Carson Wealth Management Group

Team Members

Mary Baber

Mary Baber

Administrative Assistant
mbaber@carsonwealth.com

Mary has been with Carson Wealth Management since October 2002. She works part-time on various administrative duties and helps cover the front desk. Mary is a graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has extensive related experience

Mary was born and raised in Omaha. She and her husband, Bob, were married in February 1994, and have two children; Molly and Ryan. Recently, they added two Weimaraner puppies to their family, Gus and Maddie. Mary enjoys her part-time schedule which allows her the extra time with her family and for other activities as well.



Minna Burns

Minna Burns

Director of Marketing
mburns@carsoninstitutional.com

Minna joined Carson Wealth Management Group in April of 2013. Minna graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Marketing degree and brings over six years of digital, content and direct Marketing experience to her current role as Director of Marketing.

Minna and her husband Chris enjoy playing with their two dogs, Jordan Michael and Barkley Charles. Minna also likes running, attending sporting events and cooking.



Chasity Carodine

Chasity Carodine

Accounting Specialist
ccarodine@carsonwealth.com

Chasity Carodine joined Carson Wealth Management Group in February 2013 as an Accounting Specialist. She has 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her experience ranges from commission processing, operational support, client service and research support.

Chasity has completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She enjoys spending time with her son and daughter as well as hosting family events at her home.



Brett Carson

Brett Carson, CFA

Director of Research
bcarson@carsonwealth.com

Brett joined Carson Wealth Management Group in September 2011. He spent the previous 12 years at GARP Research in Baltimore where he did deep, fundamental research on small-to-mid cap companies for mutual and hedge fund clients. Brett received his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2005.

Brett is an Omaha native that graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1999. He married his wife Andrea in 2007 who is a local high school teacher. Brett is an avid sports fan that enjoys playing golf, travelling overseas, and spending time with his two dogs, Pablo and Boris.



Chelsie Carson

Chelsie Carson

Internal Advisor Growth Strategist
ccarson@carsoninstitutional.com

Chelsie Carson is a native of Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an emphasis in Marketing in 2010. Although Chelsie just recently joined Carson Wealth in May of 2011, she has been around the business her entire life.

Chelsie enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, including her Yorkie, Daisi. She also takes pleasure in running, reading, boating, and any activities that allow her to be outdoors.



Rhonda Corliss

Rhonda Corliss

Senior New Business Coordinator
rcorliss@carsonwealth.com

Rhonda joined Carson Wealth Management Group in March 2001. At that time, her primary job responsibilities included preparing portfolio updates for client meetings. Since then, she has moved into our Client Services area as a New Business Coordinator where she processes paperwork for investment changes of new and existing client portfolios.

On a personal note, Rhonda grew up in small-town Nebraska just west of Omaha. She has three children; Ashley, Cameryn and Branden. She enjoys spending time with the kids and working out.



Martha DiGiacinto

Martha DiGiacinto

Project Manager
mdigiacinto@carsonwealth.com

Martha DiGiacinto joined Carson Wealth in January 2010. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration and from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a master’s degree in MIS. She brings both business and IT experience to the firm.

Martha and her husband David are proud parents to Chris, William, and Anna and numerous animals. Martha enjoys travelling, reading, and cheering for the Huskers.



Bill Evans

Bill Evans

Chief Compliance Officer
bevans@carsonwealth.com

Bill joined Carson Wealth Management Group in April of 2012 as the Chief Compliance Officer and will be focusing on all areas of compliance for the firm. Prior to his association with CWMG, he was the Chief Compliance Officer for First Western Advisors in Salt Lake City, Utah for the past 6 1/2 years. Bill has worked in the securities industry for over 32 years and has been associated with firms such as Merrill Lynch, Prudential Securities, and Wachovia Securities working in all areas of Operations and Compliance. Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix.

Bill and his wife Karen have been married 37 years and have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. They are looking forward to their new associations in Omaha.



Aaron Foster

Aaron Foster, CFA

Financial Analyst/Associate Wealth Advisor
afoster@carsonwealth.com

Aaron joined the Carson Wealth Team in 2011 as a Financial Analyst/Associate Wealth Advisor. A lifelong resident of the Omaha area, Aaron graduated cum laude from Creighton University’s College of Business Administration in 2007 and immediately began work as an Investment Analyst. Aaron recently completed the requirements to carry the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2011 and brings several years of investment analysis experience to Carson. His research and analytical skill set provide clients and the Carson Investment Committee with a deep and thorough understanding of investment holdings.

While way from the office, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife Melody and his son Cameron, and is also an avid sports enthusiast.



Lauren Goranson

Lauren Goranson

Client & Team Services Specialist
lgoranson@carsonwealth.com

Lauren began her association with Carson Wealth as an intern in June 2007. She graduated from Creighton University in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Communications with an emphasis in Human Resources and began working full time as a member of the Wealth Enhancement Group. In November 2011, she transitioned into her current position as a Client & Team Services Specialist. Lauren's responsibilities include administration of Human Resources functions as well as planning client and staff events.

Lauren is from Gordon, Nebraska and grew up on a ranch in the Sandhills. She enjoys music, photography, playing volleyball and spending quality time with family and friends.



Randy Harrison

Randy Harrison

Advisor Growth Strategist
rharrison@carsoninstitutional.com

Randy joined Carson Institutional Advisory in January 2013 as Advisor Growth Strategist. He was previously a Regional Vice President and Investment Consultant for two different Fortune 100 Companies. Randy has been in the financial services industry since 1994 and gained his experience with ING, Allianz, and Principal Financial Group. Randy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Central College in Pella, IA and an MBA from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.

A native of Prairie City, IA, Randy resides in Omaha with his wife Kristi, sons Jacob and Jonah, and his daughter Madeleine. Randy enjoys golfing, biking, boating, and spending time with his family.



Lesley Jenkins

Lesley Jenkins

New Business Coordinator
ljenkins@carsonwealth.com

Lesley joined Carson Wealth Management in November 2012 as a New Business Coordinator. She graduated from Wayne State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in speech communication studies and English writing. She brings over 15 years of administrative experience in various industries including banking and accounting.

Lesley is originally from Lyons, Nebraska and has been married to Michael since 2004. They have two children: Ian and Ella. Besides spending time with her family, Lesley likes to watch movies, take impromptu road trips and watch Husker football.



Shayla Kriha

Shayla Kriha

New Business Coordinator
skriha@carsonwealth.com

Shayla joined Carson Wealth in 2011 as a New Business Coordinator. Prior to joining Carson Wealth Management Group, she worked in Radio Advertising in Omaha for nearly 10 years, helping her clients with their business marketing plans. Shayla also worked in Real Estate Sales and gained experience in the financial industry as a Financial Advisor in the Omaha area.

Shayla is originally from Omaha, married Barry Kriha in 1998, and they have two boys, Clayton and Bryce, who are active in hockey and soccer year round. She enjoys spending time with her boys, family and friends, and every fall she really enjoys attending Husker games in Lincoln. “Go Huskers”



teresa-laughlin

Teresa Laughlin

New Business Coordinator
tlaughlin@carsonwealth.com

Teresa joined Carson Wealth Management in April 2011. At that time, she worked as an Administrative Assistant, handling various administrative duties and helped cover the front desk. Since then, she has moved into our Client Services area as a New Business Coordinator. She attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX and studied business and accounting. She was previously employed as an Office Manager for a pre-employment screening company.

Teresa is originally from Omaha, married Tom Laughlin in 1983, and they have three children and a grandchild. She enjoys going to the gym, reading, and spending time with family and friends.



ben-mathis

Ben Mathis

Chief Technology Officer
bmathis@carsonwealth.com

Ben Mathis joined Carson Wealth Management Group in April 2013 as the firm's Chief Technology Officer. He has worked in the technology field for more than 13 years, most recently serving as Vice President of Technology for PayFlex Systems USA, Inc., an industry leading Account Based Health Plan administrator. He has leadership experience in the financial services industry, including functioning as the head of IT Infrastructure at a Broker/Dealer.

Ben is a lifelong Omaha area resident and has been married to his wife, Dawn, since August 2002. Dawn works as a supervisor for the ESL department of a local school district. They enjoy spending time with friends and family, music, playing golf, and are avid fans of Husker football and of sports in general.



Sherry O’Dowd

Sherry O’Dowd

Institutional Transitions & Training Manager
sodowd@carsoninstitutional.com

Sherry joined Carson Wealth Management Group in April 2013 as the Institutional Transition & Training Manger for Carson Institutional Advisory. With nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Sherry specializes in operations and compliance. She previously has held positions of Director of Operations for an Omaha based investment advisory firm and Vice President, Loan Operations for a Nebraska based bank.

Sherry is an Omaha native and has been married to her husband, Vincent since 1989. They have 2 wonderful children; daughter, Courtney and son, Neil. She enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends and traveling, especially anywhere there is a beach.



Ducky Radik

Ducky Radik

Senior New Business Coordinator
dradik@carsonwealth.com

Ducky joined us in June 2006 as a New Business Coordinator. Previously employed by the John Deere Company as a Branch Manager, Ducky brings to our team a wealth of knowledge in business operations and a strong work ethic.

Ducky was born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in the heart of the true wine valley: beautiful Sonoma, CA. After graduating from high school in western Montana, Ducky flew to Omaha and has been calling it home ever since. In May 2008, she married her husband Michael. They have three wonderful kids: One boy, Ryan, and two Boxers, Capone and Missy Moo. In their free time, Ducky and her family enjoy fishing, watching movies, and anything that makes them laugh.



Aimee Richards

Aimee Richards

HR/Payroll Specialist
arichards@carsonwealth.com

Aimee Richards joined Carson Wealth Management Group in July of 2012 as an HR/Payroll Specialist. She previously spent over 10 years at a Broker/Dealer focusing on Event Planning, Project Management, and HR/Payroll.

Aimee and her husband, Todd, love spending time with their Boxer, Sammy. She also enjoys cooking, working out, and following Husker football and volleyball.



Kelsey Clymer

Kelsey Ruwe

Director of Client & Team Services
kruwe@carsonwealth.com

Kelsey Ruwe joined Carson Wealth in May of 2008 as the Client Event Coordinator and transitioned to her current role as Director of Client & Team Services in Fall of 2011. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics. Kelsey brings with her years of experience in member/client services as well as planning and organizing events.

Kelsey is originally from Gibbon, Nebraska. She enjoys playing volleyball and also has a passion for running. In October 2009, she married her husband Chad. They both enjoy spending time with family, friends and their yellow lab Lucy.



Aaron Schaben

Aaron Schaben

Managing Director of Strategic Opportunities
aschaben@carsoninstitutional.com

Aaron is the Managing Director of Strategic Opportunities. He graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Growing up in a family owned agricultural business, Aaron learned the importance of hard work and Midwest values. He enjoys adding value to business owners who entrust Carson Wealth with their wealth. Aaron holds securities licenses 7 and 66 with LPL Financial.

Aaron and his wife Jenna have a son, Madden, and reside in Omaha. Aaron enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling.



Micah Schmidt

Micah Schmidt

Trade Desk Operations Manager
mschmidt@carsonwealth.com

Micah has worked in the financial services field for more than five years. Micah graduated from Northwestern College with a degree in Finance and Management and the University of Nebraska Omaha with a MBA degree. Originally from Arthur, Iowa Micah now lives in Omaha with his wife Shyla. Micah and his wife enjoy spending time with their family and friends. Micah also enjoys running, riding his Harley, and playing with his dog Chewie.



Michele Schreck

Michele Schreck

Vice President, Operations
mschreck@carsonwealth.com

Michele joined the Carson Wealth Management Group team in January 1993. Being brand new to the business at that time, she worked very hard to become a professional, knowledgeable and dependable part of Ron Carson`s team. She has had her Series 7 and 63 licenses for many years now and currently holds them with LPL Financial. She is currently one of the team leaders.

On a personal note, Michele grew up in Carroll, Iowa and married in October 1974. Her husband is a meat cutter and his job has taken them to Fremont, Nebraska, Beaumont, Texas and now Omaha. It`s great to experience the different areas of the country, but home is where the heart is. And that is the Midwest.



Michele Tessier

Michele Tessier

Administrative Assistant
mpeel@carsonwealth.com

Michele joined Carson Wealth Management Group in February 2013 as an Administrative Assistant, handling administrative duties, covering the front desk and assisting with various projects throughout the office. Prior to joining Carson Wealth she worked in radio handling Promotions and Advertising for nearly 8 years, helping her stations and clients with their various marketing plans and branding.

Michele is originally from California near "The Bay Area" but calls Omaha her home. She and her fiance Eric love spending time with their families and friends, going to the lake, playing volleyball and Husker Football Games. GO BIG RED!



Amy Townsend, CPA

Amy Townsend, CPA

Finance
atownsend@carsonwealth.com

Amy Townsend holds an active CPA license and brings to the team both public and private tax and accounting experience. Amy is a native of Columbus, Nebraska and received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Amy’s public accounting background includes “Big 4” experience and encompasses the areas of individual tax and small business tax and consulting. As part of her role, Amy oversees the PEAK Advisor Alliance Finance Department and assists Carson Wealth Management Group with various accounting duties.

Amy began her role as Director of Finance for PEAK Advisor Alliance in July of 2011, after being part of the Carson Wealth team since January of 2008. Amy enjoys spending time outdoors, dance, reading, and quality time with her friends and family.



Brandon Vecchio

Brandon Vecchio

New Business Coordinator
bvecchio@carsonwealth.com

Brandon joined Carson Wealth Management Group in March 2013 as a New Business Coordinator. Prior to joining Carson Wealth he worked at LPL financial in San Diego for over 5 years and holds his Series 7 license through them. Brandon graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Finance.

Originally from Omaha, he made the decision to move back from San Diego to be closer to family and friends. He now lives with his girlfriend Donna and their new Golden Retriever puppy, Hailee. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews and reading history books. He is also a huge Nebraska football fan.



Becky Vicarius

Becky Vicarius

Institutional Business Coordinator
bvicarius@carsoninstitutional.com

Becky joined the Carson Wealth Management Group in March 2012 as the Institutional Business Coordinator for Carson Institutional Advisory. She brings with her over fifteen years of administration experience across several different industries to include IT, Insurance and transaction processing.

Becky and her husband, Ike, have spent the last 20 years living and working in Seattle, Denver and most recently San Antonio but made the decision to move back to Omaha to be closer to family and friends. They are keeping busy reconnecting and getting involved with all the great things that Omaha has to offer.

Becky and her husband share their space with Pepper, a 13 year old black lab mix.



Jane Vlcek

Jane Vlcek

Director of First Impressions
vlcek@carsonwealth.com

Jane has been working for Carson Wealth Management Group since January of 1999. She really enjoys the personal contact she has with the clients. Over the years she has had several other job duties integrated into her job description such as payroll and Love Affair Marketing for our clients which keep things busy and exciting for her.

Jane grew up in Tekamah, NE, and moved to Omaha in 1984. She has been married since October of 2000 and has 2 step-sons. She enjoys reading, working out and taking her Scottish Terrier on long walks.



Bob Wellman

Bob Wellman

New Business Coordinator
bwellman@carsonwealth.com

Bob joined Carson Wealth Management Group in January of 2011 bringing more than 10 years of industry experience to the firm. Originally from McCook Nebraska, he now lives in Omaha with his wife Amanda and their twins, Ashlyn and Carson. When he's not chasing his kids around the house, you can usually find Bob at the nearest golf course.



Wealth Advisors  |  Team Members  |  Wealth Enhancement Group