Our Team

Ken is the Chief Executive Officer of Empirical Wealth Management. He guides the firm’s long-term strategy and is a senior financial advisor.  Ken is passionate about educating individuals on how to become smarter investors. He hosted an informative financial radio show titled “Empirical Investing Radio” on VoiceAmerica and has designed a proprietary program “Empirical Income Planner” to help individuals plan for retirement.

As Chief Compliance Officer, Lindsay oversees the development and execution of Empirical’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Lindsay is an integral part of Empirical’s operations, and works diligently to maintain billing, bookkeeping, and client greeting in addition to her compliance duties.

As Director of Tax and Wealth Transfer, Jim applies his tax and legal expertise to guide the firm’s tax planning and wealth transfer strategies. He provides proactive tax planning solutions to high net worth individuals, families, and their businesses. Jim works with clients to develop estate plans and applies advanced estate and gift tax planning techniques in accordance with each client’s needs. Jim also provides his expertise as a member of the Financial Planning Committee, which develops innovative planning solutions for clients.

As a Tax Manager with Empirical, Taylor works with high net worth individuals, families and businesses to formulate and implement tax strategies to reduce their tax burden. With her extensive background in tax preparation and strategic tax planning, Taylor brings a depth of knowledge that can be coordinated with clients’ cash flow and retirement planning.

As a partner with Empirical Wealth Management, Ethan works to develop, implement and monitor sound financial strategies designed to grow and protect the wealth of individuals, families and non-profit organizations. Ethan is the head of the Financial Planning Committee which oversees the development and expertise of Empirical’s financial planning recommendations. Rather than just another “financial advisor,” Ethan describes his primary role as that of a trusted “Personal Financial Advocate” who weighs the impact of each financial decision within the unique context of each client’s overall financial plan. Ethan is a Northwest native and has been in the financial industry since 1998. He lives in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle with his wife Corie and his two children Carsen and True.

As a Portfolio Manager, Karina is dedicated to working with clients to develop tailored solutions to achieve their financial goals and objectives. She works with the investment team to conduct research and perform daily trading processes. In addition, Karina audits client portfolios to ensure Empirical's investment returns follow industry-wide, ethical standards. Karina is originally from Hawaii, but has called Seattle home for over 7 years.

Shan has been with Empirical Wealth Management since 2007 and has extensive knowledge in the implementation of the firm’s investment management, tax minimization and financial planning strategies. A native to the Pacific Northwest, Shan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master of Science in Finance from the Albers School of Business at Seattle University.

As a Portfolio Manager, Jaime is dedicated to providing clients with customized portfolio solutions. She carefully implements and monitors each strategy to ensure they cater to her clients' investment objectives. Jaime also works closely with the Investment Management team to conduct research, monitor market developments, and execute daily trading processes. Jaime has 6 years of prior experience in financial services, and her career includes working at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and a hedge fund, King Street Capital Management.

As a partner with Empirical, Lorne manages portfolios and shares his tax consulting experience for strategic tax planning for Empirical clients. Lorne has a combined 20 years of experience advising his clients on their tax and financial affairs. Lorne is a member of the financial planning committee which develops innovative planning solutions for clients. Lorne works with clients to prepare customized financial plans based on their unique needs, resources and goals. He helps them implement the plan with practical strategies, in order to navigate the complexities of their financial lives, building on strengths and addressing weaknesses. He provides ongoing monitoring and revising to meet their goals as well as their lifestyle.

As Chief Operating Officer, Jaime manages the firm's daily operations and its strategies to implement its long-term growth objectives. She returned to Empirical after founding a consulting firm that focused on media relations, partnerships, growth strategies and business operations management. Jaime encompasses the unique combination of linear and creative thinking skills, allowing her to think disruptively while still minding the fundamentals of running a profitable business. She is committed to creating an environment that facilitates the best possible experience for our clients, business partners, and employees.

As Chief Marketing Technology Officer, Simon manages the technology and marketing needs for Empirical. He works to maintain and develop efficiencies with the tools our advisory team uses and ensures that our clients’ personal data is kept private and secure. With a keen eye for design, Simon works closely with the partners to develop and improve the Empirical brand. Through the use of technology, they work to enhance each client’s experience with his or her advisor, building trust and clarity. With a background in portfolio management and as an associate advisor, Simon has a clear understanding of what is required to stay at the forefront of our clients’ needs.

With over 17 years of large scale public accounting experience serving high net worth individuals, families and their businesses, Menka brings a wealth of knowledge that can be coordinated and applied to each client’s unique tax situation. Her expertise ranges from basic tax preparation and management to domestic and international strategic tax planning.  Menka enjoys working with her clients to formulate and implement innovative solutions to reduce their tax burden.

As the Chief Investment Officer, Michael leads Empirical’s investment committee and is responsible for guiding and monitoring Empirical’s investment strategies. Michael also works directly with clients by building personalized solutions to help them achieve their financial goals. Michael’s career includes serving as an Institutional Portfolio Specialist and as a Senior Equity Research Analyst. He has co-authored a book discussing the details and complexities of investing in Healthcare equities.

With an extensive background in portfolio management, Stella enjoys working with clients to develop customized investment strategies and financial planning solutions to empower her clients to meet their life goals. Stella graduated with a Bachelor's in Geography from Clark University at Worcester, MA and a Master's in Accounting from Bentley college at Waltham, MA.

As Director of Research, Erik guides Empirical’s investment research and leads the Portfolio Management team.  He also works directly with clients to develop and manage their investment portfolios.  Erik is a member of Empirical’s Investment Committee, and the Portfolio Manager of the Empirical Alternative Income Fund, LP.

As a Financial Advisor with over 17 years of experience, Rebecca holds a strong belief that individuals whose investment strategy is built upon fully developed financial goals and an underlying plan are far more likely to succeed. She enjoys working closely with clients to develop a personalized financial plan focusing on tax minimization, executive compensation, legacy planning and retirement.

As Director of Estate Planning, Paul applies his estate planning experience from California and Washington to guide the firm’s wealth transfer strategies in relation to estate tax and gift tax planning.

As Director of Estate Planning Education, Denise applies her many years of experience as a trusts and estate practitioner to guide the firm's wealth transfer strategies with an emphasis on Federal and State tax planning, gift tax planning, and generational planning. Denise enjoys helping individuals and families understand the process of developing their estate plan to realize their legacy objectives

As Director of Business Development, Joe is responsible for implementing Empirical's strategic growth initiative by establishing and maintaining the firm's business relationships. In addition, Joe is a financial advisor with over 15 years of experience. He is well versed in helping clients create tax-efficient strategies, diversify concentrated stock positions, and legacy planning. Joe is passionate about focusing on his clients’ goals and executing strategies that optimize wealth over multiple lifetimes.

As Vice President and Director of Asia, Su works directly with Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Smith and the executive team on various projects with a specialized focus on facilitating opportunities within Asia

As a financial advisor with 15 years of experience, Mark is dedicated to providing clients with sound financial advice and exceptional service. He guides his clients through the financial planning process to create a plan that acts as their financial road map. Plans are then monitored on an ongoing basis to identify any necessary adjustments. Mark hopes his clients will consider him their most trusted advisor and advocate. He lives in Camas, WA with his wife Jenna and their two boys.

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Milan collaborates with Empirical’s financial advisors in building customized financial plans and investment strategies for clients. She has prior wealth management internship experience and years of experience in the service industry. Milan is passionate about providing an exemplary client experience and is highly committed to her professional development. She has plans to begin studying to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in the future.

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, Thomas spent 10 years working exclusively with fortune 500 corporate executives to provide advice on executive retirement benefits, financial planning, and investment management. He enjoys partnering with clients to provide unbiased investment advice tailored to help them achieve and preserve their financial freedom. Thomas lives in San Rafael, CA with his wife, son, and their two dogs.

Kenneth is a Financial Advisor working closely with clients to develop, implement and monitor a personalized, comprehensive financial plan. Kenneth is well-versed in the areas of retirement planning, executive compensation plans, tax minimization strategies, and small business tax & retirement planning. Kenneth is passionate about exceeding his clients’ expectations and works diligently to coordinate all areas of his clients’ financial lives. When not helping clients, Kenneth enjoys traveling, the performing arts, and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Elliott is a financial advisor with Empirical Wealth Management working with clients to explore, craft, and execute investment, tax, retirement, and insurance planning strategies to meet their goals. Elliott helps clients take advantage of opportunities to maximize and protect their wealth. He is passionate about behavioral finance and helping clients learn how they can make better financial decisions to improve their lives.

As a financial advisor for over 18 years, Jason is committed to building close relationships with his clients. He values a pleasant wealth management experience that is built on a foundation of clear communication, trust and setting proper expectations. Having worked with both individual clients and 401k plan sponsors, Jason is well versed with formulating investment and planning strategies to successfully meet his client’s goals.

As a tax manager at Empirical, Robert provides tax planning and compliance for high net worth individuals, their families, and their businesses. With an extensive background in tax preparation, Robert brings a wealth of tax knowledge to optimize each individual client’s specific tax situation.

As a financial advisor at Empirical Wealth Management, Brian works to develop personalized financial planning strategies for our clients focusing on tax minimization, wealth management, and cash flow analysis. Brian is passionate about learning each client’s retirement goals and values to create a comprehensive financial plan while maximizing and protecting their wealth. With his prior experience as a portfolio manager, Brian is well versed in the relationship between financial planning and investment management and how to best implement each client specific strategy.

As a financial advisor, Michael creates customized solutions for his clients by determining opportunities relating to tax minimization, financial planning, and investment management. He is dedicated to helping clients reach their personal goals with thorough planning and monitoring through every step of the process.

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Kyle works diligently with Empirical’s financial advisors to execute the various aspects of clients’ financial plans and investment strategies. Kyle is passionate about providing clients with excellent service and helping them achieve their financial goals. Kyle is an Oregon native who lives in Portland with his wife Kim and two young children. He is currently studying to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional .

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Michael collaborates with Empirical's financial advisors to build personalized solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals. He assists in the development and implementation of financial plans and investment strategies. Michael is passionate about exceeding his clients’ expectations, and works diligently to ensure proper coordination between all areas of his clients’ financial life. When not helping clients, Michael enjoys life with his wife, Veronica, and three sons, Jackson, Charles, and Oliver. He loves the outdoors and fishing.

As an Associate Financial Advisor with Empirical Wealth Management, John collaborates with advisors and clients to assist in developing and implementing financial plans. He has previous experience as an associate portfolio manager assisting the investment team with daily trading tasks, research and analysis. John supports financial advisors in identifying tax minimization, investment management and financial planning opportunities.

As a Portfolio Manager, Ben is passionate about developing and managing tailored portfolio solutions for each of his clients. He strives to maximize the likelihood of his clients achieving their goals by managing their portfolios in a disciplined and efficient manner. Ben has nearly 15 years of investment management experience serving in both Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Research Analyst roles while working with some of the largest institutional clients in the world.