ourTEAM
We believe that our people and our approach to teamwork is what makes us unique.Kirk Ludwig
ChFC®, CFP®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR,
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Kirk Ludwig
Kirk is co-founder and a shareholder of WestHill Financial Advisors®. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Linfield College and a master’s degree in financial services from The American College. Prior to WestHill, Kirk worked for Equitable as a registered representative. Because of the ever-changing requirements and bureaucracy that often befall large institutional companies, Kirk realized that his clients’ interests were best served by an independent local firm delivering the highest level of personalized service.
Kirk is the chairman of WestHill’s investment committee and oversees the Investment Management and Financial Planning teams. Kirk believes that every client should have a customized written investment and financial plan that clearly states their investment objectives, their acceptable level of investment risk, and a time horizon for reaching established goals. He believes that effective communication with clients, attention to detail, care and a sense of compassion are key to establishing trust and forming long-lasting relationships that help clients implement and fulfill their financial objectives.
In his spare time, Kirk enjoys water skiing, wakeboarding and travel.
kirk@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1565Meghan Hyland
CFP®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR,
DIRECTOR of FINANCIAL PLANNING
Meghan Hyland
Meghan graduated summa cum laude from Dominican University of California with an honors-level double major in Business (finance) and Political Science (international political economy). She went on to University of California, Berkeley, to study for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam. She not only passed the exam, she was also awarded a scholarship for her academic achievement and was nominated by faculty and peers for the Outstanding Student of the year. Meghan then achieved her masters in business administration (leading and managing organizational change) at Pepperdine University.
Meghan joined WestHill Financial Advisors® in June 2015. From the beginning, Meghan says she has "fallen in love" with financial planning and advising. Her passion for her career has developed as she has seen the effect a thoughtful financial plan can have on someone's life. Working with families to develop generations of wealth and to achieve goals has brought true meaning to the work she does every day. Meghan’s goal is to fulfill the trust placed in her by WestHill clients to provide care and attention to their financial needs.
When Meghan’s not in the office, you can find her training for her next race or mentoring young women to reach their own goals. She completed her first Ironman triathlon in 2019 and she thrives on the discipline and joy racing brings to her life. She volunteers with the nonprofit group SHE-CAN (Supporting Her Education Changes a Nation) as a mentor. In 2020, Meghan traveled to Liberia to select the next group of SHE-CAN scholars to come to the United States for college. Meghan’s work with SHE-CAN reflects her passion for women in leadership and her desire to unlock new opportunities for people everywhere.
meghan@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1570 | Podcast: Unlocking Resources and Creating Great Opportunities with Meghan HylandNico Safrit
CFP® FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Nico Safrit
Nico is a planner by nature. A native San Franciscan, he lives with his wife and two daughters in Mill Valley. Planning has always been a part of Nico’s personality: he enjoys preparing for life and adventures almost as much as he enjoys experiencing them. He has a passion for all forms of business and brings that to a successful client relationship.
Nico holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and a masters of business administration degree from the University of Oregon. Most recently, he served as Vice President Wealth Planner at Fidelity Investments, where he developed plans for a wide variety of clients and households. Nico is a big believer in customizing plans for each individual situation in order to achieve goals and reduce anxiety in an ever-changing economy and marketplace.
Nico considers himself an outdoorsman, both in the mountains and on the sea. He is an avid sailor, skier and tennis player. Happily, his entire family shares the same interests: he and Beth, Sophie and Scarlett spend quite a bit of time together. Planning for and experiencing his family is one of the great joys of Nico’s life.
nico@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1560Matt Taddei
ChFC®, CFP®, PhD
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Matt Taddei
He is also a member of Vistage, the world's largest executive coaching organization.
Matt inspires the team by sharing and using his knowledge of business and cultural development. As Director of Risk Management for WestHill, Matt works with clients to assess and advise on their insurance coverage needs as part of our broader financial planning process. Matt delights in creating long-term relationships with clients and the WestHill family.
Matt's passions outside of work include community involvement through Rotary and nonprofit service. Currently, he serves on the Capital Committee for Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus, coming soon to Marin County. His hobbies include exercise, golf and spending time with family and friends.
matt@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1562Diane McCracken
C(K)P®, AIF®, CPFA®️
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER,
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Diane McCracken
Diane is a shareholder of WestHill Financial Advisors® and serves as the firm's Chief Compliance officer and as the director of the Group Retirement Plan team. Diane worked in banking from 1984 until 1994 and began her professional career managing local savings and loan institutions. She later became a business banking officer for a local commercial bank.
Diane joined WestHill in 1994 and became a shareholder in 1995. As WestHill's director of the Group Retirement Plan team, Diane helps business owners navigate the complex world of group retirement plans, plan design, investment selection and the review process. She also aids in the selection of investment and administration providers.
Continuing education is important to Diane. She stays abreast of tax law and regulatory changes that affect qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. She has earned the C(k)P® designation, a certification specifically for 401(K) professionals, awarded by the Retirement Advisor University at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. Diane recently earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary AIF® designation, allowing her to assist plan sponsor fiduciaries with implementing a prudent process for managing qualified retirement plan programs. Diane serves on the board for Wednesday's Gift, a local community outreach nonprofit organization that provides the basic necessities of life to Marin County residents.
Outside of work and volunteering, Diane enjoys spending time with her long-term beau, Kelly, and their two dogs, laughing with her family and circle of friends. She also enjoys gardening, yoga and hiking around beautiful Marin.
diane@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1561John Ott
CLIENT SERVICE
ASSOCIATE
John Ott
John joined the firm in 2019. Before joining Westhill Financial Advisors®, he performed client and trade operations for Lateef Investment Management. John holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Oregon. John provides investment client service and advisor support, which include opening accounts and facilitating rollovers and transfers, among other client and advisor support tasks. He brings a fresh perspective to WestHill and has been instrumental in streamlining and digitizing our workflow and creating efficiencies to create an even greater client experience.
A Marin native, John fully appreciates everything it has to offer. He enjoys all things finance and is always trying to learn more about the industry.
john@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1574Don Wood
CLIENT SERVICE
ASSOCIATE
Don Wood
Don "DJ" has over 15 years of professional client service experience. Prior to joining our team in 2023, he was the operations manager for a Bay Area law firm, an East Bay wealth management firm, and worked five years as a client service associate at Capital One Investing in New York. In his role as CSA, Don provides ongoing service to Westhill investment clients and financial advisors. Don earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from State University of New York at Old Westbury. He is an avid sailor and enjoys travelling. So far, he has visited 27 National Parks.
don@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1575Zach Graybill
CLIENT SERVICE
ASSOCIATE
Zach Graybill
Zach is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University with more than a decade of client service experience in operational and administrative roles. Zach and his wife, Miranda, recently relocated to Durham, NC where they love to find new restaurants and explore local hiking trails with their two pups. He is also an avid runner with his sights set on completing his second marathon later this year.
zach@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1578Kaila Sanfelder
FINANCIAL PLANNING
ASSOCIATE
Kaila Sanfelder
Kaila joined Westhill Financial Advisors®️ in 2019. She has professional experience in several industries, including real estate and education, but her passion for providing excellent client service has been a constant throughout her career. Kaila has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mills College and a master’s degree in education from Dominican University.
At WestHill, Kaila works primarily with the financial planning and investment management teams, providing organized and detail-oriented client service. She is always ready with a smile and brings with her a positivity and professionalism that leaves a warm, lasting impression.
Outside the office, Kaila enjoys volunteering and staying active. Along with her grandmother, she co-chairs the Marin chapter of the Mills College Alumnae Association. Outside of regular work hours you can catch her racing sailboats, digging in the garden, and playing with her dog, Buddy.
kaila@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1568Yanina Moroz
CLIENT OPERATIONS
COORDINATOR
Yanina Moroz
Yanina has been a valued member of the WestHill Financial Advisors® family since 2014. She graduated from Sonoma State University with a master’s degree in organization development. Her leadership roles have demonstrated her high skill level in the areas of communication, project management, implementation of sales goals and the facilitation of meetings. Yanina has a strong aptitude for computers and software, and she manages the firm's cybersecurity and technology needs.
As a member of the investment team, she is instrumental to the team’s client service operations by creating, enhancing and implementing workflows and processes. Yanina’s inspiration comes from her desire to make a difference and be a catalyst for change, both at work and outside it. She believes that if we can learn to embrace change and are supportive of the outcome, we can overcome any challenge. Yanina’s strong global systematic perspective and her passion for creative problem solving allow her to thrive in leading teams through complex proceedings.
Yanina has spent time volunteering for Kaiser Hospital and the City of Novato. On weekends, you can find her on the water or riding horses along coastal mountain trails.
yanina@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1572Rosalyn Davis
QUALIFIED PLAN ASSOCIATE
HR COORDINATOR
Rosalyn Davis
Rosalyn joined WestHill Financial Advisors® as an intern in 1997. After earning a degree in business administration, Rosalyn transitioned to a full-time staff member in April 1998. Rosalyn has worked for more than 20 years in several roles, helping to promote an exemplary client experience and providing administrative and technical support to the advisors and the firm as a whole.
Rosalyn wears many hats, including benefits coordinator, compliance service technician and notary. Rosalyn’s primary focus is providing an excellent client experience to Group Retirement Plan clients and participants alike. She brings knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and energy to any task or project at hand.
Away from work, Rosalyn serves on several committees within her church organization and participates in its quarterly campaign to provide clothing and other necessities to the homeless. She loves spending time with her husband, their eight children and their growing families. Rosalyn and her husband love to sing together and often perform for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and retirement dinners. You might also spot Rosalyn at your local karaoke venue or in a cruise ship talent show competition.
rosalyn@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1567Elizabeth Lee
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND
INSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR
Elizabeth Lee
Elizabeth has been with WestHill Financial Advisors® for over six years. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Arizona State University. Her previous work experience includes 20 years in sales and marketing. She worked as sales manager and Western regional manager for E&J Gallo Winery and as vice president, sales and marketing, at Landmark Calendars and At-A-Glance. She also opened U.S. and Canadian markets as vice president of sales and marketing for Ink Group in Australia. Elizabeth also has more than seven years’ experience in the financial industry.
Elizabeth uses her years of professional experience and knowledge in her role as Executive Assistant to the CEO and two other C-level executives at WestHill, working in budgeting, finance, management, team meetings and client support, as well as insurance administration for the Risk Assessment team. She is a solutions-based client advocate whose attention to detail, follow-up and multi-tasking ability allows her to work diligently, efficiently and effectively to bring the best client experience possible. Among other invaluable contributions to WestHill, Elizabeth delights in serving as the firm’s Events and Gift Planning Coordinator, responsible for planning client events, employee events and WestHill’s community outreach and volunteerism projects.
Elizabeth grew up in Hawaii and enjoys traveling home every year. Besides travel, she enjoys spending time with family, as well as water sports, playing the piano, working out and being a part of St. Anthony’s' church as Lector Coordinator.
elizabeth@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1566John Hammond
CLU®, ChFC®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
John Hammond
John joined the firm in 2011 and brings more than 40 years’ experience helping clients in the financial services industry, most of which he spent as an independent financial advisor. John graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in business, with an emphasis on insurance. He also received the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) professional designations from The American College.
John is past president of the San Francisco Life Underwriters Association and the Marin Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and is a past board member of the Marin Estate Planning Council. At WestHill Financial Advisors, John provides financial advice and client service and also acts as a member of the firm’s investment committee. He enthusiastically lends his experience to special tasks, research and projects to advance WestHill’s service and overall client experience.
When not at work, John enjoys travel, reading, volunteering (primarily through the Las Gallinas Lions club), partying with friends or family, and making home improvements. John also admits to being a fair-weather sports fan when the local teams are doing well.
johnh@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1577Jack Nixon
ChFC®, CLU®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Emeritus
Jack Nixon
Jack joined WestHill Financial Advisors®, when he merged his practice with WestHill in 2007. He brings over 55 years of financial services experience to the team. Following college and service as a line officer on the U.S.S. Jenkins in the US Navy, Jack was licensed as an insurance agent in 1957 in Kansas City. He earned his MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1961 and worked with a major management consulting firm in New York City until 1963. Jack opened his own practice in Marin County in 1963, specializing in life and disability insurance, employee benefit plans, mutual funds, and pension, profit-sharing, and 401(k) plans. Jack also holds a CA Insurance License.
As a WestHill Financial Advisor, his depth of experience and knowledge of investment management, financial planning, corporate retirement plans, and insurance services expertise has proven invaluable to our growing company. He continues provide client investment advice and service and assists the firm with overall strategic planning.
Jack has been active in both community and professional affairs. At various times, he served as president of the Marin Life Underwriters Association, the Marin chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters, the National Association of State Mutual of America Agents, and the National Association of Allmerica Financial Agents. He also served as a Marin County Planning Commissioner from 1969 to 1973 and as a San Rafael City Councilman from 1973 to 1981. He was foreman of the 2015 Marin County Civil Grand Jury: this was followed by being president of the Marin Chapter of the California Grand Jury Association for two years. He currently serves as president of the Dominican Black Canyon Neighborhood Association.
His life is centered around his family; his grown children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren plus spouses and partners. For pleasure, he pursues reading, both fiction and non-fiction.
jack@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1564