John has over 46 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a founding partner of the Distad Clay Wealth Management Group. He brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Financial Advisor at D.A. Davidson. Prior to entering financial services, he served his country as a naval carrier aviator and continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until 1992 when he retired as a captain. Focusing on tax-free investing, asset management, and estate planning, John serves the needs of high net worth individuals and families, as well as mature investors who are nearing or are in retirement. John holds Series 7, 8, 63, and 66 securities licenses in addition to a bachelor's degree in biology from UCSB and a master's degree in systems management from USC.

John has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a founding partner of the Distad Clay Wealth Management Group, A Member of D.A. Davidson & Co. He is dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of service with a special focus on financial planning, income generation, tax-exempt investing, and retirement planning. John is a graduate of California Polytechnic University in Pomona and holds his Series 7, 66, 9, and 10 securities licenses, Certified Wealth Strategist^® designation, and California Insurance License #0D54907.

Emily began her career in the financial services industry in 2017. She started as an intern working with the Distad Clay Wealth Management Group. After graduating from CSU Channel Islands with a bachelor's degree in business, she entered D.A. Davidson's Financial Advisor Apprentice Program. Emily moved to Spokane, Washington, and worked with our Planning Resource Center where she learned wealth planning techniques, strategies, and complexities of financial and estate planning. She was able to work alongside hundreds of advisors and their clients throughout the firm in creating and presenting financial plans. Emily then moved to Seattle and worked with our Financial Services Representatives Team where she advised and guided clients through investment strategies and proposals while identifying opportunities to help clients achieve their financial goals. Emily moved back to Ventura in 2020 and joined the Distad Clay Wealth Management Group as their newest advisor. She holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as her California Insurance License #4054866.

Jennifer began her career in the financial industry in 2006 after graduating from Concordia University-Irvine. She provides support for the Distad Clay Wealth Management Group.

Rob works with D.A. Davidson financial professionals by delivering customized strategies for clients regarding estate planning, business succession, and wealth transfer or tax minimization questions. His 30-year career in banking and financial services has included a wide range of roles and responsibilities, most recently as senior financial planner for Umpqua Private Bank, where he led the planning efforts for the firm. Rob earned the CFP^® designation in 2010, and the Enrolled Agent credential from the IRS in 2016, each informing his work as a planner, and passionate advocate and trainer on planning.

Danielle helps to create comprehensive, tailored wealth planning solutions. She works with clients to understand their options and make decisions designed to constructively advance them toward achieving their goals. Danielle is Series 7 licensed and is a registered investment advisor representative. She also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® and Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^® certifications. Before joining D.A. Davidson in 2014, Danielle worked in the mortgage industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics/economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Scott is head of the department’s investment management research efforts covering mutual funds and exchange traded funds, and serves as lead portfolio manager for the firm’s proprietary Managed Funds Portfolios program. In addition, he provides due diligence, monitoring and recommendations for the Separately Managed Account and Unified Managed Account programs. Scott has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the department’s discretionary asset allocation programs. Previously, he worked as an insurance products analyst at Prudential Securities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Montana State University.

Steve oversees D.A. Davidson Trust Company, where he has broad oversight responsibility for ensuring the trust company provides comprehensive planning for its clients and also for management of the firm’s team of professionals. Steve joined the firm in April 2015 after previously serving as President of The Corundum Group in Colorado Springs. Additionally, he was a founder and board member of Central Bancorp, Inc., a diversified holding company operating not only Corundum but also a commercial bank, mortgage company and an affiliated insurance company. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.