
What do you like to do in your down time away from work?
Read for pleasure (particularly with a mountain view), watch my kids play together, and host backyard Sunday cookouts with friends and family.
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
Český Krumlov, a magical town in the Czech Republic.
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
The people. It’s exciting to join an organization with such talented team members who have not only an insatiable drive for excellence but also the conviction to care deeply for clients and each other.
What was your hardest lesson learned?
There is an internal battle we face every day, whether we realize it or not. We experience anger, envy, doubt, sorrow and regret, but we also experience joy, peace, kindness, empathy and generosity. We can choose which side of ourselves to feed.
Ina Toderita
Ina Toderita, MBA is Balentine’s Director of Operations. In this role she is responsible for the day-to-day functions of the Operations Team, including the management of the reporting and account services associates. Prior to joining Balentine, Ina worked at Pershing LLC in the roles of margin analyst and, most recently, client trainer. Ina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida and has a MBA with dual concentrations in finance and international business from Rollins College.
Education
- BS, University of Central Florida (Finance)
- MBA, Rollins College (Finance and International Business)
Professional Experience
Pershing LLC, Client Trainer & Margin Analyst
Professional Affiliations & Awards
Vistage Emerging Leader Program, Member
Q&A
What inspires you to come to work each day?
I love what I do, but I REALLY love who I get to do it with. The Balentine team possesses a wealth of knowledge, demonstrates passion for the industry, is dedicated to our clients, and genuinely cares for one other.
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
Traveling is one of my passions. I’ve been to a handful of countries in Europe and South America, and I would love to continue exploring the world with my husband and daughter. The most exotic place I’ve been is Beijing, China. While there I ate a scorpion on a stick; he was a crunchy little guy.
If you were abandoned on a deserted island, what three books would you want to have with you?
I love books focused on strong women. From my most recent readings I’d choose The Glass House and Half Broke Horses, both by Jeannette Walls, as well as The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, my childhood favorite.
Drew Traylor
Drew Traylor, CFA is a Senior Investment Analyst at Balentine. In this role, Drew supports the Investment Strategy Team in a number of ways, including data aggregation and portfolio analysis. Before joining Balentine, Drew was an intern with UBS Financial Services, where he worked in a similar investment analyst role for an institutional consulting group. Drew is a CFA® charterholder and a member of CFA Society Atlanta. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in finance from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Education
BS with highest honors, Georgia Institute of Technology (Business Administration)
Professional Experience
UBS, Investment Analyst Intern
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CFA Charterholder
- CFA Society Atlanta, Member
Q&A
How and why did you get into this business?
Investment management offers the rare combination of theory and practical application that is hard to find in other fields. It’s rewarding to take a complex idea and turn it into an actionable piece of advice.
Why does Balentine exist?
I believe that Balentine exists to provide clear, objective investment advice in a field where so many recommendations are fueled by motives that maybe aren’t so pure.
What inspires you to come to work each day?
Nothing about this industry is static, and no two days seem to be the same at Balentine. I enjoy being kept on my toes and being surrounded by people who have so much knowledge that they’re gladly willing to share with someone who is just starting out in this industry.
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
Skjolden, Norway. We camped on the side of a fjord in what turned out to be a goat farm.
Darlene van Nostrand
Darlene van Nostrand, CFA is Balentine’s Director of Institutional Relationships. In this role, she serves as a member of Balentine’s Investment Strategy Team and is responsible for relationship management, distribution, and product management as it relates to institutional client needs. Most recently, Darlene worked at RidgeWorth Investments as an institutional relationship manager where she was responsible for consultant relations and institutional sales. Before that, she was an associate at Cornerstone Investment Partners; in this role, her responsibilities evolved from operations and compliance functions to marketing and sales. Darlene began her career as an analyst at EARNEST Partners, where she was responsible for product management and client service. Darlene is a CFA® charterholder and a member of CFA Society Atlanta. Darlene and Balentine CEO Adrian Cronje co-authored an article titled, “Don’t Let Buy and Hold Leave You in the Cold,” which was featured in the Georgia Association of Public Pension Trustees (GAPPT) November 2017 newsletter. Darlene graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University, where she double majored in finance and management.
Education
BBA, Georgia State University, magna cum laude (Finance and Management)
Professional Experience
- RidgeWorth Investments, Institutional Relationship Manager
- Cornerstone Investment Partners, Associate
- EARNEST Partners, Analyst
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CFA Charterholder
- CFA Society Atlanta, Member
Community Involvement
- Atlanta International School, Volunteer
- Emory Winship Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Crushers Team Member
- Peachtree Presbyterian, Volunteer
Q&A
How and why did you get into this business?
I have always enjoyed building relationships and helping people find solutions for their needs. I also find investments markets interesting due to their complexity and constantly changing nature.
Why did you choose to come to work at Balentine?
Balentine has an extremely talented group of men and women who are passionate about helping clients achieve their goals. I am thrilled to be a part of the team applying that same passion for success to broader institutional relationships.
What do you like to do in your down time away from work?
I love spending time with my family. My husband and I have three daughters with ages spanning 16 years between the oldest and youngest. Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment in our house. When not ferrying (or chasing) the girls around, I stay fit through trail running, obstacle course races, and snow skiing.
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
Bocas del Toro, an archipelago in the northern part of Panama (where I grew up), is the most exotic place I’ve been. Transportation is done primarily with water taxis, many of the islands have unpaved roads, and hotels are largely scant. I have never experienced the rural, natural beauty of this location anywhere else in all my travels; it’s an undiscovered gem lost in time.
What is your favorite sport or activity? Why?
I love doing obstacle course races (OCRs), like the Tough Mudder. Unlike half marathons, OCRs are very team-based; it’s not about setting a personal best, it’s about accomplishing the course while helping others along the way. You can’t complete an OCR without the encouragement and help of others as you tackle each obstacle.
Ben Webb
Ben Webb, CFA is Balentine’s Director of Manager Selection and Implementation. In this role, he supports Balentine’s Investment Strategy Team through research, data aggregation, portfolio analysis, and performance attribution. Prior to joining Balentine, he spent more than two years at Towers Watson, working predominately with institutional clients. Ben is a CFA® charterholder and sits on the programming committee of CFA Society Atlanta. Additionally, he is a member of the Young Southern Capital Forum. Ben is a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as a nuclear reactor plant operator and as a nuclear mechanic onboard a submarine.
Education
BA, Kennesaw State University
Professional Experience
- Towers Watson, Investment Analyst
- Woodruff Arts Center, Engineering & Maintenance Supervisor
- United States Navy, Machinist’s Mate Nuclear
Professional Affiliations & Awards
- CFA Charterholder
- CFA Society Atlanta, Programming Committee
- Vistage Emerging Leader Program, Member
- Young Southern Capital Forum, Member
Community Involvement
Extra Life, Volunteer
Q&A
How and why did you get into this business?
I was in college studying management during the 2008 Financial Crisis. I become fascinated with the capital markets and their interconnectedness; as a result, I immediately changed my major to finance. I was fortunate to land a job in the finance industry right out of college and gained a very wide-angle view of investing.
How does the work you do make a difference?
I try to arm our relationship managers with the best possible information so they can offer clients meaningful insights into our strategies and managers.
What are the big issues that Balentine and companies like it need to solve to truly benefit the parties they serve?
Ensuring the fee that clients pay is well deserved. It is a passion of mine to lower the fee drag from the investors to the capital markets. Businesses like ours need to ensure that we add value over and above our fee.
What was your hardest lesson learned and how did you learn it?
Do not take on more than you can handle. While it still gets reinforced from time to time, I first learned it right out of school, when I thought I could balance much more than I should have.
Where is the most exotic place you have ever been?
I lived in Hawaii for three years during my time with the U.S. Navy, and now everywhere else pales in comparison.
Our Culture
Everything we do is designed to put your needs first. We have assembled an exceptional team that values relationships as well as results. We believe our diversity gives us an advantage as we conceive new ideas and ultimately works to benefit our clients. As a perennial winner of Pensions & Investments’ Best Places to Work in Money Management, we are focused on maintaining a high-performance culture.