Shannon Abbott

Client Associate

Phone: 859.392.1388
Email: sabbott@mcfadvisors.com

Shannon joined the MCF team in August of 2024 as a Client Associate in the Lexington, Kentucky office. She is committed to delivering high-quality service experience while assisting both client and consultants with account maintenance.

Prior to MCF, Shannon worked as an Administrative Assistant in the public accounting industry for approximately 18 years. Before that, Shannon worked as a client service representative in telecommunications for over 5 years.

Shannon is originally from Clarksville, IN, and now resides in Nicholasville, Kentucky with her husband and two children. Shannon is a married-in Buckeye fan who loves watching football live in-person or from the comfort of her Old Kentucky Home. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys watching her kids compete in athletics, cooking, and spending quiet mornings with a warm latte in hand.

Clare C. Adams

Manager of Corporate Retirement Plan Services

Phone: 859.967.0992
Email: cadams@mcfadvisors.com

As Manager of Corporate Retirement Plan Services, Clare is focused on delivering an exceptional client experience to MCF's Institutional clients. She provides leadership in all matters of plan administration, plan design, DOL and ERISA compliance, and investment consultation. Clare holds certifications as a Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) and as a Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC). She joined the team in 2017 and is located in the Covington office. Clare earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2015 from Northern Kentucky University. Prior to MCF Advisors, Clare was an Audit Staff Accountant at a Public Accounting Firm, from 2014-2017.

Clare was an active member of Delta Gamma Fraternity and is a part of their Alumnae Chapter. She currently resides in Independence, KY with her husband, Scott, their daughter, Elys, and their two dogs Vesta & Ash, and cat Zeppelin. In her free time, she enjoys being with her husband and daughter or listening to a good book.

Christopher Besten

Director of Tax Services

Chris works primarily with owners of small businesses and flow-through entities in a variety of operational consultations, tax planning, and tax compliance engagements, as a business partner of MCF¹. Chris’ main focus is business taxation for S-corporation and partnership entities, and complex individual returns.

Chris joined the Board of Ashland Terrace in 2016 where he continues to serve today. Ashland Terrace is a privately run foundation which operates an independent living facility for its retired residents and has been in continuous operation since 1849 and houses between 30-40 ladies at any given time. Chris also is the Treasurer for the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Association, where he has served since 2015.

¹Chris is a Partner with Besten & Dieruf, PLLC, an independent CPA firm, that MCF has a strategic partnership with to support its tax and accounting services.

Peter D. Bryans

Sr. Investment Analyst

Shareholder

Phone: 859.392.1372
Email: pbryans@mcfadvisors.com

Peter joined MCF in 2015 and is a Senior Investment Analyst and Shareholder. He specializes in research for both institutional and wealth management clients. Peter is a CFA® Charterholder, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) Charterholder, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

A proud Ohio native, Peter grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from The Ohio State University. A passionate Buckeye family, they enjoy cheering on their alma mater during football season. Outside of work, Peter loves spending time with his wife, Theresa, and daughter, Mary Ellen. The family is also kept entertained by their lovable English bulldog, Susie.

Christopher T. Cochran

Sr. Financial Advisor

Phone: 859.392.8604
Email: ccochran@mcfadvisors.com

Chris Cochran joined MCF 15 years ago. Chris is a Senior Consultant specializing in insurance. Prior to joining MCF, Chris represented Massachusetts Mutual, Union Central, Connecticut Mutual and US Financial Life as agent, Vice President of Agencies performing sales, marketing, recruiting, training and product design functions. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).

Chris resides in Fairfield, Ohio with his wife Debbie. Chris and Debbie have seven children and are proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren. Chris is actively involved in community organizations including founder of the Jane Martin Cochran Memorial Fund serving Kenton (N KY) County Schools, the Catholic Inter-City Services Education Committee and was Chairman of the Greater Cincinnati Gideon Bible Blitz for Cincinnati/N. KY in 2016. Professionally, Chris is Past President of The Cincinnati Chapter of Society of Financial Service Professionals and Pro Bono contributor/speaker to NKU/Salmon P. Chase School of Law’s Transactional Business Law class.

Pamela D. Crouch

Sr. Tax and Accounting Associate 

Phone: 859.447.9415
Email: pcrouch@mcfadvisors.com

Pam joined MCF in 2023 and serves as a Senior Tax and Accounting Associate in the Lexington office. Pam brings over 30 years of public accounting expertise to the MCF family. Pam has been married to her husband Jim for 28 years and has two daughters, Sarah and Megan, and an adorable Maltese puppy, Ollie.  Pam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Kentucky.

She enjoys tailgating at UK football games and cheering on the Bengals with her family.  In her spare time, she loves to travel!

Shannon F. Dalcour

Client Associate

Phone: 859.967.0881
Email: sdalcour@mcfadvisors.com

Shannon Dalcour began her career with MCF in 2021 and currently serves as a Client Associate for the Wealth Management division in the Lexington, Kentucky office.  Prior to MCF, Shannon worked as an Administrative Assistant in the public accounting industry for nearly 22 years.  Before that, Shannon was a Judicial Secretary.  Shannon attends Southland Christian Church and in her spare time enjoys reading, spending the summer months boating on the lake with her family, and UK basketball and football.  Shannon is an animal lover and has 2 dogs, Lucy (shih-tzu) and Ares’ (german shepherd). 

Harrison M. Dean

Investment Associate

Phone: 859.392.1389
Email: hdean@mcfadvisors.com

Harrison Dean is an Investment Associate with the Investment Management Department. Harrison assists with investment research and operations for both the Wealth Management and Institutional divisions of the firm, with a focus on private markets research and allocation. Harrison graduated from the University of Toledo with a double major in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Economics.

Harrison enjoys both watching and playing sports and is currently enrolled to take the CFA Level III exam this year.

Andrew Dieruf, CPA, CFE

Director of Accounting Services

Andrew works primarily with businesses and non-profit organizations on their CFO/CEO, accounting, audit, review and compilation needs. Andrew has extensive experience in audit services, forensic accounting, and civil litigation cases involving fraud. As a business partner of MCF¹, he also plays a key role in outsourced CFO and CEO engagements, providing strategic financial leadership to both small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Andrew serves on the Board of The 1965 Medical Foundation and currently services as President. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthier community by advancing education, research, and impactful health programs. Through its initiatives, it empowers individuals and organizations to reach their full potential, driving meaningful change in community well-being.

¹Andrew is a Partner with Besten & Dieruf, PLLC, an independent CPA firm, that MCF has a strategic partnership with to support its tax and accounting services.

James Scott Downing

Sr. Financial Advisor

Shareholder

Phone: 859.967.0997
Email: sdowning@mcfadvisors.com

Scott Downing, CFP® is a Sr. Financial Advisor and Shareholder based in MCF’s Lexington office. He joined MCF in 2015. Prior to that, Scott worked for another independent financial planning firm in Lexington. Scott began his financial services career in 2006 with Vanguard at their corporate headquarters in Malvern, PA where he worked in the High Net-Worth Retirement division. Scott graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Scott is originally a native of Maysville, KY, but now makes his home in the Hamburg area of Lexington. His wife Allison is a native of St. Louis, MO, and she works as a teacher at The Lexington School. They have a son and a daughter who are twins.

Scott is Board President for The Lexington Dream Factory, a graduate of Leadership Lexington, Past Chair of Leadership Lexington Alumni Association, board member of the UK Fayette County Alumni Association, and an active member and volunteer at Southland Christian Church. Scott also enjoys playing golf whenever possible.

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Lacy S. Gardner

Sr. Client Associate

Phone: 859.967.0880
Fax: 859.967.0883
Email: lgardner@mcfadvisors.com

Lacy Gardner serves as a Sr. Client Associate where she focuses on delivering exceptional client experiences and service. Lacy started with MCF in January 2016 and is located in the Lexington office. Prior to MCF, Lacy spent four years working in Orlando, Florida at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World. While at Universal Orlando Resort, she worked in the marketing department and ran 128 events annually at Walt Disney World. 

Lacy earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science in 2012 from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She married Brandon Gardner in August of 2020 and moved to Danville, Kentucky. Lacy is an active member of Southland Christian Church and is a proud supporter of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Timothy A. Gavin

Sr. Financial Advisor / Director of Operations, CCO

Shareholder

Phone: 859.392.1374
Email: tgavin@mcfadvisors.com

Tim is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and Shareholder based in the Louisville, KY office. He delivers a proactive client experience, tailored to help individuals, families, and organizations identify and meet their unique goals. Tim is a member of the firm's Executive Investment Committee and oversees the firm’s day-to-day operations and compliance functions. 

He holds a BBA in Finance & Accounting and an MBA from the University of Cincinnati. Tim began his professional career at Fifth Third Bank as a Staff Financial Auditor before joining the Sisters of Mercy, where he focused his time on the organization’s endowment and public debt offering. He has been with MCF since 2008.

Outside of the office, Tim and his wife, Kelly, enjoy outdoor adventures with their son Tate. They are members of Crossroads Church.

Nicholas Glancy 

Strategic Transaction Advisor

Phone: 513.587.8003
Email: nglancy@mcfadvisors.com

Nick joined the MCF team in October 2024 and serves as the Strategic Transaction Advisor. His primary focus at MCF is to support the investment advisors in communicating and consulting with clients about business transactions and business succession planning.

Prior to MCF, Nick was in the private practice of law handling business transactions and succession planning. Prior to that, he was a senior executive at two different coal companies. He graduated law school in 1980 and is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

When he is not helping clients and advisors at MCF, he is a voracious consumer of books and movies, loves spending time with his family, and enjoys serving with his church.

David L. Harris, Jr.

CEO / Co-Founder

Shareholder

Phone: 859.967.0991
Fax: 859.967.0883
Email: dharris@mcfadvisors.com

Dave serves as CEO and Co-Founder of MCF. 

He attended University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Agricultural Finance. He is married to Jennifer, his wife of over 35 years. Together they have two children and 5 grandchildren. He has held numerous professional and civic positions of influence within his professional career that make his experience and leadership invaluable.

Professional Career:

• 1980, Commodity Trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
• 1985, Vice President of Integrated Resources, Inc.
• 1989, Founder and CEO of MidSouth Capital Asset Management LLC an SEC Registered Investment Management Firm. Sold in 2000
• 2000, Executive Vice President Central Bank & Trust
• 2004, Co-Founder & COO of MCF Advisors LLC,
• 2015 – Present, CEO of MCF Advisors
  • Wealth Management Division - (individuals, families business owners)
  • Institutional Division - (defined contribution, deferred compensation & defined benefit plans; endowments, family offices)  

Corporate Boards and Community Service:

Current: 

• Governor appointee to KY Retirement System Board of Trustees (KRS), $18 billion pension fund assets for state employees
• Chairmen of the Board of Trustees
• Chairman of Investment Committee
• Chairman of Actuarial Subcommittee
• Seven Stones Farm Board of Directors
• Worldwide Equipment Enterprises, Inc., Board of Directors

Former:

• Armstrong Energy, Inc., Board of Directors
• Retirement Plan Advisory Group Board of Directors
• Lexington Christian Academy Board of Directors 
• Lexington Christian Academy Foundation Board of Directors
• Gods Pantry Board of Directors 
• Isiah House Ministries Board of Directors
• Lighthouse Ministries Board of Directors
• Bluegrass Youth for Christ Board of Directors
• Go International Board of Directors
• American Diabetes Assoc. Board of Directors
• American Diabetes Foundation Board of Directors
• Foundation for Better Communities Board of Directors

Sarah K. Huster

Marketing & Client Associate

Phone: 859.967.0879
Email: shuster@mcfadvisors.com

Sarah joined the MCF team in June of 2023. In her role, she supports all marketing communications and strategic growth planning. She also administratively supports the MCF Leadership in key initiatives and responsibilities, as well as assists the Institutional Team with client servicing. 

Prior to MCF, Sarah worked in marketing, administrative, and program management roles within several different non-profits. She earned a B.S. in Community and Leadership Development, with a minor in Communication, from the University of Kentucky - so she loves to cheer on the Cats!

Sarah is originally from Lexington, KY, and lives there with her husband Eric. She loves exploring new places and spaces, and she spends a lot of her time attending sporting events, hanging out with friends, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Jeff L. Jennings

Sr. Financial Advisor

Shareholder

Phone: 859.967.0994
Email: jjennings@mcfadvisors.com

Jeff Jennings is a Certified Financial Planner^® and Shareholder based in MCF’s Lexington office. Prior to joining MCF, Jeff worked for two of the big four national brokerage houses. He stress-tested retirement cash flow models for private clients and recommended appropriate risk strategies. He analyzed investment classes, market trends, and specific sector and industry strength. Prior to that, Jeff accessed and quantified risk for institutional clients in a legal capacity. Jeff graduated with a Juris Doctorate from the University Of Kentucky College Of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics.

Jeff is a member of the Bluegrass Estate Planning Council, American Bar Association, Trust, Taxation & Probate Sections of the Kentucky Bar, Thoroughbred Club of America, United States Tennis Association & Cave Run Sailing Association. Jeff serves on the board of UK’s Spindletop Hall and as a ruling elder for First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. Jeff spends free time on his farm in Scott County with his wife and daughters.

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Kristopher J. Kellinghaus

Director of Investments, CIO

Shareholder

Phone: 859.392.1377
Email: kkellinghaus@mcfadvisors.com

Kris Kellinghaus serves as Director of Investments, Chief Investment Officer and is a Shareholder of MCF Advisors, LLC. Kris is the head of the Investment Management Department and leads the Executive Investment Committee in developing MCF’s capital market outlook and investment program. He oversees all aspects of portfolio management and research, including asset allocation, due diligence, security selection, risk management, and implementation. Prior to joining MCF, Kris worked for investment firms in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati as an investment advisor and associate portfolio manager.

Kris is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Charterholder, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. He graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, received his MBA in Finance from Xavier University, and earned his Master of Arts in Applied Economics from the University of Cincinnati.

Kris has worked with the Kentucky Public Employees’ Deferred Compensation plan since 2020 and is now Chairman of the Board. He also is an adjunct professor of Finance at Northern Kentucky University. Kris lives in Northern Kentucky with his wife Kristen and their children, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, coaching, volunteering, and golfing.

Sean T. Lamanna

Financial Advisor

Shareholder

Phone: 859.967.0882
Email: slamanna@mcfadvisors.com

Sean Lamanna is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Shareholder at MCF, working out of the firm’s Lexington office. Since joining MCF in 2017, Sean has focused on helping clients achieve their financial goals by developing and maintaining comprehensive financial plans. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in both Finance and Management from the University of Kentucky.

Outside of his professional role, Sean cherishes time with his wife, Sydney, their daughter, Stella, and son, Janes. Together, they enjoy traveling, outdoor adventures, and exploring the natural beauty of the Red River Gorge through hiking and climbing.

Sean is passionate about giving back and volunteers his time serving on the board for The Nest, a local organization that provides critical support to children and families in crisis. He and his family reside on the south side of Lexington, where they are active members of Southland Christian Church

Sarah Lawson

Executive Administrative Assistant

Phone: 859.685.8011
Email: slawson@mcfadvisors.com

Sarah joined the MCF team in October of 2024 as an Executive Administrative Assistant in the Lexington office. 

Prior to MCF, Sarah worked as a Legal Assistant for over 4 years. Sarah is originally from Morehead, Kentucky and now resides in Richmond with her boyfriend.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time outside with her Australian Shepherd, Atlas.

Brittany B. Manning

Chief Operating Officer

Shareholder

Phone: 859.967.0995
Email: bmanning@mcfadvisors.com

Brittany has been with MCF Advisors since August of 2012 after three years in the public accounting industry, working with individuals and small businesses in Lexington and the surrounding areas. Brittany serves as MCF’s Chief Operating Officer and Shareholder. As the COO, Brittany works primarily in overseeing the day-to-day operations of MCF, as well as executing long-term strategic growth initiatives for the company. Brittany plays a vital role in supporting our team members in delivering exceptional service to all MCF clients. 

Prior to joining MCF, Brittany began her career as an Accounting and Compliance Specialist with Dean Dorton Allen Ford PLLC. Brittany earned her Certified Financial Planner^TM Practitioner certification in 2013 and has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 2010. Brittany attended the University of Kentucky where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Accounting.

Brittany lives in Lexington with her husband, Justin, and their children. She is involved in several community organizations including the Bluegrass Estate Planning Council, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. Brittany is also a parishioner at the Cathedral of Christ the King and serves on the PTO at Christ the King School.  She enjoys traveling and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats.

Nancy J. Martin

Sr. Client Associate

Phone: 859.392.8601
Email: nmartin@mcfadvisors.com

Nancy Martin began her career with MCF in 2002 and currently serves as a Senior Client Associate in the Covington, Kentucky office. Prior to MCF, Nancy worked as an administrative assistant. Before that, Nancy was a Phlebotomist at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Nancy attended Northern Kentucky University. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys fostering dogs & puppies for the Stray Animal Adoption Program. 

Mardie H. Murray

Manager of Wealth Management Services

Shareholder

Phone: 859.440.2127
Email: mmurray@mcfadvisors.com

Mardie Murray serves as the Manager of Wealth Management Services at MCF Advisors. Mardie started with MCF in July 2019 and is located in the Lexington, Kentucky office. Mardie is committed to delivering an exceptional service experience, assisting both clients and consultants with the maintenance of accounts and any portfolio servicing needs.

Prior to MCF, Mardie began her career at Fifth Third Bank in their Foundation Office where she assisted private and corporate foundations in all aspects of charitable giving. She has also worked in grant management and development for several different hospital foundations over the years.

Mardie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky. She is a native of Maysville, Kentucky and now resides in Lexington with her husband and two children, Lyla Claire and Parker. When not in the office, you can find Mardie running carpool or cheering on her beloved Wildcats.

Nicholas C. Newell

Investment Analyst and Trader

Phone: 859.392.1379
Email: nnewell@mcfadvisors.com

Nicholas is an Investment Analyst and Trader that joined MCF in 2017. As part of the Investment Management Department, he is responsible for rebalancing and strategy implementation for institutional and wealth management client portfolios. He also performs portfolio and investment research, including asset allocation, due diligence, security selection, and risk management. He comprises part of the Executive Investment Committee which is responsible for MCF’s investment outlook and investment program.

Nick is a CFA Charter holder and FRM® (Financial Risk Manager). In 2022, earned his Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) certification. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with an MBA and a Master of Science in Finance. In his free time, he enjoys baking, reading, ancient Greek history, and collecting rare coins. Prior to joining MCF, Nicholas worked for two years at a broker-dealer.

Hunter B. Nighbert

Financial Advisor & Retirement Planning Specialist

Shareholder

Phone: 859.967.0990
Email: hnighbert@mcfadvisors.com

Hunter serves as a Financial Advisor & Retirement Planning Specialist with MCF Advisors where he serves and leads clients in both the Wealth Management and Institutional Divisions. He studied Business Administration and Communications at Georgetown College and was a 4-year football starter during his time there. Hunter has spent 27+ years in the Financial Service Industry, joining MCF in 2015, as a shareholder in 2024.

He actively provides leadership and education to clients and Institutional plan participants as a retirement planning specialist. His focus is on comprehensive financial planning, distribution planning, tax planning and estate planning that best serves the needs and goals of the client. He works closely with MCF’s Investment Management Dept, Tax Division & MCF Legal to help facilitate the desired outcome for clients.

Hunter resides in Lexington with his wife Amanda, a Registered Dietitian and the owner of a thriving business that provides nutrition consulting to clients nationwide. They have two children: Tyler, a student at the University of Kentucky, and Molly, who attends Lexington Catholic High School. Hunter is actively involved in community service, supporting several nonprofit organizations, including Aiden’s Angels (where he serves as a Board Member), the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Kentucky, and Revive Ministries. In their free time, Hunter and his family enjoy traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

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Matthew K. Poulos

Phone: 859.392.8607
Email: mpoulos@mcfadvisors.com

Matt joined MCF in 2023 bringing over 15 years of experience as a financial advisor. He was drawn to MCF’s team-based culture and ability to deliver a holistic range of services to his clients.

Matt is an Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA^®), where he received additional training in portfolio creation, augmentation, and maintenance. He is also a Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC^®), which offers advisors more comprehensive training on retirement planning advice to individual clients.

Matt graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where he played tennis and holds the record for the most wins in school history.

Matt lives in Ft. Mitchell, KY where he enjoys watching his kids compete in athletics. Matt’s son, Jackson, plays tennis for Thomas More and his daughter plays tennis and swims for Notre Dame Academy in Covington.

Matthew L. Rose, CFP®

Financial Advisor / Retirement Plan Consultant

Phone: 859.967.0878
Email: mrose@mcfadvisors.com

Matt Rose joined MCF in the Fall of 2021 and serves as a Financial Advisor / Retirement Plan Consultant in the Lexington office. Matt helps develop and maintain financial plans for clients in the wealth management division. In the institutional services division, Matt provides leadership in plan administration, DOL and ERISA compliance, plan benchmarking, and investment consultation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Lipscomb University, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he played Division 1 basketball. Matt became a Certified Financial Planner® in 2022.

Matt resides in Lexington with his wife Caroline and daughter Ruth. They are active members at Southland Christian Church and Matt is also a member of the Lexington Christian Academy Alumni Council. Matt loves to spend his free time reading, playing the piano, and communing with friends and family.

Andrew D. Sathe

Sr. Financial Advisor

Shareholder

Phone: 859.392.1376
Email: asathe@mcfadvisors.com

Andy Sathe, MBA, CLU, CFP®, has been with MCF Advisors for 15+ years, serving as a Consultant within our Wealth Management division. He earned his undergraduate degree in Finance with a  second major in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and later, an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University; and has been recognized for four consecutive years as a top Wealth Manager by “Five Star Professional” for his depth of knowledge, experience, and commitment to client service.¹

Mr. Sathe’s perspective on wealth management and finance has been broadened by stops in commercial real estate as well as mergers and acquisitions. He is also highly involved in the local community, serving on multiple boards including Meals on Wheels and St. Ursula Villa School. Andy resides in Hyde Park with his wife, Alison, and 4 daughters.

¹ See award disclosures here.

Robert B. Sathe

Chairman / Co-Founder 

Shareholder

Phone: 859.392.8602
Email: bsathe@mcfadvisors.com

Robert B. Sathe, CLU, ChFC® is Chairman of MCF . Prior to founding MCF, Bob was the Regional Chief Executive Officer for CIGNA Financial Advisors. He was with CIGNA for 30 years before retiring in the year 2000.

Bob has served on many boards in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky including Playhouse in the Park, Carnegie Arts Center, Thomas Moore College, Thomas Moore College Foundation, Cincinnati Ballet, Fine Arts Institute, Fine Arts Annual Fund, Metropolitan Club, Coldstream Country Club, Cancer Family Care, Boy Scouts, Red Cross, Bethesda Hospitals, MMC, INC., CPX Family of Companies, Executive Committee for the Institute for Religious Liberty and was a Founder of The Bank of Kentucky.

In 1992, he received his Honorary Doctorate from Thomas More College for his work while on the board. He has also been recognized with the Dorothy Wood Community Service Award by Redwood School, Barbara Roe Lang Special Service Award by Cancer Family Care, the Bishop Hughes Award for his contribution to Catholic higher education in Kentucky and the Presidents' Award by his alma mater Luther College. Bob has chaired many fund raising efforts in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.

Bob and his wife, Dell Ann, have four children, Andy, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Matthew. They also have eight grandchildren.

Stewart A. Smith

Tax Advisor, CPA

Phone: 859.447.9451
Email: ssmith@mcfadvisors.com

Stewart joined MCF in 2023 bringing over 40 years of experience as a CPA with a specialization in tax planning for closely held businesses and their owners.

Stewart graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Following graduation, Stewart worked for Coopers & Lybrand CPA (now PWC). In late 1978, he cofounded Duncan, Smith & Stilz, CPA, where he remained until joining MCF.

Stewart is a member of a number of industry associations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA). He is also a member of the Bluegrass Angels, a regional venture fund for start-up companies, and the Investment Associates of Lexington. Stewart is a member of the Thoroughbred Club of America & a lifetime member of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association.

In his spare time, Stewart enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his fiancé, Julie.

James B.Stilz Jr.

Tax Advisor, CPA

Phone: 859.447.9936
Email: jstilz@mcfadvisors.com

Jim attended the University of Kentucky where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Jim began his career as an associate of John A. Duncan, CPA in May of 1977 and continued as the firm reorganized to be Duncan, Smith & Stilz, PSC (DSS). Jim was with DSS for over 46 years; from 1977-2022. Most of his experience and expertise during those years was in taxation, small business advisory services, and audits of financial institutions. He joined MCF as a tax advisor in 2023.

Jim was certified as a CPA in the state of Kentucky in 1979 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Jim, along with his wife, Cecilia, and two sons are active members in various programs and activities at the Church of the Savior in Lexington.

Ramsey Steele E. Watson

Wealth Transfer Advisor

Phone: 859.309.4928
Email: rwatson@mcfadvisors.com

Ramsey serves as a Wealth Transfer Advisor for MCF Advisors. Her primary focus is providing strategic counsel to high-net-worth clients in designing their estate plan and planning for business-related interests, as well as clients undergoing the process of trust and estate administration.

Ramsey graduated from Western Kentucky with a double major in Psychology and Political Science. In 2012, she obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. While in law school, Ramsey interned with the Clerk of Court for the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the late Honorable Tanya Gee. Upon her graduation from law school, Ramsey served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Kristi L. Harrington, Circuit Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina.

For nearly a decade, Ramsey has focused exclusively on estate planning, probate & trust administration, and asset protection. Ramsey joined the MCF team in October of 2024 as a Wealth Transfer Advisor while simultaneously launching her own law practice MCF Legal, PLLC. 

In 2017, Ramsey was appointed by Mayor R. Keith Summey of North Charleston to serve on the City of North Charleston Planning Commission. Her appointment was confirmed by the North Charleston City Council and she served in that capacity until moving out of the jurisdiction in 2019.

Ramsey is a licensed attorney in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Wyoming.

Beyond serving her clients, Ramsey enjoys spending time with her daughter (Ellie Grace) and their two dogs, Jackson and Lucy, as well as her family. Ramsey attends Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky; is a member of the University of Kentucky’s Women & Philanthropy organization; previously served on the City of North Charleston Planning Commission; and is currently serving as a Co-Coach for the Lexington Christian Little Eagles Cheer team.

Jennifer Willis

Retirement Plan Administrator

Phone: 859.967.0876
Email: jwillis@mcfadvisors.com

Jennifer joined MCF in June 2022 and serves as a Retirement Plan Administrator for the Institutional division in the Lexington office. She comes from a background in Human Resources with a strong emphasis on Benefits Administration. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Accounting in 2010 from Sullivan University. She also has a certificate in ERISA Compliance. 

Jennifer is originally from Berea, Kentucky, and now resides in Lexington with her husband; Aaron, and their two chihuahuas. Jennifer and her husband enjoy scuba diving and traveling in their free time. 

Elijah J. Workman

Service Associate

Phone: 859.967.0975
Email: eworkman@mcfadvisors.com

Elijah joined MCF in June 2023 and serves as a Service Associate in our Lexington office. He works directly with Financial Advisors and Client Associates on servicing a variety of client responsibilities, including financial planning data entry and strategy; and preparing investment or planning recommendations.

Elijah graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in International Business. While at UK, he was also the Director of Campus Events on the Student Philanthropy Board and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. 

Elijah is originally from Paducah, Kentucky where his family and three dogs currently reside. He loves traveling and watching sports with his friends and family.

Stephen A. Wright

Sr. Financial Advisor

Shareholder

Phone: 859.392.1373
Email: swright@mcfadvisors.com

Steve is a Sr. Advisor at MCF Advisors in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati office and has over 25 years of experience helping clients navigate complex situations. He achieved the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in 2005 and enjoys helping clients align their personal beliefs and priorities with their finances.

Steve is a graduate of Thomas More University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business/Finance. While at Thomas More, Steve had the privilege of studying abroad in Australia. After graduating, Steve served as the secretary, then president of the Alumni Board of Directors for Thomas More University and continues to stay active through the President’s Society.

Steve lives in Northern Kentucky with his amazing wife, Amy, who he’s been married to for over 20 years. They have three teenage children: Abigail, Mitchell and Hayden. Steve enjoys all things outdoors, reading, traveling and cheering on his children in their various activities. In addition, he commits time to multiple non-profit boards and is very active in his local church, serving locally and internationally with mission work.

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