Advisory Team
“The Team Behind our Team” is a carefully selected group of professional advisors with whom we work. These individuals are experts in their fields and are available to assist us in addressing your needs. Often, it is with their help that we evaluate specific challenges and devise appropriate recommendations. We are pleased to introduce them to you
Timothy Steffen, CPA-PFS, CFP®, CPWA®
Director of Tax Planning
As Director of Tax Planning for Baird, Tim is responsible for researching, writing and speaking on important tax issues that impact the clients of Baird. This includes topics related to retirement planning, executive compensation, business owners, legislative changes, and overall best practices.
Tim originally joined Baird in 1999 serving in a variety of planning-oriented roles, most recently as the Director of Advanced Planning. He left Baird in 2019 to join the Advisor Education team at PIMCO, before returning to Baird in 2021. Prior to 1999, Tim worked in Arthur Andersen’s Private Client Services group in Milwaukee where he specialized in tax and financial planning. His clients included corporate executives, business owners and families.
Tim earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois in 1991. He is a Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Certified Private Wealth AdvisorSM professional and a member of the American and Wisconsin Institutes of CPAs, Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Commentary from Tim on a wide range of financial planning topics has been featured in national, regional and trade media such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Kiplinger’s, U.S. News & World Report, Morningstar, CNBC.com, and InvestmentNews. In addition, he speaks to numerous client and professional groups about tax and financial planning topics and has taught financial planning classes for IWI and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tim also regularly shares his perspectives via Twitter (@TimSteffenCPA) and other social media outlets.
Scott Grenier, CFP®, AEP®
Manager of Estate Planning Senior Vice President
Scott Grenier joined Robert W. Baird & Co. in 2010. Scott is currently the Manager of Estate Planning for Baird’s Private Wealth Management Group.
Prior to joining Baird in 2010, Scott was responsible for providing financial planning solutions to high net worth individuals and families at Cleary Gull, Inc. Scott works with clients and their advisors on business succession, tax and estate planning strategies, focusing on tax efficient wealth transfer opportunities.
Scott graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelors Degree in Economics and earned a Master of Science in Financial Services Degree from The American College.
Scott is an Accredited Estate Planner through the National Association of Estate Planning & Councils, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy through The American College and a CFP® Professional.
Scott served on the Board of Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum and is a current member of the Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum, member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and a member of the Financial Planning Association in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Laura Thurow, CFA®
Executive Director of Wealth Solutions and Operations
Laura Thurow is Executive Director of Wealth Solutions and Operations for Baird’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) business. In this role, she is responsible for the people, platforms and back office services that support Baird’s financial advisors in all aspects of their wealth management practices.
As part of the PWM Leadership Team, she is also involved in various strategic initiatives in support of Baird’s overall wealth management platform. Additionally, Laura serves as a member of Baird’s Executive Committee.
Laura received a bachelor of arts degree in Economics from Trinity College and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She has earned the CFA charter and is a member of the CFA Society of Milwaukee.
CJ Jessup, CFP®
Manager of Wealth Planning Associates
Charles “CJ” Jessup joined Robert W. Baird & Co. in 2018 as an intern in the downtown Madison, WI office while in his final year at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. CJ graduated in the Spring of 2019 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance, Investment, and Banking from the Grainger School of Business, focusing primarily on Personal Finance and Financial Planning.
Following graduation, CJ joined Baird’s Financial Advisor Foundations Program and subsequently accepted an opportunity with the Wealth Planning Team in February of 2020. CJ earned his Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Designation in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to earn his Enrolled Agent (EA) designation by the end of 2023.
CJ has found his passion for creating and monitoring financial plans for all types of clients while leveraging the software, tools, and expertise available at Baird. With particular interest in Social Security planning, he supports Baird clients achieve their goals through developing plan strategy and scenario analysis.
Raised in the suburbs of Milwaukee, CJ always has, and now officially, calls Milwaukee home. Outside of work, CJ coaches a middle school basketball team and supports the area high school’s junior development program. He is an avid reader, podcast listener, and local sports fan.
Jamie Awe, CRPC®
Sr Insurance Solutions Consultant
Jamie joined Baird in 2008. His primary duties include managing the relationships with the insurance company partners, evaluating existing annuity contracts and providing product expertise on today’s insured solutions.
Prior to joining Baird, Jamie spent ten years working at Financial Institutions Marketing Company (FIMCO). He was a Regional External Wholesaler and was responsible for marketing and distributing annuity solutions to financial institutions across the country.
Jamie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (summa cum laude) with a bachelor degree in Business Administration, majoring in both Finance and Marketing. He also holds his WI life license along with his FINRA Series 7 & 63. In 2013, Jamie obtained his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation from the College of Financial Planning.
Jamie has three children, ages 11, 15 and 17. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports with the family and attending various community events. Jamie coaches youth baseball and is also an active member within his local Lions Club chapter.
Kathy Carey, CFA®
Director of Research
Kathy Carey is Director of Research for Baird’s Private Wealth Management group. In this role, she oversees the following Research Teams:
- Asset Manager Research
- AQA Portfolios
- Equity and Fixed Income Research
- Investment Strategy
- She is a co-portfolio manager for the ALIGN Strategic Portfolios where she is involved with investment, asset allocation and rebalancing decisions, as well as due diligence of the portfolios. Additionally, she is a voting member of Baird’s Equity Recommended Portfolio and sits on the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.
Previously, Kathy spent nine years as an equity analyst and sector portfolio manager with Mason Street Advisors, the public investment subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual. Before that, she was a senior associate in Baird’s Equity Research Department covering Utilities and Financial Technology for four years.
Kathy received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and an MBA from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. She has earned the CFA charter and is a member of the CFA Society of Milwaukee. She also holds Series 7 and 24 licenses. Kathy is treasurer of the Yale Association of Wisconsin and a member of its scholarship committee.