Marsha Smith

Gina Rypkema is a CFP® with 24 years of industry experience, currently serving at Golden State Equity Partners since 2023. She previously worked at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. from 2002 to 2023. Outside of her advisory role, she is a board member and treasurer of the Walker Area Pregnancy Support Center. Ascentis Independent Advisors, LLC serves individuals, trusts, retirement plans, and businesses by providing tailored investment advisory services including portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement consulting. The firm employs a combination of asset allocation, fundamental and technical analysis, and uses sub-advisory platforms and a Private Direct Investments program to manage client portfolios.

Heather Bjorgaard is a financial advisor at Ascentis Independent Advisors, LLC with one year of industry experience. She holds a Series 65 designation and previously worked with Golden State Equity Partners, LLC and Arise Wealth Management. Outside of her advisory roles, she operated a childcare business for nine years. Ascentis Independent Advisors serves individuals, trusts, retirement plans, and businesses with customized portfolio management and financial planning. The firm employs a range of investment strategies, including discretionary sub-advisory arrangements and a Private Direct Investments program for alternative assets.

Shelley Lof is a financial advisor at Ascentis Independent Advisors, LLC with 17 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has previously worked at Golden State Equity Partners and Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Lof is also involved with Rypkema Operations, LLC, an investment-related outside business. Ascentis Independent Advisors provides investment advisory services to individuals, trusts, retirement plans, and businesses, offering tailored portfolio management and financial planning. The firm utilizes a range of strategies including discretionary sub-advisory arrangements and a Private Direct Investments program.

Timothy O'Donnell is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with 28 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has been associated with Morgan Stanley and its related entities since 2007. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a large SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving both individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and financial planning services supported by structured analysis tools and strategic investment modeling.

Kristen Daniels is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 63 designation and 38 years of industry experience. She has worked with various Cetera entities since 2003. Outside of her advisory role, she assists at a dog daycare facility on weekends a few times a year. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individual, high-net-worth, institutional, and retirement-plan clients through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, retirement plan, and fiduciary services, supported by a combination of advisor-managed accounts, model portfolios, and third-party managed solutions.

Christopher Duff is a financial advisor with Primerica Advisors, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and nine years of industry experience. He has worked at Primerica since 2017 and has additional experience in education and various local business ventures. Outside of advising, Duff is involved in real estate investing as a partner and owns a seasonal window washing business. Primerica Advisors provides discretionary asset management through its Lifetime Investment Program, offering model-delivery strategies and separately managed accounts primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients. The firm uses third-party asset managers and maintains an operational model centered on tiered wrap fees and ongoing oversight of investment models.