The growth of our team over the years is a testament to the high level of communication we practice on a daily basis.  Serving accounts from coast to coast in 45 states, our clients can expect the same great level of service, regardless of where they live or how much money they have invested with our team.

John H. Russell, Senior Vice President/Investments, Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

John H. Russell

Managing Director/Investments; Portfolio Manager - Solutions Program

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 862-6407

About Me

John began his investment industry career in 1980 and joined Stifel in 1988 as a Financial Advisor.  

John has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and holds Series 7, 8, 24, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including long-term care and annuities).

In his free time, John enjoys traveling, going to theatre, and spending time in New York City and Florida.  John is vice chair of Sun River Healthcare in New York City.

“I became interested in the financial services industry at a young age.  I had an aunt that taught me how to invest in the stock market, and we would buy a stock or two and watch for our investment to grow.”

“I love what I do!  I enjoy meeting new people and helping our clients pursue their goals.  It’s also wonderful knowing that when I’m out of the office, my team can step in and deliver outstanding client service.”

Rick G. Hawkes, Jr., Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Rick G. Hawkes, Jr.

Senior Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager; Portfolio Manager - Solutions Program

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 726-8954

About Me

Rick began his investment industry career with Stifel in 2001.  After working in Stifel’s Operations and Risk Management/Compliance Departments, he joined what would later become the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2008.

Rick earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 24, 63, and 65 securities licenses as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including long-term care and annuities).  

Rick and his wife, Beth, have four daughters:  Jilian, Evelyn, Ella, and Sylvie.  For the last seven years, Rick has coached numerous athletic teams for his daughters and their friends.  You may find them at softball fields, soccer tournaments, basketball and volleyball games, dance recitals, and the golf course.  When the family is able to find time without scheduled activities, they love to travel the country and embark on new adventures.  Rick also serves as president of Collinsville Charities for Children.

“I was introduced to “investing” while attending college.  Fortunately, I met a few individuals who were small business owners.  During conversations with them, they would mention having a meeting with their “financial advisor” to discuss their retirement accounts.  Not understanding at the time what that truly meant, they explained to me that having a good career is great for the short term, but if you’re not deliberately putting a portion of those funds away for a date in the future, you’ll be unable to maintain the standard of living you’ve created once the paychecks stop coming.  I was lucky to find these people at an early age, and ever since, I was hooked with the philosophy.  What better way to “pay it forward” than to become a financial advisor and teach this principle to others!”

“I find great satisfaction walking the path with clients toward their unique financial goals; whether it is getting out of debt, saving for college, planning for retirement, or navigating life post retirement.  It is a pleasure to be considered part of my clients’ team for this journey.”

Joy Liss, First Vice President/Investments

Joy Liss

First Vice President/Investments

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 726-8235

About Me

Joy began her investment industry career with Stifel in 1997 and joined the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2016.  Prior to Stifel, she spent several years teaching economics in the Ladue school district and later owned a commercial real estate business. 

Joy has a bachelor’s degree from Washington University and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including long-term care and annuities). 

Outside of the office, Joy likes to spend time with her husband, Jay, and her two daughters and their families.  Joy and Jay enjoy traveling and spending time on their farm in southern Illinois.  Active in their communities, Joy and Jay were recipients of the Harris J. Frank Community Service Award for Advocacy, Veteran’s Rights, and Women’s Rights in 2018.

“I believe that my professional career helped me to become a successful financial advisor.  After teaching high school economics for 16 years, and then as president of a commercial real estate company that focused on investment property, my background was well suited for wealth management and planning.  My strategy is to keep my clients focused on their long-term goals and pursue the life they’ve always wanted.  I especially enjoy the fact that I get to collaborate with the kind and bright people in the Russell Wealth Management Group on a daily basis in order to serve our clients.”

Keith Thompson, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Keith R. Thompson

Financial Advisor Associate

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 862-6468

About Me

Keith began his financial services career in 1989 and joined Stifel in 1996.  He was the first advisor to join John Russell and become part of what would later be known as the Russell Wealth Management Group.  At that time, John was one of the first to bring a team concept to the Stifel platform.  Prior to Stifel, Keith worked at Mercantile Bank, focusing on security operations, trust services, and 401(k) plans.  He attended Mercer County Community College in Trenton, New Jersey, and Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri.  He also holds Series 7 and 65 securities licenses as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including long-term care and annuities).

Keith is honored to work as a board member of Doorways and is passionate in supporting their mission to provide housing and supportive services in an effort to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for people affected by HIV/AIDS.  He also enjoys working in the arts and can be seen occasionally on stage at New Line Theatre, Stray Dog Theatre, or singing with the St. Louis County Community Chorus.  He also enjoys skiing, swimming, conquering mud runs, and working out.

“I decided to become a financial advisor after working in the banking industry and discovering that my passion was helping investors pursue their goals.

After 22 years as a financial advisor, I have had the privilege of witnessing the many changes in the cycle of life.  I’ve had the honor of celebrating my clients’ new homes, marriages, childbirths, college graduations, retirement, and all the surprises in between.

I look forward to being at Stifel every day.  The Russell Wealth Management Group is upbeat, positive, and cares about clients as much as they care about their fellow team members.”

Kelly Andrews, Client Relationship Manager

Kelly Andrews, CFP

Client Relationship Manager

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 726-8278

About Me

Kelly began her investment industry career with Stifel and the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2018.  She brings a fresh perspective to the team by leveraging nearly five years of financial and 18 years of strategic planning experience at various large corporations.

Kelly earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Louis University and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including long-term care and annuities). Having attained and maintained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, Kelly met the experience requirements of the CFP® Board, successfully completed financial planning coursework, and passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas:  the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning.

When she is not in the office, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, Johnny, and their two children, Sydney and Brady.  While they keep very busy with sports, theatre, music, and extracurricular activities, the family enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.  Kelly is board treasurer for the Edwardsville High School Choir Boosters and is a member of the Philanthropic Institute for Professional Advisors.

“After spending almost two decades in merchandising and product management, I was ready for a change of pace and wanted to find a place where I could use my skills and talents to impact others more directly.  Fortunately, I was offered this amazing opportunity to be a part of the Russell Wealth Management Group, a team of experienced financial advisors and office staff that has given me the knowledge and confidence to be successful in my new role.  I love that I am able to combine my passion for helping individuals and families with my unique professional experience.”

Mary Haislip, Client Relationship Manager

Mary Haislip

Client Relationship Manager

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 862-6435

About Me

Mary began her financial services career in 1985 and joined Stifel and what later became the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2001.  She holds Series 7, 63, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including long-term care and annuities).  Mary dedicates her free time to driving animal rescue transports and volunteering/fostering for local animal welfare groups, such as the Katherine G. Favre Foundation for Animals and Walk to Defeat ALS® Committee.  Mary is a member of the Philanthropic Institute for Professional Advisors. 

“I decided to get into the financial services industry years ago because I thought it would be challenging, rewarding, and a fantastic way to help people.  I feel a true responsibility to provide clients with an outstanding level of service.  I love the wonderful relationships that I have built with the team’s clients over the years, and I enjoy assisting them with their account-related matters.  In addition to our great clients, I feel fortunate to work with such a talented team in a well-respected company.”

Kim McConnell, Vice President, Branch Operations Manager

Kim McConnell

Vice President; Branch Operations Manager

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 862-6429

About Me

Kim began her financial services career with Stifel in 1984 and joined what later became the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2008.  Prior to joining the team, Kim worked at Century Securities and within Stifel’s Compliance Department.  She holds Series 4, 7, 8, 24, 53, and 65 securities licenses.

In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends, particularly her daughter, son-in-law, and two young grandchildren. 

“I enjoy being part of a team that continually provides top-tier service to all of our clients.  We work and grow together in our endeavor to help clients pursue their goals.  I learn something new every day, even after more than 35 years at Stifel!”

Sara Atchisson, Client Service Associate

Sara L. Atchisson

Client Service Associate

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 862-6403

About Me

Sara began her financial services career with Stifel in 2009.  After spending five years in Stifel’s Margins/Operations Department, she briefly relocated to the Charleston, South Carolina, branch office before joining the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2015. 

Sara earned a B.S. in Physical Education, Teacher Education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, where she was also a four-year varsity soccer player.  

Today, Sara enjoys trying to keep up with her two young children, Reagan and Reed.  In her spare time, she and her husband, Ryan, like spending time with family, playing/watching sports, traveling, and taking part in outdoor activities.

“I enjoy coming to work every day because of the people on our team.  The comradery we have is great.  No matter how intense or serious our work is, we always find a way to make our office a fun place to be – both for our team and for our clients.”

Tammy Barton, Client Service Associate

Tammy M. Barton

Client Service Associate

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 862-6431

About Me

Tammy began her financial services career in 1999 and joined Stifel in 2009 as a Client Service Associate.  Prior to joining the Russell Wealth Management Group in 2016, Tammy assisted other financial advisors in both St. Louis and New Orleans. 

After raising three wonderful sons, Tammy and her husband, Calvin, enjoy spending quality time together with their family, grandchildren, and friends.  They also love traveling the country to watch their youngest son pursue his career and dreams as a singer and entertainer.

“I like working with Russell Wealth Management Group because we genuinely care about our clients.  We truly work as a “team” to deliver a great experience to the people we interact with on a daily basis.  We work very hard and still have fun doing it!”

Clay Dawson

Clayton R. Dawson

Client Service Associate

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(314) 726-8211

About Me

Clay began his financial services career at Stifel in 2017 and has continued to support both the Russell Wealth Management Group and another Stifel wealth management team since graduating college.

Clay earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Southeast Missouri State University, where he was also a student government executive board member.

Today, Clay enjoys playing volleyball with his friends and spending time with his dog, Luxe.

“I think one of my favorite aspects of working for the Russell Wealth Management Group is building meaningful and rewarding relationships with both clients and my coworkers.  We are such a diverse group of people, which I believe is our greatest strength.”