Phoenix-based KeatsConnelly, the largest cross-border wealth management firm in North America that specializes in helping Canadians and Americans realize their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle, appointed Sally A. Taylor to chief executive officer and Bryant E. Andrus to president, respectively.
In her new role, Taylor will be leading and setting the strategy for the company, and coordinating its services and management. In his new role, Andrus will be primarily responsible for new business development, marketing and working with the firm’s clients in Canada.
Founder and president Robert F. Keats will continue working with the award-winning firm, taking on the role of executive director and maintaining his day-to-day work with clients across North America and beyond. Since 1976, Keats has been helping clients manage the complexities of U.S./Canadian cross-border planning when they are considering permanent or seasonal moves across the border. He is the author of two books, “The Border Guide” and “A Canadian’s Best Tax Haven: The US.”
Dale A. Walters, who has led KeatsConnelly as its chief executive officer since 2004, will now serve as the chairman of a newly established board of directors for the firm. In this role, Walters will remain involved in areas of leadership coaching, marketing, business development and compliance.
Serving clients for over 35 years, Walters was twice named one of the top financial advisors in the United States by Mutual Fund Magazine. He is the author of “Buying Real Estate in the US – The Concise Guide for Canadians” and co-author of both “Taxation of Canadians in America: Are YOU at risk?” and “Taxation of Americans in Canada: Are YOU at risk?”
“In 2009, Dale and I announced plans to transition ownership of the firm to a handful of employees gradually, over time,” said Keats. “The deal was developed to allow next-generation employees to borrow money from a third-party lender so that they could purchase our ownership interests from us.”
“As Bob and I began looking into succession plans, we were approached by a number of banks and various business roll-up firms proposing merger and acquisition deals,” said Walters. “However, none of these deals ever spelled out how they would benefit our employees or our clients. With the succession model we adopted in place, some of our current employees have been able to gradually become the new owners, resulting in no effect on our clients or customer service. It is a win-win situation and a major morale booster.”
Taylor, who joined the firm in 2007, earned a Master of Science in Financial Planning and holds the following licenses or designations; Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist and Certified Financial Planner (U.S.). She is a frequent speaker on US-Canada financial planning and tax related issues and is a co-author of “Taxation of Canadians in America: Are YOU at risk?” and “Taxation of Americans in Canada: Are YOU at risk?” Taylor is the immediate past-president of Soroptimist International of Phoenix, which is one of the largest Soroptimist clubs throughout the world and works to help educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls. In 2013, Taylor was appointed by Governor Jan Brewer to the Arizona College Savings Plan Oversight Committee and currently sits on the Committee.
Andrus, who joined the firm in 2008, earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree and holds the Certified Financial Planner (U.S.) and Registered Financial Planner (CANADA), designations. Since 2012, Andrus has served as the vice president of the Canadian operations of KeatsConnelly, out of Calgary. In addition to his role as president, Andrus will also continue to be responsible for business development activities for the firm. He serves as a member of Rotary International, and as the Chair of the western chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in Canada.
