NEXTIER'S LINEUP
Whatever changes you're hoping to make or goals you're trying to achieve, we will provide you with sound advice and professional guidance every step of the way.
25+
Years
Experience
30
Current
Clients
8
Professional
Designations
6
Dedicated
Professionals
Lance Baker
Principal, CPA, CFA
I am a founding partner of NexTier and have over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and executive management. I can help guide you as your company adapts to new challenges. As a CFO, I will provide strategic solutions to optimize business growth and profitability.
I'm a UNC tarheel with a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting from UNC. I am a licensed accounting professional and hold the CPA and CFA designations.
Candi Hughes
Principal, CPA, CAIA, CFP®
I am a founding partner of NexTier, and I've been working in finance and accounting for over 20 years. My specialties are accounting, financial operations, and data visualization. My experience blends operations and accounting to help provide efficiencies for your business. I create meaningful reporting to help you make better business decisions.
I'm another UNC tarheel, with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from UNC. I also have a Masters in Accounting from Syracuse University. I am a licensed accounting professional and hold the CPA, CAIA, and CFP® designations.
Andy Chica
Principal, Chief Compliance Officer
For over 20 years, I’ve helped financial firms and institutions develop fully customized compliance policies and procedures that allow advisers to understand and manage their risks. Serving as your outsourced Chief Compliance Officer, I can help your investment firm navigate the challenges of managing assets in compliance with the ever-changing regulatory rules and requirements.
I represent the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and have a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Notre Dame. I've held the following FINRA licenses: Series 24, 6, 63, 62, and 99.
Chris Gevertz
Principal, PHR, SHRM-CP
I provide Human Resource management and administration and HR support for all levels of an organization. I have over 20 years of experience in HR leadership in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. With my extensive background and experience in HR management, talent recruitment, and people strategy, I can help your business navigate the challenges of an ever-changing workforce environment.
I hold a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.
Melissa Harr
Assistant Controller
I had nearly 20 years of customer service experience when I moved to financial services. I was driven to make the change by my enthusiasm for accounting.
I graduated magna cum laude from Western Carolina University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business & Law. I am excited to work as an assistant controller to help your business grow.
Joe Farley
Compliance, CIPM
With more than twenty years experience in all aspects of investment advisory services. I understand how a compliance program integrates and elevates portfolio management to strengthen an advisory firm. I look forward to working to develop a program that best fits your business and enhances your relationship with your clients.
Always daring to be different, I have a Bachelor of Arts in History from Truman State University. I completed Meredith College’s ABA approved paralegal program. I hold the CIPM designation and have previously held FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.
