Kenneth Chavis IV appointed to the Forbes Advisor Investing and Retirement Advisory Board

Versant Capital Management, Inc., an independent multi-family office and wealth management firm, announced today that Kenneth Chavis IV, CFP, has been appointed a 2024 Forbes Advisor Investing and Retirement Advisory Board member. Forbes Advisor works with a select group of advisory board professionals who review articles and advise on content.

Kenneth Chavis IV

The Forbes editorial team and contributors interview and quote researchers, professors, certified professionals, fiduciaries, and a variety of other experts to inform the Forbes Advisor content. Kenneth has joined a panel of experienced, vetted financial professionals who review and advise at various stages in the editorial process, from ideation to publication.

The Forbes Advisor Review Board supports content across Forbes Advisor. The Forbes Advisor content library includes unbiased, reported, and data-driven reviews, best-ofs, and educational stories on topics relating to personal finance, small business, and education, such as credit cards, loans, mortgages, insurance, banking, taxes, investing, small business, and legal services.

Kenneth explained, “It is an honor to be a part of Forbes’ Advisory Board to help provide unbiased financial guidance and accurate information so people can make better financial decisions and have a better quality of life. The mission of Forbes’ Advisory Board is aligned with my values to help families make more informed decisions about their finances and reduce stress related to their finances.”

Kenneth Chavis IV, CFP, is a senior wealth advisor at Versant Capital Management. His expertise includes advanced wealth planning, tax minimization strategies, retirement planning, and investment management for business owners, equity-compensated executives, and employees who receive stock compensation. Kenneth was named an InvestmentNews 40 under 40 in 2023, an Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor in 2022, and a 50 Under 50 honoree by the Association of African American Financial Advisors in 2021 and 2020.

To learn more about Kenneth’s Forbes role, visit his profile page on Forbes Advisor.

Chef Peter McQuaid joins celebrity chef Beau MacMillan at The Americano

The Americano, the upscale Italian-inspired steakhouse helmed by celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, today announced Peter McQuaid, a celebrated culinary sensation and Food Network star, as its new executive chef, bringing the longtime collaborators together again at one of north Scottsdale’s most coveted dinner hotspots.  

Chef Peter McQuaid

A recipient of the James Beard Foundation Taste America Award, 26-year-old McQuaid is already a decorated chef with an impressive resume spanning some of the finest kitchens in the country, including Chef Daniel Boulud’s Michelin-starred Restaurant DANIEL in Manhattan and previous work with MacMillan such as Money, Baby! in Las Vegas and the Valley’s iconic Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. He joins The Americano from his most recent position as executive chef at Cala at Scottsdale’s Senna House, which he helped open with MacMillan. 

“I’m honored to join The Americano and for the opportunity to continue to work alongside Beau,” said McQuaid. “Our collaborations have been a cornerstone of my career and our shared vision for innovation has always driven me. I’m eager to build on our successes to create something truly exceptional.”

Revered for his remarkable talent and innovative approach to cooking, McQuaid gained national recognition as a three-time champion on Food Network’s “Chopped,” where he impressed judges with his creativity and technical skills. A fan favorite, he will appear on “Chopped Legends” tonight, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. EST to face off with culinary greats again in a high-stakes cooking competition.         

MacMillan, a legendary Arizona chef and fellow Food Network regular, serves as director of culinary for Creation Hospitality, owner of The Americano. In this role, he guides the culinary direction across the brand’s portfolio of current and future projects, including the recently opened Tell Your Friends, a captivating underground cocktail and live music lounge located underneath The Americano. Marking the latest in a nearly decade-long mentor-mentee partnership, MacMillan will collaborate closely with McQuaid, who will oversee the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. MacMillan also continues to operate Cala in Scottsdale as a partner.

“I’ve been working with Peter since he was a teenager and it’s been incredible to watch him grow into the extraordinary chef he is today. I have no doubt in my mind he is a culinary legend in the making,” said MacMillan. “His talent, dedication and passion for the craft are unmatched. Over the years, we’ve created magic in the kitchen and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey as we shape the future of The Americano together.”

Trendy and sophisticated, The Americano offers a chic, moody atmosphere adorned with striking custom art and sculptures. The modern supper club-style dining room, with cozy crescent-shaped booths, rich leather chairs and butcher-block tables, provides an inviting setting where guests can enjoy a front-row view of the open kitchen and wood-fired grill, showcasing a nightly display of culinary craftsmanship. The newly revamped menu at The Americano by Chef MacMillan and Chef McQuaid will debut in late September. 

For more information on The Americano or to book a reservation, visit TheAmericanoRestaurant.com.

Chicanos Por La Causa board of directors elects 6 new members

To continue serving the evolving needs of the community and impacting over a million lives every year, Chicanos Por La Causa welcomes six new members to the Board of Directors: 

  • Cisco Echeverria, Executive Director of Center Store at Bashas’ Family of Stores
  • Erica González-Meléndez, Associate Attorney at Snow Carpio & Weekley P.L.C. 
  • Amanda Ho, Director of Investor Relations at Pinnacle West Capital Corporation
  • Mario Solorzano, Channel Manager at Insight Technology 
  • Vanessa Kisicki, Associate General Manager and Chief Customer Executive at Salt River Project 
  • Kirk Kobert, Community Member 

“At this table, we want the community to have a seat and know their voice is heard,” said Delma Herrera, board chair of Chicanos Por La Causa. “The board has carefully selected new members for their valuable experience and key relationship building that will help CPLC navigate new goals in the coming years.” 

CPLC impacted more than 1,000,000 lives last year. The new board members will strengthen CPLC’s strategic direction and ensure that over thirty CPLC comprehensive programs and 2,000 employees reach the millions of individuals and families with essential resources. 

“The CPLC Board of Directors is comprised of over twenty leaders who utilize their diverse skillset in communication, law, technology, finance, and public service to drive positive change,” said Alicia Nuñez, President and Chief Executive Officer of CPLC. “Our newest members will be part of valuable discussions centered around health, housing, education, economic development, and community advocacy to empower our renewed focus in core social community programs.” 

In addition to serving Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas, CPLC began providing services in California and Colorado, expanding reach in the southwest region.