Patrice Bening is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth, where she brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families align their financial strategies with their values. At Morton, Patrice is deeply involved in Herself, an initiative that empowers women 55+ to take control of their financial futures with clarity and confidence. In her work, she focuses on helping clients not only grow and preserve wealth—but also transfer it thoughtfully, in ways that protect loved ones and reflect personal legacy.

Originally from Romania, Patrice finds inspiration in nature and endurance challenges. She completed the Boston Marathon in 2025 and has summited Mt. Whitney twice. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their border collie, Loki.

She holds a B.S. in Finance from California State University, Northridge, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™️ professional.

Priscilla Brehm, Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth, has spent over 45 years helping clients align their wealth with what matters most. Drawing on her extensive financial expertise, life experience, and “make it better” mindset, she guides individuals in finding purpose, connection, and fulfillment as they transition into retirement. At this year’s symposium, she will share insights on creating meaningful family conversations about money, values, and legacy, offering tools to foster clarity and unity across generations. One of the earliest partners at Morton Wealth, Priscilla has worn many hats throughout the firm’s growth. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, knitting, playing keyboard and singing in her church choir, and practicing martial arts, where she holds a third-degree black belt in MMA.

Sasan Faiz is the Managing Director of Investments at Morton Wealth, where he applies his 33 years of market expertise to uncover unique opportunities for portfolio growth and resilience. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Sasan will dive into two distinct areas of the investment landscape: exploring unconventional alternative assets—from whiskey to marinas—that can offer true diversification and potential for outsized returns, and examining gold’s enduring role as a stabilizing force in volatile markets. With a background that spans aerospace engineering to Merrill Lynch’s fixed income group, Sasan brings a rare blend of quantitative rigor and big-picture perspective to every investment decision. Outside the technical side of markets, he remains grounded in Morton Wealth’s mission to help clients get more life out of their wealth.

‍

Chris Galeski joined Morton Wealth in 2018 and brings over 15 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals align their financial strategies with their personal goals. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Chris will share insights on defining your “number” for retirement, guiding families in meaningful conversations about wealth and legacy, and evaluating real estate funds to determine their fit within a diversified portfolio. His background includes extensive work in financial planning, benefits optimization, and executive compensation during his time as Vice President, Executive Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, serving executives in the entertainment and aerospace industries. Before entering finance, Chris spent six years as a professional golfer, an experience that shaped his focus, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from San Diego State University, where he also competed on the Division I men’s golf team.

‍

Stacey McKinnon, CFP® is COO, CMO, and Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth, where she is dedicated to ensuring clients feel confident in their future, her team finds fulfillment in their careers, and families leave financial conversations with greater connection and clarity. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Stacey will guide attendees through two key real estate-focused decisions: evaluating housing options in retirement that balance comfort, connection, and financial clarity, and assessing the opportunities and challenges of purchasing a second home or investment property. Drawing on her diverse career background—from wedding planning to fitness instruction—Stacey brings empathy, empowerment, and practical insight to help clients align lifestyle aspirations with financial strategy.

Meghan Pinchuk is the Chief Investment Officer at Morton Wealth, where she leads the investment team in building resilient portfolios grounded in the firm’s three core investment tenets: risk management, true diversification, and cash flow. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Meghan will explore how investing in essential housing can provide both stable returns and meaningful social impact. Drawing on her expertise in asset class evaluation, portfolio management, and sourcing unique opportunities, she will share insights into how this sector fits into a well-diversified investment strategy. Meghan is also part of the firm’s executive leadership team and board of managers. Outside of work, she enjoys fencing, reading, and swimming with her two young children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from UCLA, is a CFA® charterholder, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Kevin Rex is known for making financial planning feel personal, practical, and sometimes even fun. Passionate about turning complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies, Kevin helps people create plans that adapt to life’s curveballs and reflect what matters most to them. At this year’s symposium, he will share insights on designing financial strategies that go beyond the numbers, built on intentional listening, real-life relevance, and a healthy dose of humor. Outside of work, Kevin serves on the board for Interface Children & Family Services, loves spending time with his wife and three kids, plays basketball whenever he can, and never misses a chance to explore new places.

Mike Rudow, CFP®, AIF®, CFS® is a wealth advisor at Morton Wealth who brings both strategic insight and deep empathy to the financial decision-making process. With years of experience advising business owners and their families, Mike specializes in helping clients navigate complex transitions with clarity and confidence. His background spans investment consulting, corporate benefit planning, and advanced strategies for closely held businesses. Mike draws on his personal experience and interests to explore AI tools and asset-based lending, adding value where only a trusted human advisor can truly deliver.

Jeff Sarti is CEO of Morton Wealth, where he leads a mission to empower better investors and build a firm where people love to work. Jeff is the author of The Healthy Skeptic, a quarterly publication that challenges conventional thinking in the financial industry. In this session, he’ll share how curiosity, caution, and conviction guide Morton’s investment philosophy—and why asking better questions is key to long-term success. Jeff holds degrees from Stanford and UCLA Anderson and is a CFA® charterholder. He was named one of the 200 Most Influential People in Finance and Insurance by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2024.

‍

Joe Seetoo, CFA®, CFP®, CEPA®, is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth with over 23 years of experience guiding business owners and high-net-worth families through major life transitions. As the architect behind Morton’s Strategist offering, Joe specializes in helping clients define their financial “number” and align their wealth with a deeper sense of purpose. He is the Founder and President of the Conejo Valley chapter of the Exit Planning Institute and is widely recognized for his leadership in the local business community.

‍

Eric Selter is a Senior Partner at Morton Wealth, celebrating 26 years with the firm. Drawing on decades of experience across all types of market environments, Eric helps clients make informed decisions that reflect their unique goals, fears, and values. At this year’s Investor Symposium, he will explore two areas where strategy meets purpose: guiding families through meaningful conversations about money, values, and legacy, and examining how lending in the food sector can deliver steady cash flow while offering resilience in uncertain markets. A lawyer by training and former leader of one of the nation’s premier employee leasing firms, Eric brings both analytical skill and human insight to his work. A graduate of the University of Southern California and Loyola Law School, he also holds a private pilot’s license and often likens the view from the air to Morton Wealth’s investment philosophy: it’s a whole different perspective from up there!

Brian Standing is a Wealth Planner at Morton Wealth, where he advises clients on all aspects of legacy planning, including generational wealth transfer, charitable giving, gift and estate tax strategies, and business succession. In addition to his role at Morton, Brian founded and continues to run an estate planning law firm, serving clients as trust and estate counsel. At this year’s Investor Symposium, he will share strategies for transferring wealth wisely and how to design legacies that protect families, preserve values, and stand the test of time. A Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Brian brings both legal precision and a human touch to complex planning conversations. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing hockey and tennis, coaching soccer, reading, and thinking about Bitcoin.

‍

Bruce Tyson has been advising clients since the early days of the Reagan administration, while simultaneously navigating decades of child-rearing. Over his career, he’s weathered Black Monday, the dot-com boom and bust, and the Great Financial Crisis, bringing a steady, long-term perspective to investing and risk management. At this year’s symposium, he will be drawing on his decades-long expertise to explore current real estate trends and opportunities.

He earned his B.A. in literature and art from Wesleyan University and enjoys spending time with his two daughters, traveling, attending concerts, and reading financial publications.

Sophie Leahy, CFP®, MBA, is a Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth who helps clients define and achieve their life and financial goals. With experience in global banking, financial planning, and advisory roles in the United States, Europe, and Asia, she brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to wealth management. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Sophie will share insights on how different generations from Boomers to Gen Z approach wealth, retirement, and trends like the FIRE movement, and how these perspectives shape family dynamics and financial planning. She values clarity, connection, and lifelong learning, and enjoys competitive paddling, traveling, and time with her husband and three children.

Beau Wirick, Wealth Advisor and leadership team member at Morton Wealth, combines strategic financial expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior to help clients navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence. Drawing on a background in business, coaching, and relationship dynamics, Beau specializes in translating big-picture trends—such as the impact of AI on investing, generational differences in wealth perspectives, and the importance of healthy skepticism—into actionable strategies tailored to clients’ goals. His approach blends curiosity, analytical rigor, and emotional intelligence, ensuring that every conversation leaves people feeling informed, empowered, and understood.

‍

Austin Overholt, Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth, helps individuals and families align their financial plans with their life goals. With experience spanning private investments, client services, and advisory support, he offers a unique perspective on how different generations from Boomers to Gen Z approach wealth, retirement, and trends like the FIRE movement. A Marine Corps veteran with degrees from California State University, Channel Islands and Pepperdine University, Austin combines disciplined service with a passion for helping clients navigate family dynamics and achieve lasting financial success.

‍

Ashley Marks is a Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Cordillera Investment Partners, where she directs the firm’s overarching investment strategy and serves as a director for Cordillera portfolio companies. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Ashley will explore unique alternative investments—such as whiskey, marinas, and more—highlighting opportunities that offer diversification and the potential for outsized returns. Prior to founding Cordillera, she was a Partner at Makena Capital Management, overseeing real estate investments and serving on the firm’s Investment Committee, and earlier worked in real estate private equity and technology investment banking. She holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Axel Merk is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Merk Investments, an investment firm managing over $2 billion in gold and precious metals strategies. He is known for creating the first U.S.-based physical gold ETF with a patented delivery process and is a widely recognized voice on macro economic trends, sustainable wealth, and personal finance.

At this year’s Investor Symposium, Axel will explore how gold can serve as a resilient thread in a portfolio during times of economic uncertainty, sharing insights on using precious metals to enhance stability. His commentary is featured across major financial media.

Axel holds a B.A. in Economics (magna cum laude) and an M.Sc. in ComputerScience from Brown University.

Brad Allen is a Managing Partner at Keystone National Group, where he is active in all aspects of its private credit investment efforts, including the firm’s capital markets, underwriting and reporting initiatives. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Brad will discuss building durable income through diversified credit—showing how these strategies can provide reliable income while enhancing portfolio stability. Prior to joining Keystone, he was a corporate securities attorney at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Palo Alto, representing public and private companies in all types of securities transactions. He was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in California and an active member of the State Bar of California. Brad holds a B.S. in Accounting and a J.D. from Brigham Young University.

Clay Grubb is CEO of Grubb Properties, a company with a 60+ year legacy in multi-family and commercial real estate. Born into the business, Clay began collecting mortgages for his father’s housing company at age 12, learning early lessons in compassion and the value of homeownership. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Clay will share insights on investing in essential housing—demonstrating how strategic real estate investments can deliver stable returns while addressing critical societal needs. Under his leadership, Grubb Properties has pursued more than $3 billion in acquisitions and development and today has more than 8,500 multifamily units and 2 million square feet of commercial space in its portfolio, all while pursuing innovative solutions to today’s housing affordability crisis. Clay holds a BSM in Finance and Economics from Tulane University and a JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He is the author of “Creating the Urban Dream,” published by Forbes Books in 2020.

Greg Eisenman is a seasoned professional with over 16 years of experience in the Employee Benefits Industry, including his tenure with Gallagher since 2018. As a Market Leader, he is instrumental in driving growth and innovation within the 100 to 2,000 employee segment and serves on multiple Broker Advisory Councils. Greg collaborates with a diverse range of companies, from start-ups to large multinational corporations, focusing on strategy, plan design, and negotiations. 

Renowned for his progressive thinking, fierce passion, and dedication to helping others, Greg has been recognized as a “Leading Advisor” in Worth magazine.He prides himself on assisting employers in developing “best-in-class” benefit packages while streamlining processes and administration to simplify their operations. 

Greg has extensive experience working with clients in the Entertainment, Technology, and Private-Equity sectors. His specific focus in these areas provides him with a unique understanding of his clients' needs and the white-glove level of service they expect. Additionally, Greg works with clients in Finance, Manufacturing, and various family-owned businesses, consistently demonstrating his commitment to delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions. 

Greg is from the Los Angeles area, where he currently resides with his family. He is an avid traveler, having visited over 35 states and 25 countries.  He is a credit cards points enthusiast who has used his insight and knowledge to fund most of these travels for free or with limited expense.

John Ahn is Portfolio Manager, Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder of WhiteHawk Capital Partners, a middle-market direct lending fund and SEC registered investment advisor that focuses on asset-based loans. He previously served in the same role at Great American Capital Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of B. Riley Financial. Prior to joining B. Riley, John held numerous leadership positions in the investment banking and sales and trading sectors. He has over 35 years of experience in lending and capital markets, including high-yield loans, distressed debt, and working with middle-market companies

John is also Chairman of the Board of Hanmi Bank and Hanmi Financial Corporation, the firstKorean-American Bank in the U.S. Mr. Ahn earned his B.A. degree in economics from Williams College.

Julia Cirbo is a co-founder of NOW Collective, an athleisure brand for dancers. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in downtown Los Angeles, earning a degree in Merchandise Marketing. Outside of work, she loves to travel with her husband, Nick, and their children.

Liz Dietz is a founder and principal of the Love of Aging movement, which she co-created with Candace Shivers and Maureen Charles. With 35 years of experience transforming higher education through technology, Liz has held executive roles at companies including Workday, PeopleSoft, CedarCrestone, and XAP, and began her career designing student systems at UCLA and Loyola Marymount University.

At this year’s Investor Symposium, Liz will guide attendees on finding purpose in their golden years—exploring how retirement can be a meaningful new chapter filled with connection, fulfilment, and personal growth. She currently serves on the Board of Feed the Hungry and has been a sought-after speaker on women in leadership, entrepreneurship, technology trends, and social activism.

Nicole Rex is Co-Founder of The Stream Protection Plan and Founder of Watermark Life, where she helps financial advisors, CPAs, RIAs, estate attorneys, and independent agents integrate sophisticated life insurance solutions into their planning strategies. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Nicole will guide attendees on making “Memory Bank” deposits—planning vacations that are both meaningful and financially aligned with their values, helping clients invest in experiences that enrich their lives. Known for her integrity, collaborative approach, and concierge-level service, Nicole provides advisors with expert guidance, real-time underwriting support, and access to over 50 top life insurance carriers, along with exclusive tools through The Stream Plan platform and a fully accredited training program. When asked about her favorite activities outside of work, Nicole says travelling with her husband and kids is by far number one, which makes her a perfect presenter for this panel.

Peter Knell is Managing Director and President of KCB Real Estate. Since joining KCB in 2003, Peter has raised over $500 million of capital and overseen the acquisition of more than 150 properties with an asset value exceeding $2 billion. He has served on the boards of several companies and not-for-profit institutions. Peter holds a B.A. with highest honors from Princeton University, a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and a Doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Texas. His compositions have received international recognition and may be heard on major streaming services.  At this year’s Investor Symposium, Peter will explore finding opportunities in real estate—sharing insights into current market trends and how to identify attractive investment prospects.

Rich Gammill is the Managing Partner of Proterra Investment Partners, an alternative investment manager with $3.5 billion in assets under management, specializing in private equity and private credit investments across the food value chain. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Rich will explore how lending in the food sector can generate steady, recession-resistant cash flow, offering insights into the unique opportunities within this essential industry. Prior to Proterra, he served as Senior Managing Director for food sector-focused private equity funds at Black River Asset Management, a division of Cargill, and was a principal and partner at DynaFund Ventures, a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm. Rich holds an M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Harvey Mudd College.

Stephen de Man is a Vice President in Dimensional’s Global Client Group. Based in the Austin office, Stephen works on the Practice Management team, helping financial advisors gain strategic insight into their business by reviewing performance and comparing practices with those of like-minded peers. Stephen has worked with numerous advisors and RIAs globally, with the goal of helping them implement strategies that drive growth, profitability, and success.

Stephen is a leading voice on how advisors are using artificial intelligence. He sits on the Advise AI planning committee, has spoken at the Financial Planning Magazine’s Virtual AI Summit on the role of agentic AI, and has been asked to keynote several industry speaking events on the topic of AI.  At this year’s Investor Symposium, Stephen will explore the power of generative AI and how advisors are using it in their practice.

Stephen is a graduate of the G2 Leadership Institute. He began his career as a civics teacher in rural Texas through Teach For America. He earned an MBA from the University of Texas, a master’s degree in policy and organizational leadership studies from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.

He can be seen here on the Dimensional Voices video: Pocket Constitution

‍

Wesley Carpenter is a Founder and Partner of Stormfield Capital, LLC, where he leads the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio management. He serves on both the management and investment committees and plays a central role in credit and risk oversight across the platform. At this year’s Investor Symposium, Wesley will discuss generating income through real estate lending—demonstrating how private lending in real estate can provide consistent income backed by strong collateral. With over 15 years of experience in real estate credit and structured finance, he previously served as Vice President at Greenwich Associates, advising senior executives on balance sheet optimization and structured credit strategies, and began his career in Corporate Development at Illinois Tool Works, focusing on M&A and global strategic growth initiatives. He holds a B.S. from Fairfield University and an M.B.A. from Binghamton University.

Ian Rennick is a Wealth Advisor at Morton Wealth with over four years of experience in the financial services industry. He works closely with clients to align their financial strategies with the life they want to create, ensuring their plans support both present needs and long-term aspirations. Known for bringing fresh perspective and genuine enthusiasm, Ian fosters strong relationships built on trust and collaboration. His approach combines technical knowledge with a people-first mindset, helping clients feel confident and empowered in their financial decision-making. He will be exploring diversified credit strategies at this year’s symposium.

‍

Jason Naiman recently retired from Morton Wealth after 33 years as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. Over the course of his career, he provided comprehensive financial guidance to clients—ranging from investment strategy and wealth planning to navigating the deeply personal decisions around retirement, including where and how to live. In this session, Jason will draw on both his professional experience and his own retirement journey to explore the pros and cons of various living options.

Jason began his career in the life insurance industry with Manufacturer’s Life Insurance Company (now John Hancock), where he earned the prestigious CLU and ChFC designations and qualified as a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. After nearly 15 years in that field and a brief stint in real estate, he joined Morton Wealth in 1991. Now, after nearly six decades of professional experience and at the age of 80, Jason has chosen to “pass the torch”—but not before sharing his own journey and reflections on retirement living.

Jason’s interests include baseball, music, reading, politics, and he has studied the JFK assassination for 50+ years. He has been married for 43 years and is the proud father of three children, grandfather to seven grandsons, and great-grandfather to eleven.

Michael Grosslight is a Client Relationship Specialist at Morton Wealth, where he focuses on building long-term connections with clients and helping them navigate their financial journeys with confidence. With a background in finance technology and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business, Michael brings a blend of technical insight and client service expertise to his work. At this year’s symposium, he will be exploring how diversified credit strategies can provide reliable income and enhance portfolio stability.

Nick Cirbo is a Senior Advisor Consultant with Invesco, covering the greater Los Angeles area up to San Luis Obispo. Since joining Invesco in 2005, he has held roles in Miami, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and now Westlake Village, CA, supporting wealth management teams with business consulting, portfolio consulting, and legacy planning for HNW and UHNW families. Nick has earned Advisor Consultant of the Year for his Division multiple times, most recently in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He holds a Finance degree from the University of San Francisco, where he captained the baseball team, along with the CIMA®, CPWA®, and CEPA® designations. Originally from Colorado, Nick enjoys golf, tennis, and skiing, and in his personal time loves traveling with his wife Julia, as well as spending time with their two children, Brindisi and Cade.