Wealth Enhancement Group

Ed Meekins

Ed is a native of Superior, NE and graduated from Creighton University College of Business with a BSBA in Finance in 1998. Licensed and in the industry since 1999, Ed’s role as an Insurance Advisor is to assess our clients risk and protection needs and how they compliment their overall wealth portfolio. He holds his life and health insurance licenses as well as his Series 7, 63, and 66 certification with LPL Financial. Prior to joining Carson Wealth Management Group, Ed headed up the Investment Centre at a community bank in Omaha for eight years.

Ed and his wife JoDe have been married since May 2001. They have two wonderful little boys: Joey, born in 2008, and their most recent addition, Ben, who was born in 2011. Ed enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies include watching and supporting Creighton basketball, playing golf, and traveling.

Jessica Nagengast

Jessica joined Carson Wealth Management Group in 2008 as a Wealth Plan Design Coordinator. Prior to joining Carson Wealth Management Group, Jessica worked in various capacities with Securities America, ING and GlaxoSmithKline. A graduate from Marquette University with a focus in finance and marketing, Jessica enjoys cycling, the outdoors, fine art, and the Omaha music scene. Her ultimate aspiration in life is to help others in need, in a meaningful way. Jessica also dedicates her time and resources as Marketing Co-Vice President for Nebraska Friends of Foster Children.

Chris Oppliger, CPA

Chris brings a business career of over 30 years as a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in taxation of family owned and closely held businesses as well as executive tax planning. Chris also focuses on estate and family wealth planning. Prior to joining Carson Wealth, Chris was a tax partner with a Central Nebraska CPA firm for more than 25 years and was responsible for S corporations, C corporations, Trusts, Partnerships (LLC's), and individual income tax planning and preparation.

Chris grew up on a farm west of Columbus, NE near Silver Creek and graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a BSBA degree in accounting. He has been in the public accounting profession for almost 30 years, and first learned federal income tax law while employed by the U.S. Treasury upon graduation from college.

Chris now lives in Omaha with his wife Lynne. He enjoys walking, hiking, fishing and spending time with his four grandchildren.

Mark Petersen, CPA and CFP®

Mark Petersen’s business career spans over 25 years of Certified Public Accounting work, corporate treasury work and investment advisory work and more recently as a Certified Financial Planning® practitioner. Mark graduated in 1982 from the University of Nebraska and began his professional work in public accounting. He spent 13 years in Houston, Texas where he worked in the Treasury department of Compaq Computer Corporation. Upon leaving Compaq, Mark incorporated his Registered Investment Advisor firm which he moved, in 1997, to his hometown, Omaha, Nebraska. In 2005, Mark and his clients joined Carson Wealth Management Group. Today his role is Vice President, Affluent Wealth Planning where he works with high net worth families.

Away from the office Mark enjoys time with the flock of Budgies and Meyer parrot he and Jan make a home for. You will regularly find him on the golf course, behind the grill or playing Mr. Fixit around the house.

Elizabeth Schanou, JD

Beth joined Carson Wealth in October 2005. She received her JD degree with a Certificate in Taxation from the University of Kansas and B.S. in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is a member of the Missouri Bar and licensed in Kansas as well.

Beth and Kurt have lived in various cities in Kansas, including Lawrence, Olathe, and Gardner for five and a half years before returning to Omaha. They have two daughters and two West Highland White Terriers. Beth enjoys time with family, traveling, photography, and the outdoors.

Amy Townsend, CPA

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.

Mindi Van Waart

Mindi Van Waart started her career with Carson Wealth in January of 2012. She graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Prior to joining Carson Wealth Management Group, she worked for American National Bank as a teller.

Mindi was born and raised in a small town just south of Omaha, NE. When not working, she values her quality time spent with family and friends. She also enjoys reading, sports, dancing, and traveling whenever possible.