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 is an attorney and a graduate of the University of Florida Law School. Scott started his career with Advanta IRA in 2006. His experience with various investment types and their unique processes makes him an invaluable asset. Scott holds the designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), leads Advanta IRA's Business Development team, and delivers engaging seminars and webinars that educate people on the intricacies of self-directed IRAs. 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
Born and raised in central Florida, Corey is a graduate of the University of South Florida. He worked in the finance and banking industry for several years before joining Advanta IRA. Corey holds the designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) and delivers exceptional service and self-directed expertise as he educates investors on the power of self-directed accounts in the Carolina/Tennessee region. 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, a proud graduate of the University of South Florida, worked in the real estate field prior to bringing her skills to Advanta IRA in 2011. She has filled many roles as she has learned the business and holds the prestigious designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). In her current role, Larissa holds various interactive seminars, webinars and networking events to teach clients and investors about self-directed IRAs. 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
Reneika Lightbourne, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Reneika Lightbourne, CISP
Business Development Specialist
Reneika grew up in The Bahamas, but attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO where she received degrees in Corporate Communications and Nonprofit Management. She earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix and holds the designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). Prior to joining Advanta IRA she worked in B2B financial services in Atlanta. As a Business Development Specialist, Reneika assists clients in the greater Atlanta area with using self-directed IRAs to invest in alternative assets. 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 graduated from Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2011. He joined Advanta IRA in 2012 and holds the distinct designation of Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). His specialty and knowledge enable him to educate clients and investors on self-directed IRAs in various seminars, webinars, and networking events. 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
Shay Thomas
Business Development Specialist
Shay Thomas
Business Development Specialist
Originally from the Bronx, Shay and his family moved to the Atlanta area when he was ten years old. He graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in psychology in 2017. Shay started his career working in software sales for an appraisal management company. While a career in sales was never on his radar, his natural curiosity and desire to help people achieve their goals led him to Advanta IRA as a Business Development Specialist. In his spare time, he enjoys watching basketball, spending time with family and friends, trying out new restaurants, and exploring Atlanta.
800.425.0653 ext. 1149Account 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
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
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
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. 1126Operations 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, CISP
Accounting Operations Manager
Maria Almonte, 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
Haley Foley is an ambitious and focused accounting associate with a passion for people. A USF political science student, Haley aspires to continue her education in Law and pursue a career in human rights. Her experience working in hospitality with Disney, Universal Studios, and The Florida Aquarium provided the foundation for her high standards in delivering excellent customer service in all client interactions. Outside of work, Haley is a trained ballet dancer and bookworm, spending most of her time in the dance studio or curled up with a mystery novel.
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
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 is a frequent speaker on self-directed retirement plans. He is an accredited continuing education instructor 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.
