Meet Our Team
Each of our team members has a unique story that sparked their interest in finance, whether it was buying their first stock at age 11 or starting an investment club at age 12. We enjoy working together as a team, leveraging our two century-plus years of combined experience, to take care of our clients during even the most volatile market environments. Even more, we consider our clients family. We love what we do, and we enjoy being able to help our clients daily.
The Founders Group
Michael Berard
Managing Director/Investments
9843642002
Michael, one of the team’s founders, works with a select group of high-net-worth individuals and institutions to develop and implement investment plans tailored to their specific objectives and risk tolerances. He believes that each client deserves a financial advisor who delivers highly personalized, well-researched guidance and outstanding personal service while adhering to unbending standards of integrity. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Michael focuses on providing comprehensive wealth management services with an emphasis on seeking portfolio growth and risk mitigation of capital.
Michael began his investment industry career in 1992 and joined Stifel in 2020. He earned a B.A. in Economics from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Outside the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Meredith, and his two boys, Austin and Remy. Michael is an avid saltwater fly fisherman and enjoys playing pickle ball and golf.
Michael began his investment industry career in 1992 and joined Stifel in 2020. He earned a B.A. in Economics from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Outside the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Meredith, and his two boys, Austin and Remy. Michael is an avid saltwater fly fisherman and enjoys playing pickle ball and golf.
Richard Dworsky
Managing Director/Investments
9843642003
Ricky, one of the team’s co-founders, has been in the investment industry since 1983 and joined Stifel in 2020. As a portfolio manager in Stifel’s Solutions Program, Ricky specializes in managing his clients’ assets on a discretionary basis, with an emphasis on equities, portfolio hedging strategies, and overall asset allocation. He has been managing discretionary portfolios since 1986 and has been managing client portfolios for other financial advisors since 1993. In his over 40-year tenure, Ricky has gained extensive experience with options, technical/fundamental analysis, and equity selection.
Ricky earned a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7, 15, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Outside the office, Ricky enjoys spending time and taking trips with his wife of 30 years, Diane. Ricky likes to cook, preparing everything from paella to Thanksgiving dinner.
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs.
Ricky earned a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7, 15, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Outside the office, Ricky enjoys spending time and taking trips with his wife of 30 years, Diane. Ricky likes to cook, preparing everything from paella to Thanksgiving dinner.
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs.
Frank Dworsky
CFP
CFP
Senior Vice President/Investments
9843642004
Frank specializes in constructing customized strategies designed to suit each individual client’s needs. He does this through a consultative process, where he gains a detailed understanding of each client’s goals. He then uses this information to build a comprehensive wealth management strategy.
Frank has over 45 years of experience working with high-net-worth families. During his extensive tenure as a financial advisor, 22 years were spent as a Branch Manager and Divisional Manager. Frank is passionate about what he does, and feels fortunate to be able to continue to work with such wonderful clients and colleagues. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). Frank also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
Outside the office, Frank likes to spend time with his wife, Carole, and their four children and seven grandchildren. He also enjoys golfing and is a keen world traveler. Having traveled to four continents in the past few years, Frank and Carole hope to visit the other three soon.
Frank has over 45 years of experience working with high-net-worth families. During his extensive tenure as a financial advisor, 22 years were spent as a Branch Manager and Divisional Manager. Frank is passionate about what he does, and feels fortunate to be able to continue to work with such wonderful clients and colleagues. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). Frank also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
Outside the office, Frank likes to spend time with his wife, Carole, and their four children and seven grandchildren. He also enjoys golfing and is a keen world traveler. Having traveled to four continents in the past few years, Frank and Carole hope to visit the other three soon.
David Bomar
ChSNC
ChSNC
Vice President/Investments
9843642005
David began his investment industry experience in 2005 and joined Stifel in 2020. He works with high-net-worth clients and is responsible for developing tailored asset allocation strategies, implementing client portfolios, selecting money managers, guiding clients on both the overall market and individual securities, and other investment-related decisions. Prior to this role, David was a portfolio analyst, participating in overall business development by customizing investment plans/asset allocation proposals, analyzing investment portfolio holdings, and designing tailored reporting for new and existing clients.
David earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
David enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their three young children, Jack, Logan, and Wes. He is passionate about UNC Football and supporting efforts to find a cure for Pitt Hopkins Syndrome.
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs.
David earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
David enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their three young children, Jack, Logan, and Wes. He is passionate about UNC Football and supporting efforts to find a cure for Pitt Hopkins Syndrome.
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs.
Vanessa Haythorn
CFP
CFP
Financial Advisor Associate
9843642007
Vanessa focuses on building client and prospect relationships, working closely with clients to develop customized investment plans suited to their financial goals. Working in a collaborative environment, Vanessa strives to consider individual and family needs through an in-depth discovery process in an effort to provide an optimal path for each client. She utilizes fact-finding tools designed to account for financial strengths and weaknesses, culminating in a calculated approach to investment planning and wealth management.
Vanessa began her investment industry career in 2008 and joined Stifel in 2020. She graduated from Meredith College with a B.S. in Business Administration, Finance and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). Vanessa also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the College for Financial Planning.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Michael. They especially enjoy tackling various yard and home remodeling projects together.
Vanessa began her investment industry career in 2008 and joined Stifel in 2020. She graduated from Meredith College with a B.S. in Business Administration, Finance and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). Vanessa also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the College for Financial Planning.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Michael. They especially enjoy tackling various yard and home remodeling projects together.
Gayle Bomar
Financial Advisor Associate
9843642006
Gayle has more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry, both as a Branch Manager and Financial Advisor. He has a passion for what he calls the “F's” in his life: Faith, Family, Friends, Financial markets, his Founders Group partners, his favorite sport, Football, and the Future! He believes strongly in the phrase: “Do what you say you're going to do, and make your word your bond.” He also says often: “Doing business with honesty and integrity, and always putting our clients first, is the mantra of every member of our team.”
What Gayle likes most about his role on the team is spending time developing relationships with clients and their families, some of whom he has worked with for more than 30 years. He also enjoys spending time researching different companies and investment strategies to help clients pursue their goals while mitigating as much risk as possible.
He was a three-year football letterman while at UNC, quarterbacking the Tar Heels in the late 1960s and was named Co-Captain and MVP of the 1968 team. He joined Stifel in 2020 and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, long-term care and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Gayle is passionate about his clients and his work, but when he's not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 53 years, Margie, his four adult children and their spouses, and their 11 grandchildren. In his leisure time, Gayle loves playing golf and watching other sports, especially football.
What Gayle likes most about his role on the team is spending time developing relationships with clients and their families, some of whom he has worked with for more than 30 years. He also enjoys spending time researching different companies and investment strategies to help clients pursue their goals while mitigating as much risk as possible.
He was a three-year football letterman while at UNC, quarterbacking the Tar Heels in the late 1960s and was named Co-Captain and MVP of the 1968 team. He joined Stifel in 2020 and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, long-term care and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Gayle is passionate about his clients and his work, but when he's not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 53 years, Margie, his four adult children and their spouses, and their 11 grandchildren. In his leisure time, Gayle loves playing golf and watching other sports, especially football.
Charlene Gladden
Portfolio Analyst
9843642008
Charlie began her investment industry experience in 2012 and joined Stifel in 2020. Her primary responsibility is assisting with investment research, and she is responsible for a wide range of administrative and operational support duties. She is known as our clients’ “go-to,” and is essential in making sure our team stays organized and runs smoothly and efficiently.
Charlie enjoys spending time with her family and loves to cook. While she loves her college town of Chapel Hill (Go, Heels!), you will often find her enjoying and exploring her current home near Downtown Raleigh. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Charlie enjoys spending time with her family and loves to cook. While she loves her college town of Chapel Hill (Go, Heels!), you will often find her enjoying and exploring her current home near Downtown Raleigh. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
Maria Storozheva
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
9843642010
Maria began her financial services career in 2018 and joined Stifel and The Founders Group in 2020. Originally from Russia, she moved to the United States and graduated from East Carolina University. Maria was also a Division 1 Athlete at ECU, received a full scholarship to play tennis, and was a team captain during her senior year.
Maria has always wanted a career in the financial industry. Her experience as captain of the ECU tennis team gave her exemplary team building and leadership skills, both of which complement her position within The Founders Group. She holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Maria has always wanted a career in the financial industry. Her experience as captain of the ECU tennis team gave her exemplary team building and leadership skills, both of which complement her position within The Founders Group. She holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Skye Roberts
Registered Client Service Associate
9843642009
Skye joined Stifel in 2023, beginning her financial services career with The Founders Group. During her time at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she volunteered both in her community and as a Teaching Assistant in the Economics department at UNC. Skye graduated with a passion for finance and serving others.
Outside the office, Skye enjoys running, playing soccer, and spending time with her loved ones. You will often find her grabbing dinner on Franklin Street with friends, or strolling through her hometown of Hillsborough, North Carolina, with her family.
Outside the office, Skye enjoys running, playing soccer, and spending time with her loved ones. You will often find her grabbing dinner on Franklin Street with friends, or strolling through her hometown of Hillsborough, North Carolina, with her family.