,CFA
Sarah specializes in investment strategy at Modera, where she oversees the firm’s research team and investment initiatives. She thrives on solving operational challenges and helps bring clarity to complex financial concepts for the firm’s clients. She is particularly passionate about the behavioral side of investing—understanding what drives investor decisions and guiding them with empathy, evidence, and a touch of humor. Her approach is grounded in consistency, discipline, humility, and a long-term perspective, mirroring her personal philosophy on health and wellness. Sarah’s curiosity and beginner’s mindset keep her adaptable and engaged in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
With over 20 years of experience in the RIA industry, Sarah joined Modera in 2023 following an 18-year tenure at Parsec Financial, where she led research, trading, and portfolio management. Before entering the financial sector, she worked in fields as diverse as petroleum geology and academic editing, showcasing her wide-ranging interests and adaptability.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Wellesley College and is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). She is affiliated with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society North Carolina.
Outside of Modera, Sarah is an avid reader who often juggles multiple books across genres—from history and mystery to humor and leadership. She enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family, whether hiking the mountains around Asheville or searching for shark’s teeth on the beaches of Pawleys Island.
Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA (DeKalb county, y’all – 30345). I currently live in south Asheville with my husband, son, and one very spoiled cat.
What’s the one thing people say you’re best at?
People seem to enjoy my writing, which also serves as a creative outlet for me. Years ago when we started our blog, I asked if I could contribute and if it would be OK to inject a little humor. To my delight the answer was yes, the leash was long, and I’ve been having fun with it ever since.
What fuels you every day in your work?
Coffee. Also, the desire for continual improvement for the organization and our employees, and for myself.
What do you enjoy most about working at Modera?
I love working in an industry that is rapidly growing and dynamic, with really smart people who share many of the same values and priorities. Keeping up with our ever-changing processes and technology has got to be lowering my dementia risk, so that’s a positive.
Chartered Financial Analyst®
Wellesley College
BA, Geology
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