Partnership Integration

Meet the Partnership Integration Team

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  Mark Gehlbach CPWA® President, Co-Founder

  

  Mark Gehlbach

  CPWA® President, Co-Founder

  Mark Gehlbach is President and Co-founder of True North Advisors. Responsible for the leadership of True North’s Managing Directors, Mark also provides strategic and cultural direction for the firm’s future and advises many of the firm’s largest families and institutions. Mark oversees the Investment and Wealth Planning divisions and is a voting member of True North’s Investment Committee. Mark’s 25+ years of experience guiding high net worth families in the stewardship of their resources serves as the foundation of the True North client experience.

  Mark began his career at the Salomon Smith Barney Consulting Group. There, he was responsible for providing both investment and wealth management services to private investors, and consulting and trading services to institutional investors. Well-regarded in the investment industry, Mark was one of the first thirteen wealth advisors in the nation to hold the designation of Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA), awarded at University of Chicago Booth School of Business. An active member in the local and national wealth management industry, Mark is often quoted and sought after as a source by professional publications such as Private Asset Management and Bloomberg Wealth Manager.

  Integral in crafting the firm’s core purpose: Fulfilling Lives™, Mark purposefully encourages all colleagues to think about their daily efforts with client relationships, vendors relationships and their co-workers to ensure that every interaction is intentionally working towards this goal.

  Fulfilling Lives™ includes giving back to the community which is demonstrated through Mark’s involvement in many boards and organizations throughout North Texas. His committee and board leadership includes the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, the Parkland Health and Hospital System, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation. In 2022, Mark was selected by DCEO as a finalist for the Corporate Leadership Excellence Award for his service supporting a North Texas-based non-profit that works with refugees.

  Mark is a Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude graduate of Baylor University and a lifelong learner. In his spare time, Mark and his family enjoy being outdoors, travelling the world, and serving those less fortunate throughout North Texas.

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  Blake Kinney Senior Director of Partnership Integration

  

  Blake Kinney

  Senior Director of Partnership Integration

  As Senior Director of Partnership Integration at True North, Blake drives the firm’s inorganic growth by leading successful acquisitions. With a deep understanding of wealth management operations and a passion for building strong partnerships, Blake is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and long-term success for acquired firms and the broader True North team.

  In 2023, Blake completed the Schwab Executive Leadership Program, an elite nationwide program for a small cohort of industry leaders with experience growing successful RIA firms. Prior to joining True North in 2018, Blake was a Finance Manager at Riveron Consulting, a business advisory firm in Dallas, Texas. Prior to Riveron Consulting, Blake worked at PwC, an audit, tax, and consulting services firm in Dallas, Texas.

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Blake supports this by dedicating his time to the TouchDown Club of Dallas. The TouchDown Club of Dallas is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of like-minded men working together to raise charitable donations and contributions through various annual events that directly benefit the Ashford Rise School of Dallas.

  Blake graduated from Auburn University, majoring in Business Administration (Accounting). He earned his MSA from Southern Methodist University. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Callie, and their two sons, Brooks and Bates, and Labrador Retriever, Chili. Outside of the office, Blake is an avid golfer, hunter, and enjoys firing up the smoker.

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  Casey W. Maude Manager of Partnership Integration

  

  Casey W. Maude

  Manager of Partnership Integration

  As Manager of Partnership Integration, Casey collaborates with the Integration Team to facilitate seamless and efficient acquisitions that drive True North’s strategic growth. With extensive experience in project management and client relationships, Casey plays a key role in accelerating the firm’s acquisition efforts while preserving and strengthening True North’s distinctive culture. Casey also sits on the AI committee where he helps create and drive effective AI strategies across the firm. 

  Before joining True North in 2025, Casey served as a Change Manager at Goldman Sachs, where he led multiple regulatory initiatives, ensuring stakeholder alignment and adherence to critical timelines. Prior to that, he was a Senior Associate in Client Services within Goldman Sachs’ Transaction Banking division, where he led a team of Analysts and Associates, providing the resources and support needed to deliver exceptional, white-glove service. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Casey managed a portfolio of highly sensitive clients, ensuring seamless and sophisticated financial solutions. 

  Before joining Goldman Sachs, Casey worked at JPMorgan in Client Onboarding, first as a Specialist before being promoted to Associate. He began his tenure in the Chicago, IL office before transitioning to the Plano, TX office. Prior to JPMorgan, Casey launched his professional career at Motorola Solutions, starting on the Inside Sales & Support team, where he assisted multiple account managers. Within 11 months, he was promoted to Presales Business Manager, collaborating with the engineering team and negotiating with contractors to develop Statements of Work for the City of Chicago. 

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Casey supports this by striving to help grow True North to new heights every day and by always being available to assist anyone on the team to ensure we meet our goals.  

  Casey completed his undergrad at the University of Kansas, majoring in Communications and minoring in Business. While working on his undergrad, Casey was one of 4,000 participants to be selected to participate in the Disney College Program from a pool of over 135,000 applicants. Casey later went on to get his MBA from Purdue University.  

  Casey lives in Dallas with his mini Australian Shepherd, Stella. When not at the office, Casey likes to golf, play pickleball, and try new restaurants. 

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  Brian Heider CFA®, CAIA® Deputy Chief Investment Officer; Partner

  

  Brian Heider

  CFA®, CAIA® Deputy Chief Investment Officer; Partner

  As the Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Brian maintains oversight of the team’s research functions and plays an important role in shaping and implementing the firm’s investment strategy. His extensive experience with traditional and alternative asset classes, combined with his collaborative approach, helps the Investment Team deliver thoughtful investment solutions for clients. Brian is also a voting member of the firm’s Investment Committee.

  Prior to joining True North in 2014, Brian worked in the Public Equity group at the Employees Retirement System of Texas and served as a portfolio manager on the MBA Investment Fund LLC while completing his MBA at the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business.

  Brian began his career at GMAC Mortgage and, over his six-year tenure, developed a deep understanding of the residential mortgage and mortgage-backed securities markets, gained a seasoned perspective on evaluating and managing external managers, and created innovative solutions for the company.

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Brian supports this by striving to provide a best-in-class investment platform to help clients meet their goals and allow them to focus their time and energy on their own passions.

  Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Business from Texas A&M University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), as well as a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®). His hobbies include Texas A&M sports, golf, live music, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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  William Sharp Managing Director of Finance; Chief Compliance Officer; Partner

  

  William Sharp

  Managing Director of Finance; Chief Compliance Officer; Partner

  Will Sharp joined True North Advisors in 2014 and serves as Managing Director of Finance, Chief Compliance Officer, and Partner. In this role, he provides firmwide leadership across financial strategy, compliance, firm operations, and technology, helping ensure the organization operates efficiently, securely, and at scale.

  Will oversees the firm’s core financial and operational functions, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, financial analysis, and operational planning. He works closely with the leadership team to align financial performance with strategic objectives and to ensure annual budgets and long‑term projections support the firm’s growth and organizational priorities. Will also plays a key role in evaluating, implementing, and overseeing internal technology systems and infrastructure that support financial management, data integrity, cybersecurity, and internal workflows.

  As Chief Compliance Officer, Will is responsible for maintaining the firm’s regulatory framework and overseeing compliance policies, procedures, and controls. He partners with internal stakeholders and external service providers to manage regulatory risk, support examinations, and integrate compliance requirements into the firm’s day‑to‑day operations.

  Prior to joining True North, Will was a Senior Accountant at JMI Realty, a private real estate investment and development firm, where he supported financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, and project‑level cost analysis. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Senior Auditor at Mohle Adams in Houston, advising clients across multiple industries and building a strong foundation in accounting, auditing, and internal controls.

  Will graduated cum laude from St. Edward’s University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and spending time outdoors, with interests ranging from camping and cycling to spartan races and time on the lake.

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  Laura Newberg Director of Compliance

  

  Laura Newberg

  Director of Compliance

  Laura Newberg joined True North Advisors in April 2026, serving as Director of Compliance. In her role, she supports the Chief Compliance Officer in handling all regulatory aspects of the firm. This includes identifying and assessing any compliance risks and reporting to senior leadership as necessary.

  Laura’s work includes assistance in ensuring the firm’s development, implementation and management of a comprehensive compliance program within the organization. Her responsibilities include managing the firm’s adherence to relevant laws, regulations and the ethical standards required of it. Laura provides training and support to employees throughout the organization, including interacting with regulatory authorities as needed.

  Laura brings a strong compliance background to True North. Prior to joining the firm, Laura was a Senior Compliance Consultant with ACA Group, a national regulatory compliance and consulting company.  While there, Laura supported clients with a range of compliance needs from initial registration to SEC exam support. Prior to Laura’s work with ACA Group, she held positions with financial firms in compliance roles including Chief Compliance Officer.

  Laura holds a BS in Marketing from the University of Colorado. When she is not working, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, particularly her two daughters, and friends.

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  Vanessa Ramic Senior Director of Client Operations

  

  Vanessa Ramic

  Senior Director of Client Operations

  As a Senior Director of Client Operations, Vanessa is responsible for overseeing the Client Services and Operations team, client account administration, new client onboarding, and custodial relationships. She is particularly involved with the strategic positioning of the firm’s client operations by leveraging current talent and technology, with her primary goal being to create efficiency and scalability. With over 15 years of experience in wealth management, Vanessa is passionate about leading her team to fulfill the firm’s core values, develop deep skillsets, and expand their industry knowledge to enhance the overall client experience.

  Prior to taking on her role at True North Advisors in 2018, Vanessa was the Manager of Wealth Operations at Tolleson Wealth Management where she led and contributed to the strategic planning of operational and client service initiatives.

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Vanessa supports this by always putting the client first, ensuring her team is challenged and delighted in the work they do, and stays agile and willing to pivot to seek new solutions to the overall client experience.

  Vanessa earned her Master of Business Administration in Organizational Behavior and Strategic Leadership at University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with family and friends, and when time allows, she enjoys her hobbies which include graphic arts and hiking.

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  Caleb Brian CFP® Senior Director of Wealth Planning

  

  Caleb Brian

  CFP® Senior Director of Wealth Planning

  Caleb has worked in the wealth management industry for over a decade, gaining experience in holistic wealth planning, strategic investment solutions, dynamic family governance, and family office management. 

  Caleb joined True North in 2019 and serves as the Senior Director of Wealth Planning. In this role, he brings significant technical planning experience and a pragmatic, advisor-rooted perspective along with highly sharpened problem-solving skills. Prior to assuming this position, Caleb was a Senior Wealth Manager, serving some of the firm’s most complex clients. He previously served on the board of the DFW Financial Planning Association as Director of Education. 

  Prior to joining True North, he served high and ultra-high-net-worth clients at Tolleson Wealth Management and RGT Wealth Advisors. Caleb is passionate about providing meaningful outcomes for client families through complex planning and generational wealth solutions. He also has a keen interest in business strategy and the mentorship and development of other advisors. 

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Caleb supports this with intentional focus on enhancing the planning and advisory capabilities of the firm. A more robust understanding of nuanced planning allows our advisors to help clients achieve their family’s unique life goals. 

  Caleb earned a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude in Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University. His hobbies include fitness, travel, snow skiing, and technology. Outside of the office, Caleb enjoys time with family, volunteering for Carry the Load, and pursuing new learning opportunities. 

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  Jamie Scott CFP® Director of Wealth Planning

  

  Jamie Scott

  CFP® Director of Wealth Planning

  Jamie began her career in Seattle, Washington, where she gained unparalleled experience in the wealth planning space and established herself as a respected associate advisor. Since joining True North in 2019, she has become known for her deep expertise in estate, retirement, tax, and insurance planning, as well as her ability to think strategically to deliver innovative solutions.

  Promoted to Director of Wealth Planning in 2025, Jamie now manages a full team and plays a key role in shaping the firm’s planning strategies, guiding advisors, and enhancing the client experience through forward-thinking and personalized financial solutions. She is committed to True North’s mission of Fulfilling Lives™ by helping clients achieve their personal financial goals with clarity and confidence.

  Jamie earned her master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning and bachelor’s degree in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management from Texas Tech University.

  Though her career has taken her across the country, she calls Dallas home, where she lives with her husband and their labradoodle. In her free time, she enjoys making homemade pasta, hosting friends and family, and traveling the world.

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  Andrew Oberst CFP® Director of Trading

  

  Andrew Oberst

  CFP® Director of Trading

  As Director of Trading at True North, Andrew leads the Trading and Portfolio Implementation Team and is responsible for implementing the firm’s investment philosophy and strategy across all client portfolios.

  Joining True North as a Portfolio Analyst in 2015, Andrew spent the past decade establishing core processes and procedures for the firm as it relates to rebalancing, trading and portfolio management. He believes that wealth and investment management require not only deep technical expertise but empathy and humility. Andrew aspires to live up to this notion by leading with a deep focus on accuracy, efficiency and integrity.

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Andrew supports this by his disciplined focus on managing client portfolios to help them reach their long-term goals. His focus on servant-leadership is how he serves his teammates as well as the firm’s clients. Andrew has had the pleasure of spending his entire career with True North and has a fundamental understanding of the firm’s history, mission and care for its clients.

  Andrew is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He graduated Cum Laude from The University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He was also the recipient of the Undergraduate Finance Leadership Award.

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  Aaron Lang CFA® Senior Investment Strategist

  

  Aaron Lang

  CFA® Senior Investment Strategist

  Aaron is a Senior Investment Strategist at True North Advisors, where he partners with advisors and clients to deliver portfolio insights, investment solutions, and market perspectives. In his role, Aaron focuses on developing and communicating investment strategy, supporting complex client situations, and advancing the firm’s investment platform through scalable, advisor-focused tools and resources.  

  He works closely with advisors across the firm to provide guidance on portfolio construction, manager selection, and macroeconomic trends, while also contributing to investment content including market commentary, webinars, and client-facing materials.  

  Prior to joining True North, Aaron was a Portfolio Manager at Clear Rock Advisors, where he began as an intern in 2020 and progressed into a portfolio management role. Earlier in his career, he gained experience through internships at BOK Financial, Waddell & Reed, and Twin Financial, and served as an Equity Research Analyst for Texas Christian University’s Educational Investment Fund.  

  Aaron graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business and John V. Roach Honors College. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Dallas/Fort Worth.  

  Outside of work, Aaron enjoys reading, Kansas City sports, playing guitar, and spending time with family. 

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  Holly B. Wilkins Director of Marketing

  

  Holly B. Wilkins

  Director of Marketing

  Holly joined True North in January 2021 and currently serves as the Director of Marketing. In her role, she oversees the strategic development, planning and implementation of True North’s branding and marketing efforts. Holly believes Marketing at its core is about people and what drives them to become loyal to a brand. Holly’s leadership in marketing at True North is characterized by a commitment to understanding and connecting with people, maintaining brand integrity through governance, and driving results through the use of key performance indicators. Her strategic direction ensures that True North’s marketing efforts are targeted, impactful, and aligned with the company’s objectives, purpose, and mission.

  Prior to True North, Holly was the Regional Marketing Manager at Greystar, a global leader in investment management, development, and management of rental housing properties in over 200 markets. Over the course of her 10-year tenure, Holly played a pivotal role in spearheading marketing efforts for a vast portfolio comprising of 23,000 Class A luxury apartment units based out of the Greystar Chicago office. Her role encompassed not only the marketing of existing properties but also involved strategic planning for acquisitions and value-add investments.

  The firm’s mission is Fulfilling Lives™, and Holly supports this by constantly seeking innovative ways to deliver inspiring, educational, and informational content to existing clients and partners.

  Holly graduated from Texas Tech University, Rawls College of Business, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Outside of her professional life, Holly spends her time traveling, going to college sporting events (especially to cheer on her beloved Red Raiders), spending quality time with family and friends, cooking and enjoying new restaurants, and attending as many live music shows as possible. Holly resides in Dallas with her husband, Drew, and mini-goldendoodle, Max.

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  Bernadeta Thomas MBA, SPHR Director of Human Resources

  

  Bernadeta Thomas

  MBA, SPHR Director of Human Resources

  Bernadeta joined True North Advisors in 2024 as Director of Human Resources, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in legal compliance, employee relations, culture and engagement, and strategic HR leadership. She is an accomplished HR Executive renowned for her innovative approach to human resources management and her dedication to driving organizational success. Her previous roles at Clarus, Richemont, and Manheim further highlight her proficiency in talent management, employee engagement, and HR analytics.

  In her prior role as Vice President of Human Resources at CarOffer, Bernadeta played a pivotal role in steering the company’s HR functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, and benefits administration. Her leadership was instrumental in fostering a collaborative work environment and implementing effective performance management processes, which contributed to CarOffer’s recognition as a Top Place to Work in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

  Prior to CarOffer, Bernadeta served as Human Resources Director at IKS Health, where she spearheaded the development of a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the company’s growth initiatives and led significant change management efforts. Her expertise also includes extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, as demonstrated in her successful HR integration leadership.

  Bernadeta holds an MBA from Texas Christian University and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and holds advanced certifications in various HR disciplines, including compensation metrics and leadership development.

  Beyond her professional achievements, Bernadeta has a passion for travel, embracing the opportunity to explore new cultures and destinations. She also cherishes spending quality time with her two sons.