Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Advisor Services

Dennis Covington, CFP®

Dennis Covington is the CEO of Capital Directions and is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner. Dennis joined the firm in April 2000 following five years as a Senior Institutional Consultant with TIAA and three years as a staff accountant with KPMG. He leads the firm’s advisor services practice and works with several individual clients as well. He has extensive experience in helping the firm’s clients identify their most important financial goals and developing a plan and a process that greatly increases their chances of achieving those goals.

Dennis graduated with a degree in Accounting from Appalachian State University in 1992. He is an active member of Alpharetta Methodist Church and enjoys volunteering with North Fulton Young Life and Hands of Love. He and his wife Katherine have two children in college.

Managing Director, Private Wealth

Terry Hartigan, CFP®

Terry P. Hartigan is a Principal of Capital Directions and is a Certified Financial Planner™. Terry began his career as a financial adviser managing the private wealth and business affairs of a single family in 1993. In 1997, he formed Hartigan Financial Advisory, Inc. to serve the demand for fee-only financial planning and investment management consulting in an independent, conflict-free environment. Prior to joining the firm in January 2013, Terry was a Principal with Ashwood Advisors, LLC, an independent registered investment adviser. Terry also worked at the accounting and advisory firm of Gifford, Hillegass & Ingwersen, LLP, where he was a Principal in the tax department.

Terry has been a featured guest on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” and “Closing Bell” and has been named a Five Star Wealth Manager: Best in Client Satisfaction by Atlanta Magazine and Crescendo Business Services.

He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and is an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church. He is also a board member of the Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs. He and his wife Jill have 3 daughters.

Chief Investment Officer

John McMillen, CFA, CFP®

John McMillen is the Chief Investment Officer for Capital Directions, having joined the firm in February 2005. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. McMillen was an Investment Consultant with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.’s Private Client Group. Prior to his career at Schwab, he worked in various capacities at Wachovia Bank, the Center for Society Law and Justice, and First Virginia Bank. Mr. McMillen has an undergraduate degree in Economics and an M.B.A. with a finance concentration from the University of New Orleans. He earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation in 2006. He and his wife, Jessica, have four children.

Director of Financial Planning

Richard O’Donnell, CFP®

Richard O’Donnell is a Wealth Advisor and is a Certified Financial Planner™. Prior to joining the firm, Richard spent eight years working with senior-level executives and other high-net worth individuals at a wealth management firm in Cincinnati. Mr. O’Donnell has experience in investments, tax, executive compensation, estate planning, retirement planning and charitable gift strategies. Mr. O’Donnell graduated from DePauw University. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and daughter.

Director of Human Resources

Kate Pishnak

Kate Pishnak joined Capital Directions in July 2007. As the Director of Human Resources, Kate leads the development and implementation of human resource strategies and initiatives to achieve business goals, foster a high-performance culture, and attract and retain top talent. As part of the Capital Directions’ Leadership Team, Kate is responsible for the development of the annual budget and the delivery of projects and activities to support the strategic goals of the company. Kate is also a member of the Capital Directions Community Outreach Committee. Kate holds a degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. She lives in Alpharetta with her husband and two daughters.

Client Services Manager

Lesley Bartlett

Lesley Bartlett joined Capital Directions in March 2021 as a Client Services Manager. Prior to joining the firm, she worked with an Atlanta-based RIA firm for 5 years. She is passionate about building and fostering relationships with clients. Lesley graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in Literature.

Along with her husband, son and twin daughters, Lesley lives in the Ormewood Park neighborhood just east of downtown Atlanta. In her time away from the office, Lesley enjoys playing year-round tennis, her book club and volunteering at her children’s school. As a family, they are supporters of Zoo Atlanta, Historic Oakland Foundation and other local charitable organizations.

Relationship Manager

Michael Bork, CFP®

Michael Bork is a Relationship Manager for Capital Directions and is a Certified Financial Planner™. Prior to joining the firm, Michael was a Wealth Management Advisor with Plante Moran Financial Advisors in Detroit, Michigan. During his time there he worked to serve high-net worth, ultra-high net worth, family office, and institutional clients. Michael has experience in investment due diligence, tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, charitable gifting strategies, and trust accounting. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Finance with a concentration in financial planning from Olivet Nazarene University. In addition to serving clients, Michael also serves as a sounding board and a resource for fee-only financial advisors and CPA firms who want to serve their clients more holistically.

Portfolio Analyst

Hunter Brooks, CFA

Hunter Brooks is a Portfolio Analyst for Capital Directions and is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Charterholder. He joined the firm in 2021 following several years with an Atlanta-based RIA firm as an investment analyst. Hunter’s background also includes extensive industry experience in trading operations and data management. He supports our Chief Investment Officer and Investment Policy Committee in all facets of portfolio management and investment research.

Hunter graduated from the University of South Alabama with a B.S. in Finance. He lives in Smyrna with his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Abigail.

Administrative Assistant

Lexie Brown

Lexie Brown recently joined Capital Directions in July 2022 as the Administrative Assistant. Lexie is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama where she graduated with a bachelor’s in International Studies and minors in both Italian and Global and Cultural Perspectives. She currently lives in Dunwoody and in her free time Lexie is an avid runner, loves being around friends and family, and enjoys being outside.

Client Services Manager

Katie Conroy

Katie Conroy joined Capital Directions in March 2017 and serves as a Client Services Manager. Katie has over 14 years’ experience in financial services and holds her CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) designation. Mrs. Conroy graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration in 2004. Katie is also part of the Capital Directions Community Outreach Committee. Throughout the year the Committee chooses to spotlight various local nonprofits and organizes events within the firm to help benefit their missions. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, traveling and spending quality time with her husband and two daughters.

Retirement Plan Specialist

Patrick Curran, AIF®, CRPS®, CPC®

Patrick Curran is the Director of Retirement Plan Services for Capital Directions. Prior to joining the firm, Patrick was the Senior Client Consultant for Unified Trust as well as a former Financial Advisor. Patrick is specialized in all aspects of retirement plan and pension consulting including plan design, operations, asset management, investments, fiduciary responsibility, and advanced fiduciary plan governance. Patrick works closely with our Financial Advisor Partners as well as our Plan Sponsor Clients to help make their practices and plans as efficient as possible. Patrick graduated from St. John’s University and currently lives in Charlotte with his wife Jenny.

Wealth Advisor

Miriam Falaki, CFP®

Miriam Falaki is a Wealth Advisor and a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner. Miriam joined the firm in 2019 following 7 years at Merrill Lynch as a Senior Financial Advisor and Assistant Vice President. As a Wealth Advisor with Capital Directions, she helps to ensure that our clients receive financial guidance and planning. Miriam earned a dual degree in International Business and French from Georgia State University. In 2017, she completed The Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute Course by the University of Georgia J.W Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. She is a first-generation American from Morocco and has had the opportunity to travel the world both personally and professionally. She speaks Arabic, French and Spanish. Miriam was instrumental in forming the  Capital Directions Community Outreach Committee.  Throughout the year the Committee chooses to spotlight various local nonprofits and organizes events within the firm to help benefit their missions.  In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering within the community, traveling and participating in local 5K runs. Miriam and her husband, Rodrigo, currently reside in Dunwoody with their two daughters.

Client Services Manager

Donna Francis

Donna Francis joined Capital Directions in May 2014 as a Client Services Manager. She holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University. Donna brings years of experience in the financial services industry and has held multiple securities and insurance licenses throughout her career. Her favorite past times include tennis, golf, hiking, photography and quality time with family.

Wealth Advisor

Evan Goldfuss, CFP®

Evan Goldfuss is a Wealth Advisor for Capital Directions and is a Certified Financial Planner™. Evan specializes developing financial plans and managing client portfolios. Prior to joining the firm in February 2018, Mr. Goldfuss received his undergraduate degree in Finance with specializations in both Personal Wealth Management and Insurance from the University of Alabama.  Outside of the office, Evan enjoys spending his time on the golf course, in the gym, and traveling.

Wealth Management Analyst

Evan Kuykendall

Evan Kuykendall is a Wealth Management Analyst for Capital Directions. Evan assists primary advisors in developing financial plans and managing client portfolios. Prior to joining the firm, Evan received his undergraduate degree in Finance with a certification in entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia. Evan is part of the Capital Directions Community Outreach Committee where they spotlight various local nonprofits and organize events to benefit their mission. In his spare time, Evan enjoys being outdoors, fishing, and traveling.

Client Services Manager

Angela Muse

Angela Muse joined Capital Directions in April 2010 as a Client Services Manager. Prior to joining Capital Directions, she worked for an Atlanta-based money management firm as the Senior Operations Officer for 14 years. Mrs. Muse graduated from the University of South Alabama with a B.S. in Finance in 1995. She enjoys cooking, travel and writing children’s books. She and her husband, Ben, have two children ages 19 and 16.

Trading Operations Specialist

Tyler Pass

Tyler Pass joined Capital Directions in January 2022 as Trading Operations Specialist. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a Portfolio Manager in the legal services field. Tyler received his undergraduate degrees in both Finance and Business Economics from Jacksonville State University. He enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel, his dog, going to concerts, and watching football on his time off.

Wealth Advisor

Josh Podczervinski CPA, CFP®

Josh has worked in public accounting since 1998, and as a wealth manager since 2008. He has a BS degree in Accounting from NC State University, is a Certified Public Accountant (2000) and Certified Financial Planner (2009). He is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, where he previously served on the board and as education committee chair for three years. He is also the past Treasurer of the Lanier Jaycees, a graduate of the 2007 class of Leadership Forsyth, and participated in the Georgia CPA® Ambassadors program. Josh has experience in tax planning, financial planning and retirement planning. Josh lives in Dunwoody with his wife.

Client Communications Manager

Ali Schnell

Ali Schnell serves as the Client Communications Manager at Capital Directions. In that role, she oversees marketing, communications, and other PR functions of the firm. She also helps our affiliated wealth advisory firms and CPAs win wealth management and retirement plan clients — and turn them into life-long advocates for their advisors. Ali helped co-found the Capital Directions Community Outreach Committee where she organizes events to benefit local non-profits.  Ali joined Capital Directions in 2010 with a background in marketing and a B.B.A. from the University of Georgia. She lives in Dunwoody with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys volunteering and being outdoors with her family.

Client Services Manager

Bree Sportelli

Bree Sportelli joined Capital Directions in July 2020 and serves as a Client Services Manager. She is an integral part of the Capital Directions Community Outreach Committee where they spotlight various local nonprofits and organize events within the firm to help benefit their mission. Bree is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Portland State University. Bree enjoys spending time outdoors, working out, reading, and spending quality time with her family. She lives in Alpharetta with her husband and golden retriever puppy.

Client Services Manager

Daniel Sullivan

Daniel Sullivan joined Capital Directions in March of 2021 as a Client Services Manager.  In 2000 he graduated from Saint Anselm College with a degree in Liberal Studies in the Great Books.  Prior to joining Capital Directions, he worked in the financial services industry for 19 years.  Daniel enjoys gardening, playing tennis, and coaching soccer.  He and his wife, Rebecca, have a son and a daughter.

Client Services Manager

Laura Taylor

Laura Taylor joined Capital Directions in September 2008 and serves as a Client Services Manager. Laura has over 15 years experience in financial operations. She enjoys tennis, reading and, most of all, spending quality time with her family. Mrs. Taylor is married to Kurtis and has two sons, ages 19 and 15.

Client Services Manager

David Thomason

David Thomason joined Capital Directions in 2011 as Client Services Manager. His areas of responsibility include operations, trading, and reporting. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Thomason served in operational positions in both the insurance and investment fields. He holds a B.A. degree in Finance from Kennesaw State University. He and his wife, Shannon, have two children.

Client Services Manager

Marsha Thompson-Alfred

Marsha Thompson joined Capital Directions in March 2021 as a Client Services Manager. She graduated from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she attained a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting.

Marsha began her Financial Services Career over 15 years ago as a Mutual Fund Accountant then as a Life & Disability Agent for Guardian Life Insurance. Later, she transitioned her passion for positive client relations as a Client Services Administrator for Tandem Growth Financial Advisors.

In her leisure time, Marsha loves spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. She also takes great pride in her Jamaican culture and enjoys celebrating the arts, entertainment and especially the food.

Wealth Advisor

John Williams CPA, CFP®

John believes there are two types of smarts – book smarts and people smarts. If you can have both, you want both. But if you can only have one, he believes you always want people smarts.

When working with clients on the most important aspects of their financial lives, he believes people smarts apply in listening. “You glean so much information about the journeys people have taken when you listen to their stories.”

“Financial planning is about more than just money — it’s about lifestyle. Money is a tool, and we shouldn’t let it control us. If your idea of the perfect retirement is sitting on your back porch and reading a book, that doesn’t cost much money. Most people enjoy the simple things — being with someone they love, or reading a book, or cooking a meal. Ultimately, the planning process is about discovering what makes you happy, and what you need to do to get there.” John believes his role is being the clients’ chief resource for all areas of critical planning decisions– both financial and non-financial.

After graduating with honors from Georgia State University, John begin a career in public accounting with a national accounting firm. “It was a great experience as I developed a strong foundation in analyzing financial information”. But in public accounting you are primarily looking backwards, i.e. reporting the history, e.g. financial statement or a tax return. It’s very important to know and understand what happened in the past but most people were seeking help in looking forward. In the early 80’s, when the financial planning industry was still in its infancy, John had an “aha” experience when he discovered the field. Here was a body of study and knowledge that was about “looking forward”. John went on to build two businesses – a CPA® practice and financial planning practice. Our mission – we could help you understand the past and plan the future – all under the same roof. The CPA® practice worked with hundreds of individuals including numerous business owners. Since 2013, John has concentrated on working with business owners and retirees.

John is blessed to have a wonderful wife, Susan, who has been his partner in both life and business. He also finds enjoyment and satisfaction by being a part of his community including the Rotary Club of Milton-Windward.