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.
Brian CouzensRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 1 - North Central
Territory includes Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
972.870.6246 | brian.couzens@avantax.com
Brian works with Financial Professionals in the north central region to analyze their current business and determine how they can maximize their growth potential. Brian relies on over 15 years of industry experience to best position advisors for future success with Avantax Wealth Management. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Butler University and currently holds his Series 66 license.
Alex RivasRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 2 - West Coast
Territory includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada
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 3 - South Central
Territory includes Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, 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.
Dave RenkoRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 4 - Southeast
Territory includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, 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 - Mid-Atlantic
Territory includes Delaware, District Of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 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.
Mark McPhersonRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 6 - Northeast
Territory includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
603.960.0568 | mark.mcpherson@avantax.com
Mark helps Tax and Financial Professionals increase client satisfaction by adding or expanding wealth management advice for a truly comprehensive planning experience. With over 20 years in the industry, he is a leader in customizing growth strategies to help business owners achieve their goals. Mark attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and currently holds his Series 7, 63 and 24 securities licenses and a Life, Accident and Health Insurance license.
Bruce TuckeyRegional Director, Business Development | Territory 7 - Great Lakes
Territory includes Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
248.505.0401 | bruce.tuckey@avantax.com
Bruce brings a broad range of experience to our team. His previous experiences include being an Audit Member at a large CPA firm, Chief Financial Officer of a public company, Wholesaler then Managing Director for an Investment Firm, Recruiter and a Financial Advisor. Bruce received his BA in Accounting from Michigan State University. He holds a CPA, Series 7, 63, 65, Life, Health and Contracts licenses, and has been licensed with FINRA since 1991.