ABOUT US

Managing Director

Derek Myron, CFP®

Derek has been serving high net worth individuals and families since 1998, assisting them in the creation and implementation of carefully crafted plans to solving both their financial, and many times their life goals. Derek’s North Star is helping others achieve their highest potential both professionally and personally; Derek is the product of a two-parent teacher household that emphasized excelling in both school and helping others.

He received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Washington. He’s held the Certified Financial Planner “CFP” designation from Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards since 2001. Derek is passionate and receives great joy in developing and implementing Liberated Wealth® plans for the firm’s clientele and helping them achieve their life goals through an impactful change to their financial well-being.

Derek is married to Suzanne and has three children, two boys and a girl: Cole, Jake & Carter. He enjoys coaching his children’s various sports, as well as hiking, biking, surfing, traveling and camping together with his family.

Managing Director

Kyle Malmstrom

Kyle’s North Star is to continually deliver the best wealth management solutions to the firm’s clients at the highest standards of ethics and excellence. Since the early 2000s, Kyle has been placing clients first and serving as a steward and fiduciary to high net worth families and individuals. 

Kyle specializes in Liberating Wealth through the implementation of detailed and customized wealth management solutions. Kyle empowers his clients through educating and implementing proactive wealth planning solutions. 

Kyle has over 25 years of active experience in financial markets, including six years as a NASDAQ market maker and trader. Kyle earned his B.S.B.A. in Finance from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Kyle resides in San Marcos, California with his wife, Candice, and their four children. Kyle enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, boating, coaching sports, and outdoor activities.

Chief Investment Officer

Chris Osmond, CFA, CAIA®, CFP®

Chris began his career in the finance industry in 2004. Before joining Centura Wealth Advisory, he served in leadership roles in some of the most prestigious Trust Wealth Management departments, including Northern Trust, US Bank Private Wealth Management, and BMO Harris Private Bank. Chris was responsible for creating and managing custom investment management solutions on behalf of high-net-worth and successful families, ultra-high-net-worth families, foundation/endowments, institutions, and various trusts in these leadership roles. More recently, Chris served as the Chief Investment Officer for the Overland Park-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). He was responsible for overseeing the firm’s investment strategies and guiding investment policy for the entire organization. Additionally, Chris was a significant contributor to the firm’s substantial growth from $3.5 billion to more than $17 billion during his tenure, where he was responsible for developing both traditional and alternative investment platforms.   

Chris is a regular speaker at industry-specific conferences and a frequent contributor for media outlets like Bloomberg, CNBC.com, Reuters, Yahoo!Finance, CheddarTV, Fox Business News, T.D. Ameritrade Network, and U.S. News & World Report,  to name a few. Chris is not only quoted and published for his insights on investments, the economy, capital markets, alternative investments, and sustainable and responsible investing, he provides expertise on the way technology is shaping the asset management industry.

Chris obtained his Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Arizona and is an avid Wildcat fan. He is passionately committed to being an industry expert in all major elements of the finance industry, as such, Chris is a Chartered Financial Analyst®, a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Chris grew up in Denver, CO, and now resides in St. Augustine, FL with his wife and daughter. Chris enjoys golfing, snowboarding, spending time with family, reading, and barbecuing in his free time.

Chris’ North Star is being entrenched in the financial markets and creating investment strategies that meet the unique and specific needs of clients, all while serving clients in the highest fiduciary capacity.

Director, People and Culture

Krystal Puryear

Krystal joined Centura Wealth Advisory in January 2024 as the Director of People and Culture. She is enthusiastic about creating a culture of growth for employees that supports the organizational vision for the future.

Krystal grew up in Santa Barabara, CA with her twin brother, Eric. She attended New Mexico State University as a team member of their Division 1 Equestrian team. She received a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Krystal spends her free time with her son Parker and husband Drew. Her North Star is helping people reach their personal and professional goals by creating a supportive, energized and “sky’s the limit” environment.

Vice President of Insurance & Strategy

Bryan Schick, CPA, CGMA®

Bryan Schick joined Centura in July of 2024 as a Vice President of Insurance & Strategy.

A background in accounting and mergers and acquisitions led Bryan to a career in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Centura, Bryan held senior leadership roles in large life insurance distribution groups as well as life insurance companies. Using his knowledge of the drivers in both the finance and insurance sectors, along with my deep experience in risk analysis, design structure and relationship management, he creates planning solutions for families while ensuring alignment between all the parties involved.

Bryan grew up in Hawaii and Alabama before going to Birmingham – Southern College. There he received a B.S. in accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Charted Global Management Accountant.

Bryan enjoys spending time with family, friends, and all things soccer.

Bryan’s North Star: Constantly refining the art of asking the right questions. Listening, observation, creativity, and imagination are the key elements in developing the best solutions.

Head of Strategic Relationships

Raleigh Watson

Raleigh brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a career rooted in the institutional asset management space. His deep expertise in capital markets, investment strategies, and sales and distribution fuels his passion for building meaningful relationships and empowering clients and colleagues to achieve their goals. Raleigh thrives on creating impactful solutions and fostering connections that make a difference.

He earned his MBA from the USC’s Marshall School of Business and a B.S. in Economics and Spanish from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Outside the office, he enjoys surfing, skiing, tennis, traveling, and cooking—adventures often shared with his wife of 25+ years and their four amazing children.

Guided by a personal North Star, Raleigh seeks to continuously learn, broadening his perspective on people, culture, world events, and the arts, ensuring he brings curiosity and understanding to everything he does.

Sr. Wealth Advisor

Matt Griffith, CFP®

As the son of a coach, Matt grew up roaming the sidelines of football games and tagging along to local gyms during basketball season. Basketball was his sport, and he enjoyed being a part of some really good teams playing small college basketball. There was no better feeling than being a part of a winning team, collaborating with others, and working toward a specific goal.

After college, Matt became fascinated with capital markets. It was hard to miss in the late 90’s, as stocks were running wild in the formation of the tech bubble. He made his way to the investment business in late 2000.

After the tech bubble, he realized there was so much more to offer than just a platform to trade stocks. There was a need to help people with personal financial matters. Financial planning offered exactly what he wanted- a cross section of personal finance, capital markets, and coaching.

After years of studying and working in this field, Matt really enjoys that he’s tapping back into his coaching and teamwork roots while providing high-net worth wealth management services. He helps clients figure out what they truly want to accomplish in their life, come up with a plan so they are prepared, and be there to collaborate, educate, or even coach to make the plan a success.

Prior to joining Centura Wealth Advisory, Matt provided wealth management and financial planning services at a RIA firm and a Big 4 accounting firm. Matt has worked in financial services for over 20 years.

Matt attended San Diego State University for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificate program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from William Jewell College.

Matt, his wife, Lauren, and their two children reside in Point Loma. Matt is active in the community serving as a board member of Home Start and the Point Loma Optimist Club.

Sr. Wealth Advisor

Greg W. Klipstein, J.D., LL.M., CFP®

Greg joined Centura Wealth Advisory in February 2024 as a Senior Wealth Advisor.  With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning, Greg is honored to serve individuals and families through understanding, education, and the implementation of detailed, customized wealth planning solutions.

Greg earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University School of Business and Management, and received his Juris Doctor and LL.M. in Taxation from Temple University School of Law.

Greg lives in the Philadelphia metropolitan region, and will gladly tell you why he bleeds green. Greg’s twinned North Stars are helping individuals and families understand how they can achieve what is truly most important to them, and learning from those whom he admires in all walks of life.

Sr. Wealth Advisor

Daniel P. Stolfa, JD, LL.M., CFP®, AIF®

Dan joined Centura Wealth Advisory in October 2024 as a Senior Wealth Advisor. With a background in law and accounting, Dan transitioned into the financial services industry 20 years ago, building a distinguished career working with families, business owners, executives, foundation leaders, board members, interim CFOs, trust fiduciaries, EOS Implementers, and high-net-worth individuals nationwide. He specializes in identifying and implementing solutions for financial planning, succession planning, and wealth management needs.

Originally from the Midwest, Dan grew up in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Georgia, and Minnesota. He earned a B.S. in History and English Literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and went on to receive his JD and LL.M. in Taxation from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, MN. He holds both the Certified Financial PlannerTM and Accredited Investment FiduciaryTM designations.

Dan lives in the Twin Cities Metro and enjoys spending time with his wife Nikole and their six kids. They enjoy traveling (they were married in Japan) and getting our for a motorcycle ride whenever Minnesota weather permits (which isn’t often!).

Guided by Rotary International’s 4-Way Test, Dan’s approach to life and work is rooted in integrity and service:

• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Wealth Advisor

Zoe Singh, CFP®

Zoe began working at Centura Wealth Advisory as an intern in 2017. She joined the team full-time in 2018, after graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. She obtained her CFP in 2021. 

She works closely with her teammates to collect, analyze and model data to assist in the creation of personalized Liberated Wealth® financial plans for clients. Zoe’s North Star is to see the positive impact she can make in the lives of others through Centura Wealth Advisory’s Liberated Wealth® Process.  

Zoe is from San Jose, California and loves to visit home to spend time with her family and pets. She lives in Pacific Beach and enjoys spending time with friends, doing yoga and going to the beach in her free time.

Wealth Advisor

Samantha Lawrence, CFP®

Samantha joined Centura Wealth Advisory in October 2018 as an Intern. She graduated from San Diego State University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. Upon graduating, Samantha accepted a full-time position with Centura as a Paraplanner. Samantha is passionate about helping develop and deliver Liberated Wealth plans that drive clients to accomplish their life goals and dreams. She works closely with her team to collect information, analyze data, and create financial plans and deliverables to achieve this.

Samantha’s North Star is to travel the world throughout her lifetime. After spending time abroad in Spain, she has developed a passion to explore new places and experience new cultures. Samantha is from Moorpark, California and currently resides in Pacific Beach. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and experiencing the outdoors through activities like riding bikes, hiking, camping, and going to the beach.

Wealth Advisor, Investments

Sean Clark

Sean Clark has 13 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry serving High Net Worth Families and Institutional Clients. Sean holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Clemson University and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Risk Management from New York University. Areas of expertise include Financial Planning and Portfolio Management, specializing in applied mathematics and risk.

Prior to joining Centura Wealth Advisory, Sean successfully built and managed a book of 400 clients, allocated over $400,000,000 to stocks, bonds and alternative investments and was a consultant to lending institutions managing asset-liability risk.

Sean believes in simplicity and mindfulness. During his free time, Sean is actively involved in the local Autism community, spends time with his son Harrison and practices yoga. In seeking his North Star, Sean enjoys traveling to indigenous parts of the world and is passionate about experiencing local culture, food and humanity first hand. 

Associate Advisor

Joshua Nunn, ChFC®

Josh joined Centura Wealth Advisory in May 2023. Josh is passionate about making the complex simple and does so by designing Liberated Wealth® plans that empower clients to accomplish their North Star. He works closely with the consulting team to collect, analyze, and develop financial plans for clients to achieve this. Prior to joining Centura Wealth Advisory, Josh served as a Wealth Advisor at a local San Diego (RIA) where he was an integral member of the firm’s financial planning team.

Josh graduated from San Diego State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation from the American College of Financial Planning and earned his Certificate in Financial Planning from San Diego State University.

Josh’s North Star is two-fold: 1) being someone who is always curious, and 2) being a servant leader who helps others realize their fullest potential. Josh grew up in San Diego, CA and currently resides in Carlsbad. Outside of the office you can find him at his favorite coffee spot in Carlsbad, playing drums, running back a pickleball game, or practicing yoga.

Associate Advisor

Cody Nigh, CFP®

Cody joined Centura Wealth Advisory in 2023 as an Associate Advisor. Cody has been serving high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and business owners since 2017. Cody has a passion for helping others and takes great pride in being a small part of our client’s lives.  Prior to joining Centura Wealth Advisory, Cody served as a Paraplanner and Trader at a small CFP® firm in Camarillo, CA where he was an integral member in building the firm’s portfolio monitoring process, while living and embracing the firm’s mission of “taking the time to listen” to clients first and always. 

Cody holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Services from the San Diego State University.

Cody currently resides in North Park, but proudly grew up in Camarillo, CA where he frequently visits his family, friends, and 3 dogs (Demi, Rico, and Ladybug). Outside of the office, Cody is a fourth-generation race car driver, competing with the California Lightning Sprints across the state of California. He also enjoys spending time out on the water and reconnecting with his old college stomping grounds of San Diego.

Cody’s North Star is two-pronged. First, he’s grateful for being able to help guide clients toward their financial goals and independence. Perhaps most importantly, he’s driven by the goal of making his family, friends, and colleagues proud.

Associate Advisor

Tyler Cole, CFP®

Tyler joined Centura Wealth Advisory as a Paraplanner in 2022. He supports his team by collecting data and building reports to aid in the financial planning process. Tyler earned his Bachelor‘s degree from Western Washington University and completed the CFP® program through the Boston Institute of Finance.

Tyler’s North Star comes from a song lyric: “brighten the corner where you are.” This North Star has guided him to roles where he can help others such as teaching English to non-native speakers, conducting outreach for a non-profit organization, and coaching unemployed workers in their job search. Tyler sees a career in financial services as a way to help clients gain financial peace of mind.

Tyler enjoys collecting vinyl records, working on home improvement projects, and traveling. He currently resides in Washington state with his wife Jenny.

Paraplanner

Peter Staab

Peter joined Centura in November of 2022 as a Paraplanner. He is currently working with our Client Services, Planning, and Operations team as he learns the various functions of the organization.  

Peter grew up in San Diego, CA before going to Ohio University for his undergraduate studies. He received his BS in Finance & Data Analytics, as well as a BA in Sport Management throughout his four years in Ohio. He enjoys hanging out with friends and family, trying new food, golfing, and going to the gym. Peter’s North Star is to continue traveling and learn what the world has to offer.  

Paraplanner

Grant Pearson

Grant joined Centura Wealth Advisory in May of 2022. He graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Business Economics. In Grant’s role as a Paraplanner, he serves as a linchpin between our clients and our team of financial advisors. His responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks crucial to the financial planning process, ensuring that every client receives personalized and thorough support.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial management, Grant collaborates closely with our team to deliver tailored financial solutions that empower our clients to make informed decisions about their wealth through Centura Wealth Advisory’s Liberated Wealth® Process.  Grant grew up in Portland, Oregon and moved to San Diego after graduating college in 2021, he now calls Encinitas home. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family & friends, golfing, skiing, and surfing.  His North Star is a two-parter: Continue expanding his knowledge in the financial services industry and in different cultures by traveling the world.

Paraplanner

Jordan Davis, EA

Jordan joined Centura in 2022 as an intern on the consulting team. He graduated from San Diego State in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in financial services, a minor in interdisciplinary studies, and a certificate in personal financial planning. Upon graduation, Jordan accepted a full-time position on the consulting team as a Paraplanner, where he works with advisors to provide exponential value to clients through income tax planning and wealth transfer planning. Currently, Jordan holds his Enrolled Agent (EA) designation awarded by the IRS and is in the process of obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification.

Jordan’s North Star is his mother, who has provided endless opportunity and support to him since before he can remember. In his work, he hopes to provide opportunity and support to clients as they navigate the burdens and complexities of managing wealth. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and golf, spending quality time with family and friends, playing board games, and visiting new places. Jordan grew up in Oakland, California and now lives full time in San Diego.

Paraplanner

Andrew Drennan

Andrew joined Centura in 2024 as a Paraplanner after graduating San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a certificate in personal financial planning. Prior to joining Centura, Andrew developed a tax background while working at a local CPA firm. Andrew currently plans to sit for the CFP exam in March 2025.

Andrew loves to try new foods, enjoy the outdoors (especially skiing!), and create lifelong memories through meaningful experiences with family and friends. His North Star is to have a positive impact on as many people as possible, while living a life he’s proud of.

Senior Director, Insurance

Christopher Hyman

Chris has been in the financial services industry for over 15 years, and serving ultra-affluent families and privately held businesses for more than a decade. As Senior Director of Insurance, Chris is responsible for developing & overseeing in-depth customized insurance solutions and risk mitigation strategies that cater to the diverse needs and goals of Centura clients, as well as assisting in the ongoing stewardship of those plans. Before joining Centura, Chris served as the sole Case Design specialist for an advisory member firm of M Financial Group, where he developed life insurance solutions for high net worth clients, geared toward estate planning, tax efficiency, and executive compensation.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting from the University of Delaware. He resides in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife Amanda, and their three children. His primary joy is spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys reading, sports, fitness training, outdoor activities, and traveling to the shore.       

Chris’s north star is two-fold. He aims to continually enhance his capacity to provide clients with meaningful and comprehensive financial solutions, while emphasizing excellence and fiduciary responsibility. He also aims to provide his children with the utmost love and guidance along their journey, so they can be happy, positive influences on society and realize their true potential.

Senior Manager of Insurance

Lori Stringham

Lori Stringham joined Centura in 2015. Prior to joining Centura, she worked in the marketing department for an IMO based in Carlsbad, in addition to a life settlement case manager in San Juan Capistrano. Lori manages all facets of the Life and Annuity departments at Centura, including contracting, licensing, client communication, and compensation.

Lori is married and has two children and a small dog. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and going to the beach. Her north star is her family. Lori wants to continue nurturing her children so that they become successful adults who strive for the best in their lives while remaining kind and respectful to others.

Lori earned a BS in Sociology from the University of Utah.

Life Insurance Client Services Representative

Mark Stemler

Mark joined Centura in April 2022 as a Life Insurance Customer Service Representative. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UC San Diego. In his youth, Mark played competitive Water Polo and made two age group national teams, which allowed for the opportunity to travel internationally and represent the United States in worldwide tournaments. He has over 10 years of professional experience in the financing and insurance industries.  

Mark prides himself in providing accurate and timely work and ensuring that his clients have a satisfactory experience throughout the process. 

 When possible, Mark enjoys travelling to foreign countries and watching his favorite Soccer team, Arsenal FC. He grew up and currently lives in San Diego with his wife Iris, children Mauricio and Arya, and dog Nala. 

Mark’s North Star is providing college education for his children and obtaining the financial freedom to travel internationally comfortably. 

Junior Life Insurance Case Manager

Amber Vaccaro

Amber joined Centura Wealth Advisory in May 2021 as an intern. She graduated from San Diego State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Upon graduation, Amber accepted a full-time position with Centura as a Jr. Life Insurance Case Manager. At Centura, Amber works with her team to assist with case management in the Life and Annuity department. 

Amber’s North Star is to be a remarkable role model to her two younger siblings as well as to always have a desire to learn in order to continuously expand her knowledge within the finance industry. In her free time, she enjoys watching baseball and hockey, going to the beach, cooking, listening to country music, and hanging out with her friends and family. Amber grew up in San Clemente, California and she currently resides in Pacific Beach, California. 

Trader

David Martinez

David joined Centura Wealth Advisory in May 2022 as a Trader. Prior to joining, he served as an Associate Portfolio Manager for a San Diego based RIA with over $1 billion in assets under management. David received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Indiana University. 

David’s North Star is to be a lifetime learner and to always act with the utmost integrity throughout all aspects of his life. He currently resides in Encinitas, CA where he enjoys spending time with friends and family, surfing, golfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and cooking. 

Alternative Investments Sourcing Analyst

Mike Tsoukatos, CFA, CAIA®  

Mike joined Centura Wealth Advisory in December 2022 as an Alternative Investments Sourcing Analyst. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Portfolio Investments Analyst on a specialty finance team and has held investment-related roles in two San Diego based RIAs.  

Mike obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Mathematics at the University of Santa Barbara. After graduation, his love for the investment industry led him to attain both the Chartered Financial Analyst® and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designations. 

Mike’s North Star is his intellectual curiosity, and he strives to be a dependable teammate whom others can rely on, both inside and outside the office. He currently resides in Carlsbad, CA and enjoys spending his free time with family, golfing, surfing, and playing poker. 

Investment Associate

Anna Ellis

Anna joined Centura Wealth Advisory in 2023 as an Investment Associate. After graduating from Wake Forest University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Economics, Anna spent four years living and working in Chicago for CME Group, a derivatives exchange, where she helped create new futures and options contracts for trading and developed a passion for research. Native to Grand Rapids, Michigan, Anna is a Midwesterner at heart but has since traded the Great Lakes for the Pacific Ocean and currently resides in Carlsbad, CA.

Anna has been enamored with financial markets since a young age, and she is working towards the CFA designation to seek out her dream of managing portfolios and sourcing strong investment opportunities. Anna’s North Star is to be a lifelong learner and constantly challenge her pre-existing beliefs. She believes curiosity is critical to being a successful investor and she enjoys reading about all topics, from investor psychology to food history, in her free time. 

Outside of work, Anna enjoys cooking, exploring her new home state, and staying connected with friends and family, who live both locally and across the country.

Investment Operations Analyst

Thomas Dentzer

Thomas joined Centura Wealth Advisory in 2023 as an intern on the Investments team, where he developed expertise in investments, financial modeling, and research. His academic journey included a semester at IE University in Madrid, Spain, which significantly enriched his knowledge in the financial sector. Upon graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Thomas transitioned to a full-time role as an Investment Operations Analyst.

Guided by his North Star of continuous growth and development, Thomas is dedicated to delivering exceptional service to clients and colleagues, ensuring that he makes a meaningful impact in his professional endeavors. He currently resides in Del Mar, CA, where he enjoys surfing, golfing, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Strategic Initiatives Manager

Andre Lawrence

Andre joined Centura Wealth Advisory in the Fall of 2016. Having worn many different hats over the years, he moved into the role of Strategic Initiatives Manager in early 2024. Andre uses his proficiency in process improvement to prioritize and tackle company projects based on the needs of the firm.

Andre is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BS in Hospitality & Tourism Management. He loves going on long walks with his dog Turbo, exploring new places to dine, and weekend trips to Palm Springs.

 Andre currently resides in San Diego, CA. His North Star is to purchase his first home by the end of 2025.

Operations Manager

Zachary Wilson

Zachary joined Centura Wealth Advisory during the Summer of 2020. Prior to joining the firm, Zachary worked as Operations Manager in the Food & Beverage industry. Zachary has a passion for identifying, analyzing and improving upon existing business processes within an organization, with the goal of improving process efficiency.

In early 2024, Zachary moved into a Sr. Analyst role continuing to aid in the firm’s data, operations, and technological analysis needs. 

Zachary graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Zachary currently resides in El Dorado Hills, CA with his wife and daughter. During his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Operations Project Manager

Paul Knezovich

Paul joined Centura Wealth Advisory in January of 2021 after working in the RIA industry for 2 years prior. Paul started with us in the client service department and is now the Operations Project Manager. As a key member of the team, Paul provides white glove service to clients, strategic partners, and our organization. He works closely with the client service team to assist in achieving individual and team objectives, and serves as the operations departments go-to training resource.

Paul grew up in Stockton, CA and moved to San Diego in 2019. He is a graduate of San Jose State University with a BS in Business Administration & Finance. He enjoys spending time with family & friends, backpacking, snowboarding, and playing golf. Paul’s North Star is to visit the 7 wonders of the world.

Senior Client Services Representative

Elizabeth Villegas

Elizabeth joined Centura in January of 2024 as a Senior CSR.  She is currently working with our Client Services and Operations Department as she learns the various functions of the organization. Elizabeth has been in the financial service industry for over 22 years. Prior joining Centura, Elizabeth was also a Senior CSR at another RIA. In addition to a CSR, Elizabeth was the firm’s CEO’s administrative and personal assistant. She also holds a Public Notary license.

Elizabeth grew up and continues to live in Los Angeles. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Elizabeth dedicates a lot of her free time to her daughter’s competitive dance schedule. Her North Star has two parts: (1) Be the best example and provider to her family and (2) she would love to visit medieval towns in Europe one-day.

Client Services Representative

Jake Steffens

Jake Steffens joined the Centura team in April 2024 as a Client Services Representative. Prior to Centura, Jake served as a Portfolio Management Associate at a Cleveland-Based RIA with over $3B in AUM. He has also accumulated experience as an entrepreneur in technology and entertainment industries.

Jake graduated from Ohio University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in finance with a specialty focus in investments. He currently resides in San Marcos, CA, where he spends time with family, writing music, or exploring San Diego.

Jake uses his wide-ranging expertise to understand his clients and provide them with a consistent and detail-oriented white glove service. His North Star is to pursue his greatest potential as a professional by providing ultimate value to his clients and teammates.

Client Service Associate

Alexis Anderson

Alexis Anderson joined Centura Wealth Advisory in October of 2023, initially as an intern. While in this position she honed her skills in the financial services industry.

Upon graduating from San Diego State University in May of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Alexis accepted a full time offer in our Operations Department as a Client Service Associate, serving the clients of Kyle & Roby.

Alexis grew up in Lahaina, Hawaii before attending San Diego State University to pursue her degree and Swim at the Division 1 Level, she now permanently resides in San Diego. Alexis’ North Star is to impact others by providing outstanding service and bringing the aloha spirit into the work she does. In her free time, Alexis loves to enjoy San Diego for all it has to offer, whether its surfing, swimming , or hiking with her friends.

Sr Financial Accountant

Linh Balteff

Linh joined Centura Wealth Advisory in January 2019 as Senior Financial Accountant. Prior to joining the firm, Linh has worked as an accounting and operations manager in a variety of industries. At Centura, she manages the internal accounting, financial reporting and supports operations. Her North Star is two-fold: purchase a home in San Diego that her family can grow up in, and continue to explore the world with her family!

Linh earned her bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University and is working on attaining her CPA license. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and trying new restaurants, her favorites being City Taco and Zia Gourmet Pizza in North Park.

Jr. Analyst / Billing Specialist

Ashton Lima

Ashton Lima joined Centura Wealth Advisory in March 2023 as an intern where he learned and developed skills within the financial service industry. He is currently working with our Operations Department team as a Jr. Analyst / Billing Specialist.

Ashton’s North Star is to feed his curiosity through continued development and learning, while helping others do the same to make an impact on those around him.

Ashton grew up in San Jose before attending San Diego State University for his undergraduate studies where he received a Bachelor of Science: Business Administration – Finance.

Ashton loves traveling and getting out of his comfort zone. He enjoys challenging himself, analyzing and solving complex problems.

Business Development Associate

Rachel Self

Rachel joined Centura Wealth Advisory as a Paraplanner in November of 2021 after working in the finance industry for two years prior. She graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2020 and is currently working towards obtaining her CFP designation. As of 2024, Rachel works as a Business Development Associate, leveraging her financial expertise and relationship-building skills to educate new clients and prospects about our unique approach and collaborating with our external COI network to expand our reach and drive new business.

Rachel’s North Star is to always continue to expand her knowledge in order to make an impactful change in the lives of the clients we serve. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends & family, and going to the beach. She was born and raised in Reno, Nevada and now resides in Solana Beach.

Marketing Manager

Caitlin McClelland 

Caitlin joined Centura in 2022 as the Marketing Manager. Prior to joining Centura, she executed marketing initiatives for one of the largest RIAs in San Diego. At Centura, Caitlin leads strategic marketing campaigns to align with the firm’s business development goals. Caitlin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of California, San Diego.

Caitlin lives in North County with her husband and two young daughters. Her and her husband can’t get enough of watching their daughters expand their world daily. Caitlin’s North Star is to retire comfortably so she is able to enjoy time with her family.

Executive Assistant

Alexa Jauregui

Alexa joined Centura in 2024 as an Executive Assistant supporting Derek. She has extensive experience providing administrative support to executives in the finance industry.  Alexa is integrally involved in providing operational and administrative support to senior team members and employees.

Alexa grew up in Upstate New York before moving to Southern California after graduating from Binghamton University. She graduated with a BS is Human Development from the College of Community and Public Affairs and an Adjunct in Business Administration from the School of Management at Binghamton University. Additionally, she is a certified notary public in California.

Alexa currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, traveling whenever she gets the chance and redecorating as often as possible. Alexa’s North Star is to strive to be the best example for her daughter and to show her the importance of giving back.

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Nicole Hubbs

Nicole joined Centura Wealth Advisory in 2024 as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. She is passionate about connecting with people, building teams, and developing talent. She loves collaboration and is grateful to have joined such a supportive, hardworking, and values-driven firm.

While originally from San Diego, Nicole grew up in Connecticut and then made her way back to California to attend San Diego State University. There she earned her Bachelor’s studying psychology and completed SDSU’s Leadership Certificate program.

Outside of work she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. Nicole’s North Star is leading with compassion, inspiring a growth mindset, and helping others to achieve positive outcomes.

Strategic Relationships Coordinator

Cailyn Chang

Cailyn joined Centura as a Strategic Relationships Coordinator in December 2024. She has a background in marketing and events and earned her degree in Journalism and Media Studies from San Diego State University. At Centura, Cailyn supports marketing efforts and business development, enabling her to contribute to a wide range of initiatives.

Originally from Orange County, CA, Cailyn now calls Mission Valley home. Outside of work, Cailyn is an avid lover of concerts, enjoys spending time with her family and dogs and is always on the lookout for new vegetarian restaurants and coffee shops to try.

Cailyn’s North Star is to create and foster lasting connections and make a meaningful impact in her community.