Cerity Partners Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cerity Partners has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and marketing.

Focused on delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions, Cerity Partners empowers high-net-worth individuals and organizations through a collaborative, people-first approach that prioritizes objective financial advice and long-term client success.

Leadership Roles at Cerity Partners

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

    Walter Brown, the Chief Executive Officer at Cerity Partners, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national investment advisory firm. Brown oversees the integration of financial planning, tax advisory, and legal services to ensure a cohesive client experience across the United States. By fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, the Chief Executive Officer aligns internal teams with the mission of enhancing client financial well-being. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain high professional standards. Walter Brown drives growth initiatives that expand the firm's reach among high-net-worth families and nonprofit organizations. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all advisory services remain objective and client-focused. Brown maintains a commitment to continuous improvement, positioning the firm as a leader in the competitive landscape of wealth management and comprehensive financial services.

    Kurt Miscinski - Partner & Chief Executive Officer

    Kurt Miscinski, the Partner & Chief Executive Officer at Cerity Partners, architects the firm's long-term expansion strategy and operational framework. Miscinski manages the delivery of high-quality investment management solutions to a diverse client base, including businesses and employees. As a key leader, the Partner & Chief Executive Officer coordinates cross-functional collaboration between legal, tax, and financial planning departments to provide holistic wealth solutions. Kurt Miscinski drives the firm's national presence by identifying opportunities for growth and maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity. This role involves direct engagement with the board to ensure alignment with the firm's core mission of positively impacting financial outcomes. By prioritizing a people-first culture, the Partner & Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation for excellence. Miscinski ensures that every strategic decision supports the overarching goal of providing objective, high-value advice to clients across the country.
    Kurt Miscinski

    Murali Raman - Chief Financial Officer

    Murali Raman, the Chief Financial Officer at Cerity Partners, manages the firm's fiscal health and financial reporting processes. Raman oversees the allocation of resources to support the firm's national expansion and the delivery of comprehensive investment management services. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial operations align with the firm's commitment to accountability and excellence. Murali Raman drives strategic financial planning, providing the insights necessary for the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding business growth and service delivery. This role involves maintaining rigorous financial standards to support the firm's mission of providing objective advice to high-net-worth families and nonprofit organizations. By optimizing the firm's capital structure and monitoring performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term stability. Raman works closely with other executives to ensure that financial resources are effectively utilized to enhance the overall client experience and maintain the firm's competitive market position.

    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, manages the financial oversight of business services while providing strategic advisory to corporate clients. Hale oversees the integration of financial management practices with business advisory services to deliver comprehensive solutions for the firm's enterprise clients. The Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor drives the development of financial strategies that support the firm's mission of objective, high-quality advice. Alex Hale ensures that business services are delivered with the highest professional standards, fostering long-term relationships with clients across the country. This role involves analyzing complex financial data to provide actionable insights that enhance client financial well-being. By balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic advisory, the Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor supports the firm's growth and commitment to excellence. Hale ensures that all business services remain aligned with the firm's core values.

    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, architects operational improvements that enhance the firm's service delivery. Shaw oversees the implementation of new processes that support the firm's national network of financial planners and investment advisors. The Principal, Director of Operations Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency by identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks, ensuring that the firm maintains its commitment to high-quality client solutions. Kirsten Shaw manages initiatives that foster a culture of excellence and accountability within the operations department. This role involves collaborating with other leaders to ensure that operational strategies align with the firm's mission of providing objective financial advice. By focusing on continuous improvement, the Principal, Director of Operations Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm remains agile and responsive to the needs of high-net-worth individuals and families across the United States.

    Karen Angrisano - Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer

    Karen Angrisano, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer at Cerity Partners, directs the firm's operational framework and regulatory compliance programs. Angrisano oversees the daily business activities across the national office network, ensuring that all services meet the highest professional and legal standards. The Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer drives the implementation of robust compliance protocols that protect the firm and its clients. Karen Angrisano manages the intersection of operational efficiency and regulatory adherence, ensuring that the firm's commitment to objective advice remains uncompromised. This role involves monitoring industry regulations to ensure that the firm's practices remain current and compliant. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer supports the firm's mission of positively impacting client financial well-being. Angrisano ensures that all operational processes are designed to deliver excellence while maintaining strict adherence to the firm's professional standards.

    Rachel Barham - Chief of Staff

    Rachel Barham, the Chief of Staff at Cerity Partners, executes critical administrative and strategic initiatives that support the executive leadership team. Barham manages the flow of information between departments, ensuring that the firm's financial planning and investment management teams remain aligned with corporate objectives. The Chief of Staff facilitates high-level decision-making processes, allowing the firm to maintain its commitment to client-focused solutions. Rachel Barham drives operational efficiency by streamlining internal communications and project management workflows across the national office network. This role involves coordinating with various business units to ensure that the firm's people-first culture remains central to daily operations. By managing complex organizational priorities, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on delivering objective financial advice. Barham ensures that all internal processes support the firm's mission of excellence and accountability in every client interaction.

    Kevin Bartman - Chief Information Officer

    Kevin Bartman, the Chief Information Officer at Cerity Partners, directs the technological infrastructure that supports the firm's national investment advisory services. Bartman oversees the development and security of digital platforms used by financial planners and tax advisors to deliver high-quality client solutions. The Chief Information Officer architects scalable systems that facilitate seamless collaboration across offices, ensuring that data integrity and security remain at the forefront of the firm's operations. Kevin Bartman drives innovation by integrating advanced financial technology tools that enhance the quality of objective advice provided to high-net-worth individuals. This role involves managing the firm's digital transformation to support long-term growth and operational efficiency. By aligning technology with the firm's mission, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital assets contribute to the overall financial well-being of clients. Bartman maintains a focus on robust, secure, and efficient systems that uphold the highest professional standards.

    Tara Ryan - Partner & Chief Marketing Officer

    Tara Ryan, the Partner & Chief Marketing Officer at Cerity Partners, directs the firm's brand strategy and market positioning across the United States. Ryan oversees the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the firm's in-house expertise in financial planning, legal, and tax advisory services. The Partner & Chief Marketing Officer drives client acquisition efforts by communicating the firm's commitment to objective, high-quality financial solutions. Tara Ryan manages the firm's public image, ensuring that the brand reflects the core values of collaboration and excellence. This role involves analyzing market trends to identify new opportunities for growth among high-net-worth individuals and businesses. By crafting compelling narratives that emphasize the firm's people-first approach, the Partner & Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the firm's reputation in the investment advisory industry. Ryan ensures that all marketing initiatives align with the firm's mission to positively impact the financial well-being of every client served.
    Tara Ryan

    Sandra Horne - Partner. Chief of Staff

    Sandra Horne, the Partner. Chief of Staff at Cerity Partners, executes high-level operational strategies that support the firm's national leadership team. Horne oversees the implementation of internal policies that promote a culture of collaboration and accountability across all offices. The Partner. Chief of Staff drives the execution of key organizational projects, ensuring that the firm's financial planning and investment management teams remain focused on client-centric goals. Sandra Horne facilitates communication between the executive team and the broader organization, ensuring that the firm's mission is clearly understood and upheld. This role involves managing complex operational challenges to maintain the highest professional standards. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Partner. Chief of Staff ensures that the firm's resources are effectively deployed to support client needs. Horne plays a vital role in maintaining the firm's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in all aspects of the business.

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    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 Murali Raman (Chief Financial Officer).
    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), Murali Raman (Chief Financial Officer) 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, Chief Financial Officer, Principal. Chief Financial Officer and Senior Business Services Advisor, Principal, Director of Operations Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer.