Our Team of Experts

FOUNDING PARTNER, CRPC

Brian Grogan

Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University, Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation and holds series 65 and Insurance licensures. Brian is a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience and enjoys educating and guiding his clients to make good decisions and avoid mistakes.

“I have a passion for helping people. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career than helping people make the most important financial decisions of their lives.” Read more about Brian.

PRIVATE WEALTH CONSULTANT, APMA®, CRPC®

Merceditas Z. de Padua

Dee received her Bachelor of Science degree from Monmouth University. She has over 20 years of Financial Planning experience including earning the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA) designations. She also holds series 66 and insurance licenses.
After a successful career in an executive leadership position for multi-million dollar music and video distributor, Dee turned to Financial Services for her second career. Dee is committed to creating true ‘partnerships’ with her clients to achieve their goals – personally and financially.

“My parents are examples of a true American story. When they arrived in the US over 50 years ago their most valuable possessions were their hopes and dreams of a better life. They were committed to raising their 5 children, proudly earned naturalized citizenship, and lived to see 3 more generations thrive. I saw first-hand how my parents retired without the benefit of sound financial planning advice resulting in financial burdens throughout their retirement. Watching their struggles instilled a passion in me to ensure that my clients make the best decisions possible to live the fulfilling life they want with family, friends and community.”

Dee lives in Atlanta with her partner and enjoys golfing and family life that includes a rescued Labrador Retriever who is so special, he was unable to qualify for the CWP Security team.

FOUNDING PARTNER, CFP®

Brent Hillerich

Brent earned his Bachelor of the Arts from Wittenberg University in 1992. Brent spent 10 years in the corporate finance world prior to becoming a Certified Financial Planner and holds the series 66 license and Insurance license. Brent loves sharing his 20 years of personal financial planning experience with clients and their families.

“I was blessed to grow up with a Certified Financial Planner and was able to see how much she enjoyed helping people with their personal finances. I went the corporate finance route and then figured out that my true passion was to help people personally and provide them with solutions that make sense for them. I absolutely love making a difference in our client’s lives.” Read more about Brent.

Junior Associate

Vita Basarab

As a Junior Associate, Vita partners with our advisors and clients to create and deliver a unique experience that defines and differentiates our firm. She joined the firm in July of 2024 with over 4 years of experience in the financial services and financial technology industries. She is excited to continue working in the financial services industry.

Vita graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management with a focus on Human Resources. She was born in Portland, Oregon, but raised across the river in Vancouver, Washington. She is an outdoors enthusiast – she enjoys camping, hiking, playing sports like soccer and tennis, four-wheeling, and snowboarding. She also enjoys a good book and traveling the world.

Financial Advisor, CFP®, CIMA®

Stephen Coopersmith

Stephen is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and majored in both finance and accounting. He’s a financial advisor and a practicing Certified Investment Management Analyst, and Certified Financial Planner.

Stephen is blessed to have wonderful parents, being a husband, and a father of 2 young girls. In his free time, he’s an active marathon runner and enjoys fishing and playing golf.

Client Concierge

Paula Skelley

As a Client Concierge, Paula partners with our advisors and clients to create and deliver a unique experience that defines and differentiates our firm. She joined Cresent Wealth Partners in February 2024 and has enjoyed working in the financial industry for over six years.

Paula holds an MA degree in English and a BS degree in English and Sociology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has co-authored 8 children’s books and loves to write in her spare time when not taking advantage of all that the NH Seacoast area has to offer.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Steven Cecil

“I grew up in Sikeston, a small town in southeast Missouri. Upon receiving my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 1987, I moved to Florida and started what would be a 15-year career in commercial banking. During my banking career, I helped business owners and executives by providing financing for a variety of properties and business projects.

In 2002, I entered the personal financial planning field and have since enjoyed helping clients attain their financial goals.

My two children are my pride and joy. Many camping/hiking trips, summer road trips, and just enjoying everyday events with my son and daughter have produced wonderful experiences and memories.

Outside of the office, I like to spend time enjoying the outdoors with my wife. Whether it is jogging, biking, kayaking, or simply relaxing at the beach, I firmly believe that time outdoors is great for mind and body.”

PRIVATE WEALTH CONSULTANT

Dwight K. Montgomery

Since 1990, I have been serving clients in the area of financial planning and wealth management. A major focus of my work is helping families deploy the resources that God has entrusted to them. I specialize in providing services to families who have a heart for impacting the Kingdom of God.

This is done by helping them plan their tax elimination strategies, design effective business succession, implement inheritance plans and execute on Kingdom giving. Along with our team at Crescent Wealth Partners and a network of faith-based professionals from around the country, we are equipped to help our clients make good decisions and avoid mistakes when stewarding all that God has entrusted to them.

My education includes having obtained my Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor designations. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio State University and a Master’s from Bowling Green State University.

Dona, my wife of eighteen years and I have three children and live in Columbus, Ohio.

DIRECTOR OF SECURITY

Emmi

Emmi is an English Golden Retriever who was born on June 15, 2018, outside of Atlanta, GA. She is the Director of Security with Crescent Wealth Partners.