Gene Barner

I began investing with my first mutual fund purchase in 1983. I've continued studying investments and financial planning ever since, becoming a member of the American Association of Individual Investors in 1984. I earned the Associate of Science in Electronics, from Gavilan College in 1986, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (cum laude) at Chapman University in 1995, Master of Business Administration at Columbia College of Missouri in 2002. I completed Boston University’s Online Program for Financial Planners in 2006, and most recently earned the Master of Science in Finance & Economics at West Texas A&M University in 2024. I began formally helping others reach their financial goals in 1991, as the Command Financial Specialist aboard USS Dixon (AS 37), as part of the US Navy’s then-new Personal Financial Management program. I served in the same position at Afloat Training Group in Yokosuka, Japan. After completing a Navy career, I worked at Bank of America, first in Northwest Dealer Banking, and was soon promoted to Investment Specialist in Retirement Services. I enjoy helping others apply principles of financial management to their personal situations and teach courses in: Personal Financial Planning; Business Finance; Principles of Real Estate; Investments; and Micro and Macro Economics for Columbia College in Oak Harbor and Marysville. I also taught Personal Finance & Investments for Skagit Valley College from 2004 through 2016. Penn Cove Financial, LLC was established in 2005 and began offering Financial Planning & Investment Management services to the public in March 2006.

Leonard Radziwanowicz is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He leads a team that collaborates with affluent clients—including business owners, executives, tech leaders, and multi-generational families—to invest, grow, and transfer wealth effectively. Leonard employs a goals-based wealth management approach, customizing portfolios to align with clients’ unique goals, time horizons, and priorities, and coordinates comprehensive strategies with clients’ tax and legal advisors to enhance tax efficiency and support wealth transfer objectives. With more than 18 years of experience in wealth management and investing, Leonard joined Merrill Lynch in 2002 following a 20-year career as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) designation among other professional credentials including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Leonard earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, and a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University. Leonard and his wife Lisa have lived in Seattle since 1988, where they raised their son. He has served on the Board of Directors for Pioneer Human Services and supports local organizations focused on youth and combating homelessness. Outside of work, Leonard enjoys outdoor activities such as boating, camping, hiking, biking, skiing, and paddleboarding, reflecting his connection to the Pacific Northwest.