NEXTIER'S LINEUP
Whatever changes you're hoping to make or goals you're trying to achieve, we will provide you with sound advice and professional guidance every step of the way.
25+
Years
Experience
35
Current
Clients
9
Professional
Designations
9
Dedicated
Professionals
Lance Baker
I am a founding partner of NexTier and have over 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, and executive management. I can help guide you as your company adapts to new challenges. As a CFO, I will provide strategic solutions to optimize business growth and profitability.
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I'm a UNC tarheel with a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting from UNC. I am a licensed accounting professional and hold the CPA and CFA designations.
Candi Hughes
I am a founding partner of NexTier, and I've been working in finance and accounting for over 25 years. My specialties are accounting, financial operations, and data visualization. My experience blends operations and accounting to help provide efficiencies for your business. I create meaningful reporting to help you make better business decisions.
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I'm another UNC tarheel, with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from UNC. I also have a Masters in Accounting from Syracuse University. I am a licensed accounting professional and hold the CPA, CAIA, and CFP® designations.
Andy Chica
Principal, Chief Compliance Officer
For over 20 years, I’ve helped financial firms and institutions develop fully customized compliance policies and procedures that allow advisers to understand and manage their risks. Serving as your outsourced Chief Compliance Officer, I can help your investment firm navigate the challenges of managing assets in compliance with the ever-changing regulatory rules and requirements.
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I represent the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and have a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Notre Dame. I've held the following FINRA licenses: Series 24, 6, 63, 62, and 99.
Chris Gevertz
I provide Human Resource management and administration and HR support for all levels of an organization. I have over 20 years of experience in HR leadership in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. With my extensive background and experience in HR management, talent recruitment, and people strategy, I can help your business navigate the challenges of an ever-changing workforce environment.
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I hold a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.
Joe Farley
Director of Compliance Operations
CAIA, CIPM
With more than twenty years experience in all aspects of investment advisory services. I understand how a compliance program integrates and elevates portfolio management to strengthen an advisory firm. I look forward to working to develop a program that best fits your business and enhances your relationship with your clients.
Always daring to be different, I have a Bachelor of Arts in History from Truman State University. I completed Meredith College’s ABA approved paralegal program. I hold the CAIA and CIPM designations and have previously held FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.
Mark DeAngelis
Senior Compliance Consultant
For over two decades, I have served as a compliance professional in the financial services industry including tenures at global investment firms and startup registered investment advisers. My professional career also includes a long tenure at FINRA as a senior analyst and investigator in both the Advertising Regulation and Market Regulation Departments. More recently, I have gained valuable experiences in working as outsourced CCO customizing the compliance programs to a multitude of clients including wealth manager, private fund advisers and ETF sponsors As your outsourced CCO, I strive to furnish critical analysis to the identifying areas of enhancements in your compliance program and fostering a strong culture of compliance.
I obtained my Bachelor's degree from the Towson University and maintain the following securities licenses: Series 7, Series 24, and Series 65. I am also a Pennsylvania Notary.
Kendra Fortier
Director of Business Operations
I have over 15 years of combined experience specializing in tax and estate planning, client relationship development, financial reporting, internal controls and management, contracting, compliance, and human resources. I lead with compassion and empathy while leveraging my knowledge and experience to bring a fresh perspective to business operations.
I graduated from Austin Peay University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Science in Business Management. Inspired by helping clients, I went back to school in 2017 to graduate from UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business with a Master of Accounting.
Melissa Harr
Assistant Controller
I had nearly 20 years of customer service experience when I moved to financial services. I was driven to make the change by my enthusiasm for accounting.
I graduated magna cum laude from Western Carolina University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business & Law. I am excited to work as an assistant controller to help your business grow.
Christy Lassiter
Assistant Controller
Having worked closely with CPA's and internal audit teams for over 20 years, I have helped streamline accounting processes within A/P, A/R, and fixed asset management. I can help you organize your day-to-day bill payments and cash receipts, process your payroll, manage your fixed assets, reorganize your data, and reconcile your bank statements.
My accounting experience includes retail, manufacturing, computer brokerage, construction, and investment management. My technical experience includes QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, Expensify, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite / Workspace.
