The New Model for Advisor Engagement

In 2008, Neil formed FUSE Research Network LLC in order to improve the effectiveness of the sales, marketing and product functions associated with the distribution of investment products.  FUSE delivers customized market intelligence which improves decision making and tactical execution. As of the end of 2021, FUSE was engaged with in the delivery of ongoing decision support to 50 investment management firms which range in AUM size from less than $1 billion to more than $1 trillion.  At the core of FUSE support to clients is a robust and ongoing research function that collects data and insights directly from advisors, distribution gatekeepers, due diligence teams and investment firms so as to develop a 360 degree view of the keys to distribution success.

Prior to FUSE, Neil founded Financial Research Corporation (FRC) in 1987 and over the next 20 years built a business that delivered innovative business intelligence solutions to more than 200 fund groups who collectively accounted for over 95% of U.S. mutual fund assets under management. Neil maintains an extensive network across all facets of the asset management industry and has a unique vantage point from which he has observed 35 years of evolution of investment firms – leading to a keen sense of how and why companies succeed or fail.

Neil currently serves as an independent director for the Vertical Capital Income Fund and is a former director for the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund and Financial Investors Variable Investment Trust.  Neil has appeared on CNBC and Bloomberg and is a regular contributor to a wide range of business publications including Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Ignites, Barron’s, Ignites, FundFire and InvestmentNews.  Neil is also active with industry trade groups (ICI, MMI, IMEA) and is a regular speaker and judge at industry events.  Neil began his professional career in 1983 as an analyst with Zacks and later moved to Kemper Financial to lead the competitive research effort.  Neil received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and an MBA from DePaul University.

Devin is the Global Head of Digital and Demand Generation, a role he assumed in May 2019. The team of over 50 professionals is responsible for key functions including global digital marketing, demand generation, marketing operations, and analytics.

Devin joined the firm in August 2016 after spending six years at BlackRock, where he was responsible for leading global demand generation campaigns for the fund and ETF businesses. He has more than 25 years of experience on both the client and digital marketing agency side; including BlackRock, JPMorgan Asset Management, Merrill Lynch, American Express, BBDO, and Harte-Hanks Direct & Digital. His roles have included leadership positions in strategic planning, digital marketing, research, analytics, and operations management.

Devin earned a bachelor’s degree in business management, with a minor in computer programming, from Wesley College.  He also has over 30 years experience volunteering for his communities as a firefighter and has held the ranks of captain, assistant chief, and deputy fire chief.

Kimberly Beck is Chief Marketing Officer for YieldX, a fintech company customizing and optimizing income investing at scale and with unparalleled efficiency. Prior to YieldX, Kimberly was with Envestnet, where she led Wealth Marketing. She also served as Co-Founder and Chair of the Envestnet Women’s Initiative Network.

Additionally, Kimberly has held notable roles at BlackRock, most recently as Director of Thought Leadership and Education Programs, and Nuveen. She has served on the Board of Governors for the Money Management Institute and has been a Knowledge for Practice Advisory Group Member for the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning.

Kimberly has her MBA in Marketing from LaSalle University, and a BA in English and Communications from Cabrini University, where she has been an Adjunct Professor of Communication, and is on the Advisory Board for the Communication Department.

Bernadette Bridy is Head of Marketing at FS Investments, where she is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of FS Investments’ marketing strategy. In this capacity, she is responsible for aligning marketing plans to business goals and sales objectives. The marketing organization at FS Investments is a full-service team with 20 members, offering digital marketing, design, video production and marketing intelligence capabilities.

Prior to joining FS Investments, Ms. Bridy spent nine years at Lincoln Financial Group as Assistant Vice President of Marketing with responsibilities that covered branding efforts, product marketing and digital marketing. Her experience also includes marketing and sales roles at The Hartford. Her work has received numerous awards, including recognition from Investment Management Education Alliance and The Gramercy Institute. Ms. Bridy graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science.

Patty Quinn McAuley is Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing for Clark Capital Management Group. In this role, she is responsible for leading the marketing and communications efforts of the firm. She plays a key part in product development, positioning and corporate branding. She is dedicated to helping advisors communicate effectively with clients, so that clients may achieve successful investment outcomes. Prior to assuming the position of Head of Marketing, she worked in sales and advertising. Patty joined Clark Capital in 2008. She graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media Communications and received her MBA from The Fox School of Business at Temple University. She holds the Certified Financial Planner designation and the FINRA Series 7, 66 and 63 licenses.