Aaron Christopherson, Managing Partner

Aaron is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and an Advisor (IAR). Prior to joining Pinnacle Wealth and armed with a B.S. in Business from Washington State University, he spent time running his own business, focused heavily in the real estate and financing arenas. Aaron brings extensive experience working with investment selection, personalized planning and financial problem solving to individuals, families and businesses. Aaron and his wife have three children: Israel, Charlie and Kingsley…and can regularly be found enjoying every moment possible with their growing family.

Randy Gay, 401C(k)P®, Partner

Randy has earned the 401C(k)P® credentials. He is passionate about helping families and business owners reach their retirement goals as well as creating compelling solutions for plan sponsors in the retirement plan marketplace. Before joining the team at Pinnacle, Randy started his financial career at AXA Advisors in 2008 as a private wealth manager, retirement plan specialist, and financial planner and then joined NW Tax and Wealth Advisory Group.

Brian Timm, Partner, IAR

Tyler Nagel, IAR

Tyler is an Independent Investment Advisor (IAR) holding his Series 65 and Life Insurance licenses. He earned the LUTC designation with the Life Underwriter Training Council, an insurance training and education institution, in the year 2000. Tyler began his career in financial planning in 1995 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Communication from the University of Oregon. He also studied for two years at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado as an undergraduate after receiving a Congressional appointment in 1991 from United States Senator Mark O. Hatfield. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Tyler was the President of Financial Techniques, Inc. for 15 years in Portland, OR and worked for NW Tax & Wealth Advisory Group, Inc. These years were crucial to his building an advanced understanding of investment, retirement and insurance planning.

Shawn Rae

Shawn embarked on his career at Morgan Stanley, where he spent over a decade dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals. His unwavering commitment to enhancing client service, expanding relationships, and developing tailored financial strategies set him apart in the field.

Recognizing an opportunity to better serve his clients through high-quality alternative investments and secure structured products, Shawn joined Pinnacle in January 2023 as a Registered Investment Advisor. He is excited and proud to be part of a company and team that align more closely with his moral and personal beliefs.

Shawn’s dedication to excellence extends beyond his professional life. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, specializing in maintaining air traffic control and weather radar equipment. This experience instilled in him discipline, precision, and unwavering dedication—qualities that continue to benefit his clients today.

Beyond his financial expertise, Shawn actively contributes to the community. Since 2013, he has served in various roles as a Board Member for the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to fostering relationships and contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity remains steadfast.

When not immersed in financial matters, Shawn enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and amazing grandchildren. You’ll often find him on the water—whether fishing, diving, hunting, or skiing.

Rachael Schweiger, CFP

Louis D. Solly, CFP

Ron Wilkinson, CFP, CEFT

Evan Russell

Evan has been practicing comprehensive financial planning since 1981. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Financial and Estate Planning from Brigham Young University in 1982. Evan received his Certified Financial Planner designation in 1985 and is a trained Sudden Money Institute (SMI) and Money Quotient (MQ) Advisor

Evan assisted in the creation and marketing of Money Tree Software, a nationally acclaimed financial planning software system.  In 1986, he opened his own firm, Security First Advisors, with offices in Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, and Bend, Oregon.

Evan has served as President, Chairman and Ethics VP for the Mid-Oregon Chapter of the International Association of Financial Planners. He has served locally on the board of directors for Carden Academy and Babe Ruth Baseball. He has been active in the management and sponsorship of the Boy Scouts of America. Evan is also an accomplished speaker and has written numerous articles and been quoted in newspapers, magazines, and financial publications. He was the keynote speaker at a regional preparedness fair and taught numerous wealth management courses at women’s clubs, service organizations, and various high schools in the area. Evan is goal-driven and really gets his “attaboys” from his client’s successes.

Margaret Maher

Margaret joined Security First Advisors in 2004.  She was hired away from another local firm through a personal connection with one of our advisors.  Although Margaret has an English Degree from the University of Georgia, she has worked in the financial world since 1998.  

At Security First Advisors, Margaret loves learning new things and utilizing strategy and planning to help others be successful in their work.  “We have built a great team, and it is fun to see people thrive and learn from one another.”

Personally, Margaret is an avid runner and loves to be outside.  She has run one marathon and loves to travel all over the Northwest and explore the outdoors via hiking, photography, or just walking her two dogs.  When she is not in the Northwest, she often travels home to Georgia to visit her immediate and extended family.

Hannah Barthe, Executive Assistant

Courtney Karella

Born and raised in Anchorage, AK, Courtney moved to Forest Grove, OR, in 2000 to attend college at Pacific University. She chose the PNW since it’s not too far from home, and she loved the small community feel of Pacific.

She graduated from Pacific with a B.A. in Business Administration, focusing on management. She also minored in Music Performance and Spanish. She was the flute soloist in Pacific’s Wind Ensemble.

After college, Courtney moved around a bit, getting a feel for where she wanted to put down roots. She spent some time back home in Alaska working in the car insurance industry with GEICO. She also lived in Albuquerque, NM, working in upper management of a locally owned furniture store chain. While New Mexico was a fun adventure, the ocean was calling. She moved back to the PNW in 2014, and then started working with SFA.

She stepped in as the receptionist because she wanted to enjoy her work, feel like she was making a difference in people’s lives, and live with a much lower stress level. Before reaching six months in her position at the front desk, she moved into the Client Services support role, and just reached her 10 year anniversary with the company!

Kelly Crist

Kelly joined Security First Advisors in early 2020 as the receptionist and quickly found her stride, shifting into a Client Services Representative role a couple of months later. Her work is fulfilling when it allows her to support and learn from those around her, and from day one, Security First Advisors has provided an ideal environment for her to flourish and grow.

Portland is Kelly’s beating heart, and she’s never strayed far, attending the University of Oregon in 2013. At the end of four years, she’d earned a B.A. in English and a minor in Creative Writing.

After graduation, she moved back home and spent a couple of years working on her now-published novel while managing in the food and beverage industry, learning valuable skills in both teamwork and customer service. Eventually, however, it was time for something new, and she found her way to Security First Advisors.

Tiffany Huffman, Office Administrator

With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry as a registered dental hygienist and patient care coordinator, Tiffany understands the importance of providing exceptional service. She is dedicated to helping ensure clients have a positive and memorable experience from the moment they begin working with Pinnacle Wealth Advisors. Tiffany joined the Pinnacle team in 2022, immediately adopting the company’s passion for helping clients and their families pursue their best life in retirement. She brings a strong work ethic and dedication to serving others to her role as the office administrator. Away from the office, Tiffany cherishes spending time with her husband, Will, their three children, and their beloved dog, Brooksie Bear. She loves watching football games (and any other sports her kids are involved in), boating, gardening, and enjoying the company of friends.