Eric Meermann has been promoted to client service manager at Palisades Hudson Financial Group LLC, while Jonathan Bergman assumes new duties as our organization's chief investment officer.
Eric, 26, joined Palisades Hudson in 2000 as a client service associate. He earned his Certified Financial Planner credential in 2004, and also holds the Accredited Valuation Analyst designation. He is the lead manager for our firm's business valuation practice and is extensively involved in tax, investment and other financial planning for a broad range of our clients. Eric is a graduate of the Stern School of Business at New York University.
Jonathan, 29, joined Palisades Hudson as a summer associate in 1994 and as a full-time staff member in 1997 upon earning his business degree from the University of Wisconsin. He played a major role in organizing Palisades Hudson Asset Management Inc. (PHAM), our registered investment advisor affiliate, which grew from $30 million in assets under management in 1997 to $525 million under management in late 2004. (At the start of 2005, our investment advisory business was reorganized. Palisades Hudson Asset Management L.P. now is responsible for all investment-related services in our practice.)
As chief investment officer, Jonathan leads a team of portfolio managers and associates focused on finding more efficient and cost-effective ways to implement clients' portfolio strategies. He also oversees all aspects of investment strategy, portfolio management, due diligence and manager selection for all of PHAM's client portfolios.
Jonathan also holds the Certified Financial Planner designation. He has been a client service manager at our firm since 1999, and continues to serve in that role along with his chief investment officer responsibilities.
Melissa Licini, 27, joined Palisades Hudson Financial Group in 2004 as executive assistant to Larry Elkin and Jonathan Bergman. Melissa holds a degree in psychology from Mercy College, and has extensive administrative and office management experience.
Our practice grew substantially in 2004, and we expect that growth to continue in 2005. We plan to add new staff and to open our first office outside the New York area later this year. Stay tuned.
Most of our new business comes from referrals. Most of those referrals come from our existing clients. We consider recommendations to your friends, family and associates to be the highest honor and responsibility you can confer on us. We will do our utmost to continue to earn your trust and confidence. Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperous year in 2005.
