I began my career helping distressed companies navigate the Great Financial Crisis. Many had been in business for decades and struggled to adapt to tough economic conditions. At the same time, many families in my community suffered as both jobs and savings were lost in the blink of an eye. I watched my initial 401(k) contributions declined to pennies and deposited my first professional paychecks as Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. I began to see a commonality between the businesses hiring us for our help and the families that were struggling all around me: neither was prepared for a bad market environment. In the years since I have spent my career ensuring that families have a sound financial plan and the right partner to help them to weather the unexpected. I am most passionate about advising families through evolutions. I say evolution because I meet most of my clients at a point of significant transition in their lives. For some this means approaching retirement, others are considering selling their business, or perhaps their family dynamic is changing.My personal experience has proved that not all families are alike and that each family has its own set of values and ideas of legacy. I am also acutely aware that the future is not certain for any of us. Having lost one set of grandparents before they were 60 and lucky to have another set still living past age 95, I understand that planning for all circumstances is vital to provide confidence and peace of mind in a family. I came to Bernstein because the firm shares my vision of helping clients prepare for the unknown and has built resources around that focus. My experiences personally and professionally guide me as I partner with you through life’s highs and lows and remind me of the importance of remaining nimble as your family evolves.