Leadership
1st Global is led by a group of experienced managing executives whose expertise in financial services, passion for excellence and dedication to integrity underpin the everyday operations of our organization.
Stephen A. Batman
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Batman is a visionary entrepreneur whose accomplishments have profoundly impacted the accounting and financial services professions. A true leader in the industry, Tony has established a successful financial services business development and resource partner to leading wealth management firms and is a frequent speaker to professional groups on a variety of financial services topics. (more)
David Knoch
President, Chief Operating Officer
David Knoch joined 1st Global in 2000, serving in various positions throughout the organization until 2008, when he was charged with the role of President and Chief Operating Officer. With more than 20 years of management and leadership experience, including 14 years in financial services, David has the perspective, expertise and drive to provide world-class wealth management capabilities to 1st Global’s specially selected affiliated firms. (more)
Michael Pagano
Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer
Michael Pagano serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at 1st Global. As such, Michael works with the company and its affiliated financial advisors to provide regulatory compliance oversight, strategies and management. Included in his responsibilities is the supervision of both the licensing and compliance departments' staff, performing due diligence, handling regulatory audits and maintaining overall corporate quality assurance. (more)
Paul Stewart
Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer
Paul Stewart is the Chief Administrative Officer for 1st Global. As such, he is responsible for the financial management and human resources operations which broaden the company’s capabilities and client base as well as attract and retain top-notch personnel. The perfect combination of the two helps hundreds of thousands of American families honor the important promises they’ve made while it upholds an organization in which employees and affiliates can be proud. (more)
Brian M. Finnigan
Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Brian M. Finnigan leads 1st Global’s strategic marketing efforts. Brian creates and leads all marketing policy for the firm including the development of sales support materials, campaigns, client marketing collateral, advisor communications and events. As brand champion, he is charged with integrating the firm’s unique value proposition into all public communications and the promotion of 1st Global’s tax-centric retirement, advisory, alternative investment and insurance platforms. (more)
Rick Arthur
Vice President, Operations and Service
With 11 years of service with 1st Global, our staff and our affiliated firms, Rick has an incredible depth of knowledge about our capabilities. Rick is an accomplished leader who focuses on client experience, organizational standards and execution excellence. Throughout the years, Rick has run many operations and service departments, and was 1st Global’s original project manager. (more)
Jeffrey S. Magson
Vice President, Sales and Platforms
As Vice President of Sales and Platforms, Jeff Magson holds a strategic role in driving the sales efforts of 1st Global’s various offerings. He partners with the more than 1,100 financial advisors in the field to increase and expand revenue streams within the securities, insurance and advisory platforms by providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. This includes staying abreast of industry trends and technology as well as building and maintaining a first-class sales consulting support group. (more)
Al Prentice
Vice President, Key Accounts
Al Prentice is the Vice President of Key Accounts for 1st Global. His responsibilities include oversight of the largest CPA firm relationships affiliated with 1st Global for wealth management success. Al also provides specialized consultation services to firms experiencing unique and complex problems such as strategic planning, business valuation and mergers and acquisition of other CPA firms and wealth management practices. (more)
