About Us
Delivering leading edge advice focused on helping clients.
We deliver leading edge advice focused on helping clients arrive at their personal financial destination.
Leading Edge Financial Planning is a fee-only, fiduciary advisory firm focused on helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals. We believe the best way to do so is by fostering authentic relationships built on a foundation of trust.
We take the time to get to know you, your current situation, your hopes and dreams for the future, and any challenges you may face on your journey toward financial freedom. We use this knowledge to build a customized financial plan specifically designed to help you achieve your ideal lifestyle, both while you’re working and during retirement.
Our team includes experienced professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your version of success, including commercial pilots, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), CFA, CPA, EA credential holders.
Put simply, we serve as your partner in achieving your version of financial success.
Meet The Team
Principal, CEO, Senior Financial Planner
Read Bio
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He then entered the United States Air Force where he served for ten years as an officer and F-16 fighter pilot.
While serving in the Air Force Charlie shared his passion for personal financial planning by administering money management classes to his fellow military service men and women. After his ten years in the Air Force, Charlie wanted to begin a new career helping others understand and thrive in personal finance so he earned his Master of Business Administration in Financial Planning from California Lutheran University. Charlie also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional designation in 2012. In addition, Charlie was hired by Southwest Airlines in 2007. After flying commercially for 13 years, Charlie jumped at the opportunity to take the VSP (Voluntary Separation Program) in 2020 to focus on helping his clients.
Charlie’s joy in life is to truly understand each client’s unique situation and their family’s goals and dreams for the future. His goal is to take the worry out of personal finance. He works hard to be worthy of his clients’ trust, providing absolute transparency, a high level of integrity and objective advice. His prior life and work experiences as an Air Force officer and pilot have helped him understand the discipline, knowledge and leadership it takes to be an effective financial advisor for his clients.
Charlie enjoys watching his three girls grow up, (much too fast), spending quality time with his wife Leisa, reading, and taking care of the horse farm with any time left over.
Principal, CFO, Senior Financial Planner
Read Bio
Kevin specializes in working with high-income earners who need assistance in managing company incentive plans, maximizing their investments, and minimizing taxes. He also specializes in cash flow planning for pre-retirees and retirees, and helping them make planning decisions regarding their Social Security benefits.
Kevin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) professional designations. Kevin is an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Tennessee.
In addition to Leading Edge Financial Planning, Kevin was an Adjunct Professor and taught a Personal Finance class at Maryville College for the J term in January, 2016 and January, 2017. Teaching financial concepts and helping younger people get off to a great financial start is something Kevin enjoys!
Kevin is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA), and is a Board member on the East Tennessee Financial Planning Association (FPA).
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. He was a four-year letter winner in football, played club Rugby, and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He received his Master of Science in Accounting (MaaC) with a focus on public accounting in 2012 from Strayer University. Prior to working in financial planning, Kevin spent 18 years in Pharmaceutical Sales, Training and Management.
Kevin lives in Knoxville with his wife, Jade, and their two sons.
COO
Read Bio
Lisa Rosenthal is the dynamic force propelling our business operations forward in her role as Chief Operating Officer. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining our organizational compass and delivers comprehensive business support to Leading Edge Financial Planning.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Colorado (Go Buffs!), Lisa brings a wealth of experience to her position. Before joining Leading Edge, she honed her skills through diverse professional experiences, serving as a seasoned human resources generalist, a strategic marketing associate, and a proficient project manager. Lisa possesses an uncanny knack for organization and a genuine love for all things data-related, particularly spreadsheets – yes, you read that right!
Originally from Colorado, Lisa’s life journey has been punctuated by her husband’s career as a Marine Corps pilot. Now that he’s retired and working in the airline industry, they’ve decided to call the picturesque state of Wisconsin their home. Alongside their children, their family includes two dogs (a ball-centric Labrador and a quirky Anatolian Shepherd), along with her office companion, Panzer the cat.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lisa enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, gardening, and supporting her children in their various activities. Her unwavering dedication to both her professional and personal life exemplifies her commitment to excellence. As Chief Operating Officer, Lisa plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of Leading Edge Financial Planning’s services and supports our clients’ financial well-being.
Financial Planner, CIO
Read Bio
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Andy earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy. He then entered flight school and served for ten years on active duty as an officer and F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot. Andy continues to serve in the Navy Reserves.
He earned his Master of Science in Finance from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and holds the designation of a CFA® charterholder. After leaving the Navy, Andy transitioned into private wealth management and consulting, partnering with clients, and learning the craft of financial planning.
As a Lead Planner at Leading Edge, Andy’s primary interest is the intersection of the science of finance and his client’s personal financial well-being and unique planning needs. He recognizes that everyone’s financial outlook and situation is different. With that perspective, he loves diving into the details to develop customized planning solutions.
Andy also has a passion for teaching and is an Executive in Residence at Georgetown University’s MS in Finance (MSF) program where he advises and mentors MSF students. Additionally, he is a part-time F-35 contract simulator instructor pilot at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, teaching newly “winged” Naval Aviators.
Andy currently lives in San Diego, CA with his wife, Brittany, and young son. As a Northeast Ohio sport fan, he is perennially disappointed in his team’s season.
Director of Client Services
Read Bio
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Betsy earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Betsy obtained an athletic scholarship competing on the Women’s Division I Intercollegiate Swim Team.
Prior to her recent career change, Betsy worked 15 years in healthcare. Betsy collaborated with physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to decrease risk of adverse outcomes. Betsy has been a client with Leading Edge Financial Planning since 2015 and is very excited to join the team. Betsy is now focused on improving client lives as a Paraplanner.
When she is not studying to become a financial planner and IRS Enrolled Agent, you can find her with family and friends – wake surfing, hiking, and of course laughing. She is blessed to have a family that values family, hard work, and charitable giving.
Associate Financial Planner
Read Bio
Born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, Nolan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, with a Personal Financial Planning Concentration from Western Kentucky University (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Board Registered Program). Prior to joining Leading Edge, Nolan has worked with two other firms in the Financial Services Industry since his sophomore year of college.
In addition to Leading Edge Financial Planning, Nolan has served as President of The Financial Planning Association (FPA), volunteer for Junior Achievement, and is an active member at his local Church.
Nolan lives in Owensboro, KY with his wife, Clare, and their young son. Nolan enjoys spending quality time with his family, going on hikes, walks, and any other activities that allow him to enjoy the outdoors with others.
Director of Tax Services
Read Bio
Nidhi previously worked as a master tax advisor with H&R Block/Block Advisors for 10 years and is an Enrolled Agent (EA). Nidhi holds a Bachelor’s degree from Osmania University, India and specialized in accounting. She has also specialized in US income tax. She enjoys working with clients to get the most from their taxes and reach their financial goals.
Nidhi volunteers every Friday evening in community related events and loves to travel. She has visited 12 national parks and looks forward to going to many more. She lives in Princeton, NJ with her husband, teen son and their Labrador dog.
Paraplanner
Read Bio
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jon earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification.
Before joining Leading Edge Financial Planning, Jon spent five years in the aviation industry, beginning his career in aerial survey work, collaborating with NASA and other notable organizations. He later transitioned to flying private jets, where he focused on delivering exceptional client experiences. While serving as a Captain at Flexjet, Jon developed medical issues that led him to pursue a career in financial planning, where he brings the same dedication and attention to detail that defined his aviation career.
Jon lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring his passion for board games, 3D printing, and connecting with friends. He also values charitable giving and actively seeks opportunities to give back through volunteer work.
Paraplanner
Read Bio
Brenda is originally from Brazil and moved to Virginia for college, where she’s been ever since. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Financial Planning and recently passed the CFP® exam. Over the course of her career, Brenda has worked in a variety of roles, from Paraplanner to Financial Planning Analyst for advisors across the country, gaining valuable experience in the financial planning industry.
Now, as a Paraplanner at Leading Edge, Brenda supports financial advisors by preparing financial plans, analyzing cases, and ensuring everything is accurate and ready for clients. Brenda’s passionate about continuous learning, understanding the psychology of financial planning, and helping clients bring their goals to life. She loves creating a seamless experience for clients and focusing on comprehensive financial planning.
When she’s not working, Brenda loves spending time with her family, playing beach volleyball, watching college hockey, and reading. She lives with her husband and two young sons. And for a fun fact – Brenda is a national champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, though she earned the title when she was a 13-year-old girl with no competition in her category. Still, she’ll take the medal with a smile!
Client Service & Operations Associate
Read Bio
Kelly is originally from Pennsylvania and earned her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, where she was a member of the Women’s Rowing Team. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Exercise Science from Western Washington University. Before joining the Leading Edge team, Kelly’s professional journey included roles in education, fitness, and client support—each one strengthening her passion for helping others and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
She spent nearly two decades supporting her husband’s Navy career at duty stations across the U.S., as well as in Bahrain and Japan. During that time, Kelly also volunteered with a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to service members and their families.
Now settled back in the Philadelphia area, Kelly and her husband enjoy traveling, updating their 100+ year-old home, and skiing with their four kids. Her ability to adapt, organize, and connect with people continues to shine through in both her personal and professional life.
Financial Planner
Read Bio
Mark is a dynamic and versatile financial planner with eighteen years of professional experience in aviation and finance. A former Marine Corps fighter pilot (retired Major) and current American Airlines pilot; Mark has joined Leading Edge Financial Planning to help others discover what is possible in their lives and create a pathway to reach what is most important to them.
After growing up in South Florida, Mark studied Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and then joined the Marine Corps. He flew the F/A-18 Hornet on active duty and then the C-12 King Air in the reserves, while also serving as an Aviation Safety Officer for multiple commands. After active duty service, he earned his Master in Business Administration at the University of California, San Diego. While working on his MBA, Mark discovered opportunities to improve outcomes and reduce risk in the Healthcare industry. He worked in consulting and then marketing for multiple spine surgery medical device companies. Using risk management and safety concepts from aviation, he collaborated with surgeons to create new products and procedures to reduce medical errors during surgery and improve patient outcomes. Mark is now focused on improving lives as an Investment Advisor Representative.
He lives in South Lake Tahoe, CA with his wife Adriana raising one young daughter. When not helping clients or studying to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, you can find Mark outdoors with his family, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Financial Planner
Read Bio
Originally from Annandale, VA (just outside Washington, D.C.), Jason earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee. Jason was an Army ROTC scholarship cadet at UT and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. After completing the Engineer Officer Basic Course at Ft Leonard Wood, MO, he joined the Army Reserve and obtained his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and began work as a consulting engineer.
During this time, Jason developed a passion for flying, earning his Private Pilot license in 1994. He later decided to leave his engineering career, and in 1999, Jason applied for a branch transfer. He joined the Air Force Reserve where he went to Air Force Pilot Training and flew the C-5 Galaxy and other aircraft. He retired as a Lt Col in 2018 after 25 years of total service.
During his time in the military, Jason developed a strong interest in the financial markets and financial planning, in particular. He completed the Certified Financial Planner certification program at Rice University in Houston, TX in 2012 while on active duty orders. After completion of his orders in 2013, he moved to TN and worked as a financial advisor at a large brokerage firm and earned his CFP designation in 2016. He later left that firm as he wanted to work with an organization where he could be a true fiduciary. Jason found that opportunity with Leading Edge Financial Planning.
Jason lives in Wears Valley with his wife, Jill, and their 2 children, where they try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. They own a Beech Debonair which he uses for personal travel and animal rescue flights. Jason is also currently a pilot for NetJets.
Client Service Associate
Read Bio
Whitney is originally from Beaufort, SC, and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in International Business and German language. Whitney’s career journey prior to joining the Leading Edge team has been diverse, spanning the fields of logistics, manufacturing and project management but one thing has remained constant: her love for data and spreadsheets. Throughout these experiences, she also played a pivotal role in supporting her husband’s 14 year military career, all while raising their four young boys! Whitney serves as PTO president, is actively involved in their church and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. She currently resides in the upstate of South Carolina and when she’s not busy managing her boys’ busy sports schedules, she enjoys traveling, hiking and home renovation projects. Her husband, a captain with American Airlines, shares her love for adventure, and together they love to explore new destinations whenever time allows.
Client Service & Marketing Associate
Read Bio
Coming soon!
Our Core Values
At Leading Edge Financial Planning, we believe in a better approach to objective financial advice. Using a fee-only, no-commission business model focused specifically on meeting your goals, we provide unbiased fiduciary advice that is at all times in your best interest.
Authenticity
We bring our whole selves, act with integrity, and let our genuine care show in every client interaction.
Service
We put others first, serving teammates and clients alike with humility and a servant’s heart.
Humility
We recognize our strengths and limitations, always seeking to learn so we can better support each other and those we serve.
Abundance
We choose optimism and gratitude, sharing generously with our clients and one another.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in every detail, striving for expertise so clients receive our very best.