Meet Our Team
At Pathway Advisors we believe that your financial course is exclusively yours and deserves a unique plan to take you toward the life to which you aspire. We want to prepare you for the inevitable changes of life and allow you to enjoy the journey along the way. We work with a variety of clients in all stages of life, helping them plan for the future in a way that works best for their distinct needs.
Pathway is an independent firm. What does that mean for you? It means there is no pressure for us to sell privately owned products or services; you will receive open-minded guidance and advice that is tailored for each individual venture. This allows Pathway to always put your best interest front and center, offering prompt, candid service with the highest level of integrity.
“I think it’s true what they say: Life really is a journey- and it’s not always easy to know which maps to trust or what to pack for the trip. But whatever the weather, wherever the road leads, I think the best possible traveling advice would be this: Bring a friend.”
-Keely Chase
Pathway is here for you through every step of life, and we understand that detours will occur. Whether it is financing a new business, making the decision to go back to school or coping with the death of a spouse, we will help you re-evaluate your path accordingly.
Welcome to Pathway Advisors
Eric Kent, CFP has endeavored to bring the highest level of expertise to clients since 1992. Eric believes effective wealth management includes coordination with tax and legal advisors – streamlining financial matters to produce efficiency and convenience. This in turn frees clients to pursue other important goals in their lives. In 2002, Eric earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and in 2004 he went on to earn his Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) credential.
In 2006 Eric completed his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, earning the Investment Strategist Certification. And in 2008 he completed training at the University of Chicago, GSB to earn the Certified Private Wealth Advisor© designation.
When not at the office, Eric spends time with his wife and two daughters; as a family they enjoy horse training and hiking in the woods. At his home in Pineville, you may spot Eric painting or designing and building furniture. Eric is active in his church community, as well as volunteering with the United Way of Central Louisiana. A personal goal of his is to help his daughters get set up in their own businesses so they are empowered to bless the world in the unique way God designed for each of them.
Carol Kinder believes in developing a bond with her clients, getting to know their financial history and learning the direction they want for their future. In order to create a customized portfolio, Carol delves into her clients’ lives to learn and connect with them and their families on a personal level.
Earning her degree of Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University, Carol has been a Financial Advisor since 1995. To stay active with her community, Carol is involved in the NEXT STEP organization, whose mission is to educate the community about the prevalence of domestic violence and provide transitional housing supportive services for victims as part of the healing and recovery process.
When not at the office, it’s a good bet you’ll find Carol either sipping a glass of wine on the patio or around the house with her grandchild taking advantage of an open door policy shared with her family. “Family is the most important thing, and we need to work at keeping it close,” says Carol.
One of Carol’s personal missions continues to be the education of women in regard to finances and investing as, “life often brings about unexpected changes and choices, it is important for every woman to be prepared and informed to make tough decisions during tough times.” This passion motivates Carol to continue to educate women as part of her life-long commitment of giving back.
Michael Kearney, MBA, CFP®
Financial Advisor
michael@pathwayadvisorsllc.com
With a family history in financial investing, Michael Kearney’s father instilled in him his passion for the financial markets from a very young age.
Being a financial advisor is Michael’s ‘when I grow up job’ and he feels that the most rewarding part of his work are the people he meets and the paths he can lead them towards. Michael’s passion is what motivates him to help his clients exceed in life- both financially and personally. Believing there is much more to financial investing than meets the eye, Michael’s motto is “It is not always about the money, it is about the path you want to pursue.”
Michael holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Northwestern State University and holds the designation of Certified Financial Planner. As well as being an adjunct instructor of Finance at Louisiana State University, Alexandria, he has been in the financial industry since 1995.
Mr. Kearney is a lifelong resident of Central Louisiana and, when not helping his clients, loves to be out on the local golf courses. Wanting to share his passion for golf with the Alexandria community, Michael promotes golf to young children at a local golf course. As an active member of the Lions Club, Alexandria chapter, Michael volunteers his time to various humanitarian projects statewide. As a devoted dog lover, Michael is active in many of the dog rescue programs throughout the city of Alexandria and the State of Louisiana.
Joanie Bradford
Executive Assistant
joanie@pathwayadvisorsllc.com
Joanie has been working with the Pathway team since 2002 and was brought on board as Pathway’s Executive Assistant. She was selected by First Allied Securities, Inc. to be a member of their Operations Advisory Council. Outside of the office, Joanie prefers to be just that – outside. She loves to be in the great outdoors doing everything from deer hunting to fishing. While she loves structure and planning in her work life, Joanie’s ideal vacation is heading out on the open road with no particular destination in mind. For quick weekend trips, she heads out to her family’s camp. Taking a cruise and deep-sea fishing top her life’s “to-do” list.
Kisha Ruff
Administrative Assistant
kisha@pathwayadvisorsllc.com
At Pathway, a warm and welcome greeting is delivered with authentic Louisiana hospitality by none other than Kisha. A bright and friendly person, Kisha enjoys contributing to the culture at Pathway to ensure that everyone, especially clients, can appreciate. “Everyone here is just awesome. We take pride in our work and function as a team – it really keeps the stress out when people work together.” When not at the office, Kisha can be spotted diligently at the gym or enjoying a fun night out with the girls at local spots such as Copeland’s (try their cheesecake!). Kisha also has a bit of wanderlust, helping her to relate to those clients of ours that have the travel bug, and hopes to revisit Colorado, the Grand Canyon and other majestic places of our country.