Cerity Partners Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cerity Partners has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and client services.

Driven by a commitment to client-focused solutions, Cerity Partners positively impacts clients' financial well-being by providing objective financial advice and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.

Leadership Roles at Cerity Partners

  • Chief Executive Officer - Walter Brown
  • Partner & Chief Executive Officer - Kurt Miscinski
  • Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor - Alex Hale
  • Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Client Practice - Christopher Hemstead
  • Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer - Karen Angrisano
  • Partner & Chief Operating Officer - Robert Jeffers
  • Principal, Director of Operations Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Kirsten Shaw
  • Chief Information Officer - Kevin Bartman
  • Chief of Staff - Rachel Barham
  • Partner & Chief Marketing Officer - Tara Ryan
  • Walter Brown - Chief Executive Officer

    Walter Brown, the Chief Executive Officer at Cerity Partners, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the national registered investment advisory firm. Brown's leadership guides the integration of financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services, ensuring a cohesive client experience across all United States offices. This executive function focuses on driving sustainable growth and maintaining the highest professional standards within the finance industry. Walter Brown's strategic direction ensures the firm's mission to positively impact clients' financial well-being is consistently met through objective advice and continuous improvement initiatives. The Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in shaping the firm's market position and fostering a culture of excellence.

    Kurt Miscinski - Partner & Chief Executive Officer

    Kurt Miscinski, the Partner & Chief Executive Officer at Cerity Partners, spearheads the firm's strategic expansion and operational excellence across its national network of offices. Miscinski's leadership ensures the seamless integration of diverse advisory services, including financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax, for high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This executive role is central to cultivating a client-focused culture that prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and superior service delivery. Kurt Miscinski drives the firm's commitment to positively impacting clients' financial well-being through objective counsel and a relentless pursuit of improvement. The Partner & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the firm's market presence and upholding rigorous professional standards.
    Kurt Miscinski

    Alex Hale - Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor

    Alex Hale, the Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor at Cerity Partners, directs the firm's financial strategy, resource allocation, and fiscal management across its national operations. Hale's expertise ensures the financial health and sustainability of the organization, supporting the delivery of integrated financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services. This executive role is pivotal in guiding strategic investments and operational efficiencies that align with Cerity Partners' mission. Alex Hale's financial acumen supports the firm's commitment to providing objective advice and maintaining the highest professional standards, contributing to the positive financial well-being of clients and the firm's continuous drive for improvement.

    Christopher Hemstead - Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Client Practice

    Christopher Hemstead, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Client Practice at Cerity Partners, oversees the operational execution and service delivery for the firm's client-facing divisions across the United States. Hemstead's responsibilities focus on optimizing the client experience by ensuring the seamless integration of financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services. This executive role is critical for maintaining high standards of client satisfaction and operational efficiency within the firm's national footprint. Christopher Hemstead drives initiatives that enhance collaboration and accountability among client service teams, directly supporting Cerity Partners' mission to positively impact clients' financial well-being through objective advice and a commitment to excellence.

    Karen Angrisano - Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer

    Karen Angrisano, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer at Cerity Partners, manages the firm's operational infrastructure and ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements nationwide. Angrisano's dual role is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the firm's integrated financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services. This executive function ensures that all operations align with the highest professional standards and support the firm's client-focused mission. Karen Angrisano drives operational improvements and compliance protocols that safeguard client interests and reinforce Cerity Partners' commitment to providing objective financial advice. The Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer's oversight is critical for sustained trust and operational excellence.

    Robert Jeffers - Partner & Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Jeffers, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Cerity Partners, oversees critical operational functions that support the firm's nationwide service delivery. Jeffers' leadership ensures the efficient integration of financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services, enhancing the client experience across all offices. This executive role is central to driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability within the firm. Robert Jeffers focuses on optimizing processes and resource management to uphold Cerity Partners' commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions and positively impacting clients' financial well-being through objective advice and a continuous drive for improvement.
    Robert Jeffers

    Kirsten Shaw - Principal, Director of Operations Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

    Kirsten Shaw, the Principal, Director of Operations Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Cerity Partners, spearheads strategic projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery across the firm's national network. Shaw's role involves driving key initiatives that support the integration of financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services, ensuring alignment with the firm's client-focused mission. This executive function is critical for implementing improvements that bolster collaboration and accountability within operational teams. Kirsten Shaw contributes directly to Cerity Partners' commitment to positively impacting clients' financial well-being by optimizing service delivery and upholding the highest professional standards.

    Kevin Bartman - Chief Information Officer

    Kevin Bartman, the Chief Information Officer at Cerity Partners, architects and oversees the firm's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Bartman's responsibilities encompass ensuring the security, scalability, and efficiency of all information systems that support client services and internal operations across the United States. This executive function is critical for enabling the seamless delivery of integrated financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services. Kevin Bartman drives technological innovation to enhance client experiences and support the firm's mission of providing objective financial advice. The Chief Information Officer's strategic technology investments bolster the firm's operational capabilities and commitment to excellence.

    Rachel Barham - Chief of Staff

    Rachel Barham, the Chief of Staff at Cerity Partners, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key initiatives for the executive leadership team. Barham's role facilitates the execution of the firm's strategic objectives, ensuring alignment between departments and driving forward the company's mission to deliver client-focused financial solutions. This executive function is vital for enhancing internal communication and operational efficiency, supporting the integration of financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory services. Rachel Barham's efforts contribute directly to fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, reinforcing Cerity Partners' commitment to positively impacting clients' financial well-being through objective advice and continuous improvement.

    Tara Ryan - Partner & Chief Marketing Officer

    Tara Ryan, the Partner & Chief Marketing Officer at Cerity Partners, directs the firm's brand strategy, market positioning, and client acquisition initiatives nationwide. Ryan's leadership ensures that Cerity Partners' comprehensive suite of services—financial planning, investment management, legal, and tax advisory—resonates effectively with high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This executive role is instrumental in communicating the firm's commitment to client-focused solutions and its people-first culture. Tara Ryan drives marketing efforts that highlight the firm's dedication to positively impacting clients' financial well-being through objective advice and a continuous pursuit of excellence. The Partner & Chief Marketing Officer's strategic campaigns enhance market visibility and support sustained growth.
    Tara Ryan

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cerity Partners Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cerity Partners?
    Cerity Partners is led by Walter Brown (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kurt Miscinski (Partner & Chief Executive Officer) and Alex Hale (Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor).
    Who is part of Cerity Partners’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cerity Partners includes leaders such as Walter Brown (Chief Executive Officer), Kurt Miscinski (Partner & Chief Executive Officer), Alex Hale (Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cerity Partners have?
    Cerity Partners has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cerity Partners’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cerity Partners includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Client Practice, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer.