Who We Are
Owen Schrum, CIMA®, IMCA
As a founding partner, Owen brings over 27 years of experience in Wealth Management to Dogwood Investment Partners. In 2005 he attended the Wharton School of Business where he became one of a select few financial advisors to successfully earn the prestigious Certified Investment Management AnalystSM, CIMA ®, designation.
Prior to founding Dogwood, Owen was Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley where he managed investment portfolios for high net worth families as well as provided consulting services for institutional investors, foundations and non-profit entities. As a First Vice President at Merrill Lynch, he held the position of designated money manager under the Personal Investment Advisory (PIA) Program. Owen holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Hampden-Sydney College, an MBA from the Aresty Institute, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania and a CIMA ® designation from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
Owen shares his lifelong passion for basketball by coaching a local youth league, and shares his love of fly fishing and travel with his wife and three children.
Blair Schrum
Blair is a founding partner of Dogwood Investment Partners. He is an experienced executive and entrepreneur. He co-founded, and for the last 12 years led the largest business unit for a leading outsourcing and insurance provider for the mortgage servicing market. During his tenure from 1997 through 2008, he grew this unit’s revenue base by a multiple of 10 and it’s EBITDA by a multiple of 13, managing a $500+ million book of premium. The success of the company culminated in a strategic sale in late 2008, realizing an 800%+ return on investment for shareholders.
Prior to this, Blair spent 8 years in management consulting specializing in financial services, working for both consulting firms and internal corporate consulting, including Andersen Consulting, Deloitte Consulting and Bank of America.
Blair has an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, and a BA in Economics from Davidson College. He is married with 3 children and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Mary Atkinson
Mary Atkinson, brings over ten years experience to the firm. Formerly with Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, Mary is fully registered and holds her insurance license, in addition to two AS, Legal Office Management and Business Management from St. Johns River State College.
Mary is active in the community and is a long-standing member and past President of the GFWC Jr. Woman’s Club of St. Augustine.
Mary and husband John live in St. Augustine Beach. They enjoy kayaking and traveling. They have four grown children.
Stuart Brawley
Stuart brings with him 13 years experience in the investment advisory industry which he acted as the Corporate Controller, General Securities Principal and Financial Operations Principal.
Stuart was born in Queens NY and raised in Maryland. He graduated from University of Maryland where he earned a bachelor of science in accounting. He holds a CPA license in the state of Virginia and securities licenses including the Series 7, 24 &27.
He now lives with his wife Jenny in Virginia. Stuart and Jenny spend much of their free time working with animal rescue groups and helping pet owners with dog behavior training.
Steven Donald
Steven Donald is Vice President and Director of Business Relations for Spire Investment Partners. Steve is responsible for managing the relationship with the firm’s custodians, technology vendors, wholesalers and affiliated practices. He previously served as the Director of Operations for Spire where he managed the firm’s operations, customer service, trade compliance and licensing for Spire Wealth Management, LLC, Spire Securities, LLC and Spire Insurance Agency, LLC. Steve is a member of Spire’ Investment Committee and is a key member of Spire’s conversion team. Prior to joining Spire he spent 14 years as the president and COO of two bank-owned broker-dealers/RIAs where he was responsible to sales, compliance and operations. Steve managed an independent regional broker-dealer for six years and most recently was the head of banking operations for an internet bank where he was responsible for developing and implementing technologies to improve operating efficiencies. He is a graduate of George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Sue McKeown
Sue McKeown is Chief Compliance Officer where she is responsible for firm wide compliance including Anti-Money Laundering, Audit and Review processes, Continuing Education, Registration and Licensing, Compliance Training, establishment and review of the firms written supervisory processes and procedures. She is the point of contact for regulatory inquiries and examinations.
Ms. McKeown entered the financial services industry in 1982. Her experience spans both retail and institutional as well as with fully disclosed correspondent firms and self –clearing firms. She is a member of the National Society of Compliance Professionals.
Sue is a native of the Northern Virginia area. Earning a BS in Business Administration from George Mason University. A proud graduate of the Leadership Loudoun class of 2005 she is active in the local non-profit community.
Perri Griffin
Perri Griffin brings twelve years’ experience in both private banking and investment advisory services to Dogwood Investment Partners. She joins us from Bank of America where she was both a Level III Branch Manager as well as Premier Client Manager, where she provided private banking services to the Bank’s high net-worth clients.
Before her most recent position, Ms. Griffin was a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley.
Perri is active in many charitable organizations in the community and holds or has held leadership positions in the St. Augustine Youth Services, Haven Horse Ranch for autistic children, the American Cancer Society and the Jr. Woman’s Club of St. Augustine.
Perri and husband Noel, along with their 5 year old son call St. Augustine Beach home.
Kevin Ramos
Kevin Ramos is Vice President, Director of Operations for Spire Securities, LLC where he is responsible for the over all management of the firm’s operations. Kevin has been in the securities industry for over 13 years, predominantly overseeing the operations of independent broker dealers. He has spent the majority of his career working with independent advisors. His past position as a Financial Advisor, Equity Trader, Director of Trade Operations and Director of Brokerage Operations will ensure the continued success of Spire’s operations.