Articles from Stephens

Stephens today announced that Todd Smith has joined the firm as Vice President in its Public Finance practice. With extensive experience in city management, economic development, and public‑sector leadership, Mr. Smith offers a deep understanding of municipal operations, long‑range infrastructure planning, and strategic community investment.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today that its 27th Annual Investment Conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from November 18th to the 20th, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Stephens Annual Investment Conference is by invitation only.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced that Carlton Forrester has joined its Private Wealth Management division as Managing Director and Senior Partner of the Forrester & Holmes Group. Based in Stephens' Atlanta, GA office, Mr. Forrester leads the group in collaboration with Senior Vice President William Holmes.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced the appointment of Jason Thomas, CPA, JD as Managing Director, Chief Tax and Wealth Planning Strategist. In this role, Mr. Thomas leads the Wealth Planning and Strategy group within Stephens Private Wealth Management division. He is based at the firm’s headquarters in Little Rock, AR.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced the firm’s Private Wealth Management division has hired Josh McCord as a Vice President and Financial Consultant. Mr. McCord is based in Stephens’ Shreveport, LA office.

Stephens Insurance, LLC, an affiliate of Stephens Inc., today announced that Korosh Saba is the new President and Chief Executive Officer and Lizzie Phillips Sanford is the new Chief Strategy Officer of Stephens Insurance. Miles Stephens, the former CEO of Stephens Insurance, was recently appointed Co-CEO of Stephens Inc.

Stephens, an independent, family-owned group of financial services firms, announced today that Miles Stephens and John Stephens have been named Co-Chief Executive Officers. They succeed their father, Warren Stephens upon his retirement as President and CEO, effective January 7, 2025. Warren Stephens will retain the title of Chairman. Further, Laura Brookshire (née Stephens), has been named Senior Executive Vice President and Chair of the Executive Committee, where she, alongside her brothers and the broader Stephens C-Suite, will play an integral role in the stewardship and continued growth of the firms. This transition marks Stephens’ third era of generational leadership, following Warren Stephens’ 39-year tenure as CEO of the 91-year-old family business that was built on a handshake between his uncle Witt and father Jackson T. Stephens.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today that its 26th Annual Investment Conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from November 19th to the 21st at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Stephens Annual Investment Conference is invitation only.

Stephens Insurance, LLC, an affiliate of Stephens Inc., today announced Scott Miller will join the firm as a Senior Vice President within the Property & Casualty practice. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, serving clients with complex risk management profiles across the United States. Mr. Miller will be based in the firm’s Little Rock, Arkansas headquarters.

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) announces Beyond the F1 Circuit: Artistry and Speed with Williams Racing, presented by Stephens, on view from September 5 – 22, 2024. The exhibition explores the interplay of form and function through the lens of high-performance auto design at Williams Racing, one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams. Featuring an exact replica of a Williams Racing car, and a driver race suit and helmet, the exhibition brings the art of motorsport to AMFA for the first exhibition of its kind in the region.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced the relocation of its Shreveport private wealth management branch to the Fern Office Park, in southeast Shreveport. The new office at 7600 Fern Ave, Building 1300, is home to a dedicated team of Stephens financial advisors with deep roots in Louisiana.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Joe Dacus is the new Head of Sales and James Law is the new Head of Trading of Stephens Institutional Equities practice effective immediately. They join Director of Research Kyle Evans, in shared leadership of Stephens Institutional Equities practice.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Megan Gray, CFP® Professional, ChFC®, joined the firm’s Private Wealth Management division as a Financial Consultant. Ms. Gray will be based in the firm’s Fayetteville, AR, office.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Jason J. Fair, CFP®, is joining the firm’s Private Wealth Management division as a Senior Vice President and Financial Consultant. Mr. Fair will be based in the firm’s Memphis, TN, office.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today that its 25th Annual Investment Conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from November 14th to the 16th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Stephens Annual Investment Conference is invitation only.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced that Leigh Ann Biernat has been appointed Executive Vice President and Head of Stephens Public Finance Practice effective January 1, 2024. Dennis Hunt, who joined Stephens Public Finance practice in 1993 and has led the group since 2015, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2023.

Stephens Insurance, LLC, an affiliate of Stephens Inc., today announced the hiring of Chris Bettina as a Senior Vice President within the Property & Casualty practice. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in the insurance industry that spans the US, London as well as other global insurance and captive markets. Mr. Bettina will be based in the Houston, Texas office of Stephens Insurance.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Managing Director Joe Mowery will head the Investment Banking Dealership practice, following 20 years as head of the department’s Power and Industrial Technology group. Mr. Mowery assumes the role from Matthew Marks who was recently named Stephens’ Head of Investment Banking. Stephens Investment Banking Dealership practice provides a full suite of services to auto, truck, recreational vehicle, boat, agriculture and equipment dealerships, vehicle auctions and other related product and technology vendors.

Stephens announced today that Brad Tottle has joined the firm as a Senior Vice President Corporate Bond Trader in the Fixed Income Sales & Trading division. Mr. Tottle brings more than 20 years of experience in fixed income trading. He will be based in the firm’s St. Petersburg, Florida office.

Stephens today announced the hiring of Andrew “Vu” Ritchie as Vice President of Government Relations. In this role, Mr. Ritchie will manage Stephens legislative priorities at the federal, state, and local level and serve as a policy advisor to Stephens executive leadership. He will begin on May 15, and work from Stephens Little Rock headquarters.

The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (“The Stephens Cup”), today announced the fourteen teams set to compete in the 2023 championship being held at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas, October 9 -11. The Stephens Cup is a national collegiate golf tournament, named in honor of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, the former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced that Brad Eichler has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective May 1, 2023. Mr. Eichler has led Stephens’ Investment Banking practice since 2015 and succeeds Curt Bradbury, who has held the COO role since 1995. Mr. Bradbury will become Vice Chairman of Stephens and remain on the Board. This leadership transition reflects Stephens’ long-term growth initiatives and an organizational alignment focused on future performance.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced that it will partner with the Formula 1 World Championship team Williams Racing as the team’s Official Investment Banking partner for the 2023 season.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced the addition of Mike Preston to its Investment Banking division as managing director and head of the firm’s new Site & Incentive Advisory practice (SIA). Based in Little Rock, Mr. Preston brings to the position more than 19 years of economic development experience working with public & private businesses and government entities.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Michael Scialla has joined the firm as a Managing Director and will lead energy equity research coverage. He will be based in Denver.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Ryan Cernoch will join the firm’s Private Wealth Management division as a Vice President and Financial Consultant in Nashville, TN.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today that its 24th Annual Investment Conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from November 15th to the 17th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Stephens Annual Investment Conference is invitation only.

Stephens Insurance, LLC, an affiliate of Stephens Inc., today announced the hiring of David Zarr as Executive Vice President. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the insurance brokerage industry with a deep focus on the energy sector. He will be based in the Houston office of Stephens Insurance.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Joshua Boyle will join the firm’s Private Wealth Management division as a Financial Consultant. Mr. Boyle will be based in the Winston-Salem, NC, office.

The University of North Carolina men’s team and Stanford University women’s team captured the 2022 Jackson T. Stephens Cup team titles. North Carolina defeated Florida State 3-2 to take home the men’s team championship while the women’s team championship match was captured by Stanford beating Wake Forest 4-1.

The Jackson T. Stephens Cup announced today invitations to the top players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and U.S. Military Service Academies (Army, Navy and Air Force).

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced Matt Dormer and Chris Cooley will join the firm’s Investment Banking division as Managing Directors to focus on Health and Life Sciences. Mr. Dormer is joining Stephens from another firm while Mr. Cooley is transferring from Stephens’ equity research team.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today that Peter McCorry, Russell Gunther and Jake Morton have joined its financial institutions group (FIG) within Institutional Equities and Research as managing directors. Mr. McCorry and Mr. Morton will focus on equities sales and trading while Mr. Gunther will work on equity research.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced the retirement of David Knight, General Counsel and Executive Vice President, effective July 29, 2022. Mr. Knight joined Stephens in 1988 as the firm’s first general counsel. Over the course of 34 years, Mr. Knight proved to be an integral adviser throughout the firm, deftly navigating the complexities of a growing, generational business. Highly regarded for his acumen, integrity and resolve, the value of Mr. Knight’s contributions to Stephens and the financial services industry are immeasurable.

After a successful debut in 2021, The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (The Stephens Cup), announced its field today for the second-year competition being held at Seminole Golf Club, Juno Beach, Florida October 9 -12. The Stephens Cup is a national collegiate golf tournament, named in honor of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, the former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, today announced that Joshua Long, CFA, CMT has joined as managing director within the firm’s equity research division. Mr. Long brings 14 years of sell-side restaurant industry expertise to Stephens’ Food & Agribusiness practice, where coverage spans small and mid-cap stocks across the food supply chain. He is based in the firm’s Houston office.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced effective today, the retirement of Rick Nelson, managing director and the lead equity research analyst of its retail hardlines practice. Mr. Nelson spent 24 years with Stephens, earning a reputation for incisive investment research focused on automotive and specialty retailers. Recognized for stock selection by the Wall Street Journal and Institutional Investor, his work and distinctive perspectives have been integral to the growth and ensuing success of Stephens’ retail hardlines practice. Broadly, Mr. Nelson has embodied the best of Stephens, fostering lasting relationships with management teams, industry groups and his colleagues, all while operating with the utmost integrity.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, has hired Nathan (Nate) Mittag as managing director within the firm’s investment banking Financial Institutions Group. Mr. Mittag will focus on depositories, a core capability and practice of Stephens, and assist in the firm’s dedicated coverage of banks across every region of the US. He is based in New York.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today the addition of industry veteran Stephen (Steve) Levitan as Managing Director within the Capital Solutions Group of its Investment Banking division. Based in Stephens’ New York office, Mr. Levitan joins with over 40 years of experience in the high yield, leveraged finance and stressed & distressed markets.

Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced today that Robert Hughes has joined its Institutional Equities sales team as a managing director and financial institutions group (FIG) specialist. Mr. Hughes brings more than 23 years of industry experience to Stephens, deepening the firm’s FIG-related capabilities and offering. He is based in Stephens’ New York office.