Meet the FSI Team

Dale E. Brown, CAE, is the founding president and CEO of the Financial Services Institute (FSI).  Established in 2004, FSI is the only organization advocating on behalf of independent financial services firms and their affiliated independent financial advisors. FSI’s mission is to create a healthier regulatory environment for their members through aggressive and effective advocacy, education and public awareness. FSI represents more than 100 independent financial services firm members and their 160,000+ affiliated financial advisors.

Dale brings more than 30 years of association management experience to FSI with broad leadership in government relations and constituent advocacy. He leads FSI’s advocacy strategy, interacting frequently with regulators and policymakers in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining FSI at its launch, Dale guided the government relations, corporate and broker-dealer programs for the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP).  Dale led the successful fight in the mid-1990s against the IRS’s attempts to force broker-dealers to re-classify independent contractor representatives as statutory employees.

Dale was named a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 1995. He is a past president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), and a recipient of GSAE’s President’s Award in 1995 and 2001. In May 2002, he received GSAE’s highest honor, the Clifford M. Clarke Award, given annually to an association executive who has demonstrated exemplary personal leadership and service to his or her own association, the association community and the general community.

Dale is an elder at Redeemer Church of Arlington, VA. He also serves on the board of Orphan Prevent Community, an Atlanta-based 501(c)3 ministry to at risk families in Guatemala.

Dale has been recognized by Registered Rep magazine as one of “Ten to Watch” in 2005; included in Boomer Market Advisor’s “Forward Thinking Five” in 2006; and was named for nine consecutive years as one of ThinkAdvisor’s 25 most influential individuals in and around the planning profession. He was named by InvestmentNews as one of the Power 20 for 2012.

Dale attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

David Bellaire works to prevent unintended consequences. As the Financial Services Institute’s executive vice president & general counsel, David leads FSI’s team of lawyers and lobbyists in pursuit of a business environment that frees its member broker-dealers and financial advisors from the unintended consequences of federal and state legislation and regulation. David has more than 25 years of broker-dealer advocacy, compliance, legal, and operations experience. Prior to joining FSI, he served as vice president of operations and general counsel at Securities Service Network, Inc. He also previously served as special investigations attorney and regional compliance manager with InterSecurities, Inc. (now known as Transamerica Financial Advisors), assistant director of compliance at Commonwealth Financial Network, Inc., and assistant to the executive director at the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP). David earned a B.S. in business management from Providence College and a J.D. from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the states of Massachusetts and Tennessee. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time with his wife Sara and their two children.

With more than 30 years of experience in association management, Michelle has dedicated the majority of her career to working for various associations in specialized roles focused on events and education. In her role at FSI, she leads the strategic and the operational direction of its portfolio of meetings, educational content, sponsorship and marketing.

She is a strong advocate for professional development and lifelong learning, which is reflected in the certifications she has earned and maintained, including the Certified Meeting Professional Fellow (CMP Fellow); the Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM); ASAE’s Business of Meetings Certification and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

She is an active member of Meeting Professionals International, serving in numerous leadership roles at both the chapter and global level. She is the Past President of the Potomac Chapter and currently the Chair of MPI’s International Board of Directors.

Beyond her work at FSI, Michelle remains engaged in the meetings industry and has served on Events Industry Council’s CMP Governance Commission and other industry-related advisory boards. She earned her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Business from Ithaca College in New York.

Kathryn brings over 28 years of experience in the financial services industry, where she has held key roles in private banking, sales, and national accounts. In her current role, Kathryn is responsible for driving top-line growth and overseeing all revenue-generating activities within the organization.

Before joining FSI, she spent more than 12 years in sales and national accounts at Wells Real Estate Funds, where she developed strategic relationships with independent broker/dealers and financial institution broker/dealers nationwide. At Wachovia Bank, Kathryn served as a senior relationship banker, working closely with consumers and businesses to establish comprehensive client relationships, including deposits, lending, treasury services, and investments.

She graduated from the University of North Georgia in 1996 with a B.S. in Accounting and has held Series 7, 63, life and health insurance, and real estate licenses.

Brett joins FSI from another 501(c)6 Washington D.C. based association where he served as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations for 6 years. In this role he managed the day-to-day finance and operations, including business and strategic planning, the Board’s finance committee that oversaw budgeting and audits, and several member outreach programs. He was successful in improving internal operating processes, strengthening the balance sheet, and creating a 9-month reserve. Prior to that, Brett worked for a world-wide management consulting firm specializing in transportation, and as a partner or the firm managed several lines of business including financial planning, commercial development, organizational reviews, and preparation of official statements to accompany bond issuances. Brett has over 24 years of business and finance experience. Brett received a B.A. in Economics and Finance from Carleton University.

Andrew Hartnett is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Deputy General Counsel at FSI. Andrew brings to these roles experience as a state securities regulator in two jurisdictions, as NASAA President, as an Assistant Attorney General, and several years in private practice representing investment advisers and broker dealers. 

Andrew was previously Deputy Commissioner at the Iowa Insurance Division, where he supervised the Securities and Regulated Industries and Product and Producer Licensing Bureaus.  Prior to his promotion as Deputy Commissioner, Andrew spent over three years as the Deputy Administrator for Securities leading the activities of the Securities and Regulated Industries Bureau in Iowa. 

Prior to becoming the principal Iowa securities regulator, Andrew spent almost a decade in Missouri state government. As Missouri Commissioner of Securities, he directed the Missouri Securities Division, spearheaded the drafting and passage of the innovative Missouri Senior Savings Protection Act to prevent financial exploitation of senior citizens, and led the team that created the cybersecurity examination module first used by most state regulators. 

While at the Missouri Attorney General’s office, Andrew first served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division, handling all aspects of consumer protection, antitrust, and securities investigations and litigation. He was ultimately promoted to serve as chief of staff to then-Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster. 

During his time in government service, Andrew was an active contributor and leader in National Association of Attorneys General and NASAA. Prior to being elected to the Board of Directors of NASAA in 2019 and as President-Elect in 2021, Andrew twice chaired the NASAA Enforcement Section and also chaired the Broker-Dealer Section. Over the years, Andrew has served as NASAA Treasurer and also chaired NASAA Board committees focused on cybersecurity, technology, and federal legislation. 

Andrew obtained his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law, a Master’s Degree from NYU, and a BA from the Catholic University of America.  Andrew began his legal career at Bryan Cave.  Between his government service in Missouri and Iowa, he was a partner (officer) at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, where he represented broker-dealers and investment advisers in regulatory and enforcement matters. 

Hanna is one of FSI’s Legislative Affairs Counsel, focusing on federal regulation. Prior to joining FSI, Hanna worked on policy issues related to financial services and health care at a leading government affairs law firm. Additionally, she worked for several years as an E-Discovery attorney during the various phases of class action litigation.

Hanna earned her B.A. in English and French from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and her J.D. from Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in Ohio and the District of Columbia.

Dan is an attorney with over 25 years of experience in government affairs and advocacy in the financial services sector, working with state and federal legislators and regulators to achieve optimal policy outcomes. His background covers the breadth of the financial services sector, having managed advocacy programs and relationships for the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Fannie Mae, the Risk & Insurance Management Society and the Securities Industry Association.

He holds a law degree from St. John’s University in New York and is admitted to the New York Bar. He earned his BA and MA degrees in government and politics from St. John’s, as well.

Dan and his wife, Magdalena, live in Arlington, VA where they are raising their two daughters and one son.

As Director of Political Engagement, Matt focuses on helping to mobilize FSI’s members, both independent financial service firms, and independent financial advisors. Matt previously served as the Director for Mitt Romney’s annual E2 Summit and has a wealth of political campaign and fundraising experience. Most notably, Matt has worked for now Senator Mitt Romney, Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, and America Rising PAC.

Matt is a graduate of St. Lawrence University, with a B.A. in Government.

Mia Floyd is Regulatory Affairs Counsel at FSI. Prior to joining FSI, Mia worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Chair’s Attorney Honors Program within the Division of Corporation Finance. During law school, Mia also held positions in the honors programs at both the SEC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), gaining valuable experience in federal regulatory enforcement and oversight.

Mia earned her law degree from American University Washington College of Law and holds an undergraduate degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin. Mia is admitted to practice law in Maryland.

As FSI’s Political Engagement Manager, Kyle prioritizes the interests of FSI members including independent financial advisors and financial service firms.

Prior to his work with FSI, Kyle functioned as a District Representative for former New York State Senator Anna Kaplan and as the Community Outreach Associate for a national non-profit serving individuals with paralysis. More recently, Kyle has worked with municipalities in New Jersey to secure federal and state funding opportunities.

Kyle is a graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A in Political Science, Global Studies and Geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Christine brings with her over 21 years of financial services experience. In her role as Director of Strategic Partnerships, Christine is responsible for developing and executing strategic account plans to align with organizational goals and revenue targets while maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to understand their needs and drive member satisfaction.

Prior to joining FSI, she served as Director of Corporate Events for Triad Advisors, LLC and part of the events team for Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. for 12 years. Most recently, Christine operated as the Project Manager for a boutique 401k firm in Atlanta. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and received her Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification in 2019.

Christine holds both an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Truett-McConnell University and a B.A. in Public and Political Communication from Georgia State University. Based in Atlanta, she enjoys knitting, traveling and all things music.

Ryan brings 20 years of experience within financial services, having spent time with industry-leading firms with two overall themes: Advisors of Strategic Partnership. Ryan focuses on building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and sponsor firms, while driving growth opportunities through strategic initiatives and account management.

Prior to joining FSI, he has served as Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and Relationship Manager – National Accounts, with Ivy Investments, both within the Kansas City area.

Ryan holds a Master’s degree in Health, Sport, and Exercise Science, with an emphasis on Sports Management and Administration, from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University. While at MNU, he excelled as a two-sport athlete in football and basketball. Originally from the Detroit area, he has spent nearly 20 years living in the Kansas City community and is passionate about travel, vintage cars, cooking, jazz music, leading an active lifestyle, and exploring the restaurant scene in Kansas City and beyond.

Allison joins FSI with a broad range of experience in the communications field. Prior to joining FSI, Allison worked at the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) as a Communications & Marketing Specialist. She has also worked as a Weekend Reporter at Lakeshore Public Radio in northwestern Indiana and was the News Director at WVUR-FM from 2008 to 2010.

Allison graduated with honors from Valparaiso University with a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science.

Shauna brings to her role nearly 20 years of communications experience, 15 of which were dedicated to brand growth, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications in the independent broker-dealer space. With a deep appreciation for compelling messaging and its impact on identity and growth, she aims to use her knowledge to elevate FSI’s voice and further its mission of fair and competent financial advice for all.

Before joining FSI, she worked with American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc., during a time of intense growth and evolution in the independent financial industry, as well as at Osaic, Inc., throughout an unprecedented consolidation and rebranding effort. Her skills in internal and external communications, media relations, and event promotion, along with her understanding of the needs of independent financial advisors, have honed her strengths in strategic digital campaigns, project management, and process efficiency.

Shauna holds a B.S. in Communications, with a focus on Journalism, from the University of North Florida, and an MBA in Marketing from American Public University system. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, mom to two daughters and two German Shepherds, and enjoys spending time with her retired military husband and watching football. She resides in South Carolina.

Jeremy joins FSI with a background in scientific research, IT and accounting. Prior to joining FSI, he worked for seven years as a database programmer at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) followed by working in accounting for a few different for-profit companies. He is also Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Congregation Etz Hayim in Arlington, VA.

Jeremy earned his B.A. in Cognitive Science from Northwestern University in 2001 and his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Maryland University College in 2009. He is licensed as a CPA in the state of Maryland.

Sharjeel is a dynamic business/integration/implementation analyst joins FSI with a breadth of experience in requirements gathering and analysis throughout all phases of the software development lifecycle — design, development, QA, UAT, training and adoption. He also has experience in development of mobile applications, web-based applications and client-server solutions.

Keith joins FSI with a background in accounting. Prior to joining FSI he was a project accountant at an architectural firm in the Towson area.

Keith earned his B.S. in Accounting from Towson University in 2017.

As Executive Assistant, Mandy provides high-level administrative and operational support to FSI’s Executive Leadership Team and all departments, ensuring seamless communication, efficient processes, and strategic execution across the organization.

Mandy has over a decade of experience in financial services, risk mitigation, and community engagement. She is known for her integrity, attention to detail, and ability to build meaningful connections that drive organizational success. She holds an MBA from the University of Dubuque and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Northern Iowa.

She is the mom of two kids and a proud military spouse. In her spare time, she loves to travel, watch her favorite college football team (The Iowa State Cyclones), and attend live music and sporting events with her family.