As leader of Acumen Financial Advantage’s Credit Union practice, Scott brings over twenty-five years of experience in the financial services arena. He specializes in working with CEOs, CFOs and key executives of credit unions, nonprofits, and successful businesses using tools and techniques custom-designed to minimize taxes and maximize the efficient use of assets. As a member of the California Bar in addition to being a Certified Financial Planner CFP, he brings unique perspective and expertise in the structure and funding of insurance programs that benefit both the employer and key executives. Scott loves to golf, surf, and spend time traveling with his wife and three kids.

A former Senior Partner of Stearns Financial Group & Regional Vice President of BFB Gallagher, Ryan is recognized as an industry expert regarding non-qualified deferred compensation. He has worked with over 200 tax-exempt organizations with updating, enhancing, and designing their supplemental executive & key leadership member retention plans. A common theme across his consulting engagements at Acumen Financial Advantage, Ryan focuses on aligning data, relationships, and circumstances to drive mutually beneficial outcomes for both the organizations and individuals in question. Ryan graduated from Tufts University in 2015 with a dual degree in Quantitative Econometrics and Entrepreneurship. At heart, Ryan is an entrepreneur that is driven by helping individuals in all aspects of his life.

Alex Bebis is an expert in designing, implementing, and managing bespoke Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) for nonprofits and closely held businesses. He also specializes in advanced tax mitigation strategies tailored for senior executives, directors, and other highly compensated individuals.

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As a Co-Founder of Acumen Financial Advantage (AFA), Alex brings over 15 years of expertise in structuring life insurance solutions and SERP strategies. His strategic insights empower organizations and individuals to enhance financial efficiency, drive long-term growth, and secure a lasting financial legacy.

Samantha Paxson is a visionary Fintech growth strategist with over two decades of C-suite leadership. At Acumen, Paxson is leading strategic growth for the company, overseeing sales, client experience, product commercialization, and marketing. As the former CXO of Co-op Solutions, she founded and leads Power & Light Collaborative, a consultancy dedicated to uncovering growth potential for Fintechs servicing community-focused financial institutions, and serves on multiple credit union and fintech boards, including her services as an Advisor in Residence for EY. Paxson brings an unmatched ability to uncover growth opportunities, harnessing customer-centric insights to optimize financial performance and drive meaningful impact for portfolio growth. A sought-after speaker in the financial services industry, Paxson masterfully integrates technology, operations, and customer experience to help financial companies enhance operations, fuel revenue growth, and expand market reach.

Mark provides strategic leadership in executive compensation, retention solutions, and institutional asset management for credit unions, hospital systems, and other nonprofit organizations. He also oversees all aspects of strategic partner relationships to ensure exceptional and seamless service delivery.

Previously, Mark spent over 15 years in private wealth management, specializing in alternative investments with a focus on non-market-correlated assets. His expertise spans direct investments in operating businesses, real estate, long-only public markets, long/short hedge funds, private equity, and private credit. Over time, his focus evolved toward helping nonprofit organizations optimize their financial strategies.

Mark holds a degree in Economics from Miami University (OH) and studied business at NYU’s Stern School of Business through the Stern Advantage Program. He maintains FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as life/health and long-term care insurance licenses. Additionally, he holds the Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor® designation from the College of Financial Planning. 

Outside of work, Mark enjoys the beach, travel, tennis, and spending time with his wife and son.

Rick is the Regional Vice President for Acumen Financial Advantage.  He is an Experienced Senior Executive Benefits Consultant with over 35 years of expertise in the key Manager & executive benefits consulting, specializing in design , implementation, and administration of Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plans.  Proficient in the administration, finance, compliance, and technology of benefits programs, including 457(f), SERPS, Section 162 Plans, Collateral Assignment & Endorsement Split Dollar plans, and employee Benefit Liability Offset funded by Institutionally Owned Life Insurance (IOLI). Adept at delivering complex financial models and strategies in simple, client-friendly formats. Highly skilled in advising financial institutions and their outside auditors including banks, credit unions, and not-for-profit institutions, on key employee and executive benefit structures that align with both client goals and regulatory requirements. Rick earned a BA from the University of Florida, Gainesville and an MBA from Washington University, St. Louis.

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Ameya is the Head of Case Design at Acumen Financial Advantage where he focuses on proposal design, plan review, and corporate analytics. He leverages his expertise in business, finance, and statistics, gained from previous roles at TriscendNP, Citigroup's Financial Planning and Analysis Department, and an internship at the Central Bank of India’s Risk Management Department. Ameya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and an MBA in Finance from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai, India. He also earned a Master’s in Business Analytics from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he achieved Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Iota Delta honors, and completed a Professional Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics from the University of Maryland in 2023.

Pam leads all digital content, paid, owned, and earned media, channel partner marketing, as well as oversees events and speakerships for the company. She joined Acumen in late 2024 and previously served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Velera, the industry’s premier credit union service organization, leading internal and external communications and integrated marketing. As a seasoned leader and strategist, she has more than 25 years of experience in both agency and corporate settings, managing high-performing cross-functional teams, implementing marketing and brand strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and effectively executing crisis communication plans. Brands she has supported include Toyota, Volvo, Honda, Mattel, and Nestle.  

Pam holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a master’s degree in professional communication. An active thought leader, she is an adjunct instructor at Temple University and serves on the board of the International Association of Business Communicators in Philadelphia.

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Robert A. Fink, J.D., is a former tax and estate planning attorney who, over the past 30 years, has worked with high-net-worth individuals and business owners to devise strategies that reduce market volatility while also minimizing the impact of taxes on his clients’ assets and estates. Rob uses his combination of legal, tax, and insurance expertise, often through the use of premium financing, to craft creative solutions through which his clients can meet their financial goals.

In 2016, inspired by a desire to use his skill set to give back to his community, Rob came up with an idea on how to help nonprofits build a sizable endowment on a guaranteed basis. Called the Charitable Endowment Plan™, this strategy magnifies the impact of funds contributed by donors to help ensure the nonprofit’s work and the donor’s legacy live on for generations to come.

Although no longer a practicing attorney, Rob is a member of the bar in both Michigan and California and maintains a life insurance license. He is married and is a proud father to two young boys.

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As a Senior Financial Consultant and a CPA, Chris has 30 years of corporate finance and audit experience, with 25 years in the financial services industry. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer for SAFE Credit Union in Northern California. His responsibilities included financial and strategic planning, board governance, treasury, risk management, and data analytics. Chris specializes in analyzing the financial products and investment strategies that help businesses achieve their objectives.

Deanna is the Head of Administration at Acumen Financial Advantage. She joined the team in 2005, following five years with CBIZ Special Risk Insurance Services as a Life Case Manager. She is responsible for processing and managing new business by working directly and indirectly with many different insurance companies and lending institutions. She also provides assistance in life insurance policy case design. Deanna is a San Diego native, who enjoys hiking, baking, photography and quality time spent with family and friends.

Dr. Jordan S. Josephson is an internationally renowned expert in nasal and endoscopic sinus surgery, specializing in both functional and cosmetic procedures. A board-certified otolaryngologist, he earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate and completed his residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital. He was the first fellowship-trained endoscopic sinus surgeon in the U.S., training under Dr. David W. Kennedy at Johns Hopkins, where he later served as faculty.

A leader in his field, Dr. Josephson has trained hundreds of physicians, been a consultant to the NIH, working on groundbreaking techniques in nasal and facial reconstruction, and has lectured globally. His research and textbooks are widely recognized, and he has been featured as an expert on CBS, NBC, FOX, and NY1.

An active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology’s Rhinology and Paranasal Sinus Committee, Dr. Josephson has helped set national standards for sinus surgery. He continues to practice in Manhattan, providing state-of-the-art care to his patients.

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As the Events Coordinator at Acumen Financial Advantage, Luisa Lora plays a key role in shaping the company’s event strategy, overseeing sponsorships and trade show presence to maximize engagement and impact. Luisa joined Modern Capital in 2023, bringing with her a strong background in event management and brand activation. Prior to that, she held a similar role at Co-op Solutions, where she managed industry events, partnerships, and sponsorship initiatives.

Luisa ensures that Acumen Financial Advantage stands out at every event, helping drive awareness and foster strategic relationships.

Karen joined Modern Capital, now Acumen Financial Advantage, in January 2023 as an Office Administrator. She comes with over 19 years of experience in the financial planning and insurance industry. She prides herself with her client service expertise and relations. Karen is a native of Southern California, where she still resides with her family. While not at work, she spends her free time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys reading and is a huge fan of USC football.

Steve is the Principal and Chief Sales Officer for Acumen Financial Advantage, bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial services. He is dedicated to building growth and delivering exceptional value for clients and their stakeholders. Before joining Acumen Financial Advantage Steve advised national financial firms and multi-family offices on relationship development strategies. He holds certification from Michael Gerber’s E-Myth Academy in business development and is a graduate of the Strategic Coach program for entrepreneurs.

Iain is the Vice President/Strategic Relations for Acumen Financial Advantage. Specializing in strategic partnerships, Iain has worked the better part of a decade building and managing pipelines for financial service firms. Specifically, focused on providing alternative investment, executive benefits, and charitable giving solutions for the tax exempt entity space. Iain graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a degree in business. In his spare time, Iain is serving his community through church and various local nonprofits as well as enjoying the vibrant music scene of Music City, USA.

Shannon joined Acumen Financial Advantage in 2025 as a case designer.  She has 20 years of experience in financial services, including over a decade in the non-qualified space with CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage), Prudential Retirement, and Empower Retirement.  She has a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College and a doctorate in Modern European History from Pennsylvania State University, which provides her with a unique creative approach to problem-solving.  She enjoys gardening, hiking, writing, and music in her spare time.  She lives in northern Vermont with her husband, 3 dogs, and 5 cats.

Katrina joined Modern Capital, now Acumen Financial Advantage, in 2024 as Head of Case Management, bringing over 30 years of experience in financial services with a focus on life insurance and wealth transfer. She holds both the Associate, Life Management Institute (ALMI) designation and the Associate, Customer Service (ACS) designation. She is passionate about delivering exceptional service to clients and advisors. Previously, Katrina led Underwriting and New Business operations for two large General Agencies, where she managed teams, optimized processes, and strengthened partnerships. Now based near Nashville, TN, she enjoys traveling, photography, and scrapbooking adventures with her family and two pugs.

Christine is the Chief of Staff at Acumen Financial Advantage. She has worked in the financial services industry for over twenty years and with Scott for the last fifteen. Christine’s primary responsibilities include coordinating client relations meetings, proactive medical underwriting, and reliable servicing of our clients’ policies. She is passionate about demonstrating good work ethics to ensure the firm’s clients receive the highest level of service and have a consistent, high-level quality of work that is completed correctly, and in a timely manner. Christine resides in Wine Country, Temecula, CA with her husband and two children.

Francis joined Acumen Financial Advantage as a Case Design Analyst. He combines his quantitative background in finance and statistics with years of experience serving institutional investors, enabling him to provide complex analysis tailored to each client’s specific needs. Previously, Francis worked as an Analyst at BNY, meeting the financial reporting and data analysis goals of several Institutional investors. He holds a Master’s in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan, focusing on Business Strategy and Data Analytics, and a Bachelor’s in Managerial Economics from UMass Amherst, where he contributed to academic research and taught financial analysis to over 100 undergraduates.

Lynn Weirick began her career as a recruiter in Chicago before joining a Fortune 500 telecom company in 1989, where she excelled in roles including Sales, District Management, and Regional Sales and Service Manager. After relocating to South Carolina in 1993, she established a medical practice and became deeply involved in community initiatives, eventually serving as Financial Development Officer for a not-for-profit organization. In 2003, Lynn succeeded her father as president of the financial services company he founded. She later co-founded WKA Financial, LLC, and Evans-Weirick Business Consulting, LLC. Lynn holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Aquinas College and is a Certified Family Business Specialist. She and her husband have five children and enjoy outdoor activities like boating, tennis, and pickleball.

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Mike is a Regional Vice President for Acumen Financial Advantage. Mike has 20 years of experience working in the Credit Union space. He has focused on helping credit unions provide better service to members while providing technology services to keep them competitive in the marketplace. Mike graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Communications. In his spare time Mike loves spending time with his wife, two kids and three dogs. His hobbies include padel ball, snow skiing and hiking.

Carly is Regional Vice President of Acumen Financial Advantage.  As a former SVP at GQR Global Markets and Regional Director and Managing Partner at Adaptive Medical Partners, Carly has been consulting in the healthcare industry for 10+ years. She has been primarily focused on partnering with C-level executives in all clinical and hospital settings to develop successful strategies to recruit physicians, nurses and executives. Carly has been a valued consultant with her clients. In addition, she adds significant value to her company through gaining strategic partnerships, building out dynamic internal teams, and streamlining costs & operational workflows. In her spare time, Carly enjoys investing in startups, traveling, yoga, and anything water related.

John (Bernie) Winne has recently retired after a lengthy career in the credit union industry which spanned more than 40 years. He was the President and CEO at Boston Firefighters Credit Union for the past 20 years and grew that credit union from $75M to $425M in assets. He was a long-time member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Massachusetts Credit Union League and the Cooperative Credit Union Association. He has been a member of several CUNA committees including Advocacy and Consumer Compliance and Charter Enhancement. He is now entering a new phase in his professional life as a Regional Vice President with Acumen Financial Advantage. In this role he will continue his dedication to the credit union industry working on issues pertaining to executive compensation and retention, prefunding employee benefits and charitable donation accounts.