Dynasty Financial Partners has named Shawn Shook as general counsel, succeeding Jonathan Morris, who transitions to executive in residence after more than a decade in the legal role.
Shook, who previously held senior legal positions at Kestra Financial and Edelman Financial Engines, brings over ten years of experience advising RIAs, broker-dealers and professionals moving toward independence. He will oversee Dynasty’s legal strategy and support its network of 57 partner firms on regulatory, transactional and compliance matters.
In a statement Thursday, Dynasty CEO Shirl Penney thanked Morris for his “incredible guidance and contribution as our general counsel over the past 12 years,” adding that Morris will continue to serve as counsel to the firm.
Morris said, “It’s been an honor to work at Dynasty from its early days to the present and to be part of all that we have accomplished in support of the independent movement. I am pleased to pass the reins to Shawn as the new general counsel and look forward to working with Shirl, Shawn, and the rest of the Dynasty team in my new role as counsel to the firm.”
Shook’s background includes legal due diligence and transaction work, as well as expertise in advisor transitions and restrictive covenants, aligning with Dynasty’s focus on supporting independent advisors. New research from Cerulli highlights the importance of supporting transitioning advisor today, with some 10% of advisors expecting to move firms this year.
“I’m excited to join a firm that’s clearly focused on helping advisors succeed,” Shook said. “Dynasty offers the right mix of resources, expertise, and strategic vision to support advisors in today’s complex legal and regulatory environment.”
Meanwhile, Carson Group announced it has appointed Cara Williams to its board of directors. Williams, currently a senior partner and global head at Mercer, brings nearly three decades of experience spanning military logistics, global wealth management and consulting. She will advise Carson’s management team and help shape outcomes for the firm’s advisor network.
“I’m excited to join Carson Group at a time when the firm is innovating rapidly and expanding its impact across the financial advice space,” Williams said.
Burt White, Carson Group’s CEO, described Williams as “an executive powerhouse whose deep roots in financial services and strategic development bring invaluable perspective to our board.”
White highlighted Williams' expertise in corporate governance, investment strategy, and business leadership as vital resources in achieving new milestones on the firm's growth, which it has aggressively advanced this year through a string of strategic succession-focused acquisitions, most recently targeting a Maryland-based advisory practice.
Meanwhile, Commerce Street Holdings announced it recently added Ayla Galeyeva as a senior leader in its retirement division.
Galeyeva, a retirement plan consultant with nearly 20 years of experience, will focus on business development, client success, and plan consulting.
Her background includes work across a gamut of retirement plan clients, from small businesses to mega-enterprises and large higher education institutions, as well as a strong track record in pooled employer plans.
Prior to joining the firm in the Dallas Fort Worth region as a managing director, Galeyeva held a regional vice president position at Ameritas, before which she spent more than 15 years at Fidelity Investments, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ayla to the team,” said Dory Wiley, president and CEO of Commerce Street Holdings. “She’s highly intelligent, deeply motivated, and laser-focused on delivering outstanding service to our clients.”
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