Berthel Fisher Companies Has New Leadership Team
Andrew Christofferson named president, CEO
The Berthel Fisher Companies, a financial services firm, has named Andrew Christofferson, formerly the firm’s COO, as president and CEO of the firm’s registered investment advisory, two broker-dealers and insurance agency subsidiaries.
Christofferson will succeed Tom Berthel, the company’s co-founder. Berthel will continue to serve as the holding company’s president, CEO, and chairman, while focusing on capitalization and strategic objectives.
In other leadership moves, Paige Swartzendruber is now the firm’s chief business development officer; Brian Rupp is treasurer and CFO; and Joanna Schaul is the chief administrative officer.
The firm, which has a long history of providing access to alternatives to its advisors, said the changes were long anticipated and align with the implementation of the next stage of its growth ambition.
“Not only are these leaders uniquely prepared for their new responsibilities, but the appointments enable me to accelerate Berthel Fisher’s long-term growth plans while giving me the opportunity to closely collaborate with the senior leadership team going forward,” said Berthel.
Christofferson has been in the financial services industry for more than two decades. He previously served as SVP of business development, chief business development officer, and, most recently, COO of Berthel. He was formerly CIO of Securian Advisors MidAmerica. He started his career at InterSecurities, which is now a division of Transamerica Financial Advisors.
Swartzendruber began working at Berthel Fisher in 2007. She has worked as a registered representative, financial planner, and vice president (advisor relationships & strategy consulting) for the firm.
In 2016, Rupp joined Berthel Fisher. He formerly worked at the firm as a vice president (controller, treasurer, and director).
Before her promotion, Schaul was SVP administration and secretary for Berthel Fisher subsidiaries.
Co-founded by Berthel in 1985, the firm has 360 affiliated financial professionals who oversee approximately $9.8 billion in assets under advisement.
Pictured: The Berthel Fisher Companies headquarters in Cedar Rapids, IA