What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
It is satisfying to say that the reasons I joined Bernstein in 1998 are the same reasons I remain today and, hopefully, the reasons I will retire here someday.
At its core, Bernstein is built on a distinctly non-conflicted business model and a culture that is intellectually curious, fact-driven and grounded in research. Those qualities create a firm that is truly centered on clients and their long-term success.
Over the years, we have expanded our capabilities, entered new markets and navigated multiple financial crises. Through all of that change, we have never lost sight of the principles that set Bernstein apart. Just as importantly, those principles drive a constant commitment to improve. We are never satisfied with the status quo and are always looking for better ways to serve clients and help them navigate the decisions that shape their lives, families and legacies.
Every year, we learn, evolve and become better at what we do. Why would I want to leave?
How have your values and personal background distinctly positioned you to work with your clients?
I was raised in poverty in a largely tribal community in rural northeastern Oklahoma. That experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of opportunity, the importance of relationships and the responsibilities that accompany success.
My studies in history and archaeology at Harvard and Oxford, including time as a Rhodes Scholar, fostered a lifelong commitment to learning and a curiosity about people, cultures and societies. I have lived and worked in environments few people experience, from leading an archaeological excavation in the Kingdom of Lesotho to living in Yupik communities in southwest Alaska. Prior to Bernstein, I worked for a United States Senator and served as a treaty negotiator for the Cherokee Nation.
These experiences give me a perspective that extends beyond traditional wealth management. They allow me to approach client relationships with empathy, curiosity and a practical understanding of the issues families face.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
Outside of Bernstein, I am deeply involved in supporting the continued growth and development of my tribe, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Since 2011, I have served on the Board of Cherokee Nation Businesses, a highly diversified enterprise with more than $2 billion in annual revenue and over 10,000 employees. The organization’s success helps fund healthcare, education, cultural preservation and other programs that benefit the Cherokee people.
I serve as a Board Member on the Coldwater Conservation Fund of Trout Unlimited as well as the Denver Art Museum. Recently remarried, I enjoy time in the outdoors together with my wife and our blended family (two sons and a daughter)—skiing, hiking, biking, fishing and hunting, and Broadway shows. Prior to my life at Bernstein, I was a chef, so I am still an avid cook.