Meet the Team
As a self-directed IRA services administrator, Advanta IRA oversees over $2.5 billion in client assets under management. We are experts in our industry. You can put your trust in us and never have to worry if the administrative details of your accounts comply with IRS rules. We assure you, they will.
Our backgrounds are as diverse as our clients. Some of us are attorneys and CFPs. Others hail from various financial and professional backgrounds. Many hold the prestigious certification of Certified IRA Service Professional (CISP).
We truly value our client relationships. Contact one of us today and let us know how we can help you build wealth to secure your successful financial future.
Advanta IRA is hiring! Are you interested in joining our team? Check out our job openings here.
Leadership Team
Bo Koerner, CISP
Chief Operations Officer
Bo Koerner, CISP
Chief Operations Officer
Bo brings nearly 25 years of retirement planning and customer service experience to Advanta IRA. He earned his accounting degree from the University of South Florida and worked started his career at Transamerica Mutual Funds where he provided invaluable support to clients. Bo joined Advanta IRA in 2009 and he holds the distinct designations of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) as well as the Self-Directed IRA Professional (SDIP) from the Retirement Industry Trust Association. As Advanta IRA's COO, Bo provides leadership and training to our staff and assists clients in understanding the rules and regulations of self-directed IRAs. When he is not saving the day at Advanta IRA, he can be found with his family on his boat fishing and enjoying our beautiful waterways.
800.425.0653 ext. 1138
Scott Maurer, JD, CISP
Vice President of Sales
Scott Maurer, JD, CISP
Vice President of Sales
Scott Maurer, Vice President of Business Development, is a recognized expert in the field of self-directed IRAs. With a law degree from the University of Florida and as a designated Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), Scott’s keen understanding of rules and regulations fuels his passion to educate others on the power of investing in alternative assets using self-directed IRAs.
Scott is a frequent guest on retirement and investing webinars and podcasts, and he has shown thousands of individuals how to achieve financial freedom by teaching them how to use their retirement funds to invest in private placements, real estate, private lending, and more. Throughout his two decades in the industry, he has watched numerous unique investments unfold, giving him great perspective of what is possible when people take control of their retirement funds and investing decisions.
On the personal side, Scott walks the walk—utilizing his own self-directed accounts to invest in real estate and start-up companies. Outside of work, Scott is an avid Tampa Bay Lightning and Tottenham Hotspur fan and loves to spend time with his family.
800.425.0653 ext. 1123
Rachael Moore, MBA
Vice President of Marketing
Rachael Moore, MBA
Vice President of Marketing
Rachael is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and holds an MBA from Emory University. With thirty years of experience in sales and marketing, Rachael leads Advanta IRA's marketing team by creating strategies and campaigns that drive awareness of self-directed investing and Advanta IRA's role as a leader in this space. In her free time, she travels with her family, practices yoga, and is an avid reader.
800.425.0653 ext. 1149Business Development & Marketing Team
Corey Daharsh, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Corey Daharsh, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Corey Daharsh is a self-directed retirement investing expert with over ten years of experience in the financial industry, holding the prestigious designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP).
Starting in high school, Corey found his passion for understanding the complexities of financial literacy and educating others to help them use diverse investment strategies to prosper fiscally. He enjoys leaving a positive impact and has proven to be adept at breaking down unique, complex topics and concepts into simple, digestible nuggets of information that audiences love.
While his personal investing interest involves various real estate asset classes and private lending, he’s helped hundreds of clients complete thousands of transactions since joining Advanta IRA in 2016. Corey has a zest for everything outdoors and enjoys staying active by kayaking, hiking, and any other outdoor adventures he can take on with his wife and dogs.
800.425.0653 ext. 2146
Larissa Greene, CISP
Director of Education / Business Development Specialist
Larissa Greene, CISP
Director of Education / Business Development Specialist
Larissa Greene is the Director of Education and a member of the business development team at. She holds the prestigious designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) from the American Bankers Association and has been educating investors and teaching continuing education classes for CPAs, real estate agents, and attorneys since 2011.
In her time with Advanta IRA, Larissa has seen IRA holders invest in common alternative assets like real estate, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and start-ups to more unique investments like racehorses, cattle, movie projects, sports teams, airplanes, and crypts.
In addition to educating new and seasoned investors on the nearly limitless possibilities for self-directed IRAs and the few rules for investing in alternative investments, she also uses her own retirement funds to lend money to investors for their rental properties. When Larissa is not attending one of her many professional business groups, she can be found rehabbing antiques, crocheting, or enjoying her family’s company.
800.425.0653 ext. 1140
Briana Guevara
Assistant Marketing Manager
Briana Guevara
Assistant Marketing Manager
Briana is a bilingual Florida native who brings years of digital marketing experience to the Advanta IRA team. She attended St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida, where she studied English with a concentration in Writing Studies. Before joining Advanta IRA as Assistant Marketing Manager, Briana was a freelance writer, interned at News Channel 8, and worked in the hospitality and accounting fields. Outside work, Briana loves spending time with her family and everything saltwater.
800.425.0653 ext. 1164
Reneika Lightbourne, MBA, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Reneika Lightbourne, MBA, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Reneika Lightbourne is a recognized self-directed IRA expert, a business development professional at Advanta IRA, and a recipient of the esteemed Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation from the American Bankers Association.
Reneika started investing in alternative assets in 2014 and quickly realized the upside of this investment class. In 2017, she implemented self-directed IRA investing and became an Advanta IRA client. She wholeheartedly believes every American should take control of their retirement funds with a self-directed IRA, so she joined the Advanta IRA team to spread the word. With a passion for a diversified portfolio, Reneika has invested in private equity, real estate, digital assets, and private lending.
Reneika keenly educates clients on tax-sheltered techniques to help them have creative control over investment opportunities to secure a better retirement. As a trainer and speaker, Reneika works with financial advisors, CPAs, and real estate professionals on the rules that govern SDIRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans. Additionally, Reneika is an avid sports and art lover, an active investor and enjoys spending time with family.
800.425.0653 ext. 1133
Ellen Palmer, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Ellen Palmer, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Originally from New York, Ellen has been with Advanta IRA since its onset in 2003. Following an impressive career including seven years in Geneva, Switzerland as an expatriate taxation specialist at an American multinational firm, Ellen worked for various law, accounting, and bookkeeping firms across many businesses sectors. At Advanta IRA, she holds the prestigious designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) and uses her vast worldly experience to assist her clients in every way she can. Outside of Advanta IRA, Ellen enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
800.425.0653 ext. 1108
Alex Perny, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Alex Perny, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Alex Perny is a business development specialist and host of Advanta IRA’s podcast, the Alternative Investment Advantage. He holds the designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) and is a self-described policy geek who loves diving deep to learn about the rules, regulations, and technical aspects of self-directed IRAs, employer plans, and IRS regulations.
For more than a decade, Alex has helped thousands of clients invest in precious metals, real estate syndications, private stock offerings, promissory notes, and countless other alternative assets. As an expert in his field, he has spoken across the country to thousands of investors about using retirement plans to invest outside of the stock market.
Alex believes so strongly in this strategy that he self-directs his own retirement and health savings plans to invest in real estate and private equity. Alex is a jack of all trades, but he can often be found tinkering on various car projects or spending time with his wife and dog.
800.425.0653 ext. 1143
Dimitri Radevski
Sales Support Specialist
Dimitri Radevski
Sales Support Specialist
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dimitri moved to Clearwater in 2021. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a degree in Business Administration. While Dimitri has worked in many industries throughout his career, customer service has always been his focal point. As a Sales Support Specialist, he uses those experiences and skillsets to help Advanta IRA’s clients succeed as investors. Dimitri is a huge soccer fan—having played it his whole life—and loves Pittsburgh sports teams. He also embraces the Florida lifestyle by soaking up the sun, biking, kayaking, or going to the beach.
800.425.0653 ext. 4091Account Management Team
Courtney Maxa, CISP
Operations Team Manager
Courtney Maxa, CISP
Operations Team Manager
A sunny Florida native, a graduate of St. Petersburg College and a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), Courtney began working with Advanta IRA in 2015 in the accounting department, then transitioned to client account manager where she managed clients’ IRAs and assisted in making investments with their retirement funds. Courtney now oversees a team of client account managers where she provides guidance and support to help them provide concierge-level support to their clients. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and her corgi.
800.425.0653 ext. 1154
Jason Smith, CISP
Operations Team Manager
Jason Smith, CISP
Operations Team Manager
Jason is a Florida native and proud graduate of the University of South Florida where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. He leverages his experience working with diverse management styles and adapting to changing environments to help him succeed in his current role as operations team manager. Jason leads a team of client account managers who deliver impeccable service to their clients. Jason holds the Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation. He spends his time away from the office relaxing with a round of golf or with his wife and two pets.
800.425.0653 ext. 1159
Rachel Allen
Client Account Manager
Rachel Allen
Client Account Manager
Rachel was born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in New Port Richey, Florida. She worked in various customer service roles prior to and while pursuing her business administration degree from St. Petersburg College. Two of Rachel’s passions are learning and helping others. As a client account manager with Advanta IRA, she combines these passions by helping her clients discover unique investing opportunities that will help them reach their financial goals. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing the cello, and reading.
800.425.0653 ext. 1163
Garrison Davis
Client Account Manager
Garrison Davis
Client Account Manager
Originally from central North Carolina, Garrison moved to the Florida panhandle in 2020 before eventually making his way to St Petersburg. In 2016, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and has spent the last several years in the financial services industry specializing in both consumer and commercial lending. As a Client Account Manager with Advanta IRA, Garrison uses his financial industry knowledge to provide excellent customer service for those looking to self-direct their retirement funds. In his free time, Garrison enjoys playing a round of golf, spending a day at the beach, and reading about history.
800.425.0653 ext. 1167
Robert Davis
Client Account Manager
Robert Davis
Client Account Manager
Robert was raised in the greater Sacramento area and relocated to Florida after graduating from CSUS with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Robert has an extensive background in guest services and is a natural-born people person. As an Advanta IRA Client Account Manager, he strives to provide the best service for his clients and loves to leverage his public relations skills to causes he is passionate about. Robert is a well-rounded hiker, having hiked throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains and inside Yosemite National Park. He is also an avid music festival attendee and loves all types of music.
800.425.0653 ext. 1162
Jorge Diaz
Client Account Manager
Jorge Diaz
Client Account Manager
Jorge is a Florida native who lived in Miami and Tampa before settling in Largo with his family, where he grew up. He moved away to Liberty, Missouri, to play football at William Jewell College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in science in Accounting and Business Administration. Jorge shares an entrepreneurial spirit like many of our clients, which helps him excel at delivering exceptional customer service to our clients looking to invest outside of the stock market. When Jorge is not at work, he enjoys fishing with family and friends and traveling.
800.425.0653 ext. 1125
Hayden Harker
Client Account Manager
Hayden Harker
Client Account Manager
Born and raised in the Bay Area of California, Hayden moved to Florida in 2022 for a change of scenery. She is wrapping up her studies at San Francisco State University, where she will earn her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in communication. With years of experience in the restaurant industry holding various management positions, delivering excellent customer service is at her core. She brings that to her role as a Client Account Manager with Advanta IRA. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the beach, playing the guitar, and spending time with people who are important to her.
800.425.0653 ext. 1109
Hannah Harrison
Client Account Manager
Hannah Harrison
Client Account Manager
A recent Florida transplant, Hannah is originally from Huntsville, AL, and she graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in aviation management. She has worked in customer service roles in various industries for the past ten years, most recently in the mortgage industry. As a Client Account Manager with Advanta IRA, Hannah loves helping educate her clients about all the facets of self-directed investing while providing unparalleled customer service. In her free time, she likes to take her dog to the dog beach at Picnic Island, go to the movies, and try new recipes.
800.425.0653 ext. 1171
Tiffany Jordan, CISP
Client Account Manager
Tiffany Jordan, CISP
Client Account Manager
Originally from Texas, Jordan moved to Florida after leaving the Navy and is happily soaking up the sunshine state. She has proudly completed her Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation and is passionate about building strong relationships with her clients and exceeding their customer service expectations. She enjoys time with her fur babies and spends much of her time planning trips to satisfy her wanderlust and interest in new cities and cultures.
800.425.0653 ext. 1129
Mark Merolli
Client Account Manager
Mark Merolli
Client Account Manager
Mark was born in Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Dayton with a bachelor’s in finance. After graduation, Mark moved to the St. Peterburg area, where he worked for Wellington Shields, as a stockbroker, for most of his career. He has also owned two businesses in the Tampa Bay area, but his passion for investing and economics led him back to working in the financial sector with Advanta IRA. Away from work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, playing soccer, and going to concerts.
800.425.0653 ext. 1169
Jack Pike
Client Account Manager
Jack Pike
Client Account Manager
Originally from Missouri, Jack moved to Florida in the Spring of 2022. Since graduating from Missouri State University, he has worked in finance, sales, and account management. Client satisfaction has always been his biggest priority, and he uses the communication skills he has honed to deliver excellent customer service as a Client Account Manager for Advanta IRA. In his free time, Jack enjoys going to the beach, hiking in the country, and supporting the local sports teams.
800.425.0653 ext. 1170
Skip Pryce
Client Account Manager
Skip Pryce
Client Account Manager
Originally from New York, Skip moved to Tampa, FL, for high school and then to CA to play football for San Diego State University. An injury ended his football career, but not his love for sports and competition. He spent ten years in San Diego working at a private golf club and for a sports consulting agency that helped build brand relationships with sponsors of the PGA Tour. Now back in the Tampa Bay area, Skip is pursuing his bachelor’s in business administration with a minor in financial services at St. Petersburg College. Skip loves making connections with people and providing an excellent level of service in everything he does. Still an avid sports fan, he enjoys the outdoors, reading, playing golf, and trying out new restaurants with family and friends in his free time.
800.425.0653 ext. 1126
Crystal Turner
Client Account Manager
Crystal Turner
Client Account Manager
Born and raised in Pinellas County, Crystal has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in criminology from USF. Crystal has almost 25 years of customer service experience, including leading a team of IRA Specialists to provide support to customers and staff. As a Client Account Manager, Crystal combines her experience in consumer banking with her years of customer service to deliver exceptional service to her Advanta IRA clients. In her spare time, she enjoys planning cookouts and gatherings with her family, singing, and gardening.
800.425.0653 ext. 1160Operations Team
Nicole Lobmaster, CISP
Corporate Accounting Manager
Nicole Lobmaster, CISP
Corporate Accounting Manager
While earning her degree from the University of South Florida, Nicole worked in several customer service roles honing a skillset that has led to her success at Advanta IRA. As our Corporate Accounting Manager and a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), Nicole helps keep our operational finances on track while providing experienced guidance to the rest of the team. In her free time, she thoroughly enjoys attending concerts and adventurous camping trips.
800.425.0653 ext. 1153
Paul Hutchings, CISP
Project Manager
Paul Hutchings, CISP
Project Manager
Paul was born in El Salvador, is bilingual, and was fortunate enough to live in several Latin American countries while growing up. Prior to joining Advanta IRA, Paul was the office manager for a Gainesville, Florida law firm while earning his degree in finance from the University of Florida. Paul began his career at Advanta IRA as an account manager, and currently oversees operations and key projects offering experience, advice, and insight to ensure success. Paul holds the designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). In his free time, he enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time with his family and friends.
800.425.0653 ext. 1142
Brett Lawton, CISP
Transaction Manager
Brett Lawton, CISP
Transaction Manager
Brett was born in Baltimore, Maryland and was raised in Clearwater, Florida. Shortly after graduating from Florida State University he started with Advanta IRA as an accounting associate and quickly ascended to the Client Account Manager role. As a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), Brett leverages his experience, his attention to detail, and his can-do attitude as Advanta IRA's Transaction Manager. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, going to the beach, and golfing.
800.425.0653 ext. 1128
Maria Almonte, MBA, CISP
Accounting Operations Manager
Maria Almonte, MBA, CISP
Accounting Operations Manager
Maria was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and moved to Pinellas County at the age of five. She joined Advanta IRA as an intern and has since completed her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and her MBA at the University of South Florida. Maria holds the designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) and works exceptionally hard in leading her team to deliver excellent customer service to Advanta IRA’s clients. In her free time, Maria loves spending time with her family and friends.
800.425.0653 ext. 1124
Deanna DiStaso
Sr. Accounting Associate
Deanna DiStaso
Sr. Accounting Associate
Born and raised in Pinellas County, Florida, Deanna, has a Bachelors degree in Accounting from University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg. She joined Advanta IRA's accounting department where she uses her knowledge and experience from her volunteer work and prior job experiences to deliver excellent service to Advanta IRA clients. In her free time, Deanna loves to stay in with family and friends and take her Pittie, Dani, off-roading.
800.425.0653 ext. 1130
Kali Clouette
Accounting Associate
Kali Clouette
Accounting Associate
Kali is a Massachusetts native who spent time living in the mid-west before coming to Pinellas County, Florida. After earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology, she worked in various human resources roles to support aspiring entrepreneurs' small business growth. Those positions led her to start a bookkeeping and consulting firm that provides services to small businesses across the country. Kali is excited to use her skills and knowledge as an accounting associate at Advanta IRA to help clients reach their retirement goals. In her free time, Kali enjoys crochet, outdoor activities, and time with family.
800-425-0653 ext. 1127
Haley Foley
Accounting Associate
Haley Foley
Accounting Associate
Born and raised in Tampa Bay, Haley returned to St. Petersburg, FL, in 2020. She is finishing her studies at the University of South Florida, where she will earn her bachelor’s degree in political theory. Haley brings her years of experience in the education and hospitality industries to her role as an Accounting Associate by assisting clients to navigate and master new information. Outside work, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time in the Ballet Studio.
800-425-0653 ext. 1136
Amy Gallagher
Accounting Associate
Amy Gallagher
Accounting Associate
Amy Gallagher is a detail oriented accounting associate who relocated to Florida from Pennsylvania with her husband and youngest daughter. Amy has nearly two decades of administrative support experience in schools and with Advanta IRA. Her attention to detail and passion for helping others made her an asset to her school. In her spare time, Amy loves spending time at the beach with family and friends and hanging out relaxing with her dogs.
800-425-0653 ext. 1146
Ian Luquer
Accounting Associate
Ian Luquer
Accounting Associate
Originally from Long Island, New York, Ian is a recent Florida transplant. Ian has his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University at Albany in Albany, NY. Ian honed his customer service experience by working in the restaurant industry throughout high school and college. As an Accounting Associate at Advanta IRA, he is very happy to combine his educational background in accounting with his customer service experience. In his spare time, he likes to read, go to the beach, and spend time with friends, family, and his girlfriend.
800.425.0653 ext. 1135
Izabella Saitta
Administrative Assistant
Izabella Saitta
Administrative Assistant
Izabella is a Pinellas County native and a graduate of Seminole High School. She has always had an entrepreneurial spirit with experiences that include building and selling a successful cleaning business at the age of 23 and nearly a decade in the title, real estate investing, and property management industries. As Advanta IRA’s Administrative Assistant, Izabella combines her various experiences with a passion for problem-solving to assist her teammates and Advanta IRA’s clients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, reading, and cooking, and she is an active member of her church.
800.425.0653 ext. 1146
Shelby Stokking
Accounting Associate
Shelby Stokking
Accounting Associate
Born and raised in Florida, Shelby, is pursuing her degree in cybersecurity at St. Petersburg College. Before joining Advanta IRA Shelby held various positions in customer service and as an administrative assistant. Shelby is people-oriented and excited to use her skillset to connect with and ensure each Advanta IRA client feels valued and meets their goals. In her free time, Shelby enjoys taking her dog, Gizmo, to the park, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
800.425.0653 ext. 1161Our Founder
Jack Callahan, JD, CFP
Jack Callahan, JD, CFPJack proudly earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and multinational business from Florida State University and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. He established Advanta IRA in 2003 and has steadily nurtured and grown the company and the team every year since. Prior to founding Advanta IRA, Jack delivered specialized counsel to real estate investors, small business owners, and real estate professionals on tax, legal and financial matters. As an industry expert, Jack has educated thousands on self-directed retirement plans and has taught continuing education courses for the Florida and Georgia Bar Associations, Florida and Georgia Real Estate Commissions, and The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In his free time, Jack loves to spend time with his family on their farm and fishing our local waters.
