May 15, 2025
Aspiriant News
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What makes Aspiriant different isn’t just our independent model. Or our long-term investment philosophy. Or even our integrated approach to wealth management.
It’s our people.
And this year, our partnership grows stronger as we welcome six colleagues into the fold:
At Aspiriant, being a partner is about more than titles or tenure. Becoming a partner reflects a commitment to leadership, stewardship and shared values. Partners help shape our direction as an independent, 100% employee-owned Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)—a structure we believe fosters deep alignment between our clients and our team.
In an era when private equity has transformed the landscape of wealth management by buying or investing in RIAs, we’ve stayed true to our roots. We remain 100% employee-owned, by design.
Why? Because we believe independence matters. Because we believe being a fiduciary means putting our clients’ interests first. And because we believe the best financial advice comes from owners whose interests are aligned with our client families.
When clients work with Aspiriant, they partner with a team that is deeply invested in their long-term success. Our financial advisors are decision-makers, culture-shapers and firm stewards. They’re not just planning for the next market cycle — they’re planning for generations.
Becoming a partner here isn’t about reaching a milestone. It’s about embracing a mission.
Our partners reflect what it means to deliver client-centric, integrated wealth management with heart. They bring decades of experience in financial planning, investment management and relationship-building.
Partnership is also a key part of our firm’s long-term succession planning strategy. When one of our partners retires, there are many tenured partners available to serve clients. We also employ a team approach, so our clients can expect continuity and stability in their advisory relationships — not just now, but far, far down the road.
See what makes our firm and our people so special.
Joining the partnership at Aspiriant is about the future, not just the past. Every partner helps steward our mission: to deliver comprehensive, client-centric wealth management that goes far beyond portfolio performance.
It’s also about impact. As one of the largest independent RIAs in the country, and consistently recognized by publications like Barron’s and Forbes,we serve a growing community of forward-thinking families. Our scale provides us access to institutional-level resources, while our independence gives us the freedom to remain focused on what matters most: you.
“Welcoming Chris Kazmer, Mike King, Mike Lavalle, Rachel Lee, Dan Moas and Lina Sanchez into the partnership is both a proud moment and a purposeful one,” said Rob Francais, co-founder and CEO of Aspiriant. “Their commitment to our clients, our people and our unique business model ensures that Aspiriant continues to grow with purpose — sustaining our independence and long-term vision for years to come.”
Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Chris joined Aspiriant in 2017 and plays a leading role in advising multi-generational families through complex financial decisions. With a background in tax strategy and over a decade of experience in wealth management, he helps clients build thoughtful, actionable financial plans that support their lives today and into the future. Chris earned his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from University of California, Santa Barbara. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking with his golden retriever, Abby, playing piano and DJing.
Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Mike brings over 30 years of experience guiding multi-generational families and entrepreneurs through the complexities of wealth and legacy planning. He began his career as a corporate and tax attorney before holding leadership roles at GenSpring, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and Truist Wealth. His diverse background helps him deliver customized family office services, including estate planning, tax strategy, and mentoring the next generation. Mike earned a B.S. in Politics from Wake Forest University and a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Melissa, and enjoys barbecuing, working in the yard, and spending time with their growing family.
General Counsel, Partner
Mike joined Aspiriant in 2023 as General Counsel, bringing over a decade of legal experience in financial services and media. He advises on governance, regulatory and corporate matters and serves on the firm’s Operating and Information & Cybersecurity Committees. Before Aspiriant, Mike led global legal operations at Wilshire Advisors and held legal roles in Beverly Hills and at Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law, with a specialization in Business Law. Mike lives in South Pasadena with his wife and three children, and enjoys traveling, cooking and exploring the outdoors.
Senior Manager in Wealth Management, Partner
Dan joined Aspiriant in 2017 and plays an integral role in advising multi-generational families within the firm’s Exclusive Family Office. Based in Los Angeles, he specializes in working with second-generation family members to help them build financial confidence and a sense of stewardship around their wealth. Dan is also an active member of Aspiriant’s Gen NOW committee, focused on mentoring the next generation of advisors. He holds a B.S. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Oregon and is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. A Pasadena native and avid traveler, Dan has visited more than 25 countries and enjoys golf, basketball and spending time outdoors.
Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Rachel joined Aspiriant in 2018 and serves as a Director in the firm’s Strategic Planning group, where she advises ultra-high-net-worth families on estate planning, income tax strategy, multigenerational wealth transfer and philanthropy. In addition to her work with clients, Rachel practices law at Strategic Planning Law Group, P.C., a California-based estate planning firm. She holds leadership roles within the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section and is a recent Fellow of both the RPTE and ACTEC young leader programs. Rachel earned her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law with a specialization in Taxation.
Senior Manager in Wealth Management, Partner
Lina joined Aspiriant in 2022, bringing over a decade of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families on building and preserving wealth, retirement planning and navigating major life transitions with a thoughtful, personalized approach. In addition to her client work, she contributes to several firm initiatives, including Women Taking Charge, and is a subject matter expert in marriage and divorce planning. Lina holds dual degrees—a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Business Administration—from Montclair State University, and carries multiple designations, including CDFA® and ChSNC®. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and giving back through pro bono financial planning and community outreach.
This year’s new partners are all based in our Los Angeles and New York offices.
Succession isn’t just a business strategy. At Aspiriant, we thoughtfully cultivate talent from within, supporting long-term continuity in client relationships, firm culture and strategic vision.
Our newest partners represent the future of Aspiriant. They join a team of over 80 partners across the country — each dedicated to our fiduciary standard and to delivering truly integrated wealth management for generations to come.
Whether you’re building wealth, nearing retirement or planning a legacy, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
At Aspiriant, you work directly with a team of fiduciary financial advisors who are also owners of the firm — people who think like you, plan with you and care deeply about your goals.
We invite you to talk with us and experience the difference of a truly independent wealth management firm.
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