An advisor who oversaw $1.2 billion joined Verdence Capital, a $2 billion RIA with ambitious growth plans.
Meg Sheil-Puopolo, who previously worked at Fidelity Investments, joined Verdence in Baltimore where she will serve high-net-worth clients and families. Hires such as Sheil-Puopolo are key to Verdence’s expansion efforts, says CEO Leo Kelly.
Verdence, which was
“What we know is that as we grow AUM, it affords us the resources to build out this offering,” Kelly says.
The move comes on the heels of a number of
But recent departures from the Broker Protocol have complicated some of these career transitions. For instance, non-protocol member firm Morgan Stanley
For her part, Sheil-Puopolo says she was drawn to Verdence because of its resources, corporate environment, fiduciary status and the opportunity to be part of something “growing from the ground up.” She knew of Verdence because of her friendship with the firm’s COO.
“I met with the team and I was really impressed with them and their unique way of doing planning. It’s really collaborative,” she says.
Amit Ranjan is Executive Vice President, Global Head of Data and Risk Analytics at Xceedance, a global consulting, technology, and operations leader for insurance organizations. With 25 years of diverse experience, he oversees catastrophe modeling, actuarial and data insight services. He specializes in leveraging advanced modeling techniques, statistical analysis, and data-driven strategies to optimize underwriting, pricing, and portfolio management.
David Klasing Esq. CPA M.S.-Tax, is founder and managing attorney at the
Nicole is a strategic HR leader with demonstrated experience collaborating with all levels of leadership to drive successful People initiatives in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Known as an out-of-the-box thinker who offers creative and effective solutions to support an exceptional employee experience and drive high performing teams.
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Kelly says he was “excited” about the prospect of hiring after that meeting. “She passed the first and foremost important test: She fit the culture. She was client first, and passionate and caring. You can’t fake passion and caring.”
Sheil-Puopolo had been with Fidelity for 18 years, having transitioned into financial planning after working as a molecular biologist.
Sheil-Puopolo says preferred affiliating with an existing RIA to starting her own because she didn’t want to be tied down with burdens of running a firm. “I enjoy getting to know my clients, planning and building relationships. That’s what I wanted to be at the forefront of what I am doing.”
Her move to Verdence follows the firm’s hiring in March of former NFL player Noel LaMontagne, who now serves as a client relationship manager focused on sports and entertainment.
Verdence, which is headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, also has two offices in Northern Virginia.
