Steward Partners has added a Georgia-based team from Stifel Financial, where they managed about $630 million in total client assets. 

The team includes SVP, partner, and wealth manager David Lucas, and managing directors and wealth managers Kevin Watson and Chris Durham. The trio will operate out of Steward’s office in Macon, Georgia, the firm said. 

In addition to the three partners, the practice, which joined Steward on February 4, will also include three client associate managers, as the firm aims to bolster its presence across Central Georgia. 

“Joining Steward Partners represents an exciting milestone for our team and, more importantly, for our clients,” Watson said. “The firm’s independence, collaborative culture, and robust platform give us greater flexibility and resources to enhance the level of advice and service we provide.” 

Prior to joining Steward, Lucas, Watson, and Durham were with Stifel for about 10 years, according to their BrokerCheck profiles. 

Recently, Steward added Stuart, FL-based Lum Wealth Management, which was previously affiliated with Raymond James, according to the firm’s LinkedIn page. 

The firm includes financial advisors David Lum, Mike Piazza, wealth and portfolio specialist Brett Bladergroen, and senior client administrative manager Theresa McMasters. 

Lum and his team oversaw roughly oversees $350 million in client assets as of 2024, according to Forbes. 

In December, Steward Partners raised $475 million in capital investments from alternative asset manager Ares Investment. As part of the non-controlling minority stake, Steward Partners executives and its partners will maintain control over the firm’s operations, the firm said. 

Steward Partners, founded in 2013, says it oversees more than $500 billion in client assets as of December. 

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