Contact - Premier Financial Group

Ron Ross, Ph.D.

Principal, Financial Advisor

MY BACKGROUND

I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s in economics, then went on to earn M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Oklahoma State University in economics. From 1969 to 1979, I taught economics at Humboldt State University. I then went into private practice as an investment advisor. In 1990, I joined with Wayne Caldwell and John Gloor to establish Premier Financial Group. Six years later, we established a relationship with Dimensional Fund Advisors, providing Premier with access to passively managed institutional mutual funds. I am the author of The Unbeatable Market: Taking the Indexing Path to Financial Peace of Mind.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS

I enjoy spending time with my two adult children, Garen and Carly, my son-in-law, John Washington, and especially John’s and Carly’s two boys, Gus and Hugh. Garen lives in Arcata, and Carly, John, and their boys live in Ames, Iowa. My primary hobbies are jogging, golf, and gardening. I serve on the Board of Directors and the Greens Committee at Baywood Country Club in Arcata.

Jeremy Sorci, CFP®, AFIM™

Financial Advisor

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY ROLE

Along with the opportunity to provide solutions for clients, my favorite part of being on the Premier team has to be the relationships I’ve forged between co-workers, clients, and the community. These bonds exist thanks in large part to our firm’s cultural focus on open communication. An emphasis on making connections also allows me to help clients realize that they don’t have to be afraid of personal finances and that this common fear can be mitigated — or even eradicated — by taking an educated and proactive approach to financial planning. If I could tell my clients just one thing, it would be “You don’t have to do it alone.” Creating a financial planning partnership with my clients is where I really shine. Another favorite about working with Premier? Helping clients plan for retirement. I believe that we, as a society, need become more reliant on ourselves to prepare for a comfortable retirement, and I love helping clients formulate a plan so they can independently prepare to reach their retirement goals.

ABOUT ME

I’m a Humboldt County native, and after almost a decade spent working in the financial industry as a Trust Investment Officer in the Central Valley, I came back to raise my family in the community that I call home. I was excited to join the Premier team in 2012, as Premier’s focus on fiduciary responsibility aligns with my personal commitment to putting the needs of the client before the needs of the firm. In my role as an advisor to individuals, families, estates, foundations, and retirement plans, I put that commitment into practice on a daily basis. But I didn’t start out with the goal of becoming the financial professional I am today; rather, I loved creating art, especially the creativity and critical thinking it requires. I also loved science; solving mathematical and formulaic equations has always been enjoyable to me, much like a game or a puzzle. Financial advising lets me do both! I get to use scientific techniques in creative ways to solve unique, real-world problems for real individuals.

“Each client situation is unique and we tailor our financial planning strategies to reflect their individual needs.”

Education and Certifications

Master of Business Administration degree from Humboldt State University
Certified Financial Planner™ certificate
Accredited Fiduciary Investment Advisor™ from Cannon Financial Institute
SEC Series 65 license

Activities and Interests

Spending time with my two sons
Gardening, cooking, and playing the drums
Member of the Humboldt County Elder Care Council
Member of Sons of Italy, Eureka Lodge #1274

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Teresa Conley, CFP^®

Principal,
Vice President,
Advisor

“I love the relationships I’ve built with my clients and making a positive impact in their lives.”

MY PATH TO PREMIER

I became the professional I am today as a result of working with and learning from many great individuals and professionals. I entered the service and administrative field when I was just 15, thus learning the importance of hard work, professionalism, and serving others at an early age. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the excellent mentorship, dedication, and perseverance of those who invested their time and energy into helping me develop as a professional and as a person…I consider this a priceless gift.

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH PREMIER

The best part of my position at Premier? The relationships I’ve built with clients, my colleagues, and the community. Being able to add value and work intimately with clients to promote financial wellbeing is a huge privilege, and I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with each and every client. Our clients are diverse and wonderful individuals with unique and interesting lives; I’m blessed that they share them with me and allow me to be of service to them.

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT…

I’m passionate about assisting clients with estate planning. Through my years as an advisor, I’ve had the privilege to assist many clients and survivors with implementation of estate plans; during this time, I’ve encountered multiple instances where good planning has helped clients avoid pitfalls or challenges associated with administering an estate. My commitment lies in planning strategically to avoid unnecessary taxes and, most importantly, fulfilling clients’ wishes in an efficient, seamless manner that minimizes stress for survivors.

I specialize in:

Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Management

Education:

Associates of Arts, Cuesta College
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Humboldt State University
College for Financial Planning, CFP^® Certification Professional Education Program

Professional accomplishments and accreditations:

Certified Financial Planner™ certification
SEC Series 65

Career highlights:

Time with firm: Since 2002
Started with Premier as an administrator; after excellent training/mentoring, became an advisor in 2006
Promoted to Operations Manager in 2011
Achieved CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2013
Promoted to Vice President in 2017
Became a member of the board of directors in 2017
Became an owner in 2018

More About Me:

Married to a wonderful and hardworking man
Mother to a beautiful little girl and a handsome little boy
Member of the Humboldt County Elder Care Council, where I collaborate with other professionals—such as tax advisors and estate attorneys—to provide the best advice for clients
I enjoy traveling, exercising, lifting weights, cooking, baking, reading, making memories with family and friends, and snuggling with our three doggies

Ginger Weber, CFP^®

President, Principal, Financial Advisor

Ginger advises families, non-profit organizations, and businesses on a broad range of financial planning, tax planning, and fiduciary issues. She is a Senior advisor with Premier, providing comprehensive financial estate planning for complex client estates. Ginger also leads Premier’s advisory team, which is responsible for researching, developing, and managing the firm’s investment strategies.

Ginger brings more than 21 years of experience in the financial services industry to Premier and joined the firm in 2000. She received the Certified Financial Planner™ credential in 2007 and is a Business Administration graduate of Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.

Wayne Caldwell, CFP^®, RFC

Chairman of Board, Principal

Wayne, along with his two partners, has built Premier into a prestigious SEC RIA firm that services over 450 clients. Wayne’s major responsibilities are superior practice management, maximizing equity in the firm, enhancing strategic alliances and preparing the next generation of Premier’s professionals. All Premier’s efforts are directed toward holistic client relationships to enhance their financial peace of mind.

Wayne has been a resident of Humboldt County since 1978 and now resides in McKinleyville. Wayne got into the financial services industry in 1983 when he began the Certified Financial Planner™ program, and prior to that was involved in income tax preparation and business planning. Wayne now holds the CFP^®credential along with the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC).

Wayne has a strong passion for the fiduciary stand that Premier takes with each client. Over the last 15 years, he has spoken at many events and made numerous pleas in support of the fiduciary standard and the Prudent Investor Rules.

SCHUYLER KIRSCH

Investment Administrator

How I became the professional I am today…

My interest in finance began when I was 20-year-old student. I read every book I could get my hands on and soon switched my major to economics, choosing a pathway that included finance coursework. My studies led me to an interest in the Efficient Markets Hypothesis, and I decided to pursue graduate studies in Financial Economics at Cal State Fullerton.

I soon developed a passion for utilizing financial literacy as a tool to fight poverty, empower individuals, and improve lives with minimal government involvement. As part of my graduate thesis, I developed a course for elementary school children that teaches the basic principles of saving and investing.

After teaching economics at Humboldt State University for a few years, I decided it was time to start practicing what I’d been preaching. I was pleasantly surprised to find Premier’s investment philosophy and business ethics were closely aligned with my own, particularly an emphasis of the reality of market efficiency.

What Inspires Me Most About Premier…

While many investment firms steer clients toward costly actively managed funds, Premier embraces the reality of market efficiency and its direct implication on portfolio management: A focus on asset allocation among low-cost passively managed funds, rather than chasing elusive returns from security selection. This sound, reality-based approach is the approach that I learned in graduate school, taught to my own students, and follow with my own personal investments.

Premier ranks among the top 5% of Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) in the nation; significantly, Premier has achieved this status as a local business and contributing member of the Eureka community. I attribute this success to Premier’s commitment to evidence-based investing, ethics, and dedicated service to clients.

For me, the opportunity to be a part of a successful firm that is guided by ethics and evidence right here in Humboldt County is truly fulfilling.

Education and Professional Accomplishments

Master of Arts in Economics from Cal State Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Humboldt State University
Former instructor at Humboldt State University
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Developed successful course on financial literacy for elementary school children

Interests and Hobbies

Reading
Playing guitar
Hiking
Music and film

Yarrow Mitchell

Executive Administrator

THE BEST PART OF PREMIER

The amazing individuals that I get to work with every day is what inspires me most about Premier! Each person is genuine, communicative and truly cares about the relationships that they foster with clients and co-workers. I feel like I’ve been a part of the team from day one.

BACKGROUND

Before joining Premier, I worked for nearly 10 years as a receptionist in a very busy, female-owned veterinary hospital. While I loved seeing animals on a daily basis, my passion was for their people. Bringing your pet to the vet can be such an emotional experience, and it was my job to make sure each client’s needs were met, whether that meant getting their questions answered or bringing them a cup of water. Their comfort was my top priority.
I was born and raised in Alaska and spent my teens and early 20’s in the Bay Area. After my parents moved to Humboldt County, my husband and I visited them once or twice a year. As the years went on, that increased to three or four visits or more. After each visit, our yearning to come back grew stronger and we realized that this is where we want to build a home and raise our family. In 2017, we made it happen.

OUTSIDE OF WORK

My two young daughters keep us active. Our oldest loves her weekly gymnastics classes in an amazing local program and my husband enjoys taking the girls to feed the fish at Mad River Fish Hatchery. We thoroughly enjoy all of the local events that are featured here, especially over the summer. However, our ideal weekend is spent taking walks around the neighborhood and hanging out in the backyard with the dogs.

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Francoise Crandell

Financial Advisor

WHY I ENJOY BEING PART OF PREMIER

I enjoy being part of the Premier team because we are a local company who truly cares about the well-being of our clients and our community. Each of us has our own unique background and strengths, however, our investment management is consistent. We collaborate as a team to provide excellent service and continuity to our clients and our community.

“Above everything else, the needs of our clients come before our own and those of our firm. We take our role as your financial planner and advisor very seriously. That is the foundation of the trusting relationships we build with our clients.”

MY PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

I figured out what I love doing most, which is helping people, by working my way through high school and college. While attending HSU, I completed a management intern training program for a large retail company and was hired as a merchandise manager after graduation. I was fortunate to work with a family of amazing people who taught me how to be a team member. I took these lessons and skills with me into the financial industry, and this is where I have grown the most. My 21 years of experience in banking and financial advising also set me up for success at Premier. Time spent serving as a relationship banker and advisor to individuals and their families gave me the opportunity to discover my niche: providing excellent service to my clients and a being leader to my teammates.

“Putting clients first is what I love most about what we do. I’m proud of helping our clients create a path towards a successful financial future.”

About Me

Born in Eureka and raised in Arcata
Married with one son
Outside of work: spending time with family, movies, music, being outdoors, camping, & walking

Education and Certifications

B.S. in Business Management, Humboldt State University
1991 HSU Business Department’s Management Student of the Year
Series 65 licensed

Professional Highlights

Honored with multiple company awards during 21 years in the banking industry
Became an advisor at the end of 2010 and have been enjoying it ever since

“Above everything else, the needs of our clients come before our own and those of our firm. We take our role as your financial planner and advisor very seriously. That is the foundation of the trusting relationships we build with our clients.”

WHY I JOINED THE PREMIER TEAM

After spending 21 years in the retail banking & financial industry, I joined Premier in 2015 because I could see an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Through my own family’s experience, I witnessed first-hand Premier’s strong track record of performance, service, and consistency. Coming from the corporate world, I was ready to work with and be mentored by professionals with years of hands-on industry experience.

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Rachel Koontz

Client Relations Specialist

HOW DOES PREMIER INSPIRE ME?The people here inspire me. My teammates are thoughtful, caring, hardworking and supportive. Even before I was hired, during the interview process, I was able to get a great glimpse into the culture of Premier through intelligent and inspiring conversations with team members. This is a work environment where everyone is encouraged to be their best.

I also love meeting our clients and hearing their stories. It’s so inspiring to be able to support people and help them find financial peace of mind.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PREMIER

I’m grateful that each person is highly valued and the team wants each person’s voice to be heard. I love that the environment here is characterized by ongoing learning and collaboration. The Premier team truly strives to embody excellence and assist our clients in developing financial peace of mind. It’s very rewarding to be able to do that on a daily basis. When I first joined the team, Premier’s core values really stood out to me. Since then, I’ve found that the Premier team is committed to making those values a priority each day at work. Appreciation, collaboration, excellence, integrity, passion and fun—these are values I strive to live by, both in and out of the office!

“At Premier, we value appreciation. This makes the environment at Premier an uplifting and positive experience.”

My Role:

Working with the wealth management team
Providing excellent client service
Project management

Education and Experience:

B.A. in English, Northwestern University
Project management for graphics and multimedia company
Entrepreneurial experience with writing, editing and web design

About Me:

Live in Humboldt County with partner and son
Love spending time with family in the Sacramento area

When I’m Not at Work, I Like To:

Practice and teach yoga
Kayak and hike
Blog

Rebekah Mull

Operations Manager,
Associate Advisor

WHY I WORK FOR PREMIER

Premier Financial Group is a company with incredible values, high standards for performance and customer service, and a true passion for serving members of our community and beyond. These attributes resonate deeply with me. As a firmly rooted Humboldt County resident, I am passionate about serving my community and raising the expectations for professionalism and courtesy in our county. I was born and raised in Humboldt County, and have four generations of my family residing here. As a result, my community is immensely important to me and so is working for a locally based company that values our community and gives back. Also high on the list, is to work for a company that values their employees and truly wants to see them succeed. I found these qualities at Premier and for these any many more reasons, I am delighted to invest my career in serving my clients at Premier.

MY BACKGROUND

For the past decade, I have worked in a variety of fields, all focused on providing efficient and excellent service to my community and my clients. Prior joining the dynamic team at Premier in 2014, I worked my way through school as an emergency 911 dispatcher for several local law enforcement agencies. This experience taught me how to keep my cool in stressful situations, all the while multitasking vigorously behind the scenes. Subsequently, I honed my professional administrative skills in the legal industry working with local law firms. These varied roles increased my understanding of our diverse and incredible community, and reinforced the importance of bringing a calm and positive outlook into my interactions with those I came into contact with. I am beyond blessed to be able to bring all my experience and passion to bear in my role with Premier Financial Group!

The Best Thing About Premier Is…

Working with our cohesive team of high-caliber professionals to serve our valued clients! Our team is committed to serving our clients with excellence and integrity, and we have had clients describe our service as the “golden standard.” This is the greatest client experience we could hope for!

Education and Professional Accomplishments

Humboldt State University, BA in Music – 2018
SEC Series 65
Notary Public
1^stplace in 2007 CAPMT state regionals piano competition; 2^ndplace in state finals
POST Certified Emergency Dispatcher

PASSIONS AND ENDEAVORS

My family and I were blessed with a 3+ acre farm in 2016 where we now cultivate a bountiful garden and orchard, in addition to caring for upwards of 20 chickens! I love sharing my farm-fresh, organic eggs with my family and my team here at Premier
Spending time with my wonderful family. My husband works diligently for the citizens of Fortuna as their Parks and Recreation Director, all the while helping keep our farm running and our barnyard happy. My daughter, Vivian, is a budding ballerina, pianist, artist, basketball player… You name it, she’ll want to try it!
For personal fulfillment, I enjoy running and riding my horse, Image, who I’ve had for over 18 years! I am also an avid reader and find great pleasure in re-reading classics and well-worn books from my personal library.

cassie

Cassi Anaya-Bishop

Investment Administrator

THE BEST PART OF WORKING FOR PREMIER

I was originally attracted to Premier’s loyalty and dedication to each client, as well as its commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships. Premier staff share a primary responsibility: providing clients with honest, valuable advice that will positively impact their lives and succeeding generations. Every Premier team member is equally committed to helping our clients find not only financial security, but confidence, as well.  After joining the firm, I learned that this commitment extends to the Premier team, as well as to our community. I also find inspiring their overall promise of transparency; as a fiduciary, Premier always puts clients’ interests first. Our clients know exactly what it will cost them to work with us, and they don’t have surprises on their billing invoices.

HOW DID I BECOME THE PROFESSIONAL I AM TODAY?

I joined Premier in 2013 after 10 years in the legal world. Since then, I’ve learned everything I know now about the wealth management industry, thanks to the mentoring, coaching and opportunities Premier has provided to me. My team supports my endeavors, and my leaders help nurture my distinct abilities and goals. I could not see myself growing as much as I have in the past few years with any other company!

“The best part about being at Premier is building meaningful, lifelong relationships with our clients.”

My Role

Portfolio analysis
Client meetings
Client Relationships and Communication
New Account Processing
Database upkeep and entry
Supporting the CCO, senior advisors and owners

Education and Accreditations

Psychology major, College of the Redwoods
California Notary Public (2011-2019)

About Me

5th generation Humboldt County native
Married to high school sweetheart, an Air Force veteran, since 2007
Son, Noah, was born in 2015 and daughter, Sawyer Rose, was born in 2018

When I’m Not at Work, I Like To…

Coach for the Humboldt Youth Soccer League
Spend time with my family (that’s more than 100 people!)
Take bike rides to the river with their kids and dog, Yager

Carla J. Simpson

FPQP™,
ASSOCIATE ADVISOR,
RETIREMENT PLAN SPECIALIST

WHY I’M A RETIREMENT PLAN SPECIALIST

I started my career as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) somewhat by accident. I joined a small TPA firm in Sacramento, and my interest in the retirement plan industry grew as I thrived on the complexity of IRS regulations and guidelines. There was always a need to keep learning in the retirement plan arena and I quickly advanced, handling over 100 retirement accounts on my own and completing everything from discrimination testing to IRS form 5500 filings. After moving to Humboldt County, I jumped at the chance to join Premier Financial Group’s retirement plan department and applying for that position at Premier is still my best career move! I started in the operations department in 2003, moved to the Investment Administrator position and now I’m the retirement plan specialist, maintaining over 50 retirement plan relationships, a position that’s as challenging and fulfilling as TPA work. I’ve learned so much about the investment component of retirement planning at Premier.

WHY I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE PREMIER TEAM

Premier’s retirement planning department is superb! We offer comprehensive, high-quality services to trustees and participants of the retirement plans we manage, providing everything from one-on-one financial planning meetings to assistance preparing forms needed for a distribution or 401(k) rollover. We’re always available to educate participants about their 401(k) investment options, and we’re committed to ensuring they have access to full disclosure of all fees paid from their retirement assets. I’m proud to be a part of Premier’s retirement department because it is my passion to provide ideas that can help my clients better prepare for retirement and educate anyone who is willing to listen.

I add value to my position through:

Investment administrators/retirement plan specialists add value by serving as the liaison between custodians and/or record-keepers and our clients. We are always available to handle this time consuming-task by facilitating and following up on transfers and withdrawals, helping with beneficiary updates, and setting up new accounts. We pride ourselves in taking on all that we can do to help our clients complete their goals. We truly are the premier in client service!

I specialize in:

Associate Advisor for 401(k) Qualified Retirement Plans and Individuals
Employee education meetings
One-on-one financial planning meetings with participants
Providing holistic client service
Portfolio analysis

Professional accomplishments and accreditations:

Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^TM
SEC Series 65
13 years’ experience as a TPA

More about me:

Born in Ontario, Canada and raised in Syracuse, NY
Adopted my dog, Chauncey, from Maranda’s Rescue in 2012
Involved with American Cancer Society Relay for Life to support finding a cure for cancer
Enjoys gardening, mosaic art, camping, hiking, biking, music, singing in the church choir, and dancing

bruce

Bruce A. Smith

CFO, CCO, Principal, Financial Advisor, Director Of Retirement Plans

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FIDUCIARY?

Being a fiduciary is something we live and breathe at Premier. As a fiduciary, we must put the interests of those who have entrusted us above all others, even our own. But the Premier team isn’t just legally required to be a fiduciary: that’s also the way we choose to behave. Putting others’ interests ahead of our own and practicing transparency in disclosure is a way of life. In fact, this fiduciary way of being extends to our relationship with everyone on the Premier team. Not only do we practice the fiduciary standard with clients, we continuously train and review our practices so we’re always working towards exhibiting the highest possible standards.

I Enjoy Being Part of The Premier Team Because…

The ‘fiduciary’ way of being inspires and informs all our relationships. What I particularly love is that it dovetails perfectly with my natural inclination to be of service to my clients and my team. I look forward to sharing this with everyone I meet, and with all those I’m blessed to have a relationship with.

BRUCE’S STORY

There are two driving themes in my life: one is recognizing that it’s in my best interest to be of help and service to others, and the second is that I have more freedom, choice and happiness when I’m self-sufficient, responsible and accountable for my decisions and actions. My history is an expression and example of those themes. I’ve lived in many places around the world, from the Philippines and Japan to Venezuela and Panama, from Alaska to New York, from Arizona to California. For the past 22 years, I’ve made my home in Humboldt County; it’s the most amazing place—the lagoons, the “six” rivers, the Trinity Alps and Marble Mountains, Horse Mountain—and offers a great lifestyle for raising a family. The people I’ve met, served and become friends with here are the best! My joining Premier is the culmination of these driving themes: Premier’s focus on creating financial peace of mind has greatly enhanced and deepened my own self-sufficiency, which allows for generosity, compassion and growth as a human being in partnership with other great people. I get to work with wonderful people, serving and helping them not only in financial matters, but in a range of other parts of life…and many have become new best friends.

Career Highlights:

Joined Premier in 2002
35 years of finance and management experience
Education and Accreditations:
B.A. in Psychology, UC Berkeley
M.B.A., Finance, San Francisco State University
SEC, Series 65
Accredited Investment Fiduciary^®

About Bruce:

Born on Clark AFB, Philippines
Raised in Venezuela, Panama and Mexico
Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, some Japanese and Turkish
Married with two sons and a daughter
Interests: reading, music, history, computers, traveling, billiards, Chess, Go, beekeeping, swimming, hiking/camping/fishing/hunting
Giving back: Pro-bono non-profit consultant for 25+ years, Rotary International (President-elect, as of July 2016), Boy Scouts of America (Scout Master for 10 years, Merit Badge counselor for 20+ years)

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John Gloor

Principal, Financial Advisor

John has been in the financial industry since 1987, and prior to that he worked his way through college doing construction. John is one of three co-founders of Premier Financial Group, Inc and is the Senior Advisor to our Retirement Plan Department. He has been instrumental in guiding and advising many significant local retirement plan sponsors. John is passionate about being a true fiduciary for every client he comes in contact with, and is an advocate for the protection and education of all retirement plan trustees and participants.

He resides in McKinelyville, CA with his wife.

Josh White

Investment Administrator

What inspires me most about Premier?

The level of professionalism and dedication brought to each and every relationship is astounding. Every one of my colleagues puts in 110% to ensure that our clients are taken care of, and that inspires me to do the same. No matter what, the clients’ interest comes first and foremost. Premier also puts a tremendous amount of energy into its people. My colleagues know how to train employees to give them the best chance at success, and that training translates directly into better client service. Premier seeks to exceed all expectations of the financial industry and I’m proud to be a member of this team.

My Background:

Born and raised in California, I’ve held many different positions across northern California. From working at a Wildlife Refuge to installing cable for hospitals, my past experiences have made for me a wealth of knowledge to pull from no matter where I’m at in life. Here at Premier, I utilize my experience and education to provide for my clients a comfortable experience- helping to give them the financial peace of mind they deserve.

My Role:

Maintain client relationships. My goal is to make the client as comfortable as possible.
Documentation. A big part of my position is filling out and submitting various supporting documents with diligence and accuracy.
Support advisors. Whether supporting our advisory team in meetings, drafting documents, or just being a sounding board to bounce ideas off of, a big part of my position is to help strengthen the relationships between our clients and Premier.
Data entry. Doing behind the scenes work to help make sure the company runs effectively and efficiently.

Outside of Premier you’ll find me:

Reading
Studying Japanese language and culture
Gardening
Spending time with my wife
Hiking

Education & Achievements

Associate Degree in Psychology from Shasta College
Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Chico State University
Member of the Sociological Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Delta

Shannon Conway

Investment Administrator

Why I Enjoy Being a Part of Premier:

Helping others is the unifying motivation for everything I feel truly called to do in life. At Premier, we work intimately with our clients to transform complex scenarios into attainable solutions. Having clients entrust me with their financial peace of mind is a privilege and an honor. Knowing that the effects of our work positively impact entire families for generations is deeply inspiring.

My Background:

Having been born and raised in Connecticut, living in California was a lifelong dream of mine. Even after years of calling Humboldt County home, the bliss of realizing such a dream has not worn off. Before joining Premier, I worked on the sales team for a local digital marketing agency. It was here that I discovered my passion for contributing to the economic success and financial wellbeing of our community.

I Specialize In:

Client relationships
Support in client meetings
Account formation and maintenance

Data processing and analysis
Website and Client Portal development team

When I’m Not at Work, You’ll Find Me:

A lifelong dancer, I attended a performing arts high school as a dance performance major and I continue to honor my passion for movement through the practice of aerial silks and yoga. I also love to spend time in nature, and Humboldt County’s offerings are unmatched in this regard. As a perpetual learner, I enjoy reading about a vast array of subjects and expanding my awareness. I am an animal lover and my greatest loves are my two fur babies (dogs), Harley and Titan. I love singing, as well—you might even see me at karaoke!

Education & Achievements

Bachelor of Arts, Humboldt State University (2018)

Pearl Podgorniak

Client Service Associate

Why I Enjoy Being a Part of Premier:

The team at Premier holds itself to a high level of professionalism and is deeply invested in providing excellent client service. Premier’s approach is to deliver meaningful, consistent experiences and engage in authentic conversations that matter. In a world in which we are bombarded by content and conversations that don’t matter, it is refreshing to be a part of a company culture that strives for authenticity and fosters a holistic approach to life’s challenges, showing great care and regard for the health of its team, community, and clients. The integrity with which the team at Premier represents its vision and core values is inspiring.

My Background:

I have been with Premier since May 2019 and look forward to a long career serving our community and clients, enabling financial success and peace of mind. Before working for Premier Financial Group, I worked for 4 years at the Law Office of Kenneth J. Collins as a Legal Office Assistant, managing client communications, clerical and office administration. Beginning in 2010, I found success as a free-lance Personal Project Consultant, guiding individuals and start-up businesses through administrative set-up, team building and counseling, navigation and implementation of wild ideas, and compliance implementation. After having been a stay at home mom for three years, it was time to go back to work. Premier Financial Group was at the top of my list for desirable companies to work for because of its reputation for excellent client service and commitment to our community.

I Specialize In:

Client Service and Fulfilment of Client Requests
Administrative Support
Organization

Client Correspondence
Coordination of Service Activities

When I’m Not at Work, You’ll Find Me:

Spending quality time with my family
Beekeeping
Gardening
Harvesting herbs
Making artwork

Kayaking and canoeing
Working on Sister Medicinals, my herbal remedy company
Vending at markets
Attending small business development workshops

Education & Achievements

Attended Simpson College, ’00 – ‘03
Attended Humboldt State University, ’04 – ‘07
Majored in Art History, Minored in Women’s Studies
Earned Certificates in Museum and Gallery Practices and Digital Communications
Certified Dynamic Facilitator
Certified Advanced Level Integrative Energy Therapy Practitioner

John Conway

Operations Specialist

Why I Work for Premier

In my opinion, Premier Financial Group is one of the best places to work in Humboldt County. Premier’s passionate dedication to its customers also extends to its employees in that the company has a commitment to providing career development, fostering a fun work environment, and providing ongoing educational opportunities. One thing that sets Premier apart is integrity, which is the backbone of the fiduciary responsibility we set forth to our clients. In short, I find it rewarding to work for such a well-established and respectable local business because I know that my hard work directly serves my community; that is what is important to me, and that is why I work at Premier.

BACKGROUND

Growing up in Stockton, CA I always looked forward to summer vacations in Santa Cruz and knew that I wanted to live by the ocean when I got older. I was excited at the opportunity to attend Humboldt State University after high school, where I could live on the coast. While attending college, I fell in love with the forests, rivers, and beaches – as well as my wife – and I am happy to say that I now call Humboldt my home. Living in Humboldt County, I have worked at multiple financial institutions, including Humboldt Merchant Services and Umpqua Bank. At Humboldt Merchant Services I was an Underwriter and reviewed applications for credit card processing accounts. Underwriting merchant accounts include quickly making approval decisions after analyzing customer creditworthiness, business financials, and banking statements; this position allowed me to develop my strengths in accuracy and attention-to-detail. At Umpqua Bank, I worked in Loan Support Services and specialized in flood insurance reviews for residential, consumer, and commercial loans. My greatest accomplishment at Umpqua Bank was being promoted to the Team Lead of the Loan Insurance Services Team.

 Activities and Interests

As an outdoor enthusiast, living in Northern California is a dream come true. On the weekends my wife and I like to go exploring to find new hiking trails and swimming holes. My favorite places to hike include the James Irvine Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and the Canyon Creek Trail in the Trinity Alps. When it comes to swimming, I frequent Stone Lagoon just north of Trinidad, and various secret swimming holes along the Trinity River near Willow Creek. While researching hiking trails and maps, I enjoy reading about the history of the locations before and after I visit them; I find that Humboldt County always has something new to learn about its rich history.

Education & Achievements

Bachelor of Science: Business Administration HSU 2009
Member of the Humboldt County Historical Society
Swam in the “Escape from Alcatraz” swim and the “Sharkfest” Golden Gate swim
NAUI Certified Master Scuba Diver

Kyla Orr

Client Service Associate

Why I Work for Premier

The most inspiring aspect of working for Premier is the high level of respect, commitment, and authenticity that Premier offers to its clients and team members. My primary focus is to continually provide clients with an extraordinary client experience that makes them feel confident that they are in good hands at Premier. The most unique feature of our firm is its culture. We strive to maintain open communication and transparency regarding every aspect of our industry. This allows for collaboration at all levels while also encouraging professional and personal growth. It is rewarding to work for a local company that highly values its clients, colleagues, and community.

My Role

Facilitate correspondence between clients and Financial Advisors
Manage firm-wide calendar of events
Event coordinator for public appreciation and education events
Liaison between clients and other planning professionals, such as CPAs, tax advisors, and estate planning attorneys
Optimize operational efficiency in the office by utilizing advanced technology and resources
Direct support for the Director of Business Development
Collaborate with strategic planning leaders to implement ongoing and innovative business strategies and initiatives

Education & Achievements

California Notary Public
Marketing Ambassador for J&A Food’s Northern California Division, 2011-2013
10 years of client service experience

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