The Latest

Kasten is chairman of SKYGEN USA, a collection of benefit solution companies that brings together a distinguished mix of next-generation benefit management and technology tools that help health care organizations be market-leading and reform-ready. Reach him at crkasten@skygenusa.com.

\nMr. Columbus is Chief Market Strategist\/Senior Managing Director of First Allied Asset Management (FAAM), our captive money management subsidiary, which serves First Allied’s affiliated advisors. His diversified background equips him with a unique perspective on macro-economic issues, combining geo-political knowledge with investment expertise to help guide the FAAM Investment Committee. \n\n\nMr. Columbus is one of Wall Street’s most recognizable figures as a regular guest on CNBC’s “Kudlow & Company” and “Power Lunch,” where he discusses market events and trends, and delivers astute commentary on issues pertinent to investors.\nPrior to First Allied, Mr. Columbus was the Chief Market Strategist for Thomson Financial, a leading provider of information and technology solutions to the worldwide financial community. \n\n\nMr. Columbus also serves as the Chair of the Entrepreneurship program at Grove City College, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, where he works on programs designed to educate students to transform society through commercial and social enterprise. He is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, holds an MBA from Penn State University, and a law degree from Indiana University. He also was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives.\n

Cord Himelstein is vice president, marketing and communications with Michael C. Fina Group, a provider of rewards and incentive programs.

Constance Stone, CFP® served a diverse range of clients over the past 27 years. She co-founded Stepping Stone Financial, Inc. in 2004 to provide comprehensive fee-only™ financial planning in a fiduciary capacity. Connie particularly enjoys empowering single women over the age of 50, especially widows, through education and holistic advice. She also serves families with seniors in transition. She is honored to serve as an ambassador for the CFP® Board of Standards. Connie has been quoted in several local and national publications, including NAPFA Advisor, the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, the Journal of Financial Planning and the Plain Dealer.

Colleen Schon's consistent purpose is to be an invaluable strategic financial planning partner to her clients as they reach toward achieving their unique, long-term goals. As a wealth management specialist and retirement plan consultant who has completed the certificate course from Investment Management Consultants Association, she takes great care to ensure that each client's attitude and risk tolerance levels and other preferences are met as his or her customized plan evolves and reaches maturity.\n\nA financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates since 2005, Colleen has extensive experience in the financial services industry, beginning with Merrill Lynch and Co. in 1986. Colleen specialized in insurance and estate planning, working with numerous investment advisors and their clients. In 1993, Colleen partnered with a female investment advisor and a year later they decided to move their practice to PaineWebber. After her partner retired in 2004, Colleen and her team of financial advisors and sales associates moved to Raymond James in 2005. She has long been fascinated by numbers and finance, and enjoys the independent thinking that her current position encourages. Since 2005, she has served on the firm's Women's Advisory Council, which supports and mentors women financial advisors.\n\nHeavily involved in community activities, Colleen has been a soccer player, served as a coach, and volunteers as a recruiter and fundraiser for the annual golf outing of The Alexander Foundation based in Grand Blanc, Michigan. In 2003, she and her husband, David, founded the organization, whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to parents and relatives of children born with Cloverleaf Syndrome and other craniofacial related conditions. She is also involved in church and other charitable work.\n\n