Tim Agnew, CPA/PFS, CFP®
Managing Director
Tim has nearly two decades of estate, income tax and personal financial planning experience. He is also a Partner with Smith & Howard, PC, and brings invaluable tax insight to our wealth management clients. Tim finds that helping clients meet their goals and solve problems along the way provide his greatest reward.
Tim earned his BBA in Accounting and Master of Taxation from Georgia State University. He is a member of the Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute, a member of Vistage, and a speaker on financial planning and investment topics. Tim serves on the Boards of Directors of Pipeline Data, Inc. and Cynergy Data, LLC.
Born in Charlotte, he moved to Atlanta more than 25 years ago, and when not at the office, can be found outdoors, most often with his family. He enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, boating and tennis; he also enjoys learning about wine. Little known fact: Tim has a keen interest in cars.
Michael R. DeWitt, CFA
Partner and Chief Compliance Officer
Mike holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and received his BS in Finance from Auburn University. He has over 15 years of investment industry experience, and is a Member of the CFA Institute as well as a Member of the Atlanta Society of Financial Analysts. As a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder, Mike is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of education, integrity, and professional excellence for our clients’ investments. Mike finds that helping clients realize they have the financial means to retire, and then watching them enjoy their retirement is his greatest reward. His speaking engagements vary from complex investment topics to introductory 401(k) and financial planning matters.
Much of Mike’s activities outside the office involve his wife and three children, including activities at Mt. Bethel UMC, where he serves on the Finance Committee. Mike has served on several non-profit boards, and has participated in Habitat for Humanity projects, both through Smith & Howard Wealth Management and on his own. He also enjoys reading, golfing and attending college football games. Little known fact: Mike speaks a little Russian, and lived in Russia for a semester in college.
Bud Boland, CFP®
Wealth Planner
Bud holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. He received his BS in Financial Management from Clemson University with an emphasis in Financial Services. Bud has devoted a significant portion of career working with high net-worth individuals, families and family offices. Little known fact: Bud restored an award-winning 1959 Chris Craft boat at the age of 16.
Bud enjoys travel, boating, waterskiing, exercising and attending college football games.
Lisa Curles
Senior Portfolio Administrator
Lisa brings two decades of client service experience and over a decade of investment industry experience to serving our clients. The most rewarding part of her work is "of course!" client service.
Born in Ohio, Lisa has lived in Atlanta for more than 20 years. She has eight siblings. Lisa enjoys travel and photography. In fact, when you visit SHWM, you can find very nice examples of her work in her office.
Little known fact: Before finding her career calling in wealth management, Lisa spent five years as a hair stylist.
Frederick S. Wright, IV, CFA
Partner and Chief Investment Officer
Frederick received his BS from United States Military Academy at West Point and his MBA from Emory Business School. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and is active in the Atlanta Society of CFAs. As a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder, Frederick is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of education, integrity, and professional excellence for our clients’ investments. Frederick is a participating member of the Monthly Advisor Confidence Index, and a member of the Structured Products Association. His most rewarding work is in helping reduce risk in client portfolios, an action that his long career and observance of challenging marketing environments, has served to validate. Frederick is a speaker on a variety of investment topics, and has been invited on several occasions to speak on structured products on a national stage.
Frederick was a “military brat” and moved throughout this childhood, following his father’s military career around the U.S. and Germany. He has been in Atlanta for more than 20 years.
Frederick spends time with his wife and two children, attends Peachtree Christian Church and enjoys ALTA tennis, reading and movies. He also is Smith & Howard’s softball team pitcher. Little known fact: Frederick would like to write a novel one day.
Robert L. Kaercher, CIMA
Wealth Manager
Rob holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation. He received his BS in Forest Resource Management from West Virginia University, and his Masters of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance, from Pennsylvania State University. He has more than two decades of investment industry experience, and is a Member of the Investment Management Consultant Association. Rob works closely with his clients to understand their investment goals, personal financial objectives and risk tolerances. He enjoys providing technical information and concepts in a simpler, practical way for his clients. Little known fact; At West Virginia University, Rob competed in axe throwing and two-man crosscutting events.
Rob and his wife have one child still at home along with their Siberian Husky and Great Pyrenees. When not working, Rob enjoys activities at Roswell Presbyterian Church, photography, music and traveling.
Lauren Starks, CFP®
Wealth Planner
Lauren has been part of the Smith & Howard family since 2006 and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. She has over a decade of client service experience. A lifelong Georgia resident, Lauren moved to Atlanta after graduating from the University of Georgia.
When away from the office, Lauren spends time with her husband and four sons. She also enjoys training for endurance sports, including marathons and triathlons. Little known fact: Lauren plays several musical instruments, including piano, church organ, trumpet, clarinet, French horn, and a little guitar.
Stephanie Roberts
Portfolio Administrator
A nearly-native Atlantan (she’s been here since she was four), Stephanie attended Georgia State University, and is one of Smith & Howard Wealth Management’s portfolio administrators. Stephanie works with clients on a daily basis, and enjoys getting to know them and establishing their trust in her and in the firm. When not working, she spends time with her friends and family (which includes her husband and two teenage sons), and especially enjoys trying new restaurants and going to concerts at Chastain Park. Little known fact: Stephanie can speak French (a little!).