SignatureFD Appoints Industry Tech Leader Eric Clarke to Board of Directors

Expanded External Governance Positions Firm for the Future

SignatureFD, an award-winning integrated wealth management and advisory firm that helps clients transform their net worth into Net Worthwhile™, today announced the appointment of Eric Clarke, founding CEO of Orion Advisor Solutions, to its Board of Directors.

Clarke’s appointment, effective January 1, 2024, represents the firm’s first Board expansion to include an external member.

“Broadened governance and diversity of perspective are the foundations of a firm that’s built for the future,” said Heather Fortner, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of SignatureFD. “With the technology landscape changing at compounding speed, our industry faces a pivotal juncture. Eric has been at the forefront of transforming wealth management businesses for decades. Bolstering our advisory oversight with a leader of his caliber will be instrumental as we continue to advance from a position of strength.”

Bringing more than 25 years of management experience, Clarke founded Orion Advisor Tech in 1999 to deliver technology infrastructure to help independent financial advisors scale their businesses. Throughout his time as CEO, he oversaw the firm’s progression into Orion Advisor Solutions, growing it to one of the industry’s leading technology solutions for fiduciary advisors. Between 2018 and 2022, he guided Orion through seven major acquisitions and integrated new functionality into the firm’s ecosystem to address advisors’ critical need for unified technology systems.

“Eric has extraordinary vision, connectivity in our industry, and a deep understanding of the rapid technological changes underway and on the horizon. Beyond his leadership acumen and expertise in scaling businesses, he is completely aligned to SignatureFD’s core values and culture. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team,” added Fortner.

“I’ve long admired SignatureFD’s embrace of innovation and holistic approach to client care,” said Eric Clarke. “As the wealth management industry is beset with increasing complexity, SignatureFD is well positioned to evolve alongside its clients’ needs. The Board’s resolute focus on making a material impact on the lives of its clients, advisors, and community has driven the firm’s continued success, and I’m excited to help guide SignatureFD through the next phases of its journey.”

Clarke joins existing SignatureFD board members Doug Liptak, CFP®, CPA, co-founder and chief strategy officer; David Fisher, CPA, CFA®, CFP®, co-founder and senior advisor; Russ Cearley, CFA®, partner and wealth advisor; Todd Sheets, CFA®, CAIA®, partner and wealth advisor; Blake Williams, AFC®, CFP®, partner and wealth advisor; David Deeter, CPA, Frazier & Deeter co-founder and tax partner; Seth McDaniel, CPA, Frazier & Deeter managing partner; and Heather Fortner, SignatureFD Chair and CEO. Clarke retired as CEO of Orion in October 2023 and will continue to serve on Orion’s Board of Directors.

About SignatureFD

At SignatureFD, we believe people want to use their wealth to do something worthwhile – for themselves, those they love, and their community. Through integrated wealth management services, we help clients create a financial design for life that enables them to protect, grow, give and live their wealth – ultimately transforming their net worth into Net Worthwhile™. Our highly capable, collaborative, caring and coordinated team of investment and financial planning experts are committed to proactively helping clients take control of their financial lives and achieve their goals. SignatureFD has 100+ passionate professionals who manage over $7.4B+ and has had a client retention rate of 97% since opening its doors in 1997.* For more information and important disclosures, visit www.signaturefd.com.

*Please refer to SignatureFD’s disclosures for client retention calculations.

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