Our people make the difference

Tom Roupe is Avalon’s Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the team, he co-founded Aqueduct Capital Group in 2006, a private equity focused placement agent. He began his career in Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Division and moved on to head Goldman Sachs’ regional Private Wealth Management office in Houston. Tom has been a dedicated civic leader having served on several boards including the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Texas Heart Institute, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the Council of Overseers for the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. He is actively involved with The Third Option Foundation, supporting members of the CIA’s Special Operations community and their families. Tom holds an MBA from Harvard University and a BA from Stanford University.

Sarah Bracewell joined Avalon in 2020 as Managing Director and head of the Investment Strategy Group. Prior to Avalon, Sarah served as the Head of Relationship Management for TIAA Endowments, a full-service Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) for endowments and foundations with complex investment needs. Prior to TIAA, Sarah was a Director at Covariance Capital Management, overseeing multi-asset class portfolios ranging $100M-$1B+; focused on asset allocation and risk management advice, mission-driven investing, relationship management, and new business initiatives. Sarah previously held positions in the management of multi-million-dollar bankruptcies and restructuring, and new business strategy and development. Ms. Bracewell holds an AB from Harvard University.

Chris Halaska joined Avalon in 2020 as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to Avalon, Chris served as the first Chief Investment Officer of Memorial Hermann Health System and was an Investment Banker with J.P. Morgan. Chris currently serves on the Investment Committee for the Ex-Student’s Association for the University of Texas and is on the Advisory Board for the University of Texas Masters in Finance Program at the McCombs School of Business. While at Memorial Hermann, Chris was named “40 under 40” by aiCIO and selected as a top CIO by Institutional Investor and Trusted Insight. Chris holds a BBA in Finance and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Scott Gilley is the Chief Financial Officer at Avalon. Prior to joining Avalon in 2020, Scott spent nearly 7 years as the Chief Financial Officer of Abrado Wellbore Services. Before Abrado, Scott was with the Friedkin Companies and KPMG. Scott received his MBA with honors from Rice University and his MS in Management Information Systems and BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University.

Willie Langston is the Co- Founder, Executive Vice Chairman and Executive Committee member of Avalon. Previously, he held positions with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management divisions and Coopers & Lybrand. Willie was the National Finance Chair for Ted Cruz’s Presidential Campaign and currently serves on the board of Breakaway Ministries and the TAMU Mays College of Business. He’s Chairman of Glorieta Camps and Chairman of the Deacons at Second Baptist Church; and held past board positions in several notable foundations and organizations in the community. Willie holds an MBA from Stanford University and graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from Texas A&M University.

Henry Lartigue is a Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Avalon’s Core Equity Portfolio. Prior to Avalon, Henry was Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Chase, member of the Executive Management Committee at Chase Manhattan Bank, and CIO of the Chase Private Bank and Chase Global Asset Management. He has served on the Advisory Board of Tulane’s School of Science and Engineering, as Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee for the Kinkaid School, and the board for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Henry is a member of the CFA Institute and holds an MBA from the University of Houston and a BS in Civil and Structural Engineering from Tulane University.

Kevin Lilly is Co-Founder of Avalon. Prior to Avalon, he held positions with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management divisions. Kevin served as captain in the United States Army and was appointed regent of the Texas State University System. He is an active colonel in the Texas State Guard and was appointed by Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, in 2017, as Chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He has served on several notable boards and currently sits on the boards of Houston Methodist Research Institute and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. Kevin holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University and a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Willie Langston is the Co- Founder, Executive Vice Chairman and Executive Committee member of Avalon. Previously, he held positions with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management divisions and Coopers & Lybrand. Willie was the National Finance Chair for Ted Cruz’s Presidential Campaign and currently serves on the board of Breakaway Ministries and the TAMU Mays College of Business. He’s Chairman of Glorieta Camps and Chairman of the Deacons at Second Baptist Church; and held past board positions in several notable foundations and organizations in the community. Willie holds an MBA from Stanford University and graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from Texas A&M University.

Kevin Lilly is Co-Founder of Avalon. Prior to Avalon, he held positions with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management divisions. Kevin served as captain in the United States Army and was appointed regent of the Texas State University System. He is an active colonel in the Texas State Guard and was appointed by Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, in 2017, as Chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He has served on several notable boards and currently sits on the boards of Houston Methodist Research Institute and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. Kevin holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University and a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

David Jesulaitis is a Partner and Client Advisor at Avalon. Prior to joining, David spent 9 years at KPMG where he was a partner and held various leadership roles. He also practiced law with Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand previously. David earned a BBA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and graduated cum laude with a JD from the University of Houston.

Miles Marks is a Managing Director and Client Advisor in Avalon's Wealth Management group. Prior to Avalon, he served as President and CEO of the TAMU 12th Man Foundation; and before that spent over a decade in commercial banking. Miles serves as Chairman of the A.D. Players Theater, on the Ambassadors Council of 12th Man and on the Chancellor’s Century Council at Texas A&M. Miles holds an MBA and BBA from Texas A&M University.

Graydon Oliver is a Partner and Client Advisor at Avalon. Previously, he served as COO for a family office and managed business development for Leor Energy. Before that, Graydon played on the ATP World Tennis Tour winning 4 titles and holding rank at #29. He serves on the board for the Clayton Dabney Cancer Foundation, the Houston Racquet Club and World Oilman’s Tennis Tournament. Graydon holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois.

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Lauren Paine is a Client Advisor in Avalon’s Wealth Management group.  Prior to Avalon, she was a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual – Houston.  She founded Arise, a leadership development group for professionals, entrepreneurs, and businessowners.  She won Woman of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and currently serves on their Board of Trustees.  Lauren graduated cum laude with a BA in Communication and Media from Texas A&M University. 

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Thomas Smith is an Associate Client Advisor in Avalon's Wealth Management group. He began his career as a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C., where he supported a Department of Defense initiative to modernize the military healthcare system. Thomas is a native Houstonian and holds a B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Austin.

Brett Williams is a Partner and Client Advisor at Avalon, joining the firm in 2004. Before Avalon, he practiced law with Porter& Hedges, L.L.P. and represented various corporate clients and financial institutions in a broad range of transactions, corporate restructurings, mergers, acquisitions and securities offerings. Brett holds a JD from Baylor Law School and graduated magna cum laude with a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University.

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Lauren Britt joined Avalon in 2023 as an Analyst in the Wealth Management and Investment Management groups. Prior to joining Avalon, Lauren worked at the Texas McCombs Wealth Management Center as the Assistant Program Coordinator, with Austin Asset as a Wealth Planning Associate, and as an intern with Avalon.  Lauren graduated from The University of Texas at Austin earning highest honors and her BBA in Finance.

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Alex Conaway joined Avalon in 2013 and serves as a Relationship Manager in Avalon's Wealth Management group. Prior to joining Avalon, she was an account manager for a Houston firm specializing in settlement recovery and managing court ordered trusts. Alex received her B.S. from Louisiana State University and holds a CFA Institute Investment Foundations™ Certificate.

Joanna Fetter joined Avalon in 2014 and serves as a Relationship Manager in the Wealth Management group. Previously, Joanna worked for Navigant Consulting in their New York City office in the Global Investigations practice. Joanna graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Houston.

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Ryan Fletcher joined Avalon in 2007 and serves as a Director and Relationship Manager in the Wealth Management group. Previously, Ryan was a consultant with Advent Software in San Francisco and began his career at Fisher Investments in Woodside, California. Ryan graduated cum laude from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Toyan Foster joined Avalon in 2021 as a Client Advisor Associate in Avalon’s Wealth Management group. Prior to joining Avalon, she was an Annuity Case Manager & New Business Specialist for an IMO. She also worked as a Client Coordinator, in a wealth management firm, for the broker-dealer Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company/ MML Investors Services. She has served 8 years in the financial industry.

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Nickie Holmes joined Avalon in 2021 as a Senior Associate and Documentation Specialist for the Wealth Management team. Prior to joining Avalon, Nickie was a Senior Analyst at BP, with a career in the oil and gas industry that spans almost 2 decades. Nickie’s experience includes anti-money laundering; risk assessment; derivatives and private equity onboarding; and document management. Nickie earned an MBA from the University of St. Francis in Illinois and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisiana in Monroe.

Danielle is a Senior Client Advisory Associate in Avalon's Wealth Management group. Prior to joining Avalon, she spent 6 years as a Senior Client Relations & Strategic Partnership Specialist at one of Houston’s largest private tax consulting firms. Danielle has more than 10 years of experience serving clients and building lasting relationships.

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John Lytle joined Avalon in 2013 as a Relationship Manager in Avalon's Wealth Management group. Prior to Avalon, John worked at KPMG,L.L.P. in Chicago as a member of the Financial Management group within their advisory practice. John received his MBA from the University of Notre Dame and graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a BBA degree in Finance.

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Will Maywald joined Avalon in 2022 as an Associate in the wealth management group. Prior to Avalon, Will worked for Sewell Automotive in Houston as a member of their sales organization. Previously, Will interned for U.S. Congressman Roger Williams in Washington, D.C. Will received a BBA in Finance from Texas Christian University

Dylan McDowell joined Avalon in 2022 as a Client Advisor Associate in the Wealth Management group. Prior to joining Avalon, Dylan worked at AXA Equitable and Woodlands Wealth Builders. He earned his BBA in Business Management from Sam Houston State University and holds a CFP®.

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Gianna Nunn joined Avalon in 2020 and is a Relationship Manager in the Wealth Management group. Gianna received her BBA in Finance from Baylor University. Prior to joining Avalon, she interned in the Private Wealth division of Bank of Texas in Houston, and with AXA Advisors as a Salesforce Intern. Gianna also served as a student co-analyst of the Philip M. Dorr and Alumni Endowed Investment Fund.

Elizabeth joined Avalon in 2019 and is a Relationship Manager in the Wealth Management group. Previously, she worked for KPMG as an audit associate, specializing in the oil & gas industry. Elizabeth received her BBA and MS in Accounting from Texas A&M University, where she was a member of the Professional Program in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Houston CPA Society.

Caroline Thompson joined Avalon in 2021 as an Analyst in the Wealth Management and Investment Management groups. Caroline earned her BA in Economics and minors in Business and Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin.

Zach Turman joined Avalon in 2022 as an Analyst in the Wealth Management and Investment Management groups. Zach received his BBA in Finance and Business Honors from Texas A&M University. Previously, he interned with Avalon and with Baker Hughes as a financial analyst. Zach also served as a student portfolio manager in the Reveille Fund, specializing in the healthcare sector.

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Jennifer Yang joined Avalon in 2021 as a Client Advisory Associate in Avalon's Wealth Management group. Prior to joining Avalon, she worked at Mariner Wealth Advisors, serving ultra-high net worth clients; and before that spent several years with Merrill Lynch’s Wealth Management group. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

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Chris Halaska joined Avalon in 2020 as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to Avalon, Chris served as the first Chief Investment Officer of Memorial Hermann Health System and was an Investment Banker with J.P. Morgan. Chris currently serves on the Investment Committee for the Ex-Student’s Association for the University of Texas and is on the Advisory Board for the University of Texas Masters in Finance Program at the McCombs School of Business. While at Memorial Hermann, Chris was named “40 under 40” by aiCIO and selected as a top CIO by Institutional Investor and Trusted Insight. Chris holds a BBA in Finance and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Sarah Bracewell joined Avalon in 2020 as Managing Director and head of the Investment Strategy Group. Prior to Avalon, Sarah served as the Head of Relationship Management for TIAA Endowments, a full-service Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) for endowments and foundations with complex investment needs. Prior to TIAA, Sarah was a Director at Covariance Capital Management, overseeing multi-asset class portfolios ranging $100M-$1B+; focused on asset allocation and risk management advice, mission-driven investing, relationship management, and new business initiatives. Sarah previously held positions in the management of multi-million-dollar bankruptcies and restructuring, and new business strategy and development. Ms. Bracewell holds an AB from Harvard University.

Henry Lartigue is a Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Avalon’s Core Equity Portfolio. Prior to Avalon, Henry was Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Chase, member of the Executive Management Committee at Chase Manhattan Bank, and CIO of the Chase Private Bank and Chase Global Asset Management. He has served on the Advisory Board of Tulane’s School of Science and Engineering, as Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee for the Kinkaid School, and the board for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Henry is a member of the CFA Institute and holds an MBA from the University of Houston and a BS in Civil and Structural Engineering from Tulane University.

Lauren Britt joined Avalon in 2023 as an Analyst in the Wealth Management and Investment Management groups. Prior to joining Avalon, Lauren worked at the Texas McCombs Wealth Management Center as the Assistant Program Coordinator, with Austin Asset as a Wealth Planning Associate, and as an intern with Avalon.  Lauren graduated from The University of Texas at Austin earning highest honors and her BBA in Finance.

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Christopher Carter is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Tax-Exempt Fixed Income at Avalon. Chris’ investment career spans three decades and covers a broad range of areas including portfolio management and trading. Previously, Chris was a Portfolio Manager at Seix Investment Advisors. Chris is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Houston.

Jason Danziger is Director of Planning in the Investment Strategy Group. Previously, Jason was with Goldman Sachs where he focused on estate planning. Before that, he held positions at a trust company and accounting firms. Jason earned an MPA in Tax from the University of Texas at Austin and a BSBA in Finance and Accounting from Washington University in St. Louis; he also holds both CPA and CFP designations.

Laura Diez joined Avalon in 2022 as Senior Associate focused on the Avalon client and employee experience. A native Houstonian, Laura spent almost 10 years living in San Francisco. Most recently she worked in product at Meta, focusing on high-impact projects grounded in user insights and launching products across Facebook and Instagram. Laura is a St. John’s alum and holds an AB from Dartmouth College.

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Melody He is a Senior Associate in Fund Administration. Prior to joining Avalon, she spent 8 years in fund accounting and fund administration with US Bank Global Fund Services and Blue River Partners with a focus on private equity funds and mutual funds. Melody graduated cum laude with a BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

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Blake McWherter is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Taxable Fixed Income. Prior to Avalon, Blake was a senior analyst at PineBridge Investments; with the acquisitions group at Weingarten Realty Investors; and the Global Energy Investment Banking Group at Credit Suisse. Blake earned an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University.

Stacey Ostrom joined Avalon in 2021 as Managing Director of Fund Administration. Before that, Stacey was the Senior Director of Fund Administration at TIAA Endowment & Philanthropic Services; Controller at The Sterling Group; Fund Operations Manager at Kenmont Investments Management LP; Controller at Veras Investment Partners LLC.  and Financial Trading Accountant at Koch Investment Group. Stacey holds a BS and MS from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.  

Fernando Perez is a Director for the Investment Management team. Prior to Avalon, Fernando was the Portfolio Manager of ACG Wealth Dividend Value; and previously managed portfolios with Stark Capital Management. Previously, he was a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs and Jennison Associates in New York. Fernando holds an MBA from Tulane University and BA in Economics from Brandeis University.

Franklin Ruben is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for the High Income Municipal Bond Portfolio at Avalon. Before Avalon, he was the Senior Portfolio Manager of the Invesco High Income Municipal Fund from its inception; and previously managed portfolios with Van Kampen American Capital and Electronic Data Systems. Franklin holds both an MS and BS in Business and Public Administration from the University of Texas in Dallas.

Caroline Thompson joined Avalon in 2021 as an Analyst in the Wealth Management and Investment Management groups. Caroline earned her BA in Economics and minors in Business and Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin.

Will Thomson is a Director on the Investment Management team. Before Avalon, he led transaction due diligence and portfolio company monitoring for Quantum Energy Partners; as well as analyzed debt and equity financing, and commodity hedging transactions. Previously, he was an Associate in the Oil & Gas Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan. Will received a BBA in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin.

Zach Turman joined Avalon in 2022 as an Analyst in the Wealth Management and Investment Management groups. Zach received his BBA in Finance and Business Honors from Texas A&M University. Previously, he interned with Avalon and with Baker Hughes as a financial analyst. Zach also served as a student portfolio manager in the Reveille Fund, specializing in the healthcare sector.

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Kayla Wieding joined Avalon in 2020 and serves as a Director in the Investment Strategy Group. Previously, Kayla was an investment specialist in J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, a Senior Relationship Manager at Covariance Capital Management and with Goldman Sachs in their Investment Management Division. Kayla graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University with a BBA in Finance.

Scott Gilley is the Chief Financial Officer at Avalon. Prior to joining Avalon in 2020, Scott spent nearly 7 years as the Chief Financial Officer of Abrado Wellbore Services. Before Abrado, Scott was with the Friedkin Companies and KPMG. Scott received his MBA with honors from Rice University and his MS in Management Information Systems and BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University.

Lorraine Becker is Director of Administration. Lorraine returns to Avalon after working as the Business Operations Manager with Mariner Wealth Advisors, formerly Patriot Wealth Management in Houston Texas.

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Lauren Bradley is an Administrative Assistant at Avalon. Prior to joining, she spent 5 years in education as a teacher with the Fort Bend School District. Previous to that, she worked in communications with Clear Channel Entertainment. Lauren studied Interior Design at the Art Institute of Houston.

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Dina Bridy joined Avalon in 2014 and serves as Director in Treasury on the Operations team.  Previously, Dina was with Bank of New York Mellon. Dina’s experience includes cash management, trade settlements, anti-money laundering, risk assessment and controls, policy testing and re-engineering.  Dina earned a BBA from UHD and a Master’s in International Business from St. Thomas in Houston. She holds AMLCA Certification from Florida International University.

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Armethia Carr joined Avalon in 2021 as an Associate in Treasury on the Operations team.  Previously, Armethia was an Analyst in Corporate Trust for Bank of New York Mellon in Houston, TX.  Mrs. Carr received B.S. in Business Administration from Lane College.

Jeff Dieter is a Portfolio Administrator on the Trading team at Avalon. He joined Avalon in 2021, after spending over 20 years at AIM/Invesco where he worked in the Financial Services division, Cash Management Alliance and for the last 15 years as a Senior Trade Specialist, working with Separately Managed Accounts. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Ravid Gold is a Senior Associate on the Trading team. Previously, he worked in Institutional Sales at Blaylock Van and as Head Trader and Portfolio Manager at Alterna Securities. Ravid started his career at Leumi Investment Services in New York. He earned his MS from Durham University (UK) and BS from University of Arizona, both in Finance and Accounting. Ravid is a CFA® Charterholder.

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Alex Hale joined Avalon in 2021 as a Finance Associate. Prior to joining Avalon, Alex spent four years at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he specialized in various audit industries including oil and gas, insurance, private client services and financial services. Alex holds a BBA and MS in Accounting from Texas A&M University.  

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Jessica Lim is a Director on the Trading Operations team at Avalon. Jessica covers a broad range of areas including portfolio administration and analysis, trade support and composites. Previously, Jessica was with major financial institutions in Asia and received her business degree with top honors from the University of Singapore.

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Dave Lumb is a Senior Associate in Operations focused on systems administration. He brings 30+ years experience in managed services including network engineerng, systems administration, IT consulting and cybersecurity.

Erin Marzouki joined Avalon in 2015, she is a Senior Associate and Executive Assistant. Previously, she supported the executives of Oil States International and its spinoff, Civeo, and held sales manager roles with The Houston Texans and ClearChannel Entertainment. Erin received her BS in Communications from The University of Texas at Austin.

Olivia Massengale is a Senior Associate on the Operations team. Prior to joining Avalon, she was a Senior Treasury Analyst at Stage Stores. Olivia received her BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University. She is 2x Salesforce certified and holds a CFA Institute Investment Foundations™ Certificate. She is currently working to transform the technology landscape at Avalon.

Dianne Maurice is a Senior Associate in the Finance & Accounting group. Prior to Avalon, she was Director of Development at the non-profit, Lord of the Streets, amongst various positions previously held. She is an avid volunteer in the community and currently serves as a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts- Bayou Bend Collection. Dianne holds a BBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, magna cum laude.

José M. Medina is Managing Director and Head of Reporting in the Operations & Administration group. Prior to Avalon, he spent over a decade as Director of Operation Control at Global Financial Services in Houston. Before that, he held various positions in operations with Goldman Sachs México and Accival –CitiBanamex México. Jose graduated magna cum laude with a BBA from Universidad La Salle.

Jody Nguyen is a Senior Associate in Reporting on the Operations team. Prior to joining Avalon, she spent 15 years in investment operations and reporting for two Houston-area RIA firms- Linscomb & Williams and U.S. Fiduciary, Inc. Jody received her BBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin.

Tarius Williams is a Director in Reporting on the Operations team. Prior to joining Avalon, Tarius spent several years working in reporting for Paul Comstock, a private investment advisory firm. She brings over 20 years of experience in portfolio accounting and reconciliation. Tarius earned her BA in Accounting from the University of Houston.