Raymond James and Baird both announced notable advisor additions this week, bringing in established teams with deep client relationships and substantial books of business across New York and Washington state.
Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) welcomed a five-advisor team from Commonwealth Financial Network to its independent advisor channel, adding approximately $500 million in client assets to its roster.
The team comprises Todd Harris, Connie Gilderhus, LUTCF, Sarah Fuller, CFP, Robert Conderman and Joseph Palma and operates as Harris Wealth Partners in Rochester, New York. The group is joined by Executive Assistants Melissa Rigdon and Taylor Rynders and Client Relations Manager Rochelle Bober.
The practice serves families and individuals, business owners, corporate executives and retirees, with a focus on financial planning and long-term investment guidance.
"Our team has always believed that strong client service starts with having the right culture and resources behind us," said Harris. "Our client-focused approach has guided our practice for years, and Raymond James offers the stability, reputation and technology platform that enhances it."
Harris brings more than 20 years of industry experience and holds chemistry and science education degrees from Syracuse University. Fuller is the team's most seasoned planner, with more than 35 years in financial planning and investment management and the CFP designation.
Gilderhus, who serves as managing partner, brings over 15 years of experience and holds the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow professional designation. Conderman joined the industry in 2008, while Palma - a Rochester native and Niagara University graduate - began his investment management career in 2007.
"Todd, Connie, Sarah, Robert and Joseph have built a deeply experienced team with a clear commitment to personalized planning and long-standing client relationships," said Daniel Cole, Northeast division director for RJFS. "Their decision to join Raymond James reflects the value of an independent platform that offers robust resources while allowing advisors to preserve their quality of service."
The move is the latest in a series of significant independent channel additions for Raymond James in the Northeast in 2026. It also continues the firm’s history of recruiting Commonwealth Financial Network advisors, which began with a clear offer to advisors wanting to switch firms when Commonwealth was acquired by LPL Financial.
Meanwhile, Baird announced the addition of Christy Gatien, CFP, Director and Financial Advisor, to its wealth management office in Bellevue, Washington.
The firm has recently added teams including a $220 million AUM former Edelman Financial Engines advisor in Arizona, and a $600 million AUM veteran duo in North Carolina.
Gatien joins from D.A. Davidson, where she managed more than $300 million in client assets across a tenure of more than 20 years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager.
She is joined at Baird by Senior Client Specialist Sean Ladd and Client Specialist Doug Wiedemeier.
Gatien brings close to three decades of industry experience and will focus on dynamic financial planning that blends her investment management background with a deep understanding of each client's individual needs. During her time at D.A. Davidson, she mentored fellow women advisors and championed greater representation of women in the financial advice profession.
Baird's Private Wealth Management business oversees more than $395 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2026, across more than 1,400 financial advisors averaging 20 years of industry experience.
The firm has positioned gender diversity as a strategic priority through its Baird Women Advisors (BWA) council and its Ascend Associate Resource Group, both designed to recruit, develop and retain women professionals across the organization.
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