Our Team Experienced Credentialed Fiduciaries
Meet the team! Petersen Hastings has a multi-generational team of experienced and credentialed professional fiduciaries.
Jeff Petersen, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Petersen, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Chief Executive Officer
When Jeff Petersen needed equipment to start a lawn mowing business, he didn’t borrow from family. His dad took him to the bank and co-signed on a lawnmower loan. It’s been years—and thousands of kept promises, fulfilled contracts, and satisfied customers—since Jeff last mowed lawns professionally, but the character developed in that experience remains.
Jeff managed a racquet club prior to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University. He joined Petersen Hastings in 1986. Jeff maintains memberships in the Western Pension Conference and the Seattle chapter of the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute. He also earned recognition as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and the professional designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®). Jeff upholds a family tradition of community service by serving on the Lourdes Health Network board.
As the first president of the Lourdes Health Network Foundation, he was a signatory to the documents that established the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Jeff is also very active in world-class cyclist Lance Armstrong’s Cancer Foundation program.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Individualization, Belief, Connectedness, Learner, Arranger
Scott Sarber, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
President
Scott Sarber, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
President
Scott came to Petersen Hastings in 1995 and is currently the President of the firm. He also earned recognition as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner.
Scott’s professional memberships include the Financial Planning Association, the CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Spokane, National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA), and the Tri-Cities Estate Planning Council. He has Business Administration degrees from Eastern Washington University in Finance and Economics, and completed the coursework from the College for Financial Planning.
He is involved in the community through serving as a board member and treasurer of Ignite Youth Mentoring. He is also a past board member of the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties and is the past chairman of the Planned Giving Committee. He is also a former president of the Columbia Valley Daybreak Rotary Club. Scott and his wife are raising two children, and he is actively involved in their education and sporting activities. Scott was a collegiate tennis player who hung up his racquet to train and compete in triathlons. He also spends time outdoors hiking and hunting with his daughter and Labrador retriever. He is also active in music and youth ministries at his church.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Communication, Woo, Maximizer, Includer, Ideation
Matthew Neff, CRPC®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Neff, CRPC®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Neff has the heart of a teacher and is focused on his client’s future and legacy. He takes time to get to know each client to be able to provide the best course for them to achieve not only their financial goals but their personal goals as well.
Matt joined Petersen Hastings in 1999 and is a principle in the firm. He is a Washington State Cougar with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. He has earned two professional designations, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®) and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®). He currently serves on the TD Ameritrade Institutional National Advisory Panel.
He is a devoted husband and proud father of two future WSU Cougars. When he is not in the office, you can find him spending time with his family, coaching soccer, geocaching, kayaking and volunteering in our community with Junior Achievement, the Pasco School District and Ruth Livingston Elementary.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Relator, Developer, Individualization, Discipline, Arranger
Blaine Carr, CPA, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Chief Financial Officer
Blaine Carr, CPA, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Chief Financial Officer
The investment arena is flooded with salespeople, however, Blaine is not one of them. Since 2002, Blaine has been a dedicated member of the Petersen Hastings team. As an informed consumer, Chief Financial Officer, and shareholder, he takes pride in working with a team that promotes its financial expertise rather than an inventory of commission-paying products. Blaine is, both by nature and by training, a listener and a problem-solver.
Blaine attended Central Washington University and earned an accounting degree, after which he practiced as a CPA with a regional accounting firm. In addition to his experience as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Blaine also earned the first designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) in our region.
Like much of the Petersen Hastings team, Blaine is involved in the community. His church, and various local organizations and numerous youth sport teams benefit from his leadership and problem-solving abilities. Blaine and his wife Rachal are the proud parents of five little Carrs.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Relator, Analytical, Learner, Responsibility, Belief
Josh Chittenden, CFP®, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
Josh Chittenden, CFP®, AIF® Wealth Advisor
Josh has a passion for financial planning that started early in his life. In 1996, Thomas Stanley wrote a book titled, “The Millionaire Next Door.” This book helped shape the interest he has in financial planning and helping people achieve their goals. Josh’s favorite part of being an advisor is meeting with his clients, helping them map out their goals, and working with them to ensure they can achieve those goals.
Josh graduated from Gonzaga University in 2006 with a Bachelor in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Marketing. After graduation he joined Petersen Hastings in July 2006. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations. The CFP® entails completing a financial planning curriculum, passing a comprehensive exam, and agreeing to adhere to a strict code of professional conduct. The AIF® designation is the only designation that demonstrates knowledge and competency in the area of fiduciary responsibility.
Josh was born in Washington, but grew up on the “wet” side, Seattle. He moved to the Tri-Cities when he started his career with Petersen Hastings in 2006. He is married to Morgan and has two children. He enjoys being involved in activities with them. He has coached his kids’ baseball, basketball, and football teams through the City of Richland and YMCA. He also volunteers as a Junior Achievement teacher in multiple classrooms each year. Josh is an active board member of the Kadlec Foundation, Pasco Kennewick Rotary, Junior Achievement, and Partners for Early Learning.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Futuristic, Achiever, Competition, Focus, Includer
Matthew Petersen, CTFA, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
Trust Services Representative
Matthew Petersen, CTFA, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
Trust Services Representative
As a third generation Petersen at Petersen Hastings, Matthew was raised with core family values that included the investment philosophy and fiduciary responsibilities held by Petersen Hastings. Matthew is a natural teacher and coach, and he uses that strength to make difficult concepts easy to understand. He believes wealth advising is about leading and educating people holistically in order to achieve comprehensive long-term success.
As a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), Matthew teams with private wealth management clients, corporate retirement plans, nonprofits, and businesses to guide them down the Trusted Financial Path™. The Petersen Hastings Trusted Financial Path™ is a systematic process that guides committed investors with complex financial situations, toward accomplishing their goals. In Addition, Matthew oversees the Petersen Hastings Private Trust service line as a trust representative. Petersen Hastings Private Trust is a Trust Representative Office (TRO) through Petersen Hastings’ partnership with National Advisors Trust Company (NATC).
Matthew is an active board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, the Lourdes Health Network Foundation, and the Columbia Basin College Foundation. Matthew is the firm’s resident Duck, graduating from the University of Oregon. He is also a member of Columbia Center Rotary.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Competition, Ideation, Individualization, Futuristic, Context
Donna Yakawich, CPA, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
Donna Yakawich, CPA, AIF® Wealth Advisor
Donna joined the Petersen Hastings team in 2013 after having practiced as a CPA for nearly 20 years. This experience has provided her an extensive background in helping to service a variety of client’s financial and tax related needs. She’s passionate about helping people achieve their life financial goals and she particularly enjoys working closely with clients to provide advice on the challenges and complexities faced throughout the entire planning process.
Donna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Montana State University. She is professionally designated as a Certified Public Accountant and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and is currently a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA).
Donna has given her leadership and financial expertise to the community through serving on non-profit Boards and Advisory Committees. She currently serves on the Finance Advisory Board at her church and the local Advisory Committee for Catholic Family and Child Services. She also volunteers with the Tri-Cities Prep High School Booster Club among others. Donna, her husband and their son love to travel and enjoy outdoor activities including water and snow skiing, boating, camping, fishing, golf and tennis. She also likes to read and spend great times with extended family and personal friends.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Connectedness, Adaptability, Positivity, Developer, Input
Ben Tanke, AIF®
Retirement Plan Advisor
Ben Tanke, AIF® Retirement Plan Advisor
Ben learned at a young age while working on his family’s wheat farm, that through hard work, and proper planning, financial goals are achievable. Saving to buy his first car in high school and making sure he could pay for four years of college, were just a couple of examples of Ben putting a disciplined saving strategy in action.
Now, in his role of Associate Retirement Plans Advisor for Petersen Hastings, Ben is working with businesses and their employees to help them achieve their financial goals.
Ben has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Washington State University and has been in the financial services industry since 1999. He currently holds a Series 65 license as well as a Washington State Insurance license for Life, Disability, and Long Term Care. Ben recently earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation from Fiduciary360 (fi360).
In his spare time, Ben enjoys attending WSU Cougar football games, spending time on the water in his boat, and many other outdoor activities. Ben is also a past Area Chairman and District Chairman of Ducks Unlimited and has a strong passion for waterfowl hunting and preserving wildlife habitat.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Analytical, Harmony, Learner, Positivity, Achiever
Cory Briggs, AIF®
Associate Wealth Advisor
Cory Briggs, AIF® Associate Wealth Advisor
Financial markets and investments have always been a passion for Cory Briggs, as he educated himself accordingly to secure a strong financial future for his family. A fundamentalist at heart, Cory examines the details important to financial decision making and avoiding unnecessary risk. He has previous experience working with high net worth individuals and helping businesses achieve their financial goals. As an Associate Wealth Advisor at Petersen Hastings, Cory believes in educating our clients so they can better understand their financial picture and achieve peace of mind.
Cory holds an MBA in Finance from Washington State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University. He has passed examinations for his Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses and has extensive financial experience; having served 3 years as a Financial Analyst for Vanguard in Scottsdale, AZ.
In his spare time, Cory enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, watching Seahawks games, and outdoor activities like camping, snowboarding, and hiking.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Focus, Analytical, Harmony, Consistency, Competition
Bailey Rivas, AIF®
Associate Wealth Advisor
Bailey Rivas, AIF® Associate Wealth Advisor
Bailey Rivas joined Petersen Hastings as an Associate Advisor in June of 2017. Bailey’s love for his hometown and passion for helping the people in his community reach their financial goals naturally reflects the values of Petersen Hastings. He firmly believes that through hard work and discipline, no goal is unattainable with proper guidance. Bailey's grandfather is his biggest inspiration, he taught him the importance of setting goals and achieving them through hard work and discipline.
Bailey was born and raised in Pasco, WA, and he is a proud Tri-Cities Prep alum. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. While attending SPU, Bailey and his team placed 3rd in the Private Business Valuation Challenge, a national competition where colleges and institutions across the country compete. He also served as an analyst on the Seattle Pacific University Student Investment Fund, where he analyzed securities within particular sectors.
Bailey is passionate about volunteering at Tri-Cities Prep and St. Patrick’s School. Outside the office, he also enjoys Crossfit, cooking, and coffee.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Futuristic, Competition, Woo, Communication, Self-Assurance
Jason Plemons, CFP®
Associate Wealth Advisor
Jason Plemons, CFP® Associate Wealth Advisor
Jason Plemons joined Petersen Hastings as an Associate Wealth Advisor in 2018. He was drawn to the firm by its independence and commitment to a fiduciary standard of client service. His goal is always to educate and empower clients to make informed decisions. His favorite part of the job is seeing clients achieve clarity and peace of mind with their finances.
Jason grew up in a military family where he got to live in a variety of locations including California, Texas, Delaware, and Germany. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He and his wife then moved to Pullman, WA where he worked for 16 years in financial services including banking and financial planning. He holds his Series 7 and Series 66 investment licenses and in 2012 he earned his Certified Financial Planner designation. He has been a member of Kiwanis, served on the board for Community Action Center of Whitman County, coached youth soccer, and is active with his church.
Outside of work, Jason and his wife embrace the challenge of keeping up with their three kid’s school and athletic events, as well as hiking, biking, and skiing as a family. He also recently achieved a life-long goal of becoming a private pilot.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Restorative, Intellection, Context, Empathy, Input
Lynn Ramos, PHR, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Capital
Lynn Ramos, PHR, SHRM-CP Director of Human Capital
Lynn Ramos joined the Petersen Hastings team in August of 2015 as the first Director of Human Capital in the firm’s history. She became an important part of our team after 11 years on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation assisting Site retirees and employees on the path of retirement. She has a strong belief that helping others gives a sense of connectedness, happiness, fulfillment and meaning to all. This fundamental principle guides her in her daily responsibilities within our firm: oversight and administration of company benefits, policies and procedures, performance development of the team, ensuring proper staffing levels are identified and met, conducting recruitment and onboarding of new employees, monitoring career path programs, compensation analyses, and developing and managing Human Capital related programs.
Lynn earned and maintains the Professional of Human Resources (PHR) credential issued by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as well as the Society of Human Resources Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) issued by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is also a member of the Columbia Basin Chapter of SHRM. Lynn is a Kamiakin High School, class of 1996 graduate, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2000 from Central Washington University.
She serves in partnership with Junior Achievement, The American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross, as a volunteer at her children’s school and through her church. Lynn also sits on the Board of Directors of the Columbia Basin Chapter of SHRM as the Membership Director and serves as the Zero Alpha Group Human Resources Committee Chair. She loves the challenge of meeting new people anywhere and everywhere she goes which makes traveling, both professionally and personally, one of her favorite things to do! In her free time, Lynn enjoys attending sporting events and concerts, spending all the time she can with her two children, her dog, and her family and friends.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Woo, Positivity, Discipline, Arranger, Individualization
Diane Gaines
Manager of Operations
Diane Gaines Manager of Operations
Diane joined Petersen Hastings in February of 2001. She oversees the daily operational and portfolio administrative needs of the firm and backs up the Chief Compliance Officer as necessary. Additionally, she spearheads the daily requirements of the firm’s relationship with its many custodians and other operational systems.
Diane earned her Associate of Arts and Science degree from Columbia Basin College and currently has a Series 65 license. She is a member of the iRebal and Technology committee, as well as the Trading and Operations committee within the Zero Alpha Group (ZAG). Furthermore, Diane was a member of TD Ameritrade’s Operations Panel and is a current member of the Orion Advisory Board.
When Diane is not in the office, she can be found outdoors gardening, hiking, paddle boarding or volunteering in various church and community activities. Diane also enjoys attending various theater performances, as well as BMX races with her children. Diane enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is an avid football fan, and can be found rooting her Seattle Seahawks during the NFL season.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Consistency, Responsibility, Analytical, Achiever, Discipline
Kevin McVicker
Portfolio Analyst
Kevin McVicker Portfolio Analyst
Kevin McVicker is responsible for working with the Petersen Hastings team to perform a wide range of investment related services for new and existing clients. These duties include executing equity and fixed income security transactions, reviewing and maintaining client account asset allocation targets, preparing financial reports, and providing general support and research of portfolio and investment strategies.
Kevin has a Bachelors Degree in Finance from Washington State University in Pullman, WA and has previous experience in the financial industry.
Kevin enjoys waterskiing, fishing, hiking and spending time with his wife and family.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Restorative, Harmony, Achiever, Positivity, Belief
Brandan Eckhardt
Marketing Coordinator
Brandan Eckhardt Marketing Coordinator
Brandan Eckhardt joined the Petersen Hastings team as Marketing Coordinator in June of 2018. As Marketing Coordinator, Brandan’s role is to market strategies that will assist the firm in achieving their top-of-mind brand awareness and client acquisition goals. Brandan’s love for marketing and passion to make a difference in the community makes him a great fit at Petersen Hastings!
Brandan was born and raised in Hermiston, OR. He graduated from Washington State University in 2014 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication. As a recent college graduate, Brandan has spent his entire professional career in the Tri-Cities and now welcomes the area as his home.
Outside of Petersen Hastings, Brandan enjoys spending time with his family, girlfriend and close friends. He also enjoys lifting weights, cooking, attending concerts, playing sports and enjoying the outdoors. Commonly, he can be found in the gym, at the golf course, or enjoying delicious food from a variety of local restaurants. Brandan looks forward to staying involved in the community, expanding upon his expertise and continuing to grow within the firm!
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Competition, Maximizer, Harmony, Arranger, Significance
Linda Russell
Office Manager
Linda Russell Office Manager
Linda joined the Petersen Hastings team in August of 2006. She works closely with the Chief Financial Officer and serves as the Office Manager for the firm. She is responsible for the firms bookkeeping, payroll, purchasing, and overall; just making sure the office runs smoothly. She is involved in HR/employee benefits, sponsorships, firm metrics, and coordinates the events for the corporation. Among her duties in the firm, she continues to value her client relationships close to her heart.
Linda earned an Associate of Science Degree in Office of Administration/Accounting, from Walla Walla College, in College Place, WA.
Linda enjoys skiing, cooking, entertaining, decorating, camping, razor riding, playing games, and quality time with her friends and family. In her free time, she also remains active in our community by participating in church related activities.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Empathy, Harmony, Connectedness, Responsibility, Arranger
Amy Bishop
Client Service Specialist
Amy Bishop Client Service Specialist
Amy provides a warm welcome to all who come into Petersen Hastings. She also assists with client needs, scheduling appointments, administrative tasks, and other team support activities. Amy joined the team as a part-time employee in September 2014.
Amy earned an Associates of Arts and Science degree from Columbia Basin College. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources, from Washington State University, Tri-Cities.
Outside of Petersen Hastings, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and extended family. She also enjoys coaching club volleyball, traveling, gardening and spending time outdoors. She is active in our community by volunteering at her children’s school.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Discipline, Harmony, Responsibility, Analytical, Consistency
Cassie Cornwell
Client Service Specialist
Cassie Cornwell Client Service Specialist
Cassie Cornwell joined the Petersen Hastings team as a Client Service Liaison in July of 2015. She currently provides operational and executive support within Petersen Hastings, working alongside Matthew Neff, Josh Chittenden, and Kevin Floyd. Her role is to facilitate the collaborative monitoring and updating of personal and corporate investment accounts, as well as maintaining complex financial reports while prioritizing the requests and needs of our steadily expanding clientele.
Cassie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with an Accounting focus from Eastern Oregon University. Her experience in the service and administration fields adds great value to our Petersen Hastings team.
While out of the office, Cassie enjoys cooking, hiking and spending quality time with her family.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Achiever, Positivity, Consistency, Learner, Responsibility
Christin Hutchcraft
Client Service Specialist
Christin Hutchcraft Client Service Specialist
Christin joined the Petersen Hastings team in December 2017. She quickly worked her way into a Client Services Specialist role within the firm where she continues to be challenged with new tasks and learning opportunities every day and is thoroughly enjoying her daily client interaction. Christin’s determination and dedication to customer service, integrity, and honesty makes her a perfect fit on the PH Team!
Christin earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Boise State University in 2006. She has a variety of experience including management, sales, administration and coaching. For the past 10 years, Christin and her husband have owned their own company which contracts with an American multinational courier delivery service here locally in the Tri-Cities.
Outside of Petersen Hastings, Christin enjoys spending time with her husband, son and extended family. She also enjoys baking, traveling, gardening, and being active in the outdoors. Commonly, her family can be found out in their shop working on some sort of house or car project. She looks forward to becoming more involved in community organizations and continuing to grow within the firm!
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Focus, Analytical, Responsibility, Significance, Relator
Ana Torres
Receptionist
Ana Torres Receptionist
Ana Torres joined the Petersen Hastings team as Receptionist in July of 2018. Ana’s tenacity and eagerness to provide our clients with the upmost service in any given situation makes her a great fit for our team!
Ana was born in Vancouver, WA and raised in Portland, OR. In 2014, Ana and her family moved to Kennewick, where she completed her high school education and obtained her diploma in 2016 from Kennewick High School.
Outside of Petersen Hastings, Ana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking and going to the gym. She also enjoys walking her dog, reading, dancing and camping. Ana looks forward to giving back to the community and serving the needs of our clients and their families.
Top 5 Gallup StrengthFinder Themes:
- Command, Deliberative, Futuristic, Individualization, Significance