Meet Our Team
George H. Edmiston, Jr. | R. Wade Austin | Diane Brown | Linda Christine | Oliver R.Cross III | Jeanne Kelsey Fritchley
R. Christopher Gammon, CFA, CFP® | Christopher K. Grogan | Angela Fiala Hajek | Ted Highsmith
Gloria Johnson | Emerson J. Jones, III | Kitt Murphy Kirchner | Lyric Martin, CFP® | Brenda McRae
Kristen Montgomery, CFP® | Lauren Olson | Trudy Penley | David A. Perkins, J.D., CPA, CFP®
Christy A. Sackett, CFP®, CDFA™ | Brooke M. Swartz | Sabine M.Vellucci
George H. Edmiston, Jr. – Consultant, Corporate President, LLC Managing Member, and Firm Principal
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Biography
George H. Edmiston, Jr. has more than 30 years of experience in the investment consulting industry. After spending 10 years with E.F. Hutton, George joined Wheat First Securities (now Wells Fargo Advisors) in 1990. In 2001, he formed an independent broker dealer and investment advisory firm, Carolinas Investment Consulting LLC. Mr. Edmiston is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a BS degree in Finance.
He previously worked as a financial and marketing analyst with Armstrong World Industries. George has his Series 7, 63, 24, 28, 53 and 65 licenses. George’s local affiliations include the YMCA of Greater Charlotte (Metro Board), YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly (Board Member), Rotary (Past President), Rotary Charitable Foundation ( Treasurer), Charlotte Historic Rosedale (Past President), North Carolina Family Policy Council (Board Member), Sugar Creek Charter School (Past Chairman), and Charlotte City Club (President). He is married to Randi and they have three children.
R. Wade Austin – Director of Marketing and Business Development
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Biography
Wade joined the Carolinas Investment Consulting team in 2012 to lead the branding, marketing campaigns and events, public relations, and networking initiatives for the firm. He brings to the firm 27 years of corporate business development, marketing, and consultative sales experience most recently at Xerox Corporation. For the past 12 years he was a national accounts general manager responsible for expanding relationships with several of their largest Financial Services customers.
A native of the Charlotte region, Wade graduated with honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Management with a concentration in Finance as well as a certificate in Psychology. Wade has served on boards at Charlotte Latin School and Myers Park Presbyterian Church and remains active in the community. He and his wife, Lilla, have a son, Davis, and daughter, Garland, and live in Charlotte.
Diane Brown – Operations Manager
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Biography
Diane joined the firm in 2011 and brings a wealth of operational experience to the team. Prior to joining CIC, she worked with Bank of America, LPL and TIAA-CREF in various operational capacities. Diane is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration. She lived in the Columbia, South Carolina area prior to moving to Charlotte with her daughter, Kennedy. She holds her Series 7, 66, 24 and 99 licenses.
Linda Christine – Receptionist
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Biography
Linda became a part of CIC in December of 2003 bringing more than 30 years of business experience in many areas, mainly customer service and business administration. Linda relocated to Charlotte from Philadelphia in mid-2003 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She is the face and voice of CIC for our clients, while handling many administrative, correspondence, purchasing, and support functions for the entire team. She is a member of the USO of NC, which is based in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Linda is also a Notary Public.
Oliver R. Cross III – Director of Research/Consultant
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Biography
Prior to joining Carolinas Investment Consulting in 2010, Oliver was a Vice-President and Investment Manager at Trusco Capital Management, the former institutional asset management subsidiary of SunTrust Bank, where he worked for six years. He provided investment consulting services to more than 100 clients with approximately $500 million assets under management.
Oliver received his MBA in Investment Management from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School where he served as both the Market Strategist and Investor Relations Manager on the student-run Global Perspectives Fund, co-chaired the Alpha Challenge, an international MBA stock picking competition, and chaired the Kenan-Flagler Habitat for Humanity Golf Classic.
Oliver is a native of Winston-Salem and a graduate of Davidson College, where he played Division I golf. He is a member of The Corners Society and remains actively involved in the Davidson golf program. His wife Mary Ann is a pediatrician at Eastover Pediatrics and Presbyterian Hospital, and they recently welcomed their daughter, Dottie. Oliver holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Jeanne Kelsey Fritchley – Chief Operating Officer, LLC Member and Firm Principal
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Biography
Jeanne relocated to Charlotte from Connecticut in 1998 and joined George Edmiston’s team later that year. After receiving a BS in Engineering Physics and a BA in Aeronautics-Mathematics from Miami University, she went on to obtain her MBA from The University of Connecticut, concentrating in Finance and Management.
Jeanne and her family own and operate Rivendale Farm, an equine boarding facility in South Carolina. Jeanne and her husband, Brian, live in Waxhaw and have one son, Jake. Jeanne has her Series 7, 63, 65, 4 and 24 licenses.
R. Christopher Gammon, CFA, CFP® – Consultant
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Biography
Chris joined CIC in 2008 after serving in the investment industry with Wachovia for more than 26 years. His roles at Wachovia included Commercial Banking, Corporate & Investment Banking, heading the London Office of Wachovia for five years, and as a Relationship Management Partner on the Charlotte Wealth Management team for the most recent eight years.
A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma, and magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University. He earned an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional designations.
Chris has served on the Board of the CFA North Carolina Society, the Board of Advisors of the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and as an Elder in Myers Park Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Ruth, have two daughters, Sydnor and Betsy, and live in Charlotte. Chris holds his Series 7 and 63 licenses.
Christopher K. Grogan – Consultant, LLC Member, Corporate Secretary, and Firm Principal
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Biography
Chris began working with the firm at the beginning of 1999 when it was just George Edmiston and Jeanne Kelsey Fritchley. Before joining CIC, Chris worked for Bank of America in its corporate finance department. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BS in Business and is a native of the Charlotte region.
Chris focuses his efforts on both individual clients and corporate retirement plans (defined contribution and defined benefit plans). He has also developed a unique wealth building program specifically for professionals of all ages just beginning to save money for retirement.
He also holds his real estate brokerage and life and health insurance licenses. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and is an avid photographer. Chris has his Series 7, 63, 65 and 24 licenses.
Angela Fiala Hajek – Finance Officer
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Biography
Angela joined the Carolinas Investment Consulting team as Finance Officer in June of 2006. Prior to coming to CIC, she spent three years in the payroll industry, before which she worked as an accountant for a Charlotte-based logistics company. Angela grew up in the Charlotte area and received her BS in Accounting from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She and her husband, Mick, reside in Matthews and have a daughter, Lucy.
Ted Highsmith – Consultant
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Biography
Ted began working with Carolinas Investment Consulting in 2006 serving as a Relationship Manager for George Edmiston’s team. Prior to joining CIC, Ted was a Financial Advisor with Banc of America Investments, Inc. in the Charlotte N.C. and Washington D.C. Metro regions. He has over twelve years of wealth management experience.
A native of Raleigh, Ted holds a B.S. degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University. Ted and his wife Missy have two daughters and are active members of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Past and present community activities include Crisis Assistance Ministries, W.I.S.H. Hope Team Member, Charlotte Succession, and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Ambassador program. Ted has his Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses and holds life and health insurance licenses.
Gloria Johnson – Executive Administrative Assistant
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Biography
Gloria joined the firm in 2011, bringing over 35 years of experience working in various industries and organizations, including the CIA. Prior to joining CIC, she was with Kitty Hawk Capital for 20 years. She and her husband have lived in Charlotte for 31 years. They have a daughter and son. Gloria is a member and former Treasurer of Charlotte Women of Vision. She visits hospitals, nursing homes, children’s homes, etc., with her Doberman Pinscer, who is certified with Therapy Dog International. Gloria is also a Notary Public.
Emerson J. Jones, III – Compliance Officer
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Biography
Emery joined the CIC team in April of 2011. He has lived in the Charlotte area for 24 years and received his BS in Business from Wingate University. Prior to joining CIC, Emery worked at Wells Fargo Advisors and Banc of America Investment Services. He enjoys running and cycling in his spare time. Emery holds his Series 4, 7, 24, 53, and 66 licenses.
Kitt Murphy Kirchner – Relationship Manager
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Biography
Kitt joined CIC in January of 2012 as a Relationship Manager. Previously, she was a Financial Advisor at Wachovia Securities and Merrill Lynch and an economic consultant for KPMG. She graduated from the University of Florida and is an avid runner and equestrian. Past and present community activities include Rotary International of which Kitt is a Paul Harris Fellow, Partners for Youth Foundation, Equestrian Aid Foundation, Piedmont Hunter Jumper Association and the Vestry of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Kitt holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Lyric Martin, CFP® – Financial Planner
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Biography
Lyric joined the firm in August of 2000 and obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2010. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BS degree in Accounting and received her MBA from Queens College in Charlotte. Prior to joining the firm, Lyric worked for Bank of America for 15 years, most recently in the Private Bank as a Trust Officer. A resident of Charlotte for the past twenty years, Lyric is married and has two children.
Brenda McRae – Relationship Manager
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Biography
Brenda joined the CIC team in November of 2002. Previously, she had more than 25 years of business experience in accounting, operations, and sales support, including three years in operations support at Dean Witter (now Morgan Stanley Smith Barney). She has served as CIC’s cage/wire operator and as operations manager. She is now a Relationship Manager helping Chris Gammon and Chris Grogan serve their clients. Brenda has an Associate Degree in Business Administration.
A lifelong resident of the Charlotte area, Brenda is married and has two sons. In 2005, she was elected a Commissioner for the Town of Mint Hill and is currently serving her fourth term. She is a charter member of the Mint Hill Scottish Society.
Kristen Montgomery, CFP® – Relationship Manager
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Biography
Kristen joined CIC in January of 2009 as a Relationship Manager working with Dave Perkins. Previously, she was a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch and a financial analyst for KeyBank in Cleveland. She graduated cum laude from Miami University in Ohio and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. She and her husband, Jesse, have lived in Charlotte since March of 2008. They have two young daughters, Eleanor and Meredith. Kristen has her Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Lauren Olson – Relationship Manager and Junior Financial Planner
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Biography
Lauren joined CIC in April 2012 as a Junior Financial Planner and took on an additional role as Relationship Manager in September 2012. Prior to joining the firm, Lauren was a Financial Planning Analyst for Wells Fargo Private Bank, where she focused on comprehensive planning for corporate executives. Lauren graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in both Accounting and Spanish. Lauren is currently enrolled at Queens University where she is taking classes toward receiving her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.
Trudy Penley – Cashier and Cage Operator
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Biography
Trudy joined CIC in November of 2006 bringing 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She spent the majority of that time working as a part of the Interstate Securities/IJL/Wachovia Securities organization. Trudy also spent several years with Endata traveling the country demonstrating computer hardware and software. She has an Associate Degree from Central Piedmont Community College in Liberal Arts. Trudy has one son and two grandchildren. She is a native Charlottean and now resides in Pineville.
David A. Perkins, J.D., CPA, CFP® – Consultant and Financial Planner
Learn more about how David can oversee your family’s financial affairs
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Biography
Dave joined CIC in the fall of 2004, bringing 25 years of experience in the areas of estate and financial planning, investment consulting, and tax, and legal matters. He is an attorney, accountant, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. He led the Personal Financial Services team at KPMG Peat Marwick in Charlotte, and later served as Director of Financial & Estate Planning at IJL/Wachovia. Throughout his career he has specialized in providing consulting services to executives, business owners, and other affluent individuals and families. Over the course of his career, Dave has worked with professionals at the following companies: EnPro Industries, Goodrich Corp., Duke Energy, Belk Stores Services, United Dominion (now SPX), Industrial Piping, Lance, Bank of America, Centex Homes, Royal and SunAlliance, Piedmont Natural Gas, Carolinas HealthCare System, and Enterprise.
Dave received his undergraduate degree from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, and he attended Albany Law School of Union University in Albany, NY. He and his wife, Robin, have two daughters, Emily and Perry. Dave has his Series 7, 63, 65 and 24 licenses.
Christy A. Sackett, CFP®, CDFA™ – Financial Planner
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Biography
Christy joined CIC in April of 2008. She has been providing financial planning services since 1998 through IJL/Wachovia, CapTrust Financial Advisors, and most recently First Citizens Bank. Christy obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. She has also completed a specialized educational program in professional financial planning related to divorce and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™.
Christy graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Christy is a member of the Financial Planning Association. She and her husband, Byron, live in Denver, NC.
Brooke M. Swartz – Relationship Manager
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Biography
Brooke joined the CIC team as a Relationship Manager in 2008. Before joining the firm, she was a Financial Center Manager at Wachovia Bank in Myers Park for five years. Brooke grew up in Asheville and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Asheville. She and her husband, Pete, reside in Matthews, NC. They welcomed their first daughter, Amelia, in March of 2010. Brooke has her Series 7 and 63 licenses.
Sabine M. Vellucci – Relationship Manager
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Biography
Sabine joined the firm in August of 2006. She has ten years of investment experience working previously for Deutsche Bank Alex Brown in Atlanta and Smith Barney in Charlotte. Prior to working in the investment industry, Sabine spent time in New York City working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then went to California to complete her Masters in Art History at University of California, Riverside. After working at UCR and at the California Museum of Photography, she moved back to the East Coast to be closer to family. While in Atlanta, Sabine worked on an institutional trading floor and thus her interest in the industry was born. Sabine holds an undergraduate degree from Emory University. Sabine and her husband, Andy, live in Charlotte and have one son, Sebastian. She has her Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses.