Meet the management team
Todd Schoonover
Regional Managing Director
Todd has over two decades of experience in financial services and he is dedicated to guiding financial professionals in the dynamic world of investment and risk management. Under his leadership, Todd has established a culture focused on building strong, heartfelt relationships, helping both individuals and businesses with financial planning and risk management strategies. He holds a B.S. in Finance with a minor in Economics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and remains active in his alumni community, including involvement with Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He is also a member of NAIFA, staying engaged in the industry. Outside of his professional life, Todd enjoys golfing and boating with his wife, their three adult children, extended family, and friends.
Contact information
770-250-7600
schoonover.todd@principal.com
Frank Avrett
Senior Managing Director
Frank has devoted over three decades empowering others with the financial tools and confidence to achieve their goals. Frank focuses on offering opportunities to individuals who want to become financial professionals and make a difference in their communities. His clients' and financial professionals' aspirations are at the core of his mission. He holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Auburn University. Outside of his professional life, Frank and his family are avid outdoors people and enjoy hiking the mountains of North Georgia as often as possible with their Golden Retrievers.
Contact information
770-250-7575
avrett.frank@principal.com
Chris Sizemore, CLF®
Senior Managing Director
Chris Sizemore focuses on the growth and development of the Birmingham Office. With 20 plus years of industry experience with Principal, Chris oversees growth, recruiting, and supervision within the state. He is actively involved in the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Chris is a graduate of Auburn University. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and supporting Auburn athletics.
Contact information
205-444-5591
sizemore.chris@principal.com
Sean An
Managing Director
Since beginning a career in financial services in 2005, Sean has focused on helping individuals and businesses navigate retirement planning and financial strategies. Specializing in small to medium-sized company-sponsored retirement plans, he works closely with clients to develop tailored approaches that align with their long-term goals. Sean’s experience and dedication have allowed him to build strong professional alliances, particularly within the Korean market and in collaboration with CPAs. Integrity, faith, and a genuine care for clients are the guiding principles that shape his work. Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with his spouse and two children.
Contact information
770-250-7602
an.sean@principal.com
Justin Garofalo, MBA
Managing Director - Investments
Justin joined Principal® in 2019 and leverages over a decade of experience in the financial services and wealth management industry to support the growth of financial professionals. He focuses on helping financial professionals access the global resources of 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏand enabling clients to pursue their personal and professional financial goals. Justin holds an MBA from The University of Memphis and a bachelor's degree from Auburn University, with a concentration in Finance and a minor in International Business. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, deep-sea fishing, and spending quality time with family and friends, and is an avid animal activist.
Contact information
770-250-7577 or 901-605-3669
garofalo.justin@principal.com
Dava Weitzel
Associate Director Field Operations
Dava drives operational excellence in partnership with the regional and territory leaders. Through leadership of and in partnership with a team of territorial support staff she strives to deliver solutions to help financial professionals cultivate compliant and best in class practices.
Contact information
770-250-7606
weitzel.dava@princpal.com
Erin Thornburgh
Senior Manager Field Operations
Erin leads a team of new business consultants and works closely with corporate partners to develop processes which enable the team to provide an elevated level of service to the representatives in the territory.
Contact information
thornburgh.erin@principal.com
Josh Hall
Senior Business Development Consultant
Josh works alongside the management team and representatives to create and implement initiatives designed to boost marketing, enhance branding, and drive business development at both the individual representative and regional office levels.
Contact information
hall.josh@principal.com
Reginald Lawton
New Business Consultant
Reginald is responsible for consulting and managing new business case design and submission. He partners with financial professionals and their teams, along with our corporate product partners, to ensure cases are submitted accurately so they can be processed on time and in alignment with product area processes.
Contact information
lawton.reginald@principal.com
Amie Johnson
Site Coordinator
Amie plays a crucial role in ensuring our offices operate efficiently. Working closely with the entire team, she serves as a skilled troubleshooter who addresses challenges head-on. Amie takes pride in making sure inquiries are handled promptly. With her proactive approach and attention to detail, Amie contributes to a supportive environment where client needs are prioritized.
Contact information
johnson.amie@principal.com
Kassie Hulick
Candidate Experience Consultant
Kassie partners with the management team to provide comprehensive support to all new financial representative candidates through the onboarding and initial marketing launch processes. This includes scheduling of exams, ordering background checks, and preparing contracting and registration paperwork.
Contact information
hulick.kassie@principal.com
Alan Little
Field Supervisor
Alan assists the management team with their supervisory and regulatory responsibilities. He is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the firm by ensuring activities comply with regulatory requirements, laws, and firm policies.
Contact information
little.alan@principal.com
Jane Choi, CLF®, LUTCF®
National Recruiting Director
For over two decades, Jane has specialized in building and leading entrepreneurial teams and helping individuals from diverse backgrounds grow and succeed in their careers. Her expertise is in recruiting, with a focus on identifying, hiring, and retaining top talent with strong business acumen and strategic problem-solving skills. Jane is passionate about fostering collaboration while upholding the values of client service, operational excellence, and market growth. Her goal is to help create high-performing offices that offer meaningful opportunities and long-term support for professionals in our industry. If you are interested in joining our nationwide network of leaders and financial professionals, she would love to connect.
Contact information
805-844-0025
choi.jane@principal.com
Lisa Rinehart
Regional Talent Acquisition Consultant
Lisa has decades of experience in the financial services industry with a career that started managing credit union relationships on the West Coast. She joined Principal® in 2008 to focus on sourcing registered financial professional and leader talent. She finds great satisfaction in this role as she lives out the company’s values and mission bringing new talent from across the country into our culture of inclusion and diversity, where both specific and holistic practices thrive.
Contact Information
559-214-2123
rinehart.lisa@principal.com
Melville Waithe
National Director - Succession and Practice Management
Melville is an experienced financial services leader with a strong background in wealth management sales and a commitment to servant leadership. Skilled in managing, coaching, and mentoring teams of over 1,000 professionals, including sales coaches, financial and wealth advisors, client relationship consultants, and senior managers, both directly and indirectly. Proven success in guiding advisor teams to integrate key principles of practice management, business planning, insights discovery, advisor technology resources, and the consultative sales process into their operations. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business and is a proud lifetime member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in business administration and The National Society of Leadership and Success.
Contact information
704-716-2468
waithe.melville@principal.com
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