Our Team

Fritz Porter is Chief Investment Officer and a Portfolio Manager for the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Fritz leads the firm’s research meetings and conducts macroeconomic, sector and security analysis. Fritz entered the financial services industry in 1999 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2008. Prior to joining WestEnd, he held asset management and investment banking positions at Wachovia Securities, U.S. Trust, and State Street Global Advisors. Fritz holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation. He is a graduate of Davidson College, where he received his B.A. degree, and he earned his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Ned Durden is Chief Investment Strategist (CIS) and a Portfolio Manager for the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, as CIS, Ned is responsible for distilling the Investment Team’s outlook and research to ensure clear, accurate, and effective communication of the firm’s investment views and portfolio positioning. He also conducts sector and security analysis along with macroeconomic research used to guide decisions across the firm’s investment strategies. Ned entered the financial services industry in 1997 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2006. Before joining WestEnd, he was a founding member and Senior Analyst at Cambium Capital, a long/short equity hedge fund. Prior to that, Ned was a Director at the MONY Group, a diversified financial services firm. Ned is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he received his B.A. degree. He also received his MBA from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law (JD/MBA).

Ty Peebles is a Portfolio Manager for the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Ty conducts macro analysis on the U.S. and overseas economies as well as security research to support the management of all the firm’s investment strategies. Ty entered the financial services industry in 2010 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2014. Prior to joining WestEnd, he worked at Global Endowment Management, an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) service to endowments and foundations. Before that, he worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Ernst & Young LLP. Ty holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his B.A. in Economics, and he earned his Master of Accounting degree from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Jacob Buchanan is a Portfolio Manager for the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise.  In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Jacob conducts macroeconomic and security research and analysis to support the management of all the firm’s investment strategies.  Jacob entered the financial services industry in 2016 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2018. Prior to joining WestEnd, he worked at Credit Suisse supporting the CFO of the firm’s securitized products division where he was responsible for internal financial analysis and forecasting. Prior to that role, he served as an analyst supporting Credit Suisse’s Global Markets trading division, conducting expense and cost savings analysis. Jacob holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his B.A. in Economics and studied Statistics and Operations Research.

Roger Regelbrugge is a Senior Investment Analyst and conducts research and analysis to support the management of the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. Roger entered the financial services industry in 2014 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2019. Prior to joining WestEnd, he worked as a credit risk analyst with UBS AG, where he was responsible for assessing hedge fund counterparty risk across a range of trading strategies and products. Prior to that role, he served as an equity research analyst for Avondale Partners, a boutique investment bank headquartered in Nashville, TN. Roger holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designations, and is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where he received his B.B.A. in Economics.

Zach Hollister is an Investment Analyst and conducts research and analysis to support the management of the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. Zach entered the financial services industry in 2018 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2021. Before joining WestEnd, he worked at Wells Fargo Asset Management supporting institutional portfolio management teams through quantitative analysis of market and economic factors, detailed analysis of asset allocation and asset managers, and by assisting in the development of an SMA portfolio transition platform. Prior to that role, he held internships including with Wells Fargo Advisors, where he assisted in research on individual stocks and analysis of financial advisor practice management initiatives. Zach holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation.  He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his B.A. in Economics and Media & Journalism.

Matt Franken is an Investment Analyst and conducts research and analysis to support the management of the investment strategies at WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. Matt entered the financial services industry in 2017 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2022. Before joining WestEnd, he served as an Investment Analyst in Truist Bank’s Investment Group where he performed economic and market analysis, provided commentary, and developed portfolio models for institutional and high-net worth individuals.  Before that, he held analyst and investment positions involved in portfolio construction and implementation with an OCIO firm and fund company. Matt holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation.  He is a graduate of Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA, where he received his B.S. in Finance.

Lewis Stocks joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2019. As a Portfolio Specialist, he is a participant on the Investment Committee and has responsibility for helping communicate the firm’s investment views to clients.  Before joining WestEnd, Lewis worked as a management consultant with Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP’s Risk Advisory practice, where he implemented business process improvements for a major money-center banking client. Prior to that role, he served as an operations manager for A2 Access, a financial services technology company focused on data-driven solutions for institutional investors to better evaluate their sell-side partnerships.  Lewis holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation. He received a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management.

Jason Leibowitz is a Managing Partner of WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise. Jason oversees WestEnd’s business development and client-facing endeavors and helps lead business strategy for the firm. Jason entered the financial services industry in 2003 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2015. He began his career as an investment advisor at Merrill Lynch and has held various roles at Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney including as a consulting group analyst and in advisory management positions. Most recently, Jason spent five years in the alternative investment management industry as the Director of National Accounts at Central Park Group and as the Director, Head of Private Client Group at HarbourVest Partners where he was focused on the global strategy and distribution of alternative investment solutions to high-net-worth clients and the intermediary channels that advise them. Jason received a B.S. in Finance from Rider University in 2003.

Charles Thies joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2016. As Head of Marketing, he leads the development and implementation of WestEnd’s marketing and communications efforts, and he assists in the compilation and dissemination of the firm’s investment views. Charles entered the financial services industry in 1995. Prior to joining WestEnd Advisors, he founded Pergola Capital, LLC in 2014, serving as portfolio manager for a risk parity-based hedge fund. From 2002 to 2013, he held various investment research and communications roles with Fisher Investments, most recently as a Senior Capital Markets Analyst performing a range of economic and market research supporting the firm’s top-down investment process. Prior to that, he performed equity research for Salomon Smith Barney, from 2000 to 2001, and for a boutique investment management firm in Atlanta from 1996 to 1999. Charles is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he received his B.S. in Commerce (Finance) from the McIntire School of Commerce and a B.A. in Philosophy.

John Carlson joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise, in 2018.  John plays a pivotal role in advancing WestEnd’s strategic initiatives.  He is also responsible for sales and marketing efforts including business development and managing relationships with key partners. John entered the financial services industry in 2012 as an associate with State Street Global Advisors’ SPDR exchange traded funds (ETF) group. He progressed into additional responsibilities, most recently as a Vice President and Regional Consultant. In these roles, John provided ongoing education and consultative support for financial advisors, helping them develop portfolio construction, wealth management, and practice management solutions utilizing ETFs. John received a B.A. in Economics Management from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2012.

Seth Knight joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2016 and has responsibilities in sales and marketing including business development and relationship management. Seth entered the financial services and investment advisory industries in 2013. Prior to WestEnd Advisors, he worked at Raymond James & Associates as a Financial Advisor for three years, running a comprehensive financial planning and wealth management practice for individual investors and families. Seth is a graduate of Wofford College with a B.A degree in Finance.

Townsend Porter joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2019 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development and relationship management. Townsend entered the financial services industry in 2015 as an Internal Sales Consultant with Invesco before progressing to a Senior Regional Sales Consultant role in the company’s wire house division covering exchange traded funds, mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and unit investment trusts. Prior to Invesco, he served as a Strategic Account Manager for Cardinal Health’s Acute Care division. Townsend received his B.A. in International Business from the College of Charleston in 2010.

Hunter Rome joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2018 and has responsibilities in sales and marketing including business development and relationship management. Hunter entered the financial services industry in 2016. Prior to WestEnd Advisors, he worked at Dimensional Fund Advisors focusing on business development and relationship management with independent financial advisors to high net-worth individuals and institutions. Prior to that role, he was a Legislative Aide for a United States Senator, advising on monetary, economic, and financial services policy. Hunter is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Political Science and Communications.

Peter Tortorici joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2022 and has responsibilities in sales and marketing including business development and relationship management. Peter entered the financial services industry in 2000. Prior to joining WestEnd, he served as a Vice President and Director of High Net Worth Consulting at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC, where he partnered with the firm’s financial advisors to coordinate and deliver solutions for their largest clients.  Prior to that role, his experience includes a variety of wealth management, advisory, and business development positions with major brokerage and asset management firms. Peter received his Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA^®) designation through The Investments & Wealth Institute and the Wharton School of Business.  He is a graduate of Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT where he earned his B.S. in Information Systems.

Luke Rutledge joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2022 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development and relationship management. Luke entered the financial services industry in 2016. Prior to joining WestEnd, he served as an Assistant Vice President at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, where he was responsible for relationship management, investment manager research, and portfolio construction for high-net-worth clients. His experience also includes business development roles with two major asset management firms.  Luke holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designations. He is a graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. in Financial Management.

Brian Bzik joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2019 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development and relationship management. Brian entered the financial services industry in 2015 with State Street Corporation. Prior to joining WestEnd, he served as a Principal and Internal Consultant for State Street Global Advisors, where he conducted business development and relationship management with independent financial advisors in support of the company’s SPDR ETF products. Brian is a graduate of St. Lawrence University with a B.A. in Economics and Spanish.

Annie Ninemire joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2019 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development, relationship management, and enhancing WestEnd’s sales and client relationship capabilities. Annie entered the financial services industry in 2013 with Gerson Lehrman Group, where she performed various roles including managing research relationships with large, multi-strategy asset management clients. Prior to joining WestEnd, she served as an Institutional Sales Associate with Dimensional Fund Advisors. Annie is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Medicine, Health and Society.

Emily Agnew joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2021 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development and relationship management. Emily’s experience includes five years in the investment industry, with additional experience in the non-profit sector.  She most recently served as an Institutional Retirement Associate with Dimensional Fund Advisors.  Prior to that, her industry experience includes providing sales and client service support for the wealth management arm of a major money center bank.  Emily is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.S. in Business Administration & Marketing, and a B.A. in Communication Studies.

Cade Vela joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2023 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development and relationship management. Cade entered the financial services industry in 2022 through the analyst program at Ally Financial.  His experience includes capital markets analysis, corporate FP&A analysis, and serving as a Financial Analyst for the bank’s funding desk.  Cade is a graduate of Davidson College where he earned his Bachelor of Economics and captained the NCAA Division I football team.

Nate Monastra joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2023 and has sales and marketing responsibilities including business development and relationship management. Nate entered the financial services industry in 2021.  Prior to WestEnd, he served as an Investment Analyst with Opus Capital Management, LLC, where he conducted a range of investment and macroeconomic research, directed trading, and provided economic and portfolio updates to clients. Nate is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, where he earned a B.S. in Finance and an MBA from the Williams College of Business and was a First-Team All-Big East Catcher on the NCAA Division I baseball team.

Graham Hunt is a Managing Partner of WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Franchise. Graham entered the financial services industry in 2007 and joined WestEnd Advisors in 2015. He oversees WestEnd’s business functions and helps lead business strategy for the firm. Graham previously served as Chief Financial Officer of WestEnd. Prior to joining WestEnd, he was a Finance Manager at Ally Financial, Inc. where he was responsible for corporate financial planning and analysis. Before joining Ally, he worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the Assurance practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. Graham is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Accounting with a concentration in Financial Analysis. He also received his Master of Accounting degree from North Carolina State’s Poole College of Management.

Jim Cox joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2020, and manages the compliance program. Jim entered the financial services industry in 1998 as a Compliance Officer with Interstate Johnson Lane, where he oversaw compliance with industry regulations for over 100 bank and brokerage branches. He continued in various compliance and management roles through several mergers, from Wachovia Securities to Wells Fargo Advisors. Prior to joining WestEnd, he most recently served as First Vice President/ Market Administration Manager, where his duties included leading and managing compliance policy decisions for the Charlotte market and assisting in the management oversight of over 130 Financial Advisors and Client Associates. Jim is a graduate of James Madison University with a B.A. in Business Management and holds the Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP) designation and FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, 24, and 65 licenses.

Cathy Lowe joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2009. Cathy manages the overall operations and administrative functions. In addition, Cathy performs operational duties including performance reporting and manages internal and external reporting. Prior to joining WestEnd, Cathy worked five years as senior manager in financial planning and analysis for Unisource Worldwide. In addition, she brings thirteen years of experience in capital markets including energy and equity trading, reporting, analysis and asset management for Mirant Corporation and Robinson-Humphrey. Cathy began her career in 1991 as a registered sales assistant for PaineWebber. Cathy is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Tricia Tauzin rejoined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2021 and has responsibilities that that include overseeing certain day-to-day operations of the firm. Tricia has a decade of prior operations experience at WestEnd. Before rejoining WestEnd, Tricia worked at Buckhorn Investment Advisors. Prior to WestEnd, she worked for three years at Sterling Capital Management, including as Controller, and at Akre Capital Management as Operations Manager. Tricia is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Anna Brown joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2008 and has responsibilities that support day-to-day operations, including data management and analysis and ad hoc reporting. Anna previously managed the firm’s trading desk and relationships with external trading partners.  Prior to joining WestEnd, Anna worked for UBS Financial Services for over nine years as an Operations Manager and a Senior Registered Client Service Associate. Anna is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Julie Feuerstein joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2020 and has accounting and finance responsibilities that support day-to-day management, including accounting, financial forecasting and analysis, and ad hoc internal reporting. Julie brings over a decade of managerial finance and accounting experience. Prior to joining WestEnd, Julie served as controller for hotels in Charlotte and Chicago, where she was responsible for financial analysis, forecasting and budgeting, and general accounting. Before that, she worked as an accounting manager in various locations for Prospera Hospitality, a hotel development and management company. Julie also has experience in employee management and customer service. Julie is a graduate of Mercyhurst University.

Leigh Young joined WestEnd Advisors, a Victory Capital Investment Franchise in 2022 to provide administrative support for WestEnd’s clients and staff.  Leigh’s experience across a range of industries includes project and organizational management, marketing and communications, and corporate finance.  Leigh is a graduate of the Florida State University.