Baird hires trio of veterans

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Baird hires trio of veterans

Financial services firm Baird has announced that it has hired a trio of experienced wealth management professionals.

James E. Furletti, senior vice president and branch manager, will spearhead the firm’s launching of its first wealth management offices in the greater Baltimore area.

Furletti spent two decades with Legg Mason, prior to its merger with Smith Barney, and brings 22 years of experience to his new job.

Senior vice and president and branch manager Brian J. McGrath will work alongside E. Howard “Howdie” Goodwin, Jr., financial advisor and senior vice president, to play crucial roles in establishing Baird’s presence in the greater Philadelphia area with the launch of its first private wealth management offices there.

McGrath has worked for Wachovia Securities and held a range of positions with Gabelli Asset Management Company, in addition to a number of roles with Merrill Lynch in Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Goodwin is also extremely experienced, bringing knowledge earnt over a 33 year career to his new position, and, like McGrath, has also worked for Wachovia Securities.

The expansion, aided by three veterans of the financial world, underline Baird’s commitment to offering wealth management service to high net-worth clients in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The new offices will build upon the two offices currently operating in the greater Washington D.C. area, and two offices in Virginia.