Looking Under the Hood: Running a successful RIA

Dana Ryan is the Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Independent Advisor Alliance. Dana manages all media relations and strategic communications, ensuring key business initiatives reach the right audiences. She also supports IAA’s advisor-focused marketing service, Creative Capital. Dana brings more than two decades of communications expertise from diverse organizations, including NBC News, Comcast, and The American Red Cross. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from West Chester University.

As Chief Marketing Officer, David Buzo leads all marketing strategy, branding, and execution efforts for Independent Advisor Alliance. His primary mission has been two-fold: strengthening the IAA brand to support recruiting efforts and partnering with advisors to leverage IAA's services and grow their individual practices. David brings extensive leadership experience from firms including LPL Financial, MetLife, and MassMutual. He earned his B.S. in Marketing from the University of Toledo and his MBA from the University of Arizona.

Robert Russo is the Founder and CEO of Independent Advisor Alliance. Combining his expertise as a former financial advisor with his entrepreneurial drive, Robert has fueled IAA's explosive success, growing the firm from just $100 million to more than $22 billion in assets under supervision. He is responsible for setting the long-term business strategy, identifying key growth opportunities, advisor recruitment, and overseeing all firm operations, empowering independent advisors to thrive. Robert holds a B.S. in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee.

As Chief Growth Officer, Dale Riley leads Independent Advisor Alliance's strategic expansion, driving both organic and inorganic growth. He draws on extensive industry experience, including roles at LPL Financial, MetLife, and AXA Advisors, to execute the firm's nationwide strategy. Dale specializes in advisor recruitment, deepening partner firm relationships, and executing successful mergers and acquisitions. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and earned his B.S. in Business Entrepreneurship from Elon University.

Jessica Sexton is Chief Compliance Officer for Independent Advisor Alliance and is instrumental in safeguarding the firm and its advisors. With a focus on stability and integrity, Jessica proactively manages IAA's compliance landscape, ensuring adherence to complex regulatory requirements and internal policies. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at LPL Financial, as well as experience with TriCapital Financial Group and Progressive Insurance. Jessica holds a B.A. in English from Baldwin-Wallace University and maintains her Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses.

As Chief Experience Officer at IAA, Jamie leads the firm’s advisor experience strategy to create a seamless, proactive, and high-quality experience across every stage of the advisor journey. With over 23 years in the financial services industry, Jamie brings deep expertise and a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and client- focused solutions. Before joining IAA, he held key positions with GuideStone Financial Resources, TIAA, and The Vanguard Group. He holds Series 6, 63, SIE, and Life & Health Insurance licenses and earned his BASc in Business Administration and Management from Belmont Abbey College.