FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
AMS INTERNAL NEWSLETTER
Thank you for taking the time to read this short letter about how I found myself where I am today in an AMS Leadership role, in AMS Research and on the AMS Investment Committee. While I joined Raymond James way back in 2006, I am still the newest member of the AMS leadership team. That is because it is extraordinarily rare for someone to leave the firm, especially once they have been here for more than five years.
I am a very private person when it comes to my life outside the firm as I tend to be a very introverted personality, which is odd considering the job I do. I am a Florida kid, growing up in Seminole and going to Mad Beach Elementary and Middle school before going to Seminole High School a very, very long time ago. My family is from Indiana, and we did live there for seven years of my life, but I barely have memories of Indiana except that it was very cold and there were lots of corn fields.
I have been married for 25 years, which is crazy as I know I can be a lot to take at times. I have three children; two are still in college, and they are my world. That being said, none of my kids followed in my footsteps in the investment industry, which is either great or not, not sure which one.
I have always loved taking things apart and putting them back together again, which started with cars, then computers and so on. I have always wanted to understand why. It is my favorite question. I thought I was going to be a litigator as I was very good on the debate team and other similar roles in high school. So I went to USF and earned a degree in political science as that is what you do before law school. I did not like the internships, so after graduation I did an about-face and went back to USF and earned a second degree in finance, which was my passion.
As a kid, I had a paper route as well as other jobs, and always saved all my money and started investing very young. Finance seemed natural to me. After graduating (again), I got a job at T. Rowe Price in their Tampa office. Was my first job picking growth stocks? No! I was opening new accounts, and then moved to the phones and moved to several roles at the firm. While I have great respect for TROW, after 10 years there, I knew – even though I earned an MBA as well as the CFA credentials – I had to leave. I came to Raymond James in Asset Management Services.
When I joined RJ, I was hired by Tom Thornton to cover fixed income managers and quickly got involved in this product called Freedom. At the time, Freedom was a few billion dollars. I kept asking why (remember my favorite question) do we do things this way? Can we do better? After about 18 months of my asking and suggesting different things, the person who oversaw Freedom Asset Allocation offered me a job working with him running the allocation for Freedom. That was May of 2008. Not a great time to start a new role, and my new boss left 18 months after hiring me. I wanted to take on his role as the head of the platform and sent his boss, Jeff Dowdle, a message to let him know why he should consider me for the role. A couple months later, I had a new role.
After I spent five years in that role, senior management realized I was pretty good and speaking at conferences and webinars and so on, so they created a new role for me called Chief Portfolio Strategies, and here I am.
We all work very hard and have a great team to support our efforts in Freedom as well as RJCS and we love what we do, and I hope to be here for the rest of my career.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Every quarter, New Kids on the Block introduces new AMS associates. Given the rate at which AMS is growing, we want to use this as an opportunity to highlight as many of these associates as possible. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the following associates:
Our first New Kid this quarter is Cooper Bennett. Cooper comes to us by way of Tampa, which he moved to in 2018 when he started at the University of Tampa. Cooper has always had a passion for investing and finance, so after graduating from the University of Tampa, he secured a job as a Support Specialist in Asset Management here at Raymond James. Outside of work Cooper enjoys sports, and will never stop cheering on Boston sports. One piece of advice that he would share is: “Never be afraid to fail. You learn more through failure than success!”
Second is Akif Raman. Akif is currently with the Asset Management Team on one of his many stops as a member of the Accelerated Development Program (ADP) at Raymond James. Akif is a first-generation Bengali immigrant from New York City. Having grown up in NYC, Akif is very connected to the immense culture that New York City has. While having his sights set on being a doctor or a starter in the NBA, Akif eventually found his passion in business and finance. To join Raymond James, Akif moved from New York and expanded his comfort zone and moved to St. Petersburg to pursue an opportunity to take his personal experiences and apply them to the Advanced Development Program. Outside of work Akif enjoys staying active by working out and playing basketball. Akif’s advice to anyone would be “to get out of their comfort zones. I believe that being uncomfortable is a huge part of an individual’s growth process.”
Next is Alicia Edwards. Alicia lives in Clearwater, Florida with her husband and three children. Outside of the office, Alicia and her family are trying out new food spots, playing basketball at the park and enjoying video games together. Alicia’s kids are her biggest motivation and they keep her grounded. One piece of advice Alicia would give is: “Don’t get too caught up in chasing the next best thing. Take time to appreciate what & who you have now.”
Last is Kelsey Yelvington. Kelsey lives in Tennessee with her husband, Austin, and her two amazing girls, Allie Kate (8) and Caroline (4). Her family recently welcomed a new family member, a 9-week-old Cavapoo named Rusty Red Yelvington. Outside of reading and gardening there is nothing Kelsey loves to do more than spending time with her family. As a mom, Kelsey strives to be the best role model for her daughters. She truly believes that you are capable of being anything you want to be, and learning anything that is put in front of you if you try!
Valentine’s Day with your AMS Associates
Who is your best friend, and what is your favorite shared memory with them?
My best friend is my husband, Austin! My favorite shared memory with him is traveling to various places and generally doing life together. He’s my favorite person to do anything with whether it is exciting, or just lounging around! – Kelsey Yelvington (AMS Reconciliation/Memphis)
Of course it is the AMS Research Team! We’re the strangest bunch of diverse personalities that actually gel together that I’ve ever seen. –Glenn Hudson (AMS Research/St Petersburg)
Besides my Husband, my best friend is MY MOM❤! Our favorite shared memory…even though there are SO MANY….would probably be between my pageant days spent all day traveling, eating, getting ready, and waiting on the winner results together AND our shopping days from middle school to current day shopping. This past December my mom (being the best friend that she is and that only a best friend would do) joined me in my Christmas nutcracker frenzy shopping! These are the 6ft tall Home Goods’ nutcrackers. We drove to the ALABAMA Home Goods and loaded up a 6ft nutcracker in her SUV. 😊❤ One of my favorite memories that I will cherish. –Lauren Alleman (AMS Administration/Memphis)
Everyone has had a secret crush growing up at some point in life. Tell us about your crush, what you liked most about them & if you ever told your crush how you felt.
I think everyone has had a secret crush back in elementary school days. Mine was on a boy who was in my first grade class. I was always excited to go to school to see him and we would play together during P.E class. I liked him because he was nice and funny. I don’t think I ever told him but back then I thought the feeling was mutual. – Gabby Porter (Account Reconciliations/St Petersburg)
If you were in charge of creating a community involvement event, what charity or community event is near to your heart that you’d want to help?
Oh my goodness, I LOVE ANIMALS! Dogs in particular hold a special place in my heart. I always want to stop and help every lonely dog (and cat) I see wondering. I did a few times while driving, which is dangerous. I’ve tried to stop doing that, but call for help. It would definitely be a charity that would support homeless animals/animals in need❤ – Lauren Alleman (AMS Administration/Memphis)
I would want to setup an event to contribute and help/donate to operation underground railroad. This is an organization that combats child sex trafficking and is very near to my heart. – Kelsey Yelvington (AMS Reconciliation/Memphis)
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? Why was this so meaningful to you?
I’m fortunate that I have had many kind things done for me so I have to pick two (difficult): My B-Day last year our team wished me a Happy B-Day on the Cubs Wrigley big screen (I was speechless, rare) and 25ish years ago a VP in Admin (Mr. Erik Fruland) presented me with a gift, unsolicited, in front of everyone when we were at 100 Carillon for working a lot of hours in Ops Mgt (many people know what I’m talking about) and I still have it on my kitchen counter at home after all this time. – Glenn Hudson (AMS Research/St Petersburg)
The kindest thing anyone has done for me turned out to become a 10-year routine. My next-door neighbor’s (22 years living next to one another) daughter was like a daughter to me and my first husband. She was at our house as much as her own during her school years & still considers me her 2nd mom. After my husband passed away, Lesa invited me (and Kathleen demanded) that I come over for dinner every night. She was so kind and supportive and a true angel. I fell into their routine of dinner at 7:30 watching Jeopardy and became part of their whole family. Our dinner routine lasted until I re-married a little over a year ago—now I must cook !! My husband does help though—I’m very blessed. – Linda Schaefer (AMS Platforms & Services/St Petersburg)
The kindest thing someone has done for me was when I was 9 months pregnant, still serving in my early 20’s, I had a customer from out-of-town eating. She was very talkative and was at my table for a few hours. After she left the restaurant she returned shortly after with a baby shower card and a Target gift card thanking me for taking the time out of work to listen to her. I think that act of kindness made my whole entire month. – Gabby Porter (Account Reconciliations/St Petersburg)
What is the best relationship advice you've ever heard?
Put God first, never stop dating your spouse, communicate everything, always greet/acknowledge your spouse when you/they get home and take about 5 minutes to just focus on each other/each other’s day, and don’t go to bed angry. – Lauren Alleman (AMS Administration/Memphis)
Always treat others how you want to be treated, be careful making someone a priority when they treat you as an option. – Hani Haddad (AMS Platforms & Services/St Petersburg)
When, it comes to marriage,"A wise man once told me, ‘Don’t do it.’” – Glenn Hudson (AMS Research/St Petersburg)
February 15th is "Singles Awareness Day" celebrating the benefits of being single. If you have a partner, how would you celebrate February 15th if you were single? If you're single, how do you like to celebrate you?
I fall into the latter and I celebrate me by spending time with my mother who recently unexpectedly became a widow. – Hani Haddad (AMS Platforms & Services/St Petersburg)
If I were single, I think I’d just go about my normal day, or I might go out to dinner to somewhere I liked and none of my other friends did. – Linda Schaefer (AMS Platforms & Services/St Petersburg)
MEMPHIS MEMOS
2023 AMS Memphis Holiday Party with food, drinks, a dance floor, and a DJ
Old Dominick Distillery
Downtown Memphis, TN | Friday, Dec. 8th
Dance Floor with a DJ
Lauren Alleman – Memphis AMS Administrative Coordinator, Lauren coordinated the Memphis Holiday Party.
Pictured left to right: Will Landrum, Melissa Coleman, Derron Ragland, and Tya Halley
Pictured left to right: Arnell Dickerson and Derron Ragland
Erik Fruland’s Memphis Meet & Greet Visit
Tuesday, December 12th
Erik attended Memphis to have a meet and greet with the associates and while there had an opportunity to take the Supervisors out to dinner.
Supervisor’s Dinner at Season’s 52
Pictured left to right: Lee Brown, Wade Bonds, Kelsey Yelvington, Marine Melkonyan, Kellee Dennis, Arnell Dickerson, Erik Fruland, Derron Ragland
Pet Corner
Chloe
Owner: Melinda Hopfauer
My mom picked Chloe from the SPCA 2 ½ years ago for a companion in her older years – 5 months later my mom passed away and we took Chloe. She is the sweetest, smartest cat ever. She is truly loved in our home. My mom was very good at choosing the right kitty. We are blessed to have her now.
Mikayla
Owner: Lindsey Beswick Luk
Mikayla is currently in her senior years, but she was found when she was about 2 days old. My intention was to foster her until I could get her up for adoption, but I quickly grew attached to this purrfect creature! She’s very playful but also likes to cuddle a lot. She is the best work partner on my WFH days!
Remi
Owner: Mac Gilroy
Say hi to Remi!
Wrigley
Owner: Joe Sheppard
This is Wrigley, a big CUBS fan. Enjoys long walks on Bayshore, head scratches, and taking out all his toys for everyone to trip on. You can find him at the local dog bars when he’s not being dressed up at home.
Gia
Owner: Yulia DeArmond
Gia the Maltipoo – 10 months old – sophisticated
Rusty
Owner: Kelsey Yelvington
I am a little guy coming in at just 8 weeks old, but I am feisty so do not try and grab my cheerios! I get those for treats because my teeth are little. I can still bite pretty good though! I am half King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and Half poodle! Lately, I nap a lot because my new home is extra cozy and warm 😊.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Ed Clapham has joined the AMS Newsletter Committee to cover the DEI section.
A few words from Ed:
I feel very grateful to be a member on the AMS Research & DD team, where some of my colleagues are from southeast and eastern Europe, others China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Mexico. I’m confident there are others too with family roots or relatives overseas. I have quickly appreciated the benefits that our often very different backgrounds bring to the team collectively. It’s the unique backgrounds and life experiences my colleagues have which create a fruitful and rich working environment.
Less group think, more dynamism, more perspectives. More understanding. Key emphasis on understanding and listening to one another. These are hallmarks I hold very dear and should be part of every team that serves all clients near and far.
I am half English and went to school in England for about 10yrs. Time and time again, I’ve found learning from others who offer very different perspectives to your own leads to a richer experience and more optimal outcomes for others around you as well as yourself. It’s a true win-win!
Workplace
Upcoming AMS Events
Family Feud Competition with RJ Bank & Finance – Tentative April 2024
Workforce
There are many ways to get involved through formal and informal mentorships and educational sponsorships. Access the DEI RJnet page for more information and to access the DEI Resource Center.
Community
There are several opportunities at Raymond James for associates to get involved at our firm outside of their day-to-day work responsibilities.
- Two opportunities exist in our department with the AMS Newsletter and the Community Involvement Committee. Both committees are looking for new members to join this year.
- If you have been looking for a way to give back, network with other RJ professionals, interact with senior leadership or develop your own leadership skills we have an opportunity for you!
- Members of the committees will be hosting a dual site lunch and learn session on March 20, 2024 in St. Pete and Memphis for associates interested in learning more about these efforts. Lunch will be provided.
Upcoming AMS Events
2024 Women Soaring Conference: March 6-8, 2024 Find details on WIN RJnet page.
Model Citizens
Calling all Volunteers!
There are several opportunities at Raymond James for associates to get involved at our firm outside of their day-to-day work responsibilities. Two opportunities exist in our department with the AMS Newsletter and the Community Involvement Committee. Both committees are looking for new members to join this year. If you have been looking for a way to give back, network with other RJ professionals, interact with senior leadership or develop your own leadership skills we have an opportunity for you!
Members of the committees will be hosting a dual site lunch and learn session on March 20, 2024 in St. Pete and Memphis for associates interested in learning more about these efforts. Lunch will be provided.
Habitat for Humanity
Over the course of two days, AMS associates worked on framing the inside and removing a dilapidated fence outside the future home of the Smith Family.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree
The AMS associates really outdid themselves in collecting and participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree and Toy Sorting Event in both St.Pete and Memphis
AMS Community Involvement Community
What’s the weather going to be like today? Are there any accidents along my commute? What time is my first meeting? These are probably all questions we have asked ourselves or our favorite AI device more than once. Another question we might ask ourselves is “When am I going to eat next?.” Unfortunately, the answer to this question is uncertain for 1 in 6 children in Pinellas County.
“Current research finds as many as 36,000 children in our community are food insecure, meaning a household's economic and/or social condition provides limited or uncertain access to adequate food”, according to the Pinellas Community Foundation. Many of these children only eat while school is in session. With the Spring Break holiday approaching, these children are faced with the reality of going hungry while school is out over the holiday break. The AMS CIC is asking for your help by providing donations to give these children one less thing to worry about and a hope for a brighter future. Your generous donations will be given to The Kind Mouse whose primary purpose is to assist families and children in Pinellas County with food insecurity and chronic hunger.
What: Food Drive for Children Facing Food Insecurity and Chronic Hunger
When: Now – March 8, 2024
How: Bring in snack size individual servings a 1st Grader can open on their own (see flyer attached for examples) or monetary donations to The Kind Mouse can be made here.
Where: Collection bins are near the elevator on all floors in T5 and the 2nd floor of T6.
For those who would like to volunteer their time the AMS CIC is also hosting an opportunity to give back on March 9 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at The Kind Mouse food pantry. Volunteers will help sort and label donated goods, repackage bulk food, pack Mouse Nibbles pack sacks and other pantry-specific tasks. This opportunity is open to AMS Associates and their friends and family. The Kind Mouse has asked that we have no more than ten people so reserve your spot today!
What: Volunteering at The Kind Mouse Food Pantry
Who: AMS Associates, Friends, and Family
When: Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 10:00 AM -12:30 PM
Where: The Kind Mouse – 1801 16th St. N, St. Petersburg, Fl 33704
How: Click this link and please include the names of those attending in the reply.
Bike MS benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Are you looking to kick off 2024 with a little bit of exercise and a whole lot of fun? Then consider joining the Raymond James team for this year’s Bike MS Suncoast Challenge. Why Bike MS you ask? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. If impacts each person differentially and the symptoms are vast and varying in severity. Currently one in every 350 people in the US are living with the disease.
Since 2020, Raymond James associates have helped fight the battle against MS by fielding a Bike MS team based out of the home office, growing the team from less than 10 members to over 30 members last year. RJ won “Rookie Team of the Year” in 2020 and the Corporate Team of the Year award in 2023. This year RJ will be a Presenting sponsor of the event which will take place on 4/20/2024 in Lakewood Ranch, a new location with all new routes. The event includes four route options ranging from 22-100 miles with many enjoying scenic views of the Gulf beaches. Cyclists of all levels are welcome on the team. Our goal is to have 50 cyclists and we are half-way there. For more information on the RJ team click here to watch last year’s team video produced by Hadji Studios, one of our team’s outside corporate sponsors.
While this is a fundraising event benefitting the National MS Society, all team members that meet the fundraising minimum ($250) will be rewarded with a free custom designed Raymond James cycling kit (jersey and bibs) and there will be monthly team rides leading up to the event. At the event RJ will have its own team tent in the Tent Village along with its own post-ride team dedicated massage therapist as well as food and refreshments. It’s a fun day for all, and your family/friends are welcome to join the team as well. For more information, please contact Matt Maddux (registration discount code available).
https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=49543
AMS Heart Walk
This year’s Heart Walk campaign concluded on Saturday, November 2nd with the Heart Walk at Raymond James Stadium. It was a great time with friends from across the department and company. Our firm was able to contribute over $300k to the $2.6mm raised locally for this worthy cause. AMS exceeded our goal and raised over $19,650. Thanks again to all that contributed and participated.
AMS Helping Hearts Say THANK YOU!
In support of the American Heart Association Heart Walk, “Pie the Boss Day” was a HIT. Al Caudullo was quite a sport at Pie the Boss day by participating in a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. You know you have a great boss when he lets you hit you with a double pie in the face!
Quote: “I would imagine it won’t be the last time I see these in my career” – Al Caudullo
You are right Al, we will definitely keep these in the archives. Thanks for making it such a fun day.
Trivia
Want a gift card?
Check out the 4Q23 Swag Bag winner, Alexandria Harriman!!
Are you interested in winning? What about winning a gift card?
Did you read the newsletter? Let's see…
How to win:
- Read the newsletter.
- Click on the link to reply with your answers, and don't forget to find the bonus.
- All entries that answer the questions correctly will be entered into a pool, and 10 random winners will be selected for a $15 Target gift card.
- If you answer all the questions and find the bonus correctly, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Target in addition to the other gift cards.
Questions:
- Who’s a big Cubs fan?
- Who shouldn’t you grab cheerios from?
- Who got pied?
- Who is half English?
Bonus: So, you know the game: Where's Waldo? Where you look in the photo (in this case, the newsletter/sections) and try to spot Waldo (in this case, Jeff Dowdle dressed up as Waldo). Well…can you find Where's Dowdle
Entries must be emailed by March 15th, 2024. Winners will be notified shortly after.
Extra Trivia
$100 Target gift card trivia
Winner of 4Q23 Extra Trivia, Dominique Ingold! Congratulations!
Let's see how many of you can answer these questions. You can use the internet to help you.
Answer all the questions correctly and you could win the grand prize: a $100 Target gift card!
Send an email with subject line “extra trivia” to AMSNewsletter@raymondjames.com with your answers.
- In what movie does Whoopi Goldberg play a psychic?
- What film features an over-the-top wedding in Singapore?
- Which TV show is credited with starting the Galentine’s Day tradition?
- What actor says, “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her?”
- What do the M’s in M&M’s stand for?
New Hires and Transfers
- Le Brielmaier
- Alicia Edwards
- Emma Nicholas
- Cooper Bennett
- Aidan Nicholas
- Akif Rahman
- Riley Casey
- Kelsey Yelvington
- Zoran Knezevic
- Joseph Lindsey
- Zachary Caulfield
- Eric Mercado
Congratulations on your retirement!
Carol Mayner started with Raymond James on March 7th, 1994. Throughout her time with the company, she has held positions such as Liaison and Team Lead in AMS. Carol has been a trailblazer for all that AMS has become and she is the blueprint for all that it will be. Carol, we appreciate you and all you have contributed to our team here in AMS and the company as a whole. From your AMS Family, Congratulations on your retirement, and best wishes to you in all your future endeavors.
Anniversaries (December – February)
| Nicholas Brothers | 1 |
| Brandon Larson | 1 |
| Kiara Nunez | 1 |
| Alexis West | 1 |
| Mason Pitts | 1 |
| Tya Halley | 1 |
| Sydney Colson | 2 |
| Lisa Fleming | 2 |
| Ryan Glass | 2 |
| Andrew Dwyer | 2 |
| Trevor Hendricks | 2 |
| Shequita Taylor-Crawford | 2 |
| Hunter Quinn | 2 |
| Paden Johnson | 2 |
| Iris Wang | 2 |
| Zachary DaLuz | 2 |
| Ariel Thomas | 2 |
| Antria Newsome | 2 |
| Bradley Barker | 2 |
| Graham Roy | 3 |
| Angela Stevens | 4 |
| Isabel Alvarez Rave | 4 |
| Kristy Vinson | 4 |
| Rikki Fletcher | 5 |
| Shelby Newsome | 5 |
| Max Saladino | 6 |
| Russell Tyson | 6 |
| Stephanie Walden | 6 |
| Dan Regner | 7 |
| Lindsay Coulton | 7 |
| Sheila Hamilton | 7 |
| Jake Fleischer | 7 |
| Janelle Kramer | 7 |
| Nancy Jaimes | 7 |
| Valerie Chilcott-Gulla | 7 |
| Patrick Thompson | 8 |
| Ken Gipe | 8 |
| John Cheng | 8 |
| Vinny Ballantoni | 8 |
| Reagan Fricke | 8 |
| Lucretia Brown | 9 |
| Sandrina Riddell | 9 |
| Nezar Kawmi | 10 |
| Ross Klaskow | 10 |
| Carlos Panatex | 10 |
| Rachel Ramos | 11 |
| Jennifer Mancini | 11 |
| Tiffany De Leon | 11 |
| Andrew Flinner | 12 |
| Susan McGougan | 13 |
| James Bartha | 15 |
| Dusica Tomasevic | 16 |
| Zee Perez | 16 |
| Nick Lacy | 17 |
| Jenifer Barbari | 17 |
| Amanda Morland | 17 |
| Jeffrey Gardner | 18 |
| Michael Meleen | 18 |
| Johnny Suarez | 18 |
| Ken Avila | 19 |
| Andy Read | 19 |
| Jeffrey Hartnett | 20 |
| Al Caudullo | 26 |
| Glenn Hudson | 29 |
| Sandy Volpe | 30 |
If you would like to submit content for the next AMS newsletter, please email AMSNewsletter@raymondjames.com.
Our Contributors
- AJ Lukosavich
- Connie Quinn
- Dee Lucas
- Lauren Alleman
- Meredith Mansfield
- Nate Gozlan
- Rebecca Zwerin
- Sean Bates
- Shelby Newsome
- Sue Kuczynski
- Truc Bui
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