Meet the Team

Dave has over 25 years of financial services experience. He works with high net worth families on investment planning and comprehensive wealth management strategies. He is focused on reviewing the risks that clients face, understanding their aspirations and working in conjunction with qualified attorneys, tax consultants and other advisors to execute a comprehensive wealth management plan. Specifically, he focuses on helping to advise physicians, corporate executives and business owners on their unique financial situations.

Dave established Rao Wealth Partners in 2016 where he serves as Managing Principal. Prior to establishing the firm he served as Senior Financial Advisor and Branch Manager at Wells Fargo Advisors and as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he managed portfolios for individuals and institutions across the US and internationally.  Additionally Dave had served as an institutional equity analyst covering multiple sectors at Credit Suisse, Piper Jaffrey and Jefferies.  He is a graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with an Economics major and holds a GC Diploma from the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom.  He later graduated from Duke University’s Cross Continent Executive MBA Program, where he focused his studies on International Finance at the university’s campus in Frankfurt, Germany.

Dave lives in Long Island with his children and his wife, a local physician. When not helping individuals with their financial goals, he enjoys coaching youth lacrosse, travel and spending time with family and friends.

Matt delivers a comprehensive wealth of knowledge of the industry and its processes. With over 25 years of experience, he has developed an understanding of handling the risk and pressures involved in the profession. His fascination with the industry inspires him to develop a deep knowledge base—not only for himself but to share with others.

Matt graduated from the American Institute of Commerce with an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Accounting. Before beginning his career in the financial services industry, Matt dedicated 3 years serving in the United States Army.

Matt holds his series 4, 7, 24, 55, 63, and 66 licenses.

Carrie specializes in managing the firm’s cash flow in terms of distributions and contributions. Her position contains additional responsibilities in the activation and management of the firm’s various accounts. With 20 years of experience in the financial industry, including time as a commodities trader, Carrie continues to dedicate herself to every task with the best of her ability.

Working as a specialist allows Aaron the ability to converse and work through issues each day. Coming from the retail/self-directed side of the securities industry, he seeks to ensure information is available and individuals are put first. Honesty and knowledge are the only ways to create and work through a detailed plan. He strives to make sure both are easily accessible.

Aaron graduated from Mount Mercy with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in political science. He was a four-year letter winner participating on their Men’s Golf Team.

Aubri is a native Cedar Rapidian. She is a loyal Hawkeye fan and a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. With aspirations to further her career in financial services, she plans to begin taking her FINRA exams to obtain professional licenses soon. During college, Aubri took an American Sign Language (ASL) course and has continued to teach herself through a learning app with the goal of becoming fluent.

Brandon joins Nations with over ten years of experience in customer service and leading customer service teams for a national retailer. This customer-centric focus is a value that has been instilled throughout his career, and that focus will continue with Nations. Brandon is looking forward to earning his Series 7 license. Brandon was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated from Waldorf University with a B.S. in Business Administration. Playing baseball throughout college, he has taken his love for the game and is passing it on to the younger generation.

Mark, an Iowa State University alumnus with an MBA from Walden University, has a substantial background in hospitality management with over 14 years of experience, primarily in La Crosse, WI.  In 2019, he relocated back to Cedar Rapids to be closer to his family and pivoted to the financial services sector.  At Northwestern Mutual, he earned his SIE, Series 6, and Series 63 licenses. His enthusiasm for woodworking and outdoor activities showcases his dynamic skill set and diverse personal interests.

Jacob grew up in Reynolds, Illinois, and attended Judson University in Elgin, IL, where he played baseball and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Finance. He previously worked as an agent with New York Life in the Quad Cities and is now focused on acquiring his FINRA licenses. 

Lucas hails from Independence, IA, and boasts an impressive educational background with a BS in Mathematics from Iowa State University and a Masters of Financial Management from Drake University. With an extensive background in the financial services industry, his professional journey includes significant roles at Prairie Capital Advisors, ESI Equity, and Voya Financial. Lucas’s unique blend of professional experience and personal interests make him a valuable addition to our team.