Professionals Who Care

Julie contributes her talent and skills in various areas within the firm. She offers executive administrative services to the Archford team and manages all client and business events. Additionally, she serves as a campaign coordinator for the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Julie studied mathematics at Southeast Missouri State.

Sam Hanger is a Strategic Wealth Advisor at Archford. Sam was an Archford Scholar Intern during the summer of 2013. After graduating college, he began his career at a national financial firm and later brought this experience with him to Archford as a full time member of the team. He serves as a member of a local community college’s Foundation Board and also serves as vice chairman of the Finance Committee.

Sam’s experience in nearly every aspect of the client’s financial picture helps fuel his passion and motivation for helping others.

Sam graduated Cum Laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He holds his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation with the CFP Board of Standards, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC ®), and also holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation, which coincides with Archford’s philosophy of holding the client’s best interest to the utmost fiduciary care.

Sam lives in O’Fallon, IL where he enjoys spending time with his family – his wife Max, son, daughter, and golden retriever Callie.  He also stays active within the community, with work done for the O’Fallon Food Pantry, and active involvement with the Mizzou Alumni.

Ryne Harris is a Senior Tax Accountant at Archford Accounting. In this role, he works on bookkeeping, payroll, payroll tax returns, sales tax, financial statements, compilations, and both personal and business tax returns for clients.

Prior to joining the Archford team, Ryne worked at a local high school as Director of Student Affairs and Scheduling. He was responsible for preparing students for their next steps after high school whether that be college, trade school or the workforce. He received his Master’s in Accounting from Lindenwood University.

In his free time, Ryne enjoys watching sporting events, attending concerts and playing golf.

Ryan Haynes is a Wealth Manager at Archford. In this role, he supports Relationship Managers and assists with daily operations to enhance client experiences. Ryan began his journey at Archford as an intern where he managed compliance tasks, and broker-dealer accounts which led him to his current position. 

Ryan graduated summa cum laude from McKendree University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance. He was recognized as the McKendree School of Business Top Graduating Economics and Finance Student and earned multiple honors including National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American, and GLVC Academic All-Conference Honoree. 

Driven by his passion for working with clients and problem solving, Ryan is committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with clients by providing exceptional service to clients and their families. Ryan’s dedication to helping others is highlighted by his upbringing and involvement in the various roles he held at McKendree including resident assistant, and student academic mentor. 

In his free time, Ryan enjoys exercising and other outdoor activities like golf and pickleball. He remains connected to the McKendree University community and supports the NCAA Division II McKendree Men’s Wrestling Team.

Will Henze serves as Content Production Manager at Archford where he supports the marketing team in elevating the firm’s brand. He bridges the gap between strategy and execution, managing the production of client-facing materials and video content to the technical operations of large-scale corporate events. With a focus on quality and consistency, Will ensures that Archford’s message is delivered effectively across all digital and physical channels.

Will earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).

His professional journey at Archford began as an intern in August 2024, that led to a full-time appointment in November of the same year. Before pivoting into marketing, Will spent nearly eight years at Firehouse Subs, ultimately serving as General Manager and leading his team to top-tier national customer service rankings.

Outside of work Will maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys playing tennis, volleyball, kickball, and going to the gym. To unwind, he enjoys connecting with friends and showcasing his vocal talents during local karaoke nights.

Jacob designed and implemented many of the systems and processes Archford uses to serve the wealth management clients. Jacob truly enjoys being part of a team that helps families with goal-based investing, estate planning, and tax-minimizing strategies… a true wealth management experience.  As a Strategic Wealth Advisor at Archford, Jacob is responsible for solving our client’s most complex challenges by bringing a single voice, that is powered by a professional team of diverse advisors.

Prior to Archford, Jacob worked at a large international consulting company for 13 years, focusing on systems integration and business processes. Jacob earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting from Eastern Illinois University, and his M.B.A from Northern Illinois University. He is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, earning his National Defense Service award for serving during the Persian Gulf War.  Jacob lives in Caseyville, IL with his wife, Laura, and two sons Andrew and Jack.  In his spare time, Jacob enjoys passing down the martial arts to his sons and students.

Jeff Keiser serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Archford. His objective will be to help position your family’s wealth in a tax efficient manner and with a generational mindset.

He brings to the table nearly 40 years of experience in tax, retirement, estate, and financial planning, having held leadership positions at a large private bank and a national trust company. Jeff recently earned the Accredited Estate Planner designation from the National Association of Estate Planning Councils. He is a member of the St. Louis Estate Planning Council, the Kansas City Estate Planning Society and the Missouri Bar Association’s Trust & Probate Committee.

Jeff received his J.D. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He then taught classes at the K.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Banking, Maple Woods Community College and Park University.

Lindsay is a Senior Tax Accountant with Archford Accounting. In her role, she assists with tax return preparation and bookkeeping for clients. She loves building lasting relationships with clients and being a part of a collaborative and growth-oriented team.

Lindsay has over 15 years of experience across financial reporting, tax compliance, payroll processing, and multi-client account operations. She has worked closely with a variety of businesses and industries, ranging from small businesses, marketing, legal services, and professional services. She also has a strong background in federal, state and local tax compliance and enjoys the variety that comes with accounting and tax work. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University Global Campus.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, cheering on the Cardinals, and exploring new restaurants. She loves making memories with family and finding new fun things to do!

Monette has been helping people plan for retirement for almost three decades. Having successfully completed multiple exams (securities and insurance) she is also a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist. Monette oversees Archford’s Retirement Plan’s section. Monette works closely with Archford’s business owners to craft a “best fit” retirement plan and navigate the complex world of ERISA. Her gift for helping employees understand their retirement plan and how to use it to their advantage is what she is most recognized for.

Before joining Archford, Monette worked for a national financial planning firm who worked closely with members of our armed forces to help them create a financial plan. Always motivated by helping others she has volunteered for the local “spouses club” on base, served as the president of the school’s PTA, lead the high school booster club, serves as an ambassador at the TMSM Chamber of Commerce and sits on the board of the Troy Maryville Collinsville CEO program.

Monette was raised in Texas but moved around the country with her husband during his career in the US Army. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work from University of Texas at El Paso and a graduate degree in Education from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. Monette and her husband Dave have two sons and enjoy listening to live music, traveling, boating, sailing, and golfing.

Elvin Lay is the Tax Director at Archford. In this role, he oversees client relationships and staffing for Archford Accounting. Elvin brings a great deal of experience to the team and has previously owned and managed a CPA practice which provided services to 1,100 clients relative to bookkeeping, payroll, and tax. He also served as the Assistant Director of Financial and Compliance Auditing for the Illinois Office of the Auditor General and served as the Fiscal Officer for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).

Elvin obtained his Master of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in accounting at the University of Central Texas in 1990, and also earned his graduate degree with a Master of Arts in Accounting at the University of Illinois, Springfield in 2007. On top of his education, Elvin has served as an alderman for the city of Auburn, IL and was the finance committee chair. He also served on the Board of the Auburn, IL Fire Department and volunteered for the Auburn Lutheran Church finance committee.

As a member of the United States military, Elvin was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and served during the Gulf War. Within the State Government, he was assigned to manage and participate in various projects and positions such as the implementation of the State of Illinois’ child support State Disbursement Unit, Manager of the Illinois Federal Statewide Single Audit, participation in the Illinois Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and oversight of the audits of Medicaid providers in the Illinois HFS Office of the Inspector General.

In his free time, Elvin enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, golfing, and other outdoor activities. He has also been an avid volunteer for community organizations, the church, and a proud supporter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Martin Leifeld is an Archford Capital Business Consultant. He is also an author, coach and speaker.

During his 24 years of professional fundraising, Martin and his teams raised a staggering $500 million dollars. In 2018 Martin was named Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the Association of Fundraising Professional St. Louis Regional Chapter. He was recently named the 2020 winner of the Millard S. Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award from St. Louis Public Radio (KWMU).

With a passion to serve, Martin established MartinLeifeld.com as a resource for those looking to learn more about fundraising and leadership. It’s Martin’s hope that those looking to enrich their lives and organizations will continue to visit this page for updates, learn professional experiences and proven tips in Five Minutes for Fundraising, and connect with like-minded professionals.

Martin served as vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of Missouri–St. Louis for ten years, overseeing external affairs and 140 employees for the university. While there, he led a dramatic increase in fundraising, averaging $26.4 million per year.

Prior to joining UMSL, Leifeld was associate vice president for university development at Saint Louis University. There he directed 55 University development staff, and all campaigns, planned giving, major gifts, corporations and foundations, data maintenance and gift processing, prospect research and stewardship. Leading a major reorganization resulting in a 500% increase in donor/prospect engagement, Leifeld and his team raised $158 million in 3 years.

In addition to his years in academia, Martin worked tirelessly for the Catholic Diocese of Belleville in Belleville, Ill. directing efforts that raised $80 million by creating and instituting a development program that included an annual appeal with major gifts component, the first diocesan major campaign and the establishment of the Catholic Community Foundation. Always called to serve, he spent twelve years with Franciscan University – Steubenville, Ohio as the Director of Christian Outreach and also served as a consultant and executive in Ohio and Wisconsin.

Leifeld’s civic activities have included serving on the boards of directors for FOCUS St. Louis and the Nonprofit Services Consortium, and the President’s Council for Food Outreach. He is a former president and a board member of the Southern Illinois Charitable Giving Council. Leifeld holds a bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) in theology and a master’s degree in business administration, both from Franciscan University. Martin is married to Ellen Howe and they reside in University City, MO. He enjoys four adult children, seven grandchildren as well as a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

Dom Macaluso serves as an Estate Planning Specialist at Archford, where he utilizes tax and estate planning strategies to help families protect and grow their wealth for future generations. He is passionate about guiding clients toward their lifelong goals and thrives in energetic, collaborative environments.

Dom earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University, where he also served as Captain of the Men’s Tennis Team and received the Brockhoff Award for Character. He is currently completing his Juris Doctor at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, where he has earned Dean’s List distinction and the Greenbaum Award for Excellence in Legal Writing.

Before joining Archford, Dom gained valuable experience as a Legal Intern at Baird Trust Company, assisting the legal team with reviewing trust documents and diagramming estate plans. He also previously interned with Archford and worked as a tennis professional and coach. Across all roles, he has most enjoyed working with exceptional mentors whose willingness to teach has shaped his professional development.

Dom is driven by a strong desire to help others, believing that people deserve support from someone who is committed to using their skills for good. Providing guidance to honest, hardworking families is especially meaningful to him.

Outside of work, Dom enjoys traveling with his girlfriend, Caroline, playing tennis and golf, watching sports with friends, and relaxing with a good TV show or movie.

James “JD” Maher, Jr. serves as an Estate Planning Specialist for Archford. In his position, he assists his estate planning team through all the complexities of the job while ensuring that clients receive the best possible service. As a past intern and Archford Scholar, he has been able to witness the firm grow due to the incredible work done by current team members. He looks forward to contributing to this growth in his current role as he dedicates himself to assisting clients with all their legal and financial needs.

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of Missouri – Columbia. In addition, he has also completed his Masters in Philanthropy (MA) from Indiana University – Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) from the American College of Financial Services.

JD possesses a passion for helping others, driven by his personal experience of receiving two life-saving liver transplants early on in his life. Grateful for the kindness and support he received during those challenging times, he has dedicated his professional journey to making a positive impact on others’ lives. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing golf, supporting Mizzou, and attending sporting events – especially those where his younger brothers play soccer.

Joey Maher is a Tax Accountant with Archford Accounting. In this role, he supports the tax managers by helping prepare tax returns as he continues studying for securities licenses and navigating the CPA exam. Joey is also involved in community work.

Prior to joining Archford, Joey attended Indiana University Bloomington (IU) where he completed his Bachelor’s in Accounting at the Kelley School of Business. After completing his undergrad, he completed his Master of Accountancy at Saint Louis University (SLU).

During college, Joey was a devoted student-athlete who excelled on and off the field. In 2023, he was recognized as Scholar All American by United Soccer Coaches for Men’s NCAA Division I student-athletes. Joey played soccer for both IU and SLU where he was named team captain of both teams, demonstrating his excellence in leadership. Helped lead his team to two Big Ten Regular Season Championships, and two Big Ten Tournament Championships. His team made the NCAA College Cup twice and was drafted 30^th overall by Toronto FC in the 2024 MLS Draft.

Joey is excited to help and serve others with the Archford team and be a part of the mission of Taking Care of Families. Joey enjoys helping others because as he put it, “…that’s simply my purpose. Being able to help put a smile on someone’s face will immediately light mine with joy.”

In his free time, he enjoys traveling with family and friends, playing sports, and watching the Hoosiers, Billikens, and Nashville S.C.

Nathan Martin is a Senior Tax Accountant. In this role, he assists with tax return preparation and bookkeeping for clients. In 2019, he was an Archford Scholar and continued working with the firm through multiple accounting internships until starting his full time position.

Graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia in December 2022, he has earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy. Prior to attending Mizzou, Nathan attended O’Fallon Township High School.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, playing golf with his friends, and watching Mizzou sports.

Dustin Mercer is a Wealth Manager at Archford. In this role, he supports and assists Strategic Wealth Advisors with client service and portfolio management efforts. Driven by a commitment to helping others achieve their financial goals, he is dedicated to building strong relationships and contributing to a team that not only makes a lasting difference in clients’ lives, but is dedicated to a culture that values helping others.

Dustin is a graduate of Murray State University where he graduated with a degree in Finance. During his time at MSU, he cultivated a powerful work ethic and collaborative spirit during his five-year collegiate baseball career with the Racers. He was a pivotal member of a historic team that shattered multiple records and secured the program’s first-ever berth in the College World Series—an achievement that underscores his dedication to teamwork and being able to perform his role at the highest level.

His passion for helping others stems from a deep sense of purpose he finds in making a positive impact, whether by solving a problem or supporting someone’s growth. This philosophy guides his professional life and extends to his personal time, where he has been involved with Murray Needline, a nonprofit, community supported organization that assists Murray and Calloway County residents with basic human needs.

Outside of work, Dustin stays active by playing pickleball and going to the gym.