Leadership Overview
Hilltop Securities has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, investment banking, financial oversight, operational efficiency, administrative governance, wealth management, and regional leadership.
Committed to excellence in investment banking, Hilltop Securities delivers comprehensive public finance, wealth management, and structured finance solutions to clients across the United States.
Committed to excellence in investment banking, Hilltop Securities delivers comprehensive public finance, wealth management, and structured finance solutions to clients across the United States.
Leadership Roles at Hilltop Securities
Brad Winges - President & Chief Executive Officer
Brad Winges, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Hilltop Securities, directs the overarching strategic vision for the investment bank. Overseeing all public finance and wealth management divisions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine market positioning and expand the firm's footprint across North American financial markets. By optimizing capital allocation and driving operational excellence, Brad Winges directly impacts the firm's ability to provide structured finance solutions. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for client service while navigating complex regulatory environments. Through decisive leadership, Winges secures the firm's reputation as a premier investment partner. This executive focus on sustainable growth and market stability defines the current trajectory of the organization, ensuring that all departments remain synchronized with the broader corporate mission of delivering high-value financial expertise to diverse institutional and individual clients.

Michael Edge - Chief Financial Officer
Michael Edge, the Chief Financial Officer at Hilltop Securities, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the investment bank. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a robust balance sheet to support public finance and wealth management operations. This leadership role involves providing critical data-driven insights to the executive team to facilitate informed decision-making regarding market expansion. By monitoring liquidity and risk exposure, Michael Edge drives the financial stability necessary for long-term success. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with internal audit teams to uphold transparency and regulatory compliance across all regional operations. Through disciplined fiscal management, Edge optimizes resource allocation to maximize shareholder value. This executive focus on financial integrity and performance metrics allows the Chief Financial Officer to support the firm's strategic initiatives effectively. Ultimately, Edge ensures that the organization possesses the necessary capital resources to thrive in the competitive landscape of modern investment banking.
David Holleran - Chief Operating Officer
David Holleran, the Chief Operating Officer at Hilltop Securities, directs the internal infrastructure and operational workflows that support the firm's investment banking activities. Overseeing technology integration and process optimization, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that wealth management and fixed income teams operate with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental communication to enhance service delivery across the United States. By implementing scalable systems, David Holleran drives productivity and reduces operational friction within the organization. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technical capabilities with the firm's broader strategic goals. Through continuous improvement initiatives, Holleran strengthens the firm's ability to handle complex financial transactions with speed and accuracy. This executive focus on operational excellence allows the Chief Operating Officer to support the firm's growth objectives while maintaining high standards of service. Ultimately, Holleran ensures that the internal environment remains agile and responsive to the evolving demands of the financial services industry.
John Muschalek - Executive Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management and President of Momentum Independent Network
John Muschalek, the Executive Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management and President of Momentum Independent Network at Hilltop Securities, directs the firm's comprehensive wealth management strategies and independent advisor network. Overseeing client-facing services and advisor support, the Executive Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management and President of Momentum Independent Network ensures that individual investors receive high-quality financial guidance. This leadership role involves expanding the firm's reach across the United States by recruiting and supporting top-tier financial advisors. By driving growth in the wealth management sector, John Muschalek enhances the firm's market presence and revenue diversification. The Executive Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management and President of Momentum Independent Network collaborates with other leaders to integrate wealth management solutions with the firm's broader investment banking capabilities. Through a focus on client-centric service and advisor empowerment, Muschalek strengthens the firm's reputation. This executive focus on wealth management excellence allows the firm to provide holistic financial solutions to a diverse client base.
Mary Ann Dunda - President
Mary Ann Dunda, the President at Hilltop Securities, directs specific business units focused on specialized financial services and market expansion. Overseeing the execution of targeted investment strategies, the President ensures that the firm maintains a competitive advantage in niche financial sectors. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to drive performance and achieve operational targets across regional markets. By fostering innovation in service delivery, Mary Ann Dunda drives the firm's ability to meet the unique needs of institutional and individual clients. The President works closely with the executive team to refine business processes and enhance the firm's overall market impact. Through strategic oversight and decisive action, Dunda supports the firm's commitment to excellence in public finance and structured finance. This executive focus on specialized growth allows the President to contribute significantly to the firm's long-term success. Ultimately, Dunda ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of the investment banking industry through consistent performance and strategic agility.
Clare Graca - Chief Administrative Officer
Clare Graca, the Chief Administrative Officer at Hilltop Securities, governs the organizational policies and administrative frameworks that sustain the firm's daily operations. Overseeing human capital management, corporate facilities, and internal governance, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all departments function within a cohesive and compliant environment. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of professional excellence that supports the firm's public finance and wealth management objectives. By managing corporate resources and administrative workflows, Clare Graca drives organizational efficiency and employee engagement. The Chief Administrative Officer works closely with the executive team to implement policies that reflect the firm's commitment to integrity and service. Through strategic oversight of administrative functions, Graca enables the firm to maintain a stable foundation for growth. This executive focus on organizational health allows the Chief Administrative Officer to support the broader mission of the investment bank. Ultimately, Graca ensures that the firm's internal operations remain aligned with its long-term strategic vision.
Akshai Patel - Managing Director
Akshai Patel, the Managing Director at Hilltop Securities, architects complex investment strategies within the firm's structured finance division. Overseeing high-stakes transactions, the Managing Director ensures that institutional clients receive tailored financial solutions that align with specific risk profiles. This leadership role involves collaborating with public finance teams to identify emerging market opportunities across the United States. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Akshai Patel drives revenue growth through the execution of sophisticated fixed income products. The Managing Director maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that all investment activities adhere to the firm's stringent quality standards. Through meticulous analysis and strategic foresight, Patel enhances the competitive edge of the investment bank. This focus on precision and market intelligence allows the Managing Director to navigate volatile economic conditions effectively. Ultimately, Patel secures the firm's position as a leader in the investment banking sector by consistently delivering superior financial outcomes for a broad range of institutional partners.
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