Meet Kristen
Kristen is a Wealth Advisor for Retirement Plans, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kristen joined Mercer Advisors in 2022 through the acquisition of Sanford Advisory where she educated and advised retirement plan participants within the business retirement plans department. Prior, she was a legal assistant for 10 years. With a career that started in the legal field, Kristen is a detail-oriented team player who excels at multitasking. Kristen earned a BBA degree from Western Michigan University. She is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®.
Kristen’s specialties
At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, Kristen has focused experience in these areas:
- Planning for retirement, from high-earning years to long-term income strategies
- Support for business owners, from growth and succession to liquidity events and legacy planning
- Helping dentists balance personal wealth goals with the demands of running a practice
- Family businesses navigating succession, liquidity, and legacy goals
- Advising physicians with insurance, debt, and investment strategies
Her working style
Kristen is detail-oriented and thoughtful. She believes that listening to the client’s needs is important for implementing a retirement plan that is the right fit for the business, collaborating on the design process. She enjoys meeting with and educating plan participants to help them achieve their financial goals.
Kristen in real life
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Paper crafting and card making, reading, walking, and biking.
Why do you like working at Mercer Advisors?
The culture. I am empowered to be my best self.
Favorite thing about where you live?
I love the Kalamazoo area due to its chill, Midwest, college town vibe. There are a lot of fun things to do, such as catching a Broadway show at Miller Auditorium, visiting the many museums, and being social in lively downtown.
Meet Kristen’s Teammates
Tami Leffingwell
Manager, Client Service
What Kristen Says
Tami inspired me to join the financial industry. She has a passion for great client service and has taught me to help ensure every client gets the same great experience.
Jaron D. Carmichael
Partner, Retirement Plan Group
What Kristen Says
Jaron is an empowering and caring leader. He takes me out of my comfort zone to encourage growth and enhance client care.
Obed Garcia
Retirement Plan Specialist
What Kristen Says
Obed and I collaborate on servicing our plan sponsors and participants with care and ease. As a team, we knock out tasks while minding our fiduciary duties, providing white glove service and education to our clients and plan participants.
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