Our Profile
Partners for the Long Run - Investing for life’s changing needs
The Rivard Teahen Group takes pride in building long-term partnerships with its clients. We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations in service. We create and manage investment plans that are designed to meet their needs. Our investment philosophy and the Private Wealth Management process have been developed, and are continuously improved upon, with this in mind. We work daily to earn and maintain our clients’ trust and welcome the opportunity to help plan your financial future.
Our team approach adds perspective to all we do and provides increased benefits to our clients.
Meet Our Team
Kurt Rivard, CFA®
Managing Director, Private Investment Manager, Senior Investment Consultant
Kurt brings over 37 years of industry experience to Baird and is an investment specialist with a comprehensive background in asset allocation, portfolio management and the wealth management process. He has been a Financial Advisor based out of Traverse City since 2002, serving high net worth clients across the country.
Prior to joining Baird’s Traverse City office, Kurt served as a Managing Director and the Director of Research and Analytics for Baird in its corporate offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kurt’s responsibilities included developing the firm’s economic and market strategy, equity, fixed income and mutual fund research, as well as responsibility for separate account management research, financial and estate planning and private investment management. He served as Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee and was a member of the Investment Advisory Oversight Committee and the Stock Selection Committee.
Kurt spent 17 years as a research equity analyst and was recognized in the Reuters Survey in 1998 and 1999, and as a Wall Street Journal All-Star Analyst in 1999. He received his charter from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analyst®™s in 1986. Kurt is a member of the CFA® Institute, and is a past officer and director of the Twin Cities Society of Security Analysts and Milwaukee Investment Analysts Society. Kurt has a BA in Financial Administration and Insurance from Michigan State University. Kurt has completed Baird's Investment Consultants Program held at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
Kurt is a member of the Rotary Club of Traverse City. He spends his leisure time outdoors and especially enjoys hiking and sailing. In the winter he snowshoes and is a certified member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
Carly Ellis, CFP®
PWM, Financial Planner, Assistant Vice President
Carly has over 20 years of industry experience and has worked at Baird for 19 years.
She supports the Rivard Teahen Group providing wealth management solutions through financial planning. She works closely with individuals and families building a foundation and helping them reach their financial goals. Client satisfaction is her top priority, consistent with Baird's mission to provide the best advice and service to it's clients.
She received a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, currently holds her Series 7, 6, 63, and insurance licenses and obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2011.
Carly and her husband, Dan live in Traverse city with their two children. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys boating, being outdoors, photography, and skiing.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirement.
Karla Taylor, WMCP®
Client Specialist
Karla joined Baird in 2019 and brings over a decade of customer service experience to the Rivard Teahen group. She works closely with our clients to ensure all their needs are met.
Detailed, dependable, and kind, she has a great rapport with all who visit the office or call in. Clients know they can reach out to her and that their questions or requests will be handled promptly and appropriately.
Karla supports the team by preparing and processing account paperwork, monitoring reports, handling daily transactions and other critical administrative duties to keep the office running smoothly. She holds her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and recently achieved her Wealth Management Certified Professional designation.
Karla, and her husband Gabe, live in Traverse City. When not busy wrangling their new baby daughter, Karla spends her free time practicing her photography skills and teaching herself how to cook various global cuisines.
Rebecca Teahen
Financial Advisor
Rebecca recently joined the team as a Financial Advisor after a successful 20+ year career in philanthropy. Most recently, Rebecca served as Associate Vice President for Resource Development for Northwestern Michigan College and Executive Director for the NMC Foundation. In this role, Rebecca was responsible for the management of $50 million in charitable assets, ensuring the effective stewardship of donor gifts and working closely with high-net-worth families to achieve their philanthropic goals through current and estate gifts.
An active community volunteer, Rebecca is currently serving on the boards of the Economic Club of Traverse City, 20 Fathoms, and the Northport Promise. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Traverse City and helps other organizations with fundraising strategies as well.
Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University. Outside of professional and volunteer roles, Rebecca is an avid horseback rider. She and her husband have three children, three horses, one big dog, and a bunch of chickens on a small farm in Northport.