Executive Leadership

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As Founder and Managing Partner he is responsible for setting the firm’s strategic vision, guiding its long-term growth, and overseeing all aspects of leadership, governance, and client engagement. He leads the firm’s mission to deliver institutional-grade investment distribution solutions built on trust, performance, and enduring partner

As Founder and Managing Partner he is responsible for setting the firm’s strategic vision, guiding its long-term growth, and overseeing all aspects of leadership, governance, and client engagement. He leads the firm’s mission to deliver institutional-grade investment distribution solutions built on trust, performance, and enduring partnerships. His role encompasses executive management, strategic planning, relationship management, and the cultivation of a high-performance culture aligned with the firm’s values.

He brings a distinguished career as a senior leader across top-performing global asset management firms, where he consistently delivered results as a top performer. Known for his natural ability to build deep, durable interpersonal relationships, he has earned the confidence of institutional clients, partners, and colleagues alike. His leadership is defined by strategic insight, disciplined execution, and an unwavering focus on long-term value creation.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University, with a specialization in Finance and Strategic Management, and a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in Camden, New Jersey, where he graduated summa cum laude as a member of the Honors College. His academic background reflects both intellectual rigor and a commitment to excellence that continues to shape his professional approach.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a passionate world traveler and amateur historian, driven by a deep intellectual curiosity about the evolution of societies and cultures throughout human history. In his adolescence, he was a passionate amateur boxer and credits his time spent with Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame member, Richie Kates, as one of his most formative and cherished childhood experiences—an influence he attributes to the development of his discipline, resilience, and character. Above all, he values his role as a father and takes great pride in caring for his daughter, Eva Sofia.

As counsel to a2, Patrick oversees the company’s legal and compliance efforts. Patrick also serves as Chair of the Investment Management practice at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP and represents and supports investment advisers and broker-dealers in the development and administration of their compliance programs, including the creation and

As counsel to a2, Patrick oversees the company’s legal and compliance efforts. Patrick also serves as Chair of the Investment Management practice at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP and represents and supports investment advisers and broker-dealers in the development and administration of their compliance programs, including the creation and implementation of policies and procedures governing all activities of the registrant. His clients include wealth managers, private fund advisers, family offices, ERISA investment fiduciaries, dual registrants, broker-dealers, cryptotraders, mutual fund trusts, and institutional asset managers. Patrick carries both Series 7 and Series 24 securities licenses and is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since 2022, Patrick has been recognized by Chambers & Partners as a Leading Lawyer, most recently ranked in both the Chambers Global Legal 2023 Guide and the Chambers USA 2023 Guide in Investment Funds: Regulatory & Compliance, Band 2 in the USA: Nationwide jurisdiction. In 2020, Patrick launched The Securities Compliance Podcast: Compliance in Context™, a show designed as a personal master class for the securities industry’s legal and compliance professional.

Throughout his personal and professional life, Louis Hanna, JD, our Founder & Managing Member been a conduit for competitive intelligence, strategic advice/relationships, & monetizing financial services businesses with an emphasis on the wealth management and asset management sectors. Louis has approximately thirty (30) years of broad-bas

Throughout his personal and professional life, Louis Hanna, JD, our Founder & Managing Member been a conduit for competitive intelligence, strategic advice/relationships, & monetizing financial services businesses with an emphasis on the wealth management and asset management sectors. Louis has approximately thirty (30) years of broad-based executive and entrepreneurial experience across virtually all facets of the financial services industry including wealth management, asset management, family offices, alternative/traditional investments, real estate & philanthropy.

Throughout his career, he has worked closely with financial advisors, ensemble groups, teams, enterprise groups, OSJs, broker-dealers, and RIAs in optimizing, growing and monetizing their businesses via transitioning to a new firm/platform, succession/exit planning, practice acquisitions, infusing differentiated traditional/alternative investments into their practice/offering, M&A, client acquisition & client/VIP social events.

Outside of business, Louis enjoys spending time with his 15 year son Cole including traveling throughout South Jersey & Philly discovering & supporting new restaurants, wines, local farms, non-profits & social ventures.

An attorney by training, he is a first-generation high school, college & law school graduate. Quoted in The Family Office Book, Investing Capital for the Ultra Affluent, AdvisorHub, ThinkAdvisor, On Wall Street, Registered Rep, Real Estate Alert, and HedgeFund Alert.

Michael Palladino is a strategic advisor, international keynote speaker, and transformation leader with 20+ years of experience helping organizations align strategy, execution, and emerging technology. He is frequently engaged by executives and leadership teams to bring an outsides perspective, challenge assumptions, and help leaders tran

Michael Palladino is a strategic advisor, international keynote speaker, and transformation leader with 20+ years of experience helping organizations align strategy, execution, and emerging technology. He is frequently engaged by executives and leadership teams to bring an outsides perspective, challenge assumptions, and help leaders translate bold strategy into measurable outcomes.

Michael has delivered high-impact keynotes and advisory sessions on AI & Humanity, Agile, leadership, and enterprise transformation across multiple countries and U.S. states, engaging audiences of up to 600 attendees. His work spans strategic planning, enterprise agility, program management, and operational excellence, with deep experience applying AI and modern operating models across multiple industries.

Most recently, Michael served as Director of Enterprise Agility at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he partnered closely with senior executives, including the Chief of Staff to the CEO, on enterprise-level strategic programs. In this role, he advised leaders on scaling agility, aligning transformation initiatives to corporate strategy, and navigating complex organizational change.

Earlier in his career, Michael was CFO and CIO of Personal Eyes, an optometric practice, where he combined financial leadership, technology strategy, and operational improvement to drive business performance.  He’s continued to use that experience to inform his pragmatic, business-first advisory approach.

Michael is an adjunct professor at Columbia University teaching in the Master’s Program for Heads of Schools, and Villanova University, where he designs and teaches graduate-level courses in Agile and Project Management. He is the creator and instructor of multiple academic programs and was featured in Villanova University’s President’s Report for excellence in teaching and leadership. He is also a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) instructor and Past President of PMI-DVC.

A published author and frequent podcast guest, Michael writes and speaks on AI, transformation, leadership, communication, networking, and Agile. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Drexel University and an Executive MBA from Villanova University.

Tim Checko has 30+ years of experience at the forefront of next-generation product development for Fortune 500 financial services companies. He has pioneered first-of-their-kind technical solutions that have dramatically improved the client experience while saving billions of dollars in costs. Today, he is dedicated to identifying future 

Tim Checko has 30+ years of experience at the forefront of next-generation product development for Fortune 500 financial services companies. He has pioneered first-of-their-kind technical solutions that have dramatically improved the client experience while saving billions of dollars in costs. Today, he is dedicated to identifying future fintech disruptors and mentoring the next generation of leaders to solve real-world business needs through emerging technology.   

Tim previously served as Executive Vice President of Advisor Experience at LPL Financial, where he launched a proprietary one-click rebalancing tool and overhauled hundreds of commission reports into a single, streamlined dashboard used by thousands of advisors.   

Prior to joining LPL, Tim spent 15 years with Merrill Lynch and Bank of America as a Managing Director of Advisory product development. He pioneered Merrill’s initial push into AI and predictive analytics, developing practice management tools that drove more than $50 billion in new AUM. He also developed an award-winning advisor workstation that saved over two million hours of work through deep workflow integration and speed.      

Earlier in his career, Tim oversaw all operations of BankofAmerica.com. While there, he integrated the AI virtual assistant “Erica” into the platform, which has automated billions of client interactions to date. He also helped launch the BankAmeriDeals rewards program and ensured a seamless digital integration between the Bank of America and Merrill Lynch websites.   

A graduate of Duke University with a B.A. in Economics, Tim holds an extensive suite of industry licenses, including Series 7, 24, 27, 63, 65, 4, and 8.

Steve Mitchels is a relationship-driven business development and account management leader with 20+ years of experience helping financial services and fintech organizations grow revenue, deepen client relationships, and improve outcomes. He has built his career across wealth management, asset management, and fintech, with a track record o

Steve Mitchels is a relationship-driven business development and account management leader with 20+ years of experience helping financial services and fintech organizations grow revenue, deepen client relationships, and improve outcomes. He has built his career across wealth management, asset management, and fintech, with a track record of managing strategic accounts, driving retention and expansion, and serving as a trusted partner to stakeholders ranging from day-to-day users to senior executives. Known for his consultative approach, Steve excels at understanding client goals, aligning internal teams around solutions, and turning complex business needs into actionable growth opportunities.

With experience at firms such as Fidelity Investments, Voya Investment Management, and FIS Global, Steve brings a blend of relationship management, sales strategy, client success, and financial services expertise. He is especially effective in fast-paced environments where he can collaborate cross-functionally, strengthen partnerships, and help companies serving wealth and asset managers scale with purpose and discipline.

Steve holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Rutgers University. In his free time he enjoys snowboarding, camping and hiking all over the world.

Kyle A. Darby is a lobbyist and political strategist based in Philadelphia, PA and Camden County, NJ. He is the President and CEO of Darby Public Strategies, a bipartisan consulting firm specializing in government relations, business advisory, and political consultation services. Throughout his career, Darby has assisted clients in variou

Kyle A. Darby is a lobbyist and political strategist based in Philadelphia, PA and Camden County, NJ. He is the President and CEO of Darby Public Strategies, a bipartisan consulting firm specializing in government relations, business advisory, and political consultation services. Throughout his career, Darby has assisted clients in various industries, including real estate and development, healthcare, social and environmental justice, entertainment, professional sports, cannabis, cybersecurity, transportation, digital connectivity, and logistics. 

Kyle gained experience working in the U.S. Senate before serving as a senior adviser to many lobbying firms in the Northeast United States, including national law firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s federal and multi-state government relations practice. Due to his expertise on both sides of the aisle and throughout the country, Kyle led government relations for Reform Alliance in eight states and in coordination with the White House in 2019 before launching his firm.  In 2023, Kyle served as the senior policy advisor to the campaign of Cherelle Parker, the 100th Mayor of Philadelphia. 

Kyle earned a B.A. in political science from Stockton University, an M.A. in public policy from Temple University, and an Executive Education Certificate in strategic leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. 

Kyle has a profound interest in economic development in Africa and has worked on pre-feasibility studies for modernization and infrastructure projects, particularly in the Horn of Africa, since 2016.  This led to Kyle founding the U.S. African Trade Alliance (USATA), which focuses on empowering U.S. enterprises to access high growth African markets by providing project advisory services, strategic investment matchmaking, and unlocking cross sectoral opportunities.

Kyle currently sits on the board of directors for Live Work Philadelphia, Generocity, and A Seat At The Table.  He is also a trustee of the permanent fund at William Penn Harmony Lodge #52 of the Pennsylvania Freemasons.

He enjoys spending time with his family, going on adventures with his son, watching Philadelphia sports, and golfing.

Brian Russell is a strategic advisor with a proven track record of developing initiatives and driving organizational success through insightful strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and seamless execution. He has spent 10+ years working closely with C-Suite and executive leadership of Fortune-50 organizations as a management con

Brian Russell is a strategic advisor with a proven track record of developing initiatives and driving organizational success through insightful strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and seamless execution. He has spent 10+ years working closely with C-Suite and executive leadership of Fortune-50 organizations as a management consultant, specializing in organizational transformation and Office of the CFO strategic initiatives. Most recently he's worked closely with senior leadership at a pharmaceutical firm where he's helped the organization become an industry leader, achieving a CAGR of 29% over the past five years. He possesses an exceptional ability to assess business operations from the ground up – identifying trends or opportunities for improvement, developing actionable strategies, aligning them to best-in-class industry standards, and providing a framework for organizations to achieve their long-term objectives.

Brian holds a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University, with specializations in Finance, Marketing, and Strategic Leadership.

Brad Myers is an entrepreneur and operator with a career spanning venture capital, technology, Bitcoin, and consumer brands.

He co-founded Locale Outdoor, a destination retail and licensing apparel business, before honing his value creation instincts at Deloitte Investments. He then held revenue leadership roles at public and venture-backe

Brad Myers is an entrepreneur and operator with a career spanning venture capital, technology, Bitcoin, and consumer brands.

He co-founded Locale Outdoor, a destination retail and licensing apparel business, before honing his value creation instincts at Deloitte Investments. He then held revenue leadership roles at public and venture-backed technology companies, before co-founding Early Riders, a Bitcoin venture capital firm.

Today, he is focused on acquiring and growing small businesses built to endure AI disruption, a strategy rooted in his belief that commodity, commodity-adjacent, or lightly regulated businesses have staying power in a world of deflationary forces.

Steven serves as Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the firm’s financial strategy, reporting, and fiscal oversight. In this role, he oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, financial reporting, and the development of internal controls designed to support sustainable gro

Steven serves as Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the firm’s financial strategy, reporting, and fiscal oversight. In this role, he oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, financial reporting, and the development of internal controls designed to support sustainable growth within a highly regulated investment distribution environment. He works closely with executive leadership to align financial planning with the firm’s long-term strategic objectives while ensuring transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance across all financial operations.

Steven brings significant experience in financial management, operational budgeting, and the implementation of disciplined financial processes that support organizational efficiency and scalability. His leadership focuses on maintaining strong financial governance, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the firm operates with institutional-grade financial controls and reporting standards.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he graduated with honors.

As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Rashon is responsible for overseeing firmwide operations, technology strategy, and infrastructure across the organization. He leads the design, implementation, and governance of scalable operational frameworks, ensuring seamless integration of technology, compliance, risk management

As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Rashon is responsible for overseeing firmwide operations, technology strategy, and infrastructure across the organization. He leads the design, implementation, and governance of scalable operational frameworks, ensuring seamless integration of technology, compliance, risk management, and business continuity within a highly regulated investment distribution environment. His role encompasses enterprise systems architecture, IT operations, vendor management, cybersecurity strategy, and the alignment of technological capabilities with long-term strategic and regulatory objectives.

He brings extensive experience in managing complex technological workflows and enterprise IT systems, with particular expertise in cybersecurity, data protection, and operational resilience. His leadership ensures the firm maintains institutional-grade controls, secure information systems, and robust disaster recovery protocols, while continuously enhancing efficiency, transparency, and scalability across all business functions.

He holds a Master of Science in Secondary Education and Teaching and a Bachelor’s Degree in American History from Wagner College. During his tenure at Wagner, he was a two-time NEC Conference Champion as a member of the I-AA football program, earning the Wagner College Seahawk Football Scholarship. He also participated in Democracy and civic leadership seminars, reflecting a longstanding commitment to discipline, leadership, and ethical decision-making.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Evonne is responsible for defining and executing the firm’s global marketing and brand strategy, ensuring a cohesive, institutional-grade presence across all client-facing and distribution channels. She oversees brand governance, digital strategy, product positioning, and communications, aligning creative execu

As Chief Marketing Officer, Evonne is responsible for defining and executing the firm’s global marketing and brand strategy, ensuring a cohesive, institutional-grade presence across all client-facing and distribution channels. She oversees brand governance, digital strategy, product positioning, and communications, aligning creative execution with the firm’s strategic objectives, regulatory considerations, and the expectations of sophisticated institutional and intermediary audiences. Her role encompasses brand architecture, visual identity, user experience, content strategy, and the integration of marketing initiatives across technology platforms and distribution partners.

She brings a strong background in visual communication, user experience design, and digital interface strategy, with a particular focus on translating complex investment concepts into clear, compelling, and compliant messaging. Her expertise in UX and UI design informs the development of intuitive digital experiences that enhance client engagement, reinforce brand credibility, and support scalable growth across institutional and independent distribution channels.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where she graduated with honors and concentrated in Photography. She has earned a certificate in Adobe XD Web Design UX & UI through Udemy and a UX Design Process certification from Google. In addition to her professional work, she has contributed her skills through volunteer service with AIGA Philadelphia, supporting creative writing and image-making workshops for children, and with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, collaborating with community leaders, artists, and volunteers to create large-scale public art initiatives that reflect civic engagement and creative leadership.