Our Firm

George H. Edmiston Jr. has more than 40 years of experience in the investment consulting industry. After spending 10 years with E.F. Hutton, George joined Wheat First Securities (now Wells Fargo Advisors) in 1990. In 2001, he formed an independent broker dealer and investment advisory firm, Carolinas Investment Consulting LLC.

Prior to his investment career, George worked as a financial and marketing analyst with Armstrong World Industries.

George holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 28, 53, 63, 65, and 99 licenses.

Mr. Edmiston is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a BS degree in Finance.

Outside of his professional life, George has local affiliations including the YMCA of Greater Charlotte (Metro Board), YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly (Board Member), Rotary (Past President), Rotary Charitable Foundation (Treasurer), Charlotte Historic Rosedale (Board Member), North Carolina Family Policy Council (Board Member), Sugar Creek Charter School (Past Chairman), the Charlotte City Club (Past President), TowneBank (Past Board Member), The Carolinas Aviation Museum, and the Trail Of History (Board Member).

He is married to his wife Randi of 26 years, and they have three children.

Chris began working with George Edmiston in 1999 and is one of the founding members of CIC.  Before joining the firm, he worked for Bank of America in its Corporate Finance Department.  Chris is a native of the Charlotte region and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BS in Business Administration.  He holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, 65, and 99 licenses as well as his life and health insurance licenses.

Chris focuses his efforts on individual clients as well as corporate retirement plans.  His clients include executives, small business owners, physicians, medical practices, and multi-generational families.  Since each relationship is unique and important, Chris takes the time to fully understand each client’s individual needs in order to develop a tailored and appropriate plan.  His primary goal in establishing such a plan is to provide his clients with peace of mind and to reduce stress that may come when thinking about their financial future.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, hiking, traveling, and photography.  Chris and his wife, Christie, live in Fort Mill, SC with their two children.

Jeanne serves as CIC’s Chief Operating Officer and as a Chief Compliance Officer in addition to being one of the owners of the firm. She has over 25 years of experience with the CIC team, the first 15 of which as a Relationship Manager working directly with clients. She shares this experience with others in the firm to perpetuate the CIC culture of putting the client first and maintaining the highest of standards.

After receiving a BS in Engineering Physics and a BA in Aeronautics-Mathematics from Miami University in Ohio, she went on to obtain her MBA from The University of Connecticut, concentrating in Finance and Management.

Jeanne is originally from Connecticut, but now happily calls North Carolina home. She currently lives in Waxhaw with her husband and son.  For recreation she enjoys spending time at her farm with her horses and the rest of the menagerie, traveling with her family, and reading. Jeanne holds FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 63, 65, and 99 licenses.

Dr. John E. Silvia joined Carolinas Investment Consulting in August 2019 after his recent retirement from Wells Fargo where he served as Managing Director and Chief Economist.  He held that position since joining Wachovia in 2002 as the company’s Chief Economist. Prior to Wells Fargo, John worked on Capitol Hill as a senior economist for the U.S. Senate Joint Economic Committee and as Chief Economist of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Previously, he was Chief Economist for Kemper Funds and Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.

John has written three books on economics. The first book, Dynamic Economic Decision Making, was published by Wiley in August 2011. During this time, John was awarded a National Association of Business Economics (NABE) Fellow Certificate of Recognition for outstanding contributions to the business economics profession and leadership among business economists of the nation. His second book, Economic and Business Forecasting was published by Wiley in 2014.

John received his B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Economics from Northeastern University and his Master of Economics degree from Brown University.

John is currently in the process of launching his firm, John E. Silvia, Dynamic Economic Strategy.

Insights

Links to articles John has contributed to this site:

• Economic Update January 2020
• Economic Update September 2019

Wade helps a select group of professionals and families manage, grow, and preserve their wealth. He specializes in guiding clients to achieve their most cherished goals by aligning customized and durable investment portfolios with comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services.

Leveraging the resources and expertise of his client-focused team at CIC, he is passionate about empowering families by bringing clarity and peace of mind to their vision through education, careful planning, diligent execution, and clear communication.

Wade originally joined the CIC team in 2012 to serve individual clients and lead the firm’s continued growth and business development initiatives. His discipline and attention to process were shaped by his prior client development and strategic advising work in the corporate arena, most recently at Xerox Corporation.  While National Accounts General Manager, he focused exclusively on the financial sector, providing solutions for several of the U.S.’s largest financial services corporations.

A native of the Charlotte region, Wade graduated with honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology earning a BS degree in Management with a concentration in Finance and certificate in Psychology.

Wade has served on boards at Charlotte Latin School and Myers Park Presbyterian Church, currently a Deacon, and enjoys serving in additional community endeavors. His wife Lilla is a teacher and lower school faculty chair at Charlotte Latin School.  They live in Charlotte and have a grown son, Davis, and daughter, Garland. Wade holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Nargiz joined CIC in June of 2019 as a Relationship Manager but her relationship with the firm predates to June 2014 when she supported the firm first as an Operations Associate and subsequently as a Compliance Officer. Nargiz’s background also includes working at Bank of America Securities and Novant Health.

Nargiz graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also obtained her Master of Business Administration from Wingate University.

Nargiz is originally from Kazakhstan and speaks fluent Russian. Nargiz, her husband, who is originally from Ukraine, and their daughter, Sasha, reside in South Charlotte. Nargiz holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 66, and 99 licenses. She also passed level 1 of the CFA program.

Steve joined CIC in 2022 as a Consultant after serving with Northwestern Mutual as a Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director for nine years. He serves wealthy families and business owners through a comprehensive and strategic approach, allowing clients to live with the confidence and peace of mind knowing that their unique goals and dreams can be accomplished. He believes that a great planning experience includes active listening, deep understanding, thorough analysis, strategic advice, and world class execution. Steve is a graduate of UCLA with a B.A. in Sociology. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM and a RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL^® while currently holding FINRA Series 7, 63, and 26 licenses.

Prior to his career in financial services, Steve enjoyed a career playing and coaching soccer both collegiately & professionally. A southern California native, Steve was a walk on for the nationally recognized UCLA men’s soccer program winning the 1997 NCAA National Championship. After graduating from UCLA, he was the #1 pick in the 2000 Major League Soccer draft and had a 10-year professional playing career followed by five years of coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Outside of his professional life, Steve loves spending time with his family. He and his wife Kari have five incredible children, with whom they enjoy creating memorable experiences together. He currently serves on the board for I AM 24/7 and supports other faith-based organizations like Missionary Athletes International, Campus Outreach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Following his daughter’s diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in 2017, Steve and his family have also been involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease and a world without T1D.

Summary

Robert creates tailored investment portfolios for wealthy families and small institutions together with comprehensive plans for lasting financial success.

Philosophy

Investment strategy and financial planning go hand-in-hand. Effective wealth consulting requires understanding both disciplines and paying attention to where they overlap and interact. Robert integrates the math and science with creativity and craftsmanship to arrive at thoughtful advice for each unique client.

Services

Robert serves foundations, endowments, and employers by providing investment advice along with education and coaching. Trustees of retirement plans and charitable institutions partner with Robert to unite their expertise in the organizations they serve with his knowledge of capital markets, manager selection, performance measurement, board structure and governance, and other aspects of long-term capital stewardship.

Robert applies the same skills to consulting individuals and families who wish to protect and grow their wealth. He combines an institutional approach to portfolio management with ongoing attention to clients' personal goals, life events, and family dynamics.

With his broad personal and professional experience, Robert is adept as a liaison among all of a client's trusted advisors such as CPAs, attorneys, insurance advisors, trustees, and loan officers. Dealing directly with these other professionals improves coordination and saves clients valuable time.

Robert also caters to professionals who require discretionary investment management and may have complex compliance or disclosure requirements. These include attorneys, consultants, investment bankers, and public company executives whose financial lives are complicated by laws, regulations, or employer policies.

Background

Naturally curious and highly analytical, Robert thrives on complex problem solving. He eagerly learns details, drills down on intricacies, and keeps track of moving pieces to help clients stay organized and make good decisions.

Following a college internship at Carolinas Investment Consulting, Robert went on to help lead several Internet startups before joining us full-time in 2016. He currently oversees the firm’s information infrastructure in addition to advising clients.

Growing up in Charlotte, Robert was a “lifer” at Charlotte Country Day School, after which he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics at Duke University. A lifelong member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Robert is an Eagle Scout and Arrowman and remains active as a Scoutmaster in the church’s Boy Scout Troop.

Insights

Links to articles Robert has contributed to this site:

• Return Targets and Risk
• COVID-19: Keep Calm
• Ten: A Deceptively Convenient Round Number
• Leaving Your Job? Don't Forget Your Money!

Audrey joined CIC in 2023 as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and works with clients of the firm to connect their resources to a purpose, efficiently and with intent. Through the planning process, she addresses matters related to retirement, taxes and estate planning.

She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was in the first cohort of students to go through the Wisconsin School of Business's CFP Board-registered education program. She started her career with Baird on their Financial Planning team at the headquarters in Milwaukee, WI. During that time, she earned her Series 7 and 66 licenses and completed a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program. At the end of 2021, Audrey helped a former classmate launch an independent RIA firm, developing key workflows and processes, while meeting with high net worth clients and their external professionals.

When she isn't working on financial plans, you can find Audrey running, walking or roller blading with her blue heeler mix, Daisy. She also enjoys hot yoga, live music and listening to podcasts.

Virginia serves as CIC’s Compliance and Operations Manager. She has over 20 years of experience in financial services, working directly with clients as well as specializing in operations and back-office functions. She is also well versed in regulatory compliance and is licensed as a Securities Principal. She has previously worked in the industry for companies such as BB&T and Vanguard. Virginia is passionate about process improvement, pursuing excellence, and putting the client first. She is a Charlotte native and graduated from Charlotte Country Day School and North Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. Virginia currently lives in Charlotte with her four children. She is an avid reader, loves all genres of music, board games, trivia, and is a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church. Virginia holds her FINRA series 7, 63, 65, 9, 10 and 24 licenses.

Anna joined CIC in October of 2018 and is brand new to Charlotte! Originally from Baton Rouge, she graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC and then took a job with Southern Living Magazine in Birmingham, AL. Her final years in Birmingham were spent working in the communications/marketing department for Harbert Management Corporation, an independent investment management firm.

Anna’s hobbies include painting, traveling, riding horses, scuba diving and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Linda became a part of CIC in December of 2003 bringing more than 30 years of business experience in many areas, mainly customer service and business administration. Linda relocated to Charlotte from Philadelphia in mid-2003 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She is the face and voice of CIC for our clients, while handling many administrative, correspondence, purchasing, and support functions for the entire team. Linda is also a Notary Public.

Mary Alex, a CIC team member since June 2020, holds a B.S. in Strategic Communications and a minor in General Business from Texas Christian University. A former TCU Ranger and Ms. TCU, she showcased her school spirit in events like College Game Days and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo's Grand Entry. Prior to joining CIC, Mary Alex gained political communication experience in Senator Richard Burr’s D.C. office and with Senator Ted Budd's campaign team.

Currently pursuing her MBA at Wake Forest University's Charlotte campus, Mary Alex balances her professional endeavors with a passion for outdoor activities such as running marathons, horseback riding, camping, and hunting. During her downtime, she cherishes moments with family, friends, and finds fulfillment in serving at her church.

Insights

Links to articles Mary Alex has contributed to this site:

• Feeling The Rise in Gas and Food Prices
• What is Medicare IRMMA?
• How to Keep Records Minus The Clutter?
• Qualified Charitable Distributions vs. Appreciated Stock Gifting

Dawson is a Relationship Manager working with Chris Grogan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Finance with a concentration in financial planning from Virginia Tech’s board-registered CFP® certification education program. Dawson holds the FINRA Series 65 license.

Outside the office, Dawson enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, volunteering, golf, and pickleball. He is also involved with the Charlotte Hokies alumni association.

Lyric joined the firm in July 2000 to focus on providing our clients financial planning services. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in Accounting. She received her MBA from Queens University in Charlotte. Prior to joining the firm, Lyric had a 15 year career with Bank of America and its predecessors. At Bank of America, Lyric served as a Vice President and Trust Officer in the Private Wealth Management group, after several years in the Audit Division. Lyric is married to Mitch; they have two adult children, Jake and Rachel. Lyric is a member of Calvary Church, where she serves in Children’s Ministry, and the Financial Planning Association of Charlotte. In her free time you may find her at the Harris YMCA or enjoying the lake or beach with her family and friends.

Bridget is a Financial Planner who joined CIC in March of 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Finance with a concentration in financial planning from Virginia Tech’s board-registered CFP® certification education program. Bridget holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses and has obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.

As for her day to day responsibilities, she meets with families and individuals to help them organize their financial lives and define their life goals. Pairing her education and experience with top notch planning technology, she develops projections to help CIC clients visualize their current situation and develop an action plan for the future.

Although originally from Virginia Beach, she has fallen in love with Charlotte and is happy to call it home. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to concerts, and cheering on the Panthers, Hornets, and her Virginia Tech Hokies.

Insights

Explore more articles written by Bridget by clicking the links below.

• Turning 65 Soon?
• You Missed the Cut, Now What?
• Personal Finance 101
• Are You Making These 3 Common Estate Planning Mistakes?
• Should I Use Social Security Benefits as my Pandemic Emergency Fund?
• Once You Retire, Where Will the Money Come From?

Lyle joined CIC in 2021 as a Relationship Manager working with Wade Austin. Prior to joining the firm, Lyle was an Overlay Portfolio Manager at Adhesion Wealth, a Unified Managed Accounts platform. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Finance with a concentration in financial planning from Virginia Tech’s board-registered CFP® certification education program. Lyle holds the FINRA Series 65 license.

Originally from Grundy, Virginia, he now calls the Madison Park neighborhood of Charlotte home with his wife Alexa. Outside of the office, he can be found playing golf or working out at a local YMCA. He is a Charlotte FC season ticket holder and involved with the Charlotte Hokies alumni association.

Martha joined the firm in October 2018 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 30 years of finance experience as a CPA with Wells Fargo, HSBC, and small businesses.  She is a graduate of Meredith College where she received a BS degree in Accounting.  Martha is a North Carolina native and is married to Matt; they have two children, Jack and Will.  She also enjoys running and vacationing at the beach.

Karen joined CIC in January of 2015 as Executive Administrator, bringing over 27 years of administrative experience to the firm. Karen is a native of North Carolina and resides in Charlotte.

Molly joined CIC in February of 2014 as a Relationship Manager. Previously, she was with Vanguard and with JP Morgan in the Private Bank division. She has 25 years of experience in the investment industry. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and lives in Tega Cay with her three children. Molly holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.

Greg is a Relationship Manager at CIC and brings with him financial services experience gained during his prior work at The Vanguard Group. While there he served in client service and as a Small Business Retirement Plan Specialist. Greg earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Clemson University in 2019, and he holds the FINRA Series 7 , 66, and 63 licenses.

Although Greg is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, he now calls Charlotte home. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and traveling.