Steward Partners Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Steward Partners has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and legal.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Steward Partners provides comprehensive wealth management solutions, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence to achieve significant growth in the financial services industry.

Leadership Roles at Steward Partners

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Gold
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Faber
  • President - Michael Wiginton
  • President - Joseph Monaco
  • President & Founder - Dean Martin
  • President, Strategic Growth Northern Region - Matthew Zimmerman
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Gregory Banasz
  • Chief Legal Officer Head of Strategic Initiatives - Peter Ruhlin
  • Senior Vice President and Manager, Operations - Erica Ricketts
  • PresidentnStaff AccountantnSteward Partners Global Advisoryn100 Campus Drive, Suite 110nFlorham Park - Connor Eppel
  • James Gold - Chief Executive Officer

    James Gold, the Chief Executive Officer at Steward Partners, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the employee-owned financial services firm. Gold's leadership guides the company's expansion and commitment to providing comprehensive wealth management solutions for families and businesses. Overseeing all major corporate initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the firm's core values of collaboration and excellence. This executive role involves driving the company's growth trajectory within the competitive financial industry. By focusing on client-centric service delivery, James Gold actively shapes the firm's market position and operational effectiveness, ensuring Steward Partners continues to represent top-tier advisors and deliver significant value to multigenerational investors across its service offerings.
    James Gold

    Joseph Faber - Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Faber, the Chief Financial Officer at Steward Partners, manages the firm's financial operations, planning, and reporting. Faber oversees all fiscal activities, ensuring financial stability and supporting the strategic growth objectives of the employee-owned organization. The Chief Financial Officer directs budgeting, forecasting, and investment analysis, providing critical insights to guide executive decision-making. This role is essential for maintaining the transparency and financial health necessary for a full-service independent financial services firm. By optimizing financial processes and resource allocation, Joseph Faber contributes directly to Steward Partners' ability to deliver comprehensive wealth management solutions and achieve its ambitious growth targets in a dynamic market.

    Michael Wiginton - President

    Michael Wiginton, the President at Steward Partners, drives operational excellence and strategic execution across key business units. Wiginton focuses on enhancing the firm's service delivery and fostering the collaborative culture that defines Steward Partners. The President oversees the integration of wealth planning, private banking, and institutional consulting services, ensuring seamless client experiences. This executive position is vital for translating the company's mission into tangible results for families, businesses, and multigenerational investors. By championing operational efficiencies and strategic partnerships, Michael Wiginton supports the firm's continued expansion and its commitment to representing some of the U.S.'s top advisors.

    Joseph Monaco - President

    Joseph Monaco, the President at Steward Partners, drives strategic growth and operational oversight for key segments of the firm. Monaco focuses on enhancing client relationships and expanding the firm's reach within the independent financial services sector. The President leads initiatives aimed at strengthening the collaborative culture and ensuring the delivery of high-quality wealth management solutions. This executive role is crucial for advancing Steward Partners' mission to support families, businesses, and multigenerational investors. By championing strategic development and operational improvements, Joseph Monaco plays a significant part in the firm's sustained growth and its commitment to representing top-tier financial advisors across the U.S.

    Dean Martin - President & Founder

    Dean Martin, the President & Founder at Steward Partners, established the firm with a vision for an employee-owned, independent financial services model. Martin guides the company's foundational principles and long-term strategic direction, ensuring the continuation of its collaborative and client-focused culture. The President & Founder oversees the firm's commitment to representing some of the U.S.'s top advisors and delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions. This pivotal role is central to Steward Partners' identity and its success in a competitive market. By upholding the founding vision and driving strategic initiatives, Dean Martin continues to shape the firm's growth and its impact on families, businesses, and multigenerational investors.

    Matthew Zimmerman - President, Strategic Growth Northern Region

    Matthew Zimmerman, the President, Strategic Growth Northern Region at Steward Partners, spearheads expansion initiatives and client acquisition within the northern territories. Zimmerman focuses on developing and executing strategies to enhance the firm's market penetration and service offerings in this key geographic area. The President, Strategic Growth Northern Region oversees regional business development, fostering relationships with advisors and clients to drive revenue growth. This leadership position is critical for extending Steward Partners' reach and reinforcing its reputation for excellence. By leading targeted growth efforts in the Northern Region, Matthew Zimmerman directly contributes to the firm's overall expansion and its ability to provide comprehensive wealth management solutions.

    Gregory Banasz - Chief Marketing Officer

    Gregory Banasz, the Chief Marketing Officer at Steward Partners, architects and executes the firm's comprehensive marketing and brand strategy. Banasz drives initiatives to enhance Steward Partners' market presence and communicate its value proposition as a leading independent financial services firm. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees all external communications, digital marketing efforts, and client engagement campaigns designed to attract and retain families, businesses, and multigenerational investors. This leadership position is critical for reinforcing the firm's culture of collaboration and excellence. By developing targeted outreach programs, Gregory Banasz ensures the firm's wealth management solutions and unique employee-owned model resonate with prospective clients and industry partners, supporting the company's sustained growth and competitive standing.
    Gregory Banasz
    Peter Ruhlin, the Chief Legal Officer Head of Strategic Initiatives at Steward Partners, provides critical legal counsel and spearheads the development of new strategic growth opportunities. Ruhlin ensures the firm operates with the highest standards of compliance and governance while identifying and advancing key business development efforts. The Chief Legal Officer Head of Strategic Initiatives oversees all legal matters, risk management, and the exploration of innovative service offerings. This dual role is fundamental to protecting the firm's interests and driving its expansion within the financial services sector. By expertly navigating complex legal landscapes and identifying strategic pathways, Peter Ruhlin significantly contributes to Steward Partners' robust growth and its reputation for excellence.
    Peter Ruhlin

    Erica Ricketts - Senior Vice President and Manager, Operations

    Erica Ricketts, the Senior Vice President and Manager, Operations at Steward Partners, directs the day-to-day operational functions that support the firm's comprehensive wealth management solutions. Ricketts ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes, enabling Steward Partners to deliver exceptional service to clients. The Senior Vice President and Manager, Operations oversees the execution of operational strategies, managing teams and systems critical to client onboarding, service delivery, and back-office support. This leadership role is integral to maintaining the firm's commitment to transparency and collaboration. By optimizing operational workflows, Erica Ricketts directly contributes to the firm's ability to scale its services and support its growing base of families, businesses, and multigenerational investors.

    Connor Eppel - PresidentnStaff AccountantnSteward Partners Global Advisoryn100 Campus Drive, Suite 110nFlorham Park

    Connor Eppel, the PresidentnStaff AccountantnSteward Partners Global Advisoryn100 Campus Drive, Suite 110nFlorham Park at Steward Partners, manages critical financial accounting functions and contributes to the firm's advisory services. Eppel ensures accurate financial reporting and supports the operational integrity of Steward Partners Global Advisory. The PresidentnStaff AccountantnSteward Partners Global Advisoryn100 Campus Drive, Suite 110nFlorham Park oversees accounting processes, contributing to the firm's financial transparency and compliance. This role is vital for maintaining the robust financial infrastructure that underpins the firm's comprehensive wealth management solutions. By diligently managing accounting operations, Connor Eppel supports Steward Partners' commitment to excellence and its growth within the financial services industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Steward Partners Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Steward Partners?
    Steward Partners is led by James Gold (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Faber (Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Wiginton (President).
    Who is part of Steward Partners’s executive team?
    The executive team of Steward Partners includes leaders such as James Gold (Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Faber (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Wiginton (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Steward Partners have?
    Steward Partners has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Steward Partners’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Steward Partners includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President & Founder.