Team Biographies
Our People Make The Difference
No matter where you work, Avantax provides the service and support you need to achieve your full potential. Our seven regions are led by long-time financial industry professionals dedicated to making your life as easy as possible while maintaining our high standards.
Alex RivasRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 1 - West
Territory includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
972.870.6150 | alex.rivas@avantax.com
Alex recruits and works with tax-focused Financial Professionals to strengthen their value proposition with Tax-Intelligent Investing™. With more than 15 years of experience in financial services, Alex believes the majority of financial planning is tax planning and there is power in a holistic approach with clients. Alex has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Texas and holds his Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses.
Steve SmithRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 2 - South Central
Territory includes Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
817.403.3292 | steve.smith@avantax.com
Prior to joining Avantax, Steve served as a Regional Vice President – Annuity Sales for several large financial services firms, including Securian and Nationwide. He’s helped countless individuals grow their businesses with targeted best practices and sales ideas and continues to pave the way to success as part of our Avantax community. Steve received his B.S. from Ohio University, is a licensed health and life insurance agent in TX and holds his FINRA Series 6 and 63 licenses.
Jeff Tucker, CRPC®Business Development Consultant | Territory 3 - Midwest
Territory includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
972.870.6219 | jeffrey.tucker@avantax.com
Jeff is dedicated to helping Financial Professionals pursue better client outcomes with Tax-Intelligent planning. He brings with him over 15 years of industry experience, leading regional distribution efforts at top financial services firms prior to joining Avantax. Jeff has a B.A. from St. Norbert College and holds his FINRA Series 7, 66, and SIE licenses, Life, Accident, & Health Insurance Licenses, and carries the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation.
Dave RenkoRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 4 - Southeast
Territory includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
404.317.2978 | dave.renko@avantax.com
Dave brings the know-how and experience helping Tax and Financial Professionals succeed in offering wealth management solutions to their firms and clients. After building a successful advisory business, he made the transition to leadership in various roles including regional business development, branch management and as a private banker. Dave spent six years in the US Navy, and holds his Series 7, 8, 9, 10, 31, 63, 65, 66 and SIE securities licenses.
Samantha DunnRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 5 - Northeast
Territory includes Connecticut, Delaware, District Of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
330.690.0604 | samantha.dunn@avantax.com
Samantha helps Financial Professionals determine if Avantax is the best partner for their future growth and she assists Tax Professionals in adding financial services to their established tax practices. She channels her 15+ years of experience in sales, sales support and client services to lead prospects throughout their due diligence. Samantha currently holds her Series 7, Series 65 and Series 63 licenses.