---
title: Our Team | Burney Advisor Services
description: We’ve been empowering advisors since 1974 because performance matters. Get to know the faces behind Burney Advisor Services.
---

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- Services 
    - [Outsourced CIO](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/outsourced-cio)
    - [Separate Accounts](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/separately-managed-accounts)
- [130-30](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/130-30-long-short-strategy)
- [Our ETFs](https://burneyetfs.com/)
- [Join Burney](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/advisors-in-transition)
- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/bas-resources)
    - [Our Team](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/our-team)
- [Connect With Us](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/contact)

# Our Team

 Empowering advisors since 1974 because performance matters. Get to know the faces behind BAS.

 Lowell Pratt Jr., CFA

 President and Chairman

 Meet Lowell

 Wayne Ferbert

 Senior Managing Director

 Meet Wayne

 William A. Stewart

 Director of Operations; Treasurer

 Meet William

 Alex Shen, CFA, CAIA

 Director of Research

 Meet Alex

 Martin Walsh

 Director of Technology

 Meet Martin

 Brooks Biggs

 Head of RIA Distribution

 Meet Brooks

 Kenny Mezher, CFA, CFP®

 Portfolio Manager / Director of Analytics & Trading

 Meet Kenny

 Anne Arden Majors

 Information Technology Specialist

 Meet Anne Arden

 Hannah Sheldon

 Research Analyst

 Meet Hannah

 Michael Chagros

 Billing and Operations Associate

 Meet Michael

## Investment Committee

 Alex Shen, CFA, CAIA

 Co-Chair

 Meet Alex

 Adam Newman, CFA, CFP®, RICP®

 Co-Chair

 Meet Adam

 Lowell Pratt, Jr., CFA

 Meet Lowell

 Yevgeniy Gushcha, PhD

 Meet Yevgeniy

 Andy Pratt, CFA, CAIA

 Meet Andy

 Joel Sues, CFA, CAIA

 Meet Joel

 Kenny Mezher, CFA, CFP®

 Meet Kenny

 Lowell Pratt Jr., CFA

 President and Chairman

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/envelope-solid%20(1).svg)](mailto:%20Lowell@burney.com) [![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowell-pratt-cfa-53b89310/)

Lowell joined Burney in 1986, became a Portfolio Manager in 1992, was promoted to Director of Analysis in 1996, and became President in 2003. Lowell earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1989, has a BS in Finance and Economics from Virginia Tech, and an MS in Banking and Financial Management from Boston University. Lowell enjoys spending time with family and friends at Lake Anna, Virginia, and supports various charitable organizations supporting education for the disadvantaged and two local homeless shelters supporting single women and their children.

 

![lowell_1](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/lowell_1.jpg) 

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 Wayne Ferbert

 Senior Managing Director

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-ferbert-991b43/)

Wayne has spent his entire 30-year career in financial services. He founded Alpha DNA Investment Management to broaden the use of machine learning in the Hedged Equity space. He previously co-founded an RIA firm to specialize in risk-management strategies using options. Those founding principles grew out of the book Wayne co-authored, entitled Buy and Hedge, the Five Iron Rules for Investing Over the Long Term. 

Wayne spent 10 years in the online brokerage segment with TD Ameritrade. He managed Business Development as a member of the Senior Operating Committee—including M&A and Market Research—as well as ran Product Development. Previously, Wayne held planning & analytical roles at Fortune 500 insurance and banking firms.

![Wayne Ferbert](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/Wayne%20Ferbert%20Headshot%202.jpg) 

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 William A. Stewart

 Director of Operations; Treasurer

Bill joined the Burney Company in 1987 as an equity analyst and is currently the Director of Operations and Treasurer.

![william_stewart](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/bill_1.jpg) 

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 Alex Shen, CFA, CAIA

 Director of Research

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexshen7/)

Alex joined Burney Company in 2012 and is responsible for our proprietary models, analyzing portfolio performances, and researching and preparing studies on macro trends. She is a quant by training and has a wide range of experience in the financial services industry, including analytical positions with Georgina Asset Management, the Virginia College Savings Plan, and the Virginia Resources Authority’s Bond Issuing Program. Alex is working toward her PhD in Economics from Virginia Tech, and she is the co-founder of a non-profit organization that advocates for children from immigrant families and offers free music lessons to economically disadvantaged kids in her community.

![alex_shen](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/alex_1.jpg) 

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 Martin Walsh

 Director of Technology

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-walsh-b7489220a/)

Martin joined Burney Company in 1992 and has over a decade of experience implementing Burney’s proprietary models and is a member of the Technology Committee, overseeing the IT infrastructure.

![martin_walsh](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/martin_1.jpg) 

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 Brooks Biggs

 Head of RIA Distribution

![brooks-biggs](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/brooks-biggs-1.png) 

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 Kenny Mezher, CFA, CFP®

 Portfolio Manager / Director of Analytics & Trading

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/envelope-solid%20(1).svg)](mailto:%20kmezher@burney.com) [![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennymezher/)

Kenny Mezher joined The Burney Company in early 2017 and currently serves as Portfolio Manager and Director of Analytics & Trading. He oversees the management of several of the firm’s portfolios and plays a key role in providing analysis and outsourced Chief Investment Officer services to Burney’s network of advisors. Kenny enjoys collaborating with advisors to deliver customized portfolio solutions and helping clients align their investments with their goals through thoughtful, data-driven strategy.

Kenny earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Economics with a minor in Business from Virginia Tech. He is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional, reflecting his commitment to excellence in investment management and financial planning.

Outside the office, Kenny enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife, three daughters, and their dog at their home in the countryside. He’s an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing, and he stays active through weightlifting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kenny also gives back to the community by coaching wrestling and supporting his daughters in their sports and activities.

![Kenny Mezher](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/Kenny%20Headshot.jpg) 

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 Anne Arden Majors

 Information Technology Specialist

Anne Arden is an Information Technology Specialist, supporting the firm’s technology infrastructure and ensuring seamless operations across platforms. She joined Burney Company in July 2023 as a Client Service Associate before transitioning to the Burney Analytical Group in 2025. Anne Arden leverages her background in client service and financial software to improve system efficiency and enhance the digital experience for both clients and advisors.

Anne Arden is originally from Jacksonville, FL, and moved to Arlington, VA in August 2022 with her husband. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Innovation, and currently holds the Series 65 license.

![Anne Arden Majors Headshot](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/Anne%20Arden%20Majors%20Headshot.jpg) 

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 Hannah Sheldon

 Research Analyst

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/envelope-solid%20(1).svg)](mailto:%20hsheldon@burney.com) [![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-sheldon-311a31130/)

Hannah joined The Burney Company in 2026. She earned degrees in Applied Economics and Accounting from Bryant University in 2020.  
   
Hannah previously held roles in a variety of settings where she developed a robust set of quantitative, research, and analytical skills. She enjoys solving coding challenges and understanding the intricacies of financial markets.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, reading, and staying active outside.

![Hannah Sheldon](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/Hannah%20Sheldon%20(1).jpg) 

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 Michael Chagros

 Billing and Operations Associate

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchagros?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios)

Michael Chagros brings more than 20 years of expertise in investment management billing and operations, backed by a diverse career spanning banking, marketing, and asset management.

A New England native and graduate of Bryant University with a degree in Finance, Michael began his professional journey at Citizens Bank, where he spent ten years in retail banking and product marketing. He later joined The Boston Company Asset Management (BNY) as a Marketing Manager before being tapped to support the firm's billing function, a move that would shape the next chapter of his career.

Combining a process-oriented mindset with a keen eye for detail, Michael developed deep expertise in investment billing and operational efficiency. Over the past two decades, he has served in leadership and specialist roles at prominent firms such as Wellington Management and Morgan Stanley, earning a reputation as a trusted resource and subject matter expert.

In 2026, Michael joined Burney as a Billing and Operations Associate following his relocation to Reston, Virginia.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys life in Reston with his husband, Jeff, and their Goldendoodle, Ethan.

![Untitled design-4](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design-4.png) 

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 Alex Shen, CFA, CAIA

 Co-Chair

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexshen7/)

Alex joined Burney Company in 2012, and is responsible for our proprietary models, analyzing portfolio performances and researching and preparing studies on macro trends. She is a quant by training and has a wide range of experience in the financial services industry, including analytical positions with Georgina Asset Management, the Virginia College Savings Plan, and the Virginia Resources Authority’s Bond Issuing Program.

Alex is working toward her PhD in Economics from Virginia Tech, and she is the co-founder of a non-profit organization that advocates for children from immigrant families and offers free music lessons to economically disadvantaged kids in her community

 Certifications/memberships:

- CFA Institute Certificate of Achievement award winner
- Achieved CAIA designation in 2020

![alex_1](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/alex_1.jpg) 

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 Adam Newman, CFA, CFP®, RICP®

 Co-Chair

Adam Newman is the Managing Partner and a Senior Wealth Advisor at Burney Wealth Management. Adam is responsible for the preparation and ongoing management of client financial plans, annual financial planning updates, and investment portfolio reviews. His expertise is in comprehensive financial planning, retirement income planning, tax planning, and investment policy development. Adam graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Applied Economics and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Taxation from Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law. He is a CFA Charterholder as well as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner. In 2020, Adam completed additional technical training in retirement planning through the Retirement Income Certified Professional® program at the American College of Financial Services.

Adam and his wife Emily currently reside in Nashville, TN and enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and catching concerts and sporting events.

![adam_1](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/adam_1.jpg) 

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 Lowell Pratt, Jr., CFA

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/envelope-solid%20(1).svg)](mailto:%20Lowell@burney.com) [![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowell-pratt-cfa-53b89310/)

Lowell joined Burney Company in 1986, became a Portfolio Manager in 1992, was promoted to Director of Analysis in 1996 and became President in 2003. Lowell earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1989, has a BS in Finance and Economics from Virginia Tech and an MS in Banking and Financial Management from Boston University.

Lowell’s passion is implementing improvements to Burney’s quantitative analytical methods. The key is blending quantitative techniques with an intuitive understanding of the underlying problem being solved. Improvements over time include adjusting models to account for the stock market’s Style Cycle, Recovery periods and most recently incorporating a Big Data/Machine Learning quarterly earnings report model. These enhancements continue the legacy of our founder Jack Burney and his lifelong quest of stock selection excellence.

Lowell enjoys sailing, golfing and spending time with family and friends at Lake Anna, Virginia and supports various charitable organizations supporting education for the economically disadvantaged and two local homeless shelters supporting abused women and their children. Lowell has recently completed two Conservation Easement projects, protecting 207 acres from development while harvesting significant tax credits, and is heavily involved addressing Lake Anna’s Harmful Algal Bloom problem.

 **Certifications/memberships:**  
Chartered Financial Analyst

![lowell_pratt](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/lowell_1.jpg) 

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 Yevgeniy Gushcha, PhD

Yevgeniy is a Senior Partner and the Director of Operations. He began his career with Burney Company in 2000 as an Equity Analyst after graduating from American University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. In 2004, he earned a PhD in Economics from Kuban State University in Krasnodar, Russia, then transitioned to Portfolio Management as Head of Operations and Trading. In 2009, he became a Portfolio Manager.

![yev_1](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/yev_1.jpg) 

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 Andy Pratt, CFA, CAIA

Andy Pratt, CFA, CAIA is a Senior Partner and the Director of Investment Strategy at Burney Wealth Management. He started with Burney in 2012 and now focuses primarily on Burney’s investment strategies and trading operations, where he and his team are responsible for managing over 2,000 accounts and $1 billion in assets under management. He enjoys the challenge of blending Burney’s long-standing investment process with new ideas and technology.

Andy graduated from Virginia Tech with degrees in Economics and Psychology. He is a CFA Charterholder, earning his Charter in 2017, as well as a CAIA Charterholder, an alternative investments designation, earned in 2020. Andy lives in Cascades, VA with his wife and two kids. Outside of work, he stays busy coaching swimming and diving at a handful of local high schools. He is an avid sports fan rooting for all the DC teams and prefers to stay active throughout the year whether that is snowboarding in the winter, wake surfing in the summer, or adult recreational sports.

![andy_1](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/andy_1.jpg) 

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 Joel Sues, CFA, CAIA

Joel is a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Burney Wealth Management. He has spent the majority of his career with the firm, joining in 2016 as a Research Analyst in the firm’s analytical group. He then started in his Portfolio Manager role in 2019 and is involved in the managing and trading of Burney Wealth Management’s investment strategy and client portfolios. Joel earned his CFA and CAIA charters in 2020. He graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Economics, George Mason University with an M.A. in Economics, and holds the series 65 license.

Joel is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Washington, DC. He is an avid skier and enjoys going on ski trips every winter season. He also enjoys playing tennis and spending time with his fiancé and their two dogs.

![joel_1](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/joel_1.jpg) 

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 Kenny Mezher, CFA, CFP®

[![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/envelope-solid%20(1).svg)](mailto:%20kmezher@burney.com) [![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/linkedin-in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennymezher/)

Kenny Mezher is a highly experienced and dedicated member of The Burney Company team. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Economics and a minor in Business from Virginia Tech. Kenny has been an integral part of the company for over 6 years and has contributed significantly to our success.

Kenny's expertise in finance has been further enhanced by his achievement of the highly regarded CFA and CFP designations. His extensive knowledge and experience in financial planning and investment management have proven to be invaluable assets to our team.

Kenny is a highly driven individual with a strong commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients. He takes great pride in his work and is passionate about helping others achieve their goals. His analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex financial concepts in simple terms make him an asset to our team and a trusted advisor to our clients.

![Kenny Headshot](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Team/Kenny%20Headshot.jpg) 

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![](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/hubfs/Theme/logo_footer.svg)

 Empowering advisors since 1974 because performance matters.

- [Outsourced CIO](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/outsourced-cio)
- [Separate Accounts](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/separately-managed-accounts)
- [130-30](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/130-30-long-short-strategy)
- [Our ETFs](https://burneyetfs.com/)
- [Our Team](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/our-team)
- [Resources](https://burneyadvisorservices.com/bas-resources)

 Advisory services are offered through the Burney Company, an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.