Our  Leadership  Team 

As CEO and Founding Partner of Shore to Summit Wealth Management, I’ve dedicated more than 30 years to guiding clients toward not only their financial goals, but also the life goals that matter most. My career has spanned large global banks, regional firms, and independent broker dealers, and in 2017 I co-founded Shore to Summit to create a practice rooted in independence, integrity, and genuine partnership.

My approach is shaped by both professional rigor and personal experience. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^®, Certified Investment Management Analyst^®, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^®, I bring a disciplined, credentialed perspective to wealth management. Along the way, I’ve been honored to be recognized among Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors¹ (2011–2013) and included in AdvisorHub’s list of 150 Advisors to Watch over $1BIL² (2024, 2025). I’ve also been a proud member of the Investments & Wealth Institute since 2004.

Service has always been central to who I am. I had the honor of serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, an experience that instilled resilience, leadership, and a deep respect for teamwork. Today, those values continue to guide how I lead our practice and how I show up for our clients.

Outside of work, I’m grateful to call Bozeman, Montana home, where I live with my wife, Kelly, and our two children, Liam and Logan. Whether I’m skiing alpine trails, biking mountain paths, or spending time on the water, I find joy in the outdoors and in building community. I’m also active in my church and involved with local nonprofits, because giving back is as important to me as helping clients move forward.

At Shore to Summit, we believe wealth management is about more than portfolios and planning — it’s about people, purpose, and possibility. That’s the journey I’m proud to lead every day.

¹ 2013 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2013; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2011 - Sept. 2012 (Source: Barrons.com). 2012 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2012; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2010 - Sept. 2011 (Source: Barrons.com). 2011 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2011; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2009 - Sept. 2010 (Source: Barrons.com). The Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

² 2025 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch: Awarded June 2025; Data compiled by AdvisorHub based on time period from 12/31/23 – 12/31/24 (Source: AdvisorHub). 1984 wealth managers were considered for the rating; 1000 (50.6% percent of candidates) were named 2025 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch. 2024 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch: Awarded June 2024; Data compiled by AdvisorHub based on the time period from 12/31/22 - 12/31/23 (Source: AdvisorHub). 1987 wealth managers were considered for the rating; 1000 (50.3% percent of candidates) were named 2024 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch. The AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch (A2W) rating produced by AdvisorsHub is based on industry experience, assets under management, revenue, growth, compliance records, professionalism, and other criteria. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. The rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and is based solely on the disclosed criteria. A2W winners are then ranked into subcategories based on scale, growth and professionalism with each winner being ranked into only one subcategory. The 150 Advisors over $1Bil ranking is a subcategory of the AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch rating and does not denote an additional rating.

I’ve seen that the best financial strategies aren’t just about money—they’re about helping people live with confidence.

I co-founded Shore to Summit Wealth Management in 2017 after more than a decade at Merrill Lynch and four years at Smith Barney. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in helping entrepreneurs, professionals, and families integrate employer benefits, compensation, and retirement planning into holistic strategies that endure.

As a CFP^® and CRPC^®, I’m committed to empowering clients through education and partnership. Recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* (2013, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2023-2026) in Baltimore Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, I strive to pair disciplined investment principles with advice that empowers real lives.

Beyond my work with clients, I served for over 20 years on the Executive Board of Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope, Inc., supporting mission trips focused on education, health programs, and building preschools and medical centers to empower future leaders in Africa.

I live in Severna Park, Maryland with my wife Brittany and our daughter Annabelle, and I’m also the proud father of two grown sons, Aidan and Rylan. Outside of work, I enjoy boating, reading, coaching, and staying active with my family.

Whether guiding clients or serving abroad, I believe in building futures through education, partnership, and lasting impact.

*This award was issued on 01/01/2026 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 04/10/2025 through 10/01/2025. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2446 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 217 (9% of candidates) were named 2026 Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

This award was issued on 01/01/2025 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 04/10/2024 through 10/31/2024. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2389 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 254 (11% of candidates) were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers.

This award was issued on 01/01/2024 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 04/10/2023 through 10/31/2023. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2149 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 259 (12% of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers.

This award was issued on 01/01/2023 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 04/18/2022 through 10/21/2022. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2126 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 256 (12% of candidates) were named 2023 Five Star Wealth Managers.

This award was issued on 01/01/2020 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 04/01/2019 through 11/13/2019. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1898 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 234 (12% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.

This award was issued on 01/01/2019 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 04/19/2018 through 11/07/2018. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1865 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 265 (14% of candidates) were named 2019 Five Star Wealth Managers.

This award was issued on 01/01/2015 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 06/16/2014 through 11/09/2014. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1749 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 412 (24% of candidates) were named 2015 Five Star Wealth Managers.

This award was issued on 01/01/2013 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 06/16/2012 through 11/09/2012. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1490 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 448 (30% of candidates) were named 2013 Five Star Wealth Managers.

• Husband to Denyele
• Dad to Zach, Jake, Julia, Natalie & Audrey
• Former Marine Infantry & Reconnaissance Officer
• 13x Ironman-distance finisher
• Financial advisor, business builder & professional relationship guy
• Boater, waterman and happiest somewhere near the water
• Believer in Enjoy the Ride

A Little More About Me

I’ve spent most of my adult life doing work centered around people, leadership and service.

Today, I’m a Managing Partner at Shore to Summit Wealth Management, where I help lead our practice, oversee our Melbourne, Florida office and play a critical role in our business development efforts across the country. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is getting to know great financial advisors, entrepreneurs and families, understanding what they are trying to build, and figuring out how we can help them get there.

I’ve been in financial services for more than 24 years. Before Shore to Summit, I spent a significant part of my career with Janus Henderson Investors, where I had the opportunity to work alongside thousands of financial advisors and their clients across the country. That experience gave me a front-row seat to what separates good advice from great advice — and reinforced my belief that this business is ultimately about relationships, trust and helping people make better decisions.

I earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation through Wharton and the Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) designation through the Investments & Wealth Institute, with executive education through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I also received my bachelor’s degree from Worcester State College.

Long before financial services, however, I was a United States Marine. I served eight years on active duty as an Infantry Officer, Reconnaissance Platoon Commander and Company Officer at the United States Naval Academy, ultimately attaining the rank of Major. The Marine Corps shaped much of how I still approach life and business today: take care of your people, embrace hard things, stay focused on the mission and never take yourself too seriously.

Service remains a big part of my life outside of work as well. I co-founded Bourbon & Bowties Baltimore, serve on its board and currently serve as president. The organization supports charitable organizations throughout the Baltimore community, including causes serving veterans and other families and organizations in need.

But the titles I care about most are husband and dad.

My wife, Denyele, and I have five kids — Zach, Jake, Julia, Natalie and Audrey — and our family is at the center of pretty much everything we do. Life with our crew is busy, occasionally chaotic and rarely boring, which is exactly how I like it.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me somewhere near the water, on a boat, working out, traveling or figuring out the next adventure. I’ve completed 13 Ironman-distance triathlons, including the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. These days, I’m a little less obsessed with finish times and a lot more interested in making sure I actually enjoy the ride.

That philosophy carries into my work as well. Build something meaningful. Surround yourself with great people. Do work that matters. And remember to enjoy the ride along the way.

Craig Pirtle is a financial services executive and U.S. Army veteran with over two decades of leadership experience across wealth management, asset management, investment banking, and strategic marketing. Throughout his career, he has specialized in driving enterprise growth, leading regional and national market expansions, and designing high-impact business development strategies. Craig holds extensive industry credentials, including FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 66 licenses alongside the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification.

Craig's foundational career began with eight years in the U.S. Army, including active-duty service with the 2nd Infantry Division along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He was later stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he instructed newly commissioned officers at the U.S. Army Engineer Officer Basic School while transitioning to the active reserves and earning his undergraduate degree. He studied international relations at Kingston University, political science at the University of Southern Maine, and attended the University of New Hampshire.

Following his military service, Craig launched a career in executive leadership within the financial services sector. Over the past two decades, he has held key executive roles including founding and operating Nearside Asset Management Strategies, where he provided specialized business development and strategic consulting services for boutique asset managers. His leadership background also spans senior leadership roles directing branch development across the Mid-Atlantic region, overseeing advisory integration, and leading national market expansions for major financial institutions and board seats for global markets firms. August 2026, Craig will step into his new role as Managing Partner, Head of Growth at Shore to Summit Wealth Management.

Craig resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife and son. Outside the office, he enjoys following his son’s collegiate football career at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and pursuing his passion for Polo.

Kelly joined Shore to Summit Wealth Management in 2017 as Vice President specializing in retirement planning and client relationships.

She has worked with CEO, Scott Brown and COO, Ben Spiker for over 20 years and has more than 30 years of experience helping clients to achieve their financial goals. Kelly's prior positions include roles with Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, and Johnston Lemon. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM designation.

Kelly resides in Bozeman, MT, with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Liam and Logan. She enjoys spending time with her family skiing, hiking, golfing, and playing paddle ball.

Ken Jubert, Managing Partner, Strategic Growth, brings over 18 years of success as an innovative divisional business leader to Shore to Summit Wealth Management, LLC. Prior to joining Shore to Summit Wealth Management, Ken spent the last 15 years as a divisional and regional leader within Wells Fargo Advisors. He last served as Regional Head, Senior Vice President for Wells Fargo Advisors  Financial Network growing and managing the Western Division and select states within the Central Division. 

Ken Brings a wealth of talent in growing and managing divisions and business units including expertise in business development, recruiting, mergers & acquisitions and relationship management to our rapidly growing wealth management partnership. Ken had been a trusted partner during his tenure at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (WFAFN) to Shore to Summit having played a key role in recruiting our founders Scott Brown, CEO & Co-Founder and Ben Spiker, COO & Co-Founder to WFAFN from Merrill Lynch in 2017. We are looking forward to Ken's unique perspective on enhancing culture and building relationships. Prior to his wealth management career Ken spent over 15 years in Information Technology helping customers build, run and secure hardware and software applications. 

Ken resides in Portland, OR and is an avid enthusiast of vintage cars, watches, and art. Originally from Ohio, he has embraced the outdoor lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking, biking, camping, golfing and most recently he has added Latin dancing to his activities. Ken is active in the Portland and Seattle art communities and is a member of the Black African American Advisor Association and National Sales Network. 

Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. 

Tod Brown is an experienced counterintelligence agent and intelligence officer with over 35 years of experience managing intelligence activity in a variety of mission and senior leadership positions. He has served with the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Energy Office of Counterintelligence. Prior to working in intelligence, he worked as a nuclear engineer for the Department of Energy focusing on nuclear weapon security issues. He began his career as a nuclear engineer at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard working reactor servicing for the USS South Carolina and USS Virginia.

Mr. Brown served 28 years in the US Navy Reserve, retiring at the rank of Commander. He filled numerous positions as an intelligence officer including a tour with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Directorate of Intelligence at the Pentagon. He was a watch officer at the National Military Command Center in a time that included service immediately prior to and after the 9-11 attacks. He was mobilized for active duty in 2003-2004 and led a team of analysts at DIA focused on high-priority Al-Qaida targets in East Africa. He later served over 9 years as a Naval Attaché, supporting US Embassy, Defense Attaché Offices in Asia. He completed reserve tours in Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. His military decorations include the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

He completed his PhD in Public Policy, with a national security/counterterrorism focus at Liberty University in May of 2023 and he serves as an adjunct professor at both Liberty and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mr. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He also holds a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Intelligence from the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Mr. Brown is married with three children.

Jimmy Dunn is a Managing Principal with Shore to Summit Wealth Management, bringing more than three decades of industry experience to the practice. Since beginning his financial services career in 1994, Jimmy has dedicated his energy to serving the complex, nuanced needs of affluent individuals, families, and businesses.

He specializes in creating customized, comprehensive wealth management strategies designed to help clients grow, preserve, and efficiently transition their wealth. His areas of expertise include investment planning, strategic asset consolidation, retirement planning—including specialized 401(k) strategies—and proactive portfolio management tailored to each client’s evolving goals.

Prior to joining Shore to Summit Wealth Management, Jimmy spent a decade with Wells Fargo Advisors, where he also served as the Branch Manager of the Annapolis office starting in 2016. In that leadership role, he championed a culture of excellence and integrity, mentoring fellow advisors and elevating the standard of care for clients across the team. He carries this same client-first philosophy and commitment to high-quality guidance into his partnership at Shore to Summit.

Jimmy earned his degree in Political Science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He resides in Annapolis with his three daughters, Samantha, Piper, and CJ. Deeply rooted in his local community, Jimmy is actively involved in St. Mary’s Parish and spends his free time coaching youth sports in the Annapolis leagues.

As our Managing Director of Client Relationship Management, Aiyanna has brought exceptional client service to Shore to Summit Wealth Management since 2017. She brings a depth of industry experience and has a great enthusiasm for working with clients. Aiyanna is a natural born leader on the Shore to Summit team and has worn many hats over the years. She genuinely enjoys helping our clients through all of life's ups and downs.

In her spare time, Aiyanna enjoys hanging with her children, spoiling her grandchild, doing craft projects, and party planning. She hopes to explore more European countries in the coming years.

As a Managing Director of Marketing, Taffy works closely with COO, Ben Spiker and Managing Director, Sherry Saucerman to assist clients with various servicing and operational needs. With seven years of financial industry experience, Taffy takes great pride in continuing her financial education to best serve our clients. Being on a smaller team lends itself to a high touch personal approach when servicing our clients, an aspect of the job Taffy thrives in.

Before joining Shore to Summit Wealth Management in 2022, Taffy worked at another investment planning practice, as well as in the non-profit industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from UNC Charlotte and has earned her FINRA Series 7 securities registration.

Away from the office, Taffy enjoys spending time with her spouse and teenage son. She loves to travel and has hiked in many places in the United States, as well as in Switzerland and Peru. As a self-identifying “Anglophile,” she is fond of the United Kingdom and lived there for a year. Taffy regularly gives to World Central Kitchen and strongly supports its mission.

Sue Johnston serves as Business Administrator at Shore to Summit Wealth Management, LLC where she supports the practice with her expertise in human resources and bookkeeping.  With over a decade of experience in these areas, Sue brings a detail-oriented and organized approach to her work.

She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and began her career in accounting before taking time to raise her family.  Returning to the field, Sue has continued to build on her professional strengths with commitment to loyalty and confidentiality-qualities that are essential to both her role and the clients she serves.

In her free time, Sue enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.  She walks daily and loves being outdoors, especially at the beach and pool in the summer. She recently has been learning Mahjong and Pickleball.