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
35
Current
Clients
9
Professional
Designations
13
Dedicated
Professionals
Lance Baker
Principal, President
CPA, CFA
I am a founding partner of NexTier and have over 25 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.
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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
I am a founding partner of NexTier, and I've been working in finance and accounting for over 25 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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
Joe Farley
Director of Compliance Operations
CAIA, CIPM
With more than twenty years of 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 CAIA and CIPM designations and currently hold FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.
Kendra Fortier
Director of Business Operations
I have over 15 years of combined experience specializing in tax and estate planning, client relationship development, financial reporting, internal controls and management, contracting, compliance, and human resources. I lead with compassion and empathy while leveraging my knowledge and experience to bring a fresh perspective to business operations.
I graduated from Austin Peay University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Science in Business Management. Inspired by helping clients, I went back to school in 2017 to graduate from UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business with a Master of Accounting.
Mark DeAngelis
Senior Compliance Consultant
For over two decades, I have served as a compliance professional in the financial services industry including tenures at global investment firms and startup registered investment advisers. My professional career also includes a long tenure at FINRA as a senior analyst and investigator in both the Advertising Regulation and Market Regulation Departments. More recently, I have gained valuable experiences in working as outsourced CCO customizing the compliance programs to a multitude of clients including wealth manager, private fund advisers and ETF sponsors As your outsourced CCO, I strive to furnish critical analysis to the identifying areas of enhancements in your compliance program and fostering a strong culture of compliance.
I obtained my Bachelor's degree from the Towson University and maintain the following securities licenses: Series 7, Series 24, and Series 65. I am also a Pennsylvania Notary.
Jill Blecha
Compliance Officer
I have over 15 years of experience in the investment advisory industry, where I've held a variety of roles across portfolio management, risk, and compliance, including financial security. My time with a large international firm gave me the opportunity to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while helping teams feel confident about balancing risk with program implementation.
I graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and a certificate in Quantitative Finance. I enjoy bringing both analytical skills and a people-first approach to my work.
Melissa Harr
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 currently working on my Masters of Accountancy at the University of North Alabama. I'm excited to work as a controller to help your business grow.
Lisa Drake
Controller
I have over 20 years of experience in consulting and team management. I'm proficient in overseeing all aspects of financial operations, including budget management and strategic decision-making.
I graduated from Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Nothing is too big or small for me to take on, and I thrive on collaborating with clients to tackle accounting challenges.
Lisa Perez
Controller
I have over 20 years of experience as an accounting manager and controller. I'm detail-oriented and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
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I use data analysis to get to the bottom of accounting problems and provide solutions to help you get the best results.
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My accounting experience spans various industries, including real estate, consulting, construction, and technology. My technical expertise includes QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, Microsoft Office, payroll systems, and Google Suite / Workspace.
Christy Lassiter
Assistant Controller
Having worked closely with CPA's and internal audit teams for over 20 years, I have helped streamline accounting processes within A/P, A/R, and fixed asset management. I can help you organize your day-to-day bill payments and cash receipts, process your payroll, manage your fixed assets, reorganize your data, and reconcile your bank statements.
My accounting experience includes retail, manufacturing, computer brokerage, construction, and investment management. My technical experience includes QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, Expensify, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite / Workspace.
Tayler Woolard
Assistant Controller
I have worked in the health care industry for several years. My experience includes A/P, A/R, expense management, fleet management, and financial reporting. I'm proficient in QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Microsoft Excel, and Google Suite/Workspace.
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I can help you manage your vendors, handle billing, process payroll, manage fixed assets and loans, and reconcile bank statements.
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I'm currently working on my Bachelor's of Accounting at the University of Mt. Olive.
