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Nicola specializes in revitalizing underperforming development shops and unlocking revenue through integrated gift planning. Beyond gift planning, she has led several non-profits in operations and senior leadership. By designing effective policies and guiding organizations through risk mitigation, adherence to legislation, and strategic planning, she helps them achieve their missions. Her commitment to ethical practices and impactful philanthropy has earned respect throughout the sector. She serves on the board of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and is VP of Arizona Charitable Gift Planners. This year, she chairs the National Standards and Metrics Committee and teaches at the AHP Madison Institute. As a conference speaker, Nicola shares insights nationwide, promoting integrated approaches to charitable gift planning. She is also proud to have served as a foster and adoptive parent.
Her expertise extends beyond real estate into public speaking, where she has graced prestigious venues such as NASDAQ, Harvard Club of Boston, Carnegie Hall, Mercedes Benz, and West Point. Thomesa has also appeared on major TV networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, & FOX News & Talk Shows, where she shares insights on senior real estate and philanthropy.
As CEO of Lydon Senior Pathways, Thomesa specializes in providing comprehensive relocation planning, move management, and real estate services tailored for seniors aged 55 and above. Her commitment to “SMART-sizing” ensures seniors transition smoothly into their next chapter of life with dignity and ease. In her personal life, Thomesa lives by the motto, “Keeping It FUN till I’m Done”, which includes a lifestyle centered around healthy nutrition, fitness, laughter, music, dancing, and quality time with friends and family. Her dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors and her dynamic presence in both real estate and philanthropy truly define her remarkable career and contributions.
Tiffany joined the family business of wealth planning, MasterTech Financial, where she worked with ultra-high net worth clients and helped them with their complicated business and estate planning needs. She left financial advisory after nearly 20 years to be a fiduciary consultant and founded the Gift Planning Institute, helping nonprofits with complicated asset gifts, and Tax & Estate Strategy, where she works with families with complex circumstances
Prior to Real Estate, Allison practiced as a corporate attorney in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated at the top of her class at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. She also holds a master’s degree In Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Kansas.
In addition, she is the President of the Board of Directors for the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors & a Board Member of Arizona Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. In addition, she served as a Trustee for Scottsdale Arts Board.
Allison has been involved in philanthropic organizations for years. Including as a Trustee for the Board of Scottsdale Arts, past member of the Leadership Circle of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, and charitable work with National Charity League, Homeward Bound, Chrysalis, and MASK.
Mark is a Vice President and Trust Strategist for Baird Trust serving from the Scottsdale, Arizona office. He works with Baird Financial Advisors and their clients offering complex trust and estate planning guidance. He has over 20 years of experience in trust and estate administration. Prior to joining Baird Trust, Mark spent over ten years with Northern Trust as a Senior Estate
Administrator and counsel for the Gila River Indian Community. Before that, Mark spent over eight years as an attorney with Wagner, Falconer & Judd. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Pre-Law, with an emphasis on Communications and Political Science from Washburn University. He also earned a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law with an emphasis on Estate Planning and Intellectual Property. Mark is a member of the Arizona and Minnesota Bar Associations. He also serves as a Board Member for Connections to Independence, an advocacy group for foster care. Mark joined the firm in 2022.
Alex Kurutz, CPA, leads the Ultra High Net Worth Practice for RSM US LLP in Arizona, advising affluent individuals and multigenerational families on complex tax, estate, and philanthropic strategies. He specializes in preserving family wealth, minimizing tax exposure, and guiding clients through key financial milestones with a personalized, relationship-driven approach.
Lena supports the Arizona Market for Columbia Trust Company, a wealth management division of Umpqua Bank. She has more than 12 years of experience in the financial services industry with a background in trust, estate, probate, philanthropy, charitable, and investment management services. She possesses an in-depth knowledge in the establishment and administration of special needs trusts, complex and high net-worth trusts and the management of unique assets. Her expertise ensures that individuals with disabilities can retain access to government benefits while receiving supplementary financial support. Furthermore, assisting in the development of sophisticated strategies to minimize estate taxes and protect assets from creditors. In addition to safeguarding charitable interests and integrating unique assets, collections, or business interest into the overall estate plan.
Lena is an alumnus of the American Bankers Association Trust and Wealth School and holds her article 9 certification in Arizona. Lena is actively involved in her community serving as a Parent Leader for Raising Special Kids, Board Member and Treasurer for Autism Life and Living and Council of Professional Advisor for The Sun Health Foundation.
Lisa brings more than four decades of experience working with high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. Her primary focus is on stewarding multi-generational wealth & liquidation events with a planned giving & philanthropic approach by combining practical wisdom and professional advice to deliver value beyond investments.
As a designated Family Wealth Advisory Team by Baird Family Wealth, we develop a keen understanding of the needs surrounding complex legacy consideration with a distinct focus on the “why” behind financial, business & legacy goals. Concentrating on the uniqueness of each client we serve allows our team to formulate an intentional plan built specifically for significant transitional events. In addition to our expansive suite of internal resources, we drive collaboration with external partners such as CPAs, attorneys, and other financial professionals to provide structure and efficiency in managing what matters most.
Patty provides comprehensive planning services to high-net-worth individuals encompassing areas such as cash flow analysis, income tax and transfer tax planning, retirement planning, education funding, estate planning, charitable giving, risk management and financial education. Before joining Northern Trust, Patty was Director of Financial Planning at Keats, Connelly & Associates, assisting Canadians who were moving to the US. She has also been an instructor in the Certified Financial Planner™ program at the University of Phoenix. She began her career as an auditor with Deloitte & Touche in Cleveland and Phoenix.
Patty earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and a master’s degree in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, now in downtown Phoenix. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP™).
Patty regularly volunteers with Duet: Partners in Health and Aging where she assists homebound individuals with online grocery shopping. She is a past board member of the Greater Phoenix Financial Planning Association, the Planned Giving Round Table of Arizona, and Duet: Partners in Health and Aging. She is also a past board president of all three organizations. Patty enjoys traveling with her daughter (especially Disney cruises), reading, walking with her dogs, and getting involved with local non-profits.
Megan is an experienced partner relations executive with over 20 years of expertise in developing partner strategies for B2B startups. She graduated from Seattle University with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and was a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and social impact.
Throughout her career, Megan has supported mission-driven organizations at various stages, including new ventures. She currently serves as the Director of Engagement at Daylight, a global hub for learning, practice and research that aims to create a more visible, trusted, and inclusive philanthropic advising field. Daylight is devoted to transforming advisor education through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and resources tailored to the contemporary philanthropic landscape.
Megan’s superpower lies in her ability to foster relationships, forge connections, and build community. She firmly believes that “there is no power for change greater than a community discovering what they care about,” a quote by Margaret Wheatley.
As a mother of two energetic boys, Megan is also a sports enthusiast, participating in multiple triathlons and recently taking up dragon boat racing. She enjoys planning events, embarking on road trips, and seeking new experiences. Additionally, she is currently the Co-Chair of the Seattle University Board of Regents. Her volunteer efforts include working with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Generations Cancer Foundation, and City Year. Recently, she hosted and produced a podcast titled, “My Aunt Is A Nun.” and is the host of Illuminate Philanthropy podcast
Christopher grew up in Phoenix, and earned his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University. He went on to complete a master’s degree in Epidemiology at Tulane University and a master’s in finance at Johns Hopkins University. As a Senior Wealth Strategist at Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg & Arnold, Chris specializes in the Optimized CLAT (OCLAT), a charitable trust strategy that maximizes the tax and economic benefits of philanthropy. His work has facilitated millions in charitable donations and earned recognition in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Fortune, and Barron’s.
Chris’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional life. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, worked as a consultant for President Carter’s efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases, and volunteered in Ethiopia as part of the United States Peace Corps. With a deep passion for philanthropy and financial strategy, Chris strives to help clients achieve their charitable goals while making a lasting impact in the community.
Justin specializes in helping executives and successful professionals create a tax-smart plan for their next chapter. We explore what’s possible, create a plan, and strive to minimize taxes in the process. Justin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) and the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. He is a frequent speaker on tax-smart retirement planning.
T.J. is a seasoned attorney whose practice spans the full spectrum of estate and trust law, including estate and business planning, probate and trust administration, and high-stakes trust and estate litigation. A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), T.J. is widely recognized for his focused expertise and results-driven approach in probate and trust controversies. His accolades include being named “Lawyer of the Year” (Trust Litigation – Phoenix, 2015) by The Best Lawyers in America®. With a strong track record in resolving disputes—ranging from will and trust interpretation to fiduciary conflicts and elder exploitation—T.J. is known for guiding clients with clarity, compassion, and an eye toward effective resolution, whether through litigation or alternative dispute methods like mediation.
In addition to litigation, T.J. assists individuals, couples, and families with comprehensive estate planning, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s unique wishes and goals. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and living wills, his goal is to ensure smooth administration and the fulfillment of client intentions—while avoiding unnecessary legal complications. T.J. also works closely with a trusted network of attorneys and fiduciaries who support elder care and special needs planning.
Deeply committed to both his profession and his community, T.J. is a past president of the Maricopa County Bar Association and served on the Arizona Supreme Court’s Task Force on the Rules of Probate Procedure. He is also an active member of the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Professional Advisory Board, a youth baseball coach, and a former volunteer for Wills for Heroes. Outside the office, T.J. enjoys family time, CrossFit, coaching his sons’ baseball teams, and chasing a single-digit golf handicap.
Matt has been a Valley resident since 1987 and has spent 22 years in the financial services industry with Desert Financial Credit Union. Most of his career has been devoted to their Wills & Trusts division. He has personally helped thousands of families prepare legal documents and gain peace of mind by having an estate plan in place. He takes pride in training, coaching and managing his team of 30 estate planning employees. Matt believes in the power of educating people about their planning options and helping them understand how a will or trust can accomplish their goals.
For over a decade, Dan Mullen has been a proud supporter of Phoenix Children’s finding purpose in contributing to an organization that positively impacts countless families across Arizona. His professional and philanthropic values are closely aligned—both driven by a deep commitment to helping others build stronger futures.
Professionally, Dan specializes in retirement and legacy planning for business owners, families, and individuals. He offers a full-spectrum financial approach that includes wealth management, life insurance, estate strategies, trust services, and charitable giving. With access to a broad network of experienced professionals, Dan provides thoughtful and customized guidance to address each client’s unique financial goals. Dan is passionate about making a meaningful impact—professionally and in the community.
Areas of expertise include:
Sean is a seasoned financial professional and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) who collaborates with other advisors to design tailored private market portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions. As Chief Executive Officer at Crescent Capital, Sean leverages his expertise to build bespoke asset allocations, working closely with asset class specialists to deliver the firm’s most advanced investment strategies and insights. His experience spans private equity, private credit, and private real estate, equipping clients to navigate diverse macroeconomic environments and seize strategic investment opportunities.
Prior to Crescent Capital, Sean was a Private Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley, where he co-managed $3.0 billion in client portfolios with a focus on private credit, private equity, and private real estate allocations. His career also includes equity research roles at Wells Fargo and PNC, covering U.S. and Canadian regulated utilities and a small-cap mutual fund with $2 billion in assets under management (AUM)
Troy is a certified specialist in Estate and Trust Law by the State Bar of Arizona and has been serving Arizona clients in estate planning, probate, trust administration, and adult guardianships and conservatorships since 1991. He is also a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, helping clients integrate charitable giving into their financial and estate plans. A summa cum laude graduate in Accounting from Washburn University, Troy earned his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif and was named Outstanding Estate Planning Student. He is admitted to practice in both Arizona state courts and U.S. District Courts and is an active member of the State Bar of Arizona and the Maricopa County Bar Association.
Troy is deeply involved in Arizona’s nonprofit community and has held leadership roles with numerous organizations, including St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. He is a past president of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona and has served on advisory boards and committees for groups such as the Arizona Community Foundation, HonorHealth Foundation, and the Phoenix Symphony. Recognized as one of Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, Troy brings both legal expertise and a strong philanthropic spirit to his practice and community engagement.
Thomesa boasts a multifaceted career that spans real estate, senior living advocacy, and public speaking. With 22 years as a Concierge REALTOR® at RE/MAX Excalibur, she excels in Senior Real Estate, Philanthropic Planning, Relocation, and Re-Sizing. Thomesa has co-authored ‘1 Habit For Entrepreneurial $uccess’ and penned ‘SMART-LIVING for Seniors; How to Make the Best of the Rest’, establishing herself as an international best-selling author.
Her expertise extends beyond real estate into public speaking, where she has graced prestigious venues such as NASDAQ, Harvard Club of Boston, Carnegie Hall, Mercedes Benz, and West Point. Thomesa has also appeared on major TV networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, & FOX News & Talk Shows, where she shares insights on senior real estate and philanthropy.
As CEO of Lydon Senior Pathways, Thomesa specializes in providing comprehensive relocation planning, move management, and real estate services tailored for seniors aged 55 and above. Her commitment to “SMART-sizing” ensures seniors transition smoothly into their next chapter of life with dignity and ease.
In her personal life, Thomesa lives by the motto, “Keeping It FUN till I’m Done”, which includes a lifestyle centered around healthy nutrition, fitness, laughter, music, dancing, and quality time with friends and family. Her dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors and her dynamic presence in both real estate and philanthropy truly define her remarkable career and contributions.
Cole has been in The Valley since 2021 as a member of the John Moore Associates team, a faith-based, generosity-focused financial planning firm in Scottsdale. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, and Certified Kingdom Advisor. Cole is passionate about simplifying complex financial decisions by looking at the whole picture and serving clients through a Biblical lens. He is always searching for ways to help clients utilize their wealth to make a meaningful impact on their communities. Prior to his career coaching people on their finances, Cole spent six years playing professional baseball and continues to have a lifelong love of the sport. Outside of the office you’ll find him golfing, working out, and spending time with his wife and sons.
Kory received a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University in 2000, joined Brighton Jones in 2004, and obtained his Certified Financial Planner certification in 2005. He is responsible for thinking strategically with clients about their life plans and is passionate about helping his clients, colleagues and the global community “Live a Richer Life.” His proudest professional accomplishment is moving to Scottsdale 13 years ago to open a new market for Brighton Jones, where today we employ several talented advisors and help so many incredible families as their personal CFO.
He currently serves on the board of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and is the incoming President for the PCH50, a group of 50 community leaders who support Phoenix Children’s Hospital through financial fundraising, volunteer efforts and awareness building. He believes he can make a positive impact through his contribution, leadership, and keeping a service mindset.
When not acting as Senior Lead Advisor or out serving the community, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. As a father, a husband, and a son, he values being dependable to family, friends, colleagues, and clients. He always tries to show up with optimism and a “let’s go figure this out” attitude.
Tiffany is a tax, estate, and charitable strategist. She works as a consultant with families and helps guide them through intricate and essential situations including transitioning a business, planning philanthropy, values-based estate planning, and tax concerns. She works as a liaison with the advisory team to enhance efficiency, provide a comprehensive overview of opportunities, and ensure that the client’s best interests are always first.
Tiffany joined the family business of wealth planning, MasterTech Financial, where she worked with ultra-high net worth clients and helped them with their complicated business and estate planning needs. She left financial advisory after nearly 20 years to be a fiduciary consultant and founded the Gift Planning Institute, helping nonprofits with complicated asset gifts, and Tax & Estate Strategy, where she works with families with complex circumstances and their
With over 20 years of experience as a family wealth advisor, Bill Herf is dedicated to one central mission: simplifying life for his clients. Bill brings a seasoned perspective shaped by guiding dozens of clients through retirements, business transitions, and the many unexpected turns life can bring. His approach is grounded in thoughtful planning and personalized strategy, designed to bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Bill specializes in helping financially successful individuals, families, and business owners navigate today’s complex financial landscape. Leveraging the full suite of solutions offered by RBC Wealth Management—including banking, investments, asset management, trust services, insurance, and lending—Bill crafts comprehensive strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals and vision for the future.
Whether preparing for retirement, planning a business succession, or building a legacy, Bill is committed to delivering straightforward guidance and meaningful results.
Timothy delivers personalized, comprehensive financial planning designed to help clients achieve clarity, confidence, and control over their financial future. With a deep commitment to long-term client relationships and a planning-first philosophy, Tim offers a full suite of services that includes retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, tax strategy, insurance planning, and long-term care solutions.
With years of experience in the financial services industry, Tim specializes in developing holistic strategies that align each client’s financial decisions with their life goals. Whether helping individuals prepare for retirement, navigate the complexities of tax-efficient income planning, or create legacy plans that protect and provide for future generations, he takes pride in crafting tailored financial roadmaps that evolve with his clients over time. Tim works with individuals, families, and business owners alike, offering objective guidance and a client-centric approach that prioritizes education and empowerment.
Allison is the Designated Broker, Interim Managing Direct and certified luxury agent at The Agency in Scottsdale, Arizona. She specializes in both luxury and investment properties. She oversees compliance and operations at The Agency.
Prior to Real Estate, Allison practiced as a corporate attorney in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated at the top of her class at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. She also holds a master’s degree In Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Kansas.
In addition, she is the President of the Board of Directors for the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors & a Board Member of Arizona Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. In addition, she served as a Trustee for Scottsdale Arts Board.
Allison has been involved in philanthropic organizations for years. Including as a Trustee for the Board of Scottsdale Arts, past member of the Leadership Circle of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, and charitable work with National Charity League, Homeward Bound, Chrysalis, and MASK.
Steve moved to Arizona at 17 and subsequently graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he met his wife of 26 years. They have two children, Ella (19) and Tali (24). Steve and his wife Michal run Castle Real Estate Group based in Scottsdale, Arizona, where their team consistently ranks among the top producers in the market, selling around $50,000,000 of real estate annually.
In addition to running the business, Steve is actively involved with several Valley non-profits, including being on the Allied Advisor Council at Phoenix Children’s. With over 25 years of experience, Steve has been a real estate coach, trainer, and mentor, firmly believing that real estate is one of the best wealth-building tools. As an active real estate investor, Steve focuses on balancing lifestyle, income, and legacy as he approaches retirement, which has led to his interest in various tools to achieve the right mix.
When he is not working, Steve enjoys reading, going to concerts, watching the Phoenix Suns, and staying active.
Kelley focuses her practice on estate and business planning, estate and probate administration, and corporate and real estate transactions. Kelley has prepared and administered a wide variety of estate plans, and prides herself on providing a personalized approach to meet the diverse circumstances of her clients. Kelley’s corporate and real estate experience complement her estate planning practice and allow her to provide full service legal representation to her clients’ business and estate planning needs.
Kelley is very active both professionally and personally in her community. She currently serves on the Annual Tax & Legal Seminar Planning Committee jointly presented by the Arizona Community Foundation and Center for Jewish Philanthropy, is on the Allied Advisors Council for Phoenix Children’s Hospital and is Vice President of FC Batavia. She is a graduate of the Ladder Down program and has also dedicated her time to the Wills for Heroes Program through the State Bar of Arizona, the Health and Human Resources Advisory Borad for Chicanos Por La Causa, the State Bar of Arizona Real Estate Forms Committee, the AWLA Gender Equity Committee, the AWLA Professional Development Committee, the Historical Committee for the AWLA Annual Convention, and was previously a Board Member of the Desert Peak Homeowners’ Association. Kelley is currently a member of the Valley Estate Planners, the State Bar of Arizona, and the Scottsdale Bar Association. In her spare time, Kelley serves as team manager for her son’s soccer team (through FC Batavia) and volunteers substantial time to various youth sports organization in the North Phoenix and Scottsdale area.
Join us for this special annual tradition as we walk and shine our lights for patients and families to show them that they are not alone.
Innovation Circle funding is essential to accelerating advancements in pediatric health care.
Receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your AZ state return, up to $495 for individuals and $987 when filing jointly.
Your gift will help CCBD continue to bring the best in pediatric cancer care to Arizona’s youngest cancer patients.