Magay Shepard

CFP

CFP

Managing Director/Investments

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I focus on mitigating risk and pursuing growth of my clients’ wealth with an emphasis on holistic investment planning, risk management strategies, and personalized plans that utilize strategic investments.  I joined Stifel in 2009 after a long tenure with A.G. Edwards.  I have been in the investment industry for 36 years, leveraging my experience to provide investment insight and perspective to constantly changing market environments. 

Devoting my time to a select client base, I offer guidance tailored to their specific financial planning and investment needs.  I believe in a balanced approach to investing, using multiple asset classes and management styles to help diversify portfolios and minimize risk.  I also work closely with my clients’ CPAs, attorneys, and other trusted advisors to ensure tax and estate planning issues are comprehensively addressed.

I am a member of the Stifel Chairman’s Council, which consisted of 233 of the firm’s top-producing financial advisors in 2021, who were recognized from among approximately 2,300 Stifel financial advisors nationwide.  I also serve on the steering committee for the Women’s Initiative Network.  I was recently included on Stifel’s National Conference panel discussion for Advisory Programs and have been invited to the Barron’s Top Women Advisors Summit since 2014.  In 2020, 2021, and 2022, I was named to Forbes’ America's Top Women Wealth Advisors and in 2022, named to Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors.*

I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, as well as the Series 7, 63, and life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).  I also sponsor and hosts annual Continuing Education courses for CPAs.   

On a personal level, I am married to Reverend Dr. Tim Moore.  We have adult triplets, Abby, Hannah, and Michael, and one rescue dog.  I am also an active member of my church and a lifelong resident of Charlotte.

I have a long history of supporting my community, including:

• Hospice volunteer
• Long-time supporter of WFAE (Charlotte's National Public Radio news source)
• Acting Board Member of Community Link
• Chair of the Endowment Committee for Community Link
• A Trustee for the Mars Hill University Board of Trustees
• Foundation Board Member for Mars Hill University
• Former Acting Chair of the Finance and Administrative Affairs Committee for Trustees of Mars Hill College
• Former Treasurer for the YWCA of Charlotte
• Former Treasurer for the Board of Trustees for the 
  Mental Health Association of Central Carolina

Forbes’ America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, February 4, 2022, March 18, 2021, and April 21, 2020, each based on the 12-month period ending September 30 of the year prior to publication, and Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, April 7, 2022, based on the 12-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to publication, are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Investment performance is not a criterion for selection. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc. All rights reserved. For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

Dan Emmons

CFP, MBA

CFP, MBA

Financial Advisor

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I have worked in the investment services industry for more than a decade. I joined the team in 2013, after serving as an investment consultant at Vanguard. I develop personalized investment plans that encompass the specific strategies each client needs to pursue his or her financial goals. I assist the team with investment planning, research, and client relationship support. I specialize in conducting research and due diligence for the team, especially regarding professional money managers.

I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Finance from Queens University of Charlotte. 

I am married to Christina Emmons, who is the director of the Children's Ministry at our church. We have three sons, two daughters, and a rescue dog. We are certified foster parents who continually look to bring children out of the foster care system and into our home. 

Kathy Arey

Client Relationship Manager

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I am an integral part of the team, providing guidance and administrative support.  I began working with Magay in 2005 and continue to support Magay and Dan, managing the daily administrative responsibilities and team operations.  I deliver highly personalized attention to clients’ administrative needs.  Being aware of industry issues, I maintain a strong knowledge of client needs through regular communication, fielding client questions, and resolving issues.  These are all part of my focus on developing strong relationships built on trust and confidence.  I am proficient in the technical knowledge and logistics of implementing each client’s financial and investment plan.

I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.  I also hold Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and 66 (Investment Advisor Representative) securities licenses.

My husband, Mel, and I live in Charlotte and are avid golfers.  We have three grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Melissa Costello

Senior Registered Client Service Associate

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Melissa originally joined Stifel in Fayetteville before coming to the Shepard Wealth Management Group in 2023.  She helps the team manage daily, account-related needs and delivers personal and timely tasks for clients.  Melissa is committed to providing a top-tier client experience while helping our financial advisors do the best job possible.

Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses.

Melissa and her husband, Tom, live in Charlotte.  They enjoy traveling and spending time with their two children, Jack and Anna.  When she has the opportunity, Melissa volunteers with Bunny Blessings.

Jona Moody

CFP

CFP

Registered Client Service Associate

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I joined Stifel in 2019 and transferred to the Shepard Wealth Management Group in 2022.  As a Registered Client Service Associate, I support our team and clients through various account-related responsibilities.

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Winthrop University and hold Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.  Prior to college, I served as a Psychological Operations Specialist (Airborne) in the U.S. Army.

 

Christine Parks

Registered Client Service Associate

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I joined the team in December 2015. I support Magay, Dan, and Kathy with the team's operations. I provide careful attention to detail with client administrative care and service. Since client education is a priority to the team, I coordinate, organize, and oversee the team's various and frequent client educational meetings. I also manage the team's social media, marketing, and communications. One of my strengths is finding new and creative ways to show how the team values our clients.

My educational background leverages my natural ability to bring creativity and a fresh perspective to client care and communication. I graduated from North Greenville University in South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

I am a native Charlottean. I enjoy photography and spending time with my family and friends.

Diana Castro

Client Service Associate

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I joined the Shepard Wealth Management Group in early 2019.  I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance from Winthrop University. Prior to my career in finance, I enjoyed a career in Journalism as a TV anchor.

I have a natural passion for numbers and analytics. I support the team's operational duties and deliver a high level of client administrative care.

I am bilingual, an avid runner, and love cycling and mountain biking. My husband, Gabriel, and I have two adult children, two teenagers, and a rescue dog named Bruno.