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 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 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 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.

As Chief Operating Officer, Hwa manages the firm’s daily business operations while planning and strategically executing long-term objectives. She possesses a strong commitment to creating an environment that facilitates the best possible experience for our clients, business partners and employees. Hwa has held a variety of positions in finance, marketing, business development, and fund/capital-raising, working in both public and private sectors. Her career in finance includes working in investment banking at Goldman, Sachs & Co., capital markets at Deutsche Bank, and venture capital with SSM and Verity Ventures.

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 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 Research, Erik manages the firm’s research and trading strategies and works with clients to develop and manage their investment portfolios.

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.

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.

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 from the Albers School of Business at Seattle University where he is currently completing a Master’s of Science in Finance (MSF) degree.

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.

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 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.

Jeannie is a financial advisor working with clients in the Portland area and throughout the Northwest. She has worked with individual investors since 1998. Jeannie enjoys getting to know each of her clients well and helping them to achieve their financial goals. She assists her clients in developing and implementing financial strategies to protect and grow their wealth, while minimizing taxes. Jeannie is a native of Portland, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.In her spare-time you’ll often find Jeannie cheering her kids on from the sidelines of the soccer field.

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 with Empirical Wealth Management, Aaron is dedicated to providing exceptional service to his clients. Aaron is a third-generation Alaskan with strong ties to the Anchorage community, as well as having close family and business relationships throughout the state. With a background in banking and wealth management, Aaron is passionate about finding tailored solutions to assist clients in navigating the complexities of their financial lives. He asks questions and listens carefully to provide investment advice specifically suited to each individual.  Working in the construction and auto-body industries helped support Aaron while obtaining his education and exposed him, first hand, to some of the day-to-day challenges of small business.  This experience, coupled with an expertise in commercial lending and investment strategy, provides Aaron with valuable, well-rounding insights to further assist his clients in reaching their financial 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 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 Portfolio Manager, Ben implements and monitors client investment portfolios. He works closely with Empirical’s research team to develop new, customized investment strategies and is responsible for executing daily trading processes. Ben has a combined 10 years of experience in the investment management industry, with roles in operations, performance reporting, analysis and portfolio management.

As an Associate Portfolio Manager, Karina works with the investment team to conduct research and perform daily trading processes on client portfolios. Aside from these activities, she audits client portfolios to ensure Empirical’s investment returns follow industry-wide, ethical standards. Karina is originally from Hawaii and is a 2018 Level II Candidate in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) program.

As an Associate Advisor, James assists financial advisors in the development, implementation, and monitoring of our clients, investment, tax, and cash flow strategies. He proactively coordinates the moving pieces between clients, custodians, and portfolio managers to ensure a smooth, positive experience for clients.

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Kenneth works diligently with Empirical’s financial advisors to execute the various aspects of clients’ financial plans and investment strategies. Kenneth also assists in identifying opportunities related to financial planning, tax minimization, and provides clients with exceptional service.  Kenneth is studying to become a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and plans to sit for the exam in 2018.

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Michael provides direct support to our financial advisors and their clients. Michael assists with identifying opportunities relating to tax minimization, financial planning, and investment management. Additionally, he helps prepare client reviews and provides proactive support to help clients in reaching their goals.

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 Executive Assistant, Jena supports an array of activities to Empirical’s CEO to facilitate effectiveness and efficiency in his daily operations. With a marketing background, she contributes to the design and maintenance of marketing materials and helps to coordinate marketing campaigns and client events.