Savant Capital Management, a nationally-recognized fee-only wealth management firm, continues to grow and develop its team through the addition of new team members, as well as new industry designations, certifications and higher education degrees received by current employees.

In addition to four new team members added to Savant’s Rockford office, seven current team members have embraced the firm’s core value of lifelong learning through new designations, certifications and degrees. The firm encourages lifelong learning and says it’s eternal, cumulative and inspires the future.

New Additions to Team Savant

Jennifer Kessler joined Savant in May as a front desk receptionist where she is a member of the Concierge Team. Kessler is responsible for providing excellent customer service by welcoming guests, handling front office workflow and deliveries, answering incoming calls, preparing for client meetings, and providing support to the Savant team.

Cindy Rathke joined Savant in March as an executive assistant where she is a member of the Administrative Team. Rathke supports the Chief Executive Officer, handling all administrative, scheduling and corporate travel tasks for the Executive Team.

Erik Wilberg recently joined Savant as an information technology specialist where he is a member of the Administrative Team. Wilberg is responsible for maintaining Savant’s IT infrastructure and providing technical support to users.

Kim Zell joined Savant in April as a portfolio accountant where she is a member of the Implementation Team. Zell is responsible for billing and a variety of portfolio accounting tasks including account maintenance, reconciliations and data integrity functions. She is a Certified Securities Operations Professional.

New Designations, Certifications, and Degrees

Matt Alley completed his associates degree in applied science in Cisco networking from Rock Valley College. Alley is an information technology specialist and a member of the Administrative Team. He is responsible for supporting and maintaining Savant’s computing, networking and communications systems.

LaVonne Brown completed her master of science degree in integrated marketing communication from West Virginia University. Brown is the director of marketing and a member of the Executive Team. She leads the management of the company’s brand, communications, public relations, website, and day-to-day marketing activities and events.

Rachel Dano earned the Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional® (IACCP®) designation. This is a professional education program granting the designation to individuals who complete an instructor-led program of study, pass a certifying exam, and meet its work experience, ethics and continuing education requirements.

Keith Feggestad completed his master of science in management of information systems from the University of Illinois. He also recently obtained the GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC). This certification is for individuals with managerial or supervisory responsibility for information security staff.

Theresa Harezlak earned the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) certification. A CDFA® analyzes the unique financial circumstances that surround a divorce. The certification is focused on understanding and estimating the long-term costs of a divorce and how it will impact a person’s financial picture over the long term.

Deidra Hayes and Beth Johnson earned the Registered Paraplanner™ (RP®) designation. To receive this designation, Hayes and Johnson completed a course of study encompassing the financial planning process, the five disciplines of financial planning and general financial planning concepts, terminology and product categories. Additionally, the team members passed an end-of-course examination that tested their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

About Savant Capital Management

Savant Capital Management is a leading independent, nationally-recognized, fee-only firm, serving clients for 30 years with over $4.5 billion in assets under management. As a trusted advisor, Savant Capital Management offers investment management, financial planning and family office services to financially established individuals and institutions. Savant also offers corporate accounting, tax preparation, payroll and consulting through its affiliate, Savant Tax & Consulting.

Savant is regularly recognized among the top wealth managers in the United States. Savant was the recipient of the 2015 Best-in-Business IMPACT Award™, part of Schwab’s IMPACT Awards® program to recognize excellence in the business of independent financial advice. Savant has consistently received other industry recognitions such as being named a top RIA firm by Financial Planning magazine, Financial Advisor magazine and InvestmentNews and being recognized by Barron’s magazine as a top advisor in the United States.

Savant Capital Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. Savant’s marketing material should not be construed by any existing or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage Savant’s services and may include lists or rankings published by magazines and other sources which are generally based exclusively on information prepared and submitted by the recognized advisor. For more information about Savant or to view our Important Disclosures.