WORLD CLASS TEAM. WORLD CLASS RESULTS.
MICHAEL A. TERRANA SR.
President & CEO
As the President & CEO of TERRANA GROUP (Chicago, IL) Michael Terrana has one main goal in mind: to share his passion, knowledge, and experience with other Advisors and open them up to valuable insights about the financial services marketplace.
Michael as a nationally recognized business development consultant and recruiter for Broker Dealers, RIAs and Advisors in the Financial Services industry and Wall Street brokerages, is committed to guiding Advisors from inception through on-boarding. Michael’s methodology as the Advisor’s Consultant and Coach, ensures successful Advisor transitions which have the greatest benefit to their practices, while being mindful of boundless ongoing growth both professionally and personally.
You can reach Michael at mterrana@terranagroup.com
SAMANTHA SFERAS
Chief Operating Officer
As a recognized national search consultant and top recruiter, Samantha brings more than 15 years of success in full cycle recruitment. Prior to joining TERRANA GROUP in Spring 2018, Samantha began her recruiting career within the engineer community by serving as a trusted advisor and cultivating relationships with well-regarded employers in strategic team development and retention, successful small business startups from concept to completion, lucrative revenue growth for large corporations, and as executive leadership on corporate mergers/acquisitions.
Having entered into the executive placement business in 2004, by being recruited into the field, Samantha was captivated by the mastery of the art of executive recruiting and been passionate about the field ever since. Samantha describes recruiting as the most rewarding and creative field that she has worked, an addictive and very gratifying profession.
With an open line of communication, Samantha works with some of the most talented Financial Advisors in the industry, who have the most impact on their firms. By investing in the time to understand the candidate objectives and facilitating a seamless transition that result in a great fit, Samantha looks forward to identifying solutions for your business.
You can reach Samantha at ssferas@terranagroup.com
FRANK DRAGO
Regional Director
Frank P. Drago joins TERRANA GROUP in the role of Regional Director. Frank brings 36 years of experience to our team, having been in a leadership role at both Citigroup as Director of Wealth Management and as the President and CEO of Citizens Securities. Frank’s expert oversight of over 1000 FINRA-licensed representatives earned him a spot in the Top 10 Brokerage Managers of On Wall Street magazine. Frank also spent 5 years as a board member of the Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISA).
Frank will now focus his time and efforts at Terrana Group, consulting and guiding our advisor candidates; helping them navigate through the myriad of choices, ensuring they find the perfect fit for themselves and their clients, and working in leadership with our clients and talented team.
You can reach Frank at fdrago@terranagroup.com.
STEVEN W. BERGLUND
Senior Executive Consultant
Steve brings to TERRANA GROUP his extensive industry experience having been a successful Financial Advisor, and Leader in the wealth management space with noteworthy recruiting expertise, positioning him perfectly for his role as a Senior Recruiting Consultant. In all of his management roles, he was recognized as a leader in matching financial advisors with market and team opportunities. Steve’s passion is helping Advisors position their practices with the right business model that will leverage growth opportunities and provide an environment for a rewarding career experience.
With over 30 years of experience, working at such firms as UBS, BNY Mellon Pershing, Piper Jaffray, and US Bancorp Investments, Steve has exposure to a diverse variety of B/D and RIA platforms. He is well aware of the positives and the challenges of each delivery channel and able to help Advisors select the best approach to take their practices to the next level and beyond.
Steve expertly focuses on providing information and education to Advisors guiding them across the multitude of platforms available to affiliate their practices in today’s financial services industry. You can be sure Steve will help you identify and select the right opportunity that fits your needs today and well into the future.
You can reach Steve at sberglund@terranagroup.com.
SCOTT HERKERT
Director of Client Development
Scott Herkert serves the TERRANA GROUP as the Director of Client Development and brings a diverse financial securities experience to his role in Advisor Placement. Scott has been in the financial services industry for 22 years and has worked as a wholesaler, sales manager and recruiter for firms such as Jackson National, JDM Financial and Vision Wealth Management.
Scott’s unique background allows him to better understand the advisor experience as he has worked in the bank, wire and concentrated in the independent broker dealer channel. His past experience includes placing advisors in RIA and specialized marketing firms. he also has an extensive understanding of the insurance landscape having served as an internal wholesaler, sales manager and even a part owner of multiple Field Marketing Organizations.
Prior to working in the financial services industry, Scott worked as a sales manager at Fortune 500 firm, AT&T and was a vice president in several real estate development organizations. His combined backgrounds and affiliations have lent Scott an industry understanding that promotes the very best consultative experience to the advisor placement process.
You can reach Scott at sherkert@terranagroup.com.
NAVEED AHMED
Senior Executive Consultant
Naveed Ahmed joins the TERRANA GROUP as Senior Executive Consultant and brings his diverse wealth management industry experience to his role here in transition consulting and advisor placement. Naveed has been in the financial services industry for over 32 years and has worked as an Advisor, Principal, and Recruiter for wirehouses, multi custodial independent hybrid firms and independent RIAs.
Naveed’s areas of past investment focus include Private Client and Family Office Investment Management, Estate Planning Strategies, Retirement Plan Services, Business Succession Planning, and Insurance Services, including executive compensation and annuities.
Naveed’s previous experience includes working as a commercial real estate professional and owner of a consulting firm that specialized in equity financing deals.
Naveed is a Graduate of the Certified Financial Planner program at DePaul University and studied Business Administration and Finance at Capella University. Further, Naveed holds Registrations and Designations which include Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, Series 24, Illinois Heath and Life insurance broker, Illinois Real Estate Managing Broker, Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA).
Naveed has three children (Triplets) which are all currently attending Ohio State University in Columbus.
At TG, Naveed now concentrates his skills on consulting and managing our top-level candidates through the numerous options available for today’s Advisors. He firsthand realizes that there are no shortcuts when it comes to considering a transition, making a move to a new firm, or building an RIA practice which takes expertise, dedication, and commitment. Naveed offers industry insights, detailed breakdown of current market conditions, and a clear understanding of your personal and professional goals. He’ll ensure that your next step is the right move into a wonderful culture and the precise fit for your career path.
You can reach Naveed at nahmed@terranagroup.com.
ROBERT P. WILLIAMS
Regional Executive Consultant
Bob brings 36 years of financial services and investment brokerage experience and knowledge to TERRANA GROUP. His most recent position was with Simmons First Investments Group and Delta Trust Investments where he served as a Senior Vice President and Managing Director. Bob worked with a broad range of clients including banks and bank trust departments, corporations, non-profit foundations and high net worth individuals.
You can reach Bob at rwilliams@terranagroup.com
MONICA TERRANA
Marketing & Finance Director
Monica’s expertise as an accomplished marketing professional, coupled with her accounting and finance background gives TERRANA GROUP a contemporary strategic vision.
Monica has both enriched and supported the firm’s leadership from a marketing and image perspective as well as fiscally. With her creative skill and problem-solving aptitude, TG has achieved the completion of many projects with our on-line marketing, social media communications, meeting planning, travel consulting and book keeping QuickBooks adhesion.
You can reach Monica at monica@terranagroup.com
BARBARA HENRY
Senior Administrative Executive
Barbara brings to TERRANA GROUP her extensive business and educator experience with extremely strong written and verbal skills. Additionally, Barbara’s 20 year experience as a classroom teacher with an eye for detail and planning makes her exceptional at understanding the intuitive needs of our team.
Barbara started her career in the publishing industry and worked for Springer-Verlag New York, Inc. as an administrative assistant for eight years. After a short stint at the Louis Vuitton corporate offices, Barbara transitioned to education when she started her family.
Barbara remains excited to consistently learning and mastering the TG process of consulting and recruiting in the financial services industry. Her eagerness to collaborate and quick study nature makes Barbara a valuable support asset of our team who very responsibly oversees daily TG support operations.
You can reach Barbara at bhenry@terranagroup.com
SUSAN ALEXANDER
Associate Consultant
Susan Alexander joins the TERRANA GROUP and brings with her a keen eye for detail and uncanny intuition for uncovering opportunities. Susan spent the early part of her career in both marketing and customer service and for over a decade holds a license in health & life insurance. Susan highly skilled in insurance sales, additionally she has also been responsible for training and recruiting seasoned and newer team members in the insurance and financial services industry.
Susan is a graduate of Lewis University with a degree in business administration.
You can reach Susan at salexander@terranagroup.com
JOE LENTZ
Associate Consultant
Joe Lentz brings a wealth of experience to TERRANA GROUP, leveraging his diverse consulting and recruiting background to provide invaluable insights for Advisors considering a firm change. Moving to a new firm or establishing your own can be both exciting and challenging, and having an expert like Joe to guide you through this process is crucial. His transition experiences serve as a blueprint for others, helping them navigate the complexities and avoid common pitfalls, ultimately ensuring a seamless and rewarding move.
A graduate of Washburn School of Law, Joe spent many years practicing law, contributing to landmark decisions that continue to shape Kansas law today. His work included hundreds of prosecutions and numerous appearances before the Court of Appeals and the General Assembly.
Upon returning to the Chicagoland area, Joe initially took a short-term position in the staffing industry. However, he soon discovered his true passion for this field, and over the past 15 years, he has dedicated himself to helping both firm clients and candidates navigate the staffing and recruiting landscape.
Joe’s mantra, “We all need to make money for any of us to make money,” underscores his commitment to ensuring win-win results for all parties involved. His dedication and passion make him a trusted advisor, particularly for those who are anxious about making significant career changes. Working with Joe means having a professional who not only understands the intricacies of the transition process but also aims to exceed expectations, often leaving Advisors to remark, “I wish I had made this move sooner!”
You can reach Joe at jlentz@terranagroup.com
JAMESON CURRY II
Executive Consultant
Jameson Curry II brings to TERRANA GROUP a unique blend of experience spanning over two decades, establishing himself as a standout recruitment expert in the financial services industry. He began his career in public relations for ten years before transitioning into financial services and recruitment, where he has spent the last 15 years refining his skills and making a significant impact in the field.
During his tenure, Jameson has collaborated with prestigious broker-dealer firms, playing a pivotal role in sourcing top-tier talent and facilitating connections between exceptional Advisor candidates and leading organizations. Specializing in roles across various sectors, including wealth management, financial advising, and more, he consistently demonstrates the ability to identify and attract top talent to match the unique needs of his clients.
At the heart of his success lies his dedication to building enduring relationships and his innate ability to comprehend the distinctive requirements of both firm clients and advisor candidates. By prioritizing personalized attention and understanding the nuances of the recruitment landscape, Jameson has earned a reputation for excellence and reliability in the financial services industry.
As Jameson continues to leverage his extensive expertise and passion at TG for connecting top talent with prominent Broker Dealers and RIAs, he remains committed to driving success and fostering growth for all his Advisor candidates.
You can reach Jameson at jcurry@terranagroup.com
MARIA NASHARR
Administrative Executive | Associate Consultant
Maria Nasharr joins the TERRANA GROUP in the role of Administrative Executive and Associate Consultant. She brings her 38 years of corporate business and sales experience, where she fine-tuned her extremely strong written and verbal skills, and a sharp eye for detail.
Maria has an extensive sales background, starting her career in radio advertising working for McGavern Guild/Interep for seven years. After working in exclusive brand sales at Chanel, Gucci and Ermenegildo Zegna, traveling the globe, Maria transitioned to industrial safety sales when she settled in Chicago and started her family.
Maria is more than energized to master the TG processes of consulting and recruiting in the financial services industry. Her excitement to collaborate, perfectionistic approach and sense of urgency makes Maria a valuable support and recruiting asset of our team.
You can reach Maria at mnasharr@terranagroup.com.
MARCUS SAMAAN
Senior Consultant
Marcus Samaan leverages his twenty-five plus years in the financial services industry to help financial advisors grow their ideal practice. At TERRANA GROUP, Marcus’ having been a top performing financial advisor, manager, and consultant, brings a tremendous amount of insight to his consulting interactions with advisors and their teams.
Having been where the Advisors are, Marcus has a tremendous appreciation for the work financial advisors do to serve their clients and has a strong reputation as a true advocate for the advisors he works with. Marcus builds deep relationships with advisors, understanding that each advisor has a distinct vision for their dream practice. His passion and focus are finding the right home for each advisor having the ability to better serve their clients while making their own dream practice a reality. His extensive work in advisor development and client experience at U.S. Bancorp as well as his practice management and digital transformation success at Peerless Practice brings an appreciated level of value that advisors instantly relate to.
As a student of the wealth management space, Marcus understands the ever-changing industry landscape and the challenges and opportunities those changes present. He is proud of the work he has done helping advisors’ future proof their business with scalable practice management foundations and leveraging technological efficiencies. Understanding that technology is the biggest driver of change in the business, Marcus knows that advisors that can best position technology to create efficiencies in their practice and optimize their clients experience will break away from their peers and lead the way. You can trust that Marcus understands how the process of finding the right home with the best fit works, always keeping growth and practice value in the forefront. So, whether that firm is a Broker-Dealer, Hybrid, or RIA, having the guide with experience to unveil the correct path without missteps is the most efficient way each advisor’s and/or team’s practice transitions to their forever firm as smooth as possible.
You can reach Marcus at msamaan@terranagroup.com
HEATHER ROBBINS
Associate Consultant
Heather Robbins joins TERRANA GROUP as an Associate Consultant and brings her 11+ years of business development experience in the Wealth Management space consulting major Financial Services firms, including Broker Dealers and banks. Specifically, Heather’s recruiting and consulting expertise included placing Private Bankers for large Financial Institutions including Bank of New York, Citizens Bank, Santander Private Bank and BNP Paribas.
Heather additionally spent over 4 years focusing on retained contract recruiting while running recruiting for such firms as JP Morgan Chase, and others across multiple disciplines, such as International Banking, Treasury, Equipment Finance, Wealth Management, Commercial Real Estate, and various Community Development Banking departments during their unprecedented hiring boom.
Most recently, Heather served the Wealth Management sector, strictly dedicated to recruiting Financial Advisors for Bank of the West’s hiring initiative.
Heather’s dedication, integrity, and delivery has been the foundation of her success consulting in the banking and financial advisory space. She has fostered strong relationships throughout her career that remain strong today. At TERRANA GROUP, Heather will be leveraging her energy, experience, and intuition, matching our great candidates with the right fit industry’s best clients. Heather’s collaborative and honest approach is the perfect guide to a successful and seamless transition for any Financial Advisor moving to a Broker Dealer, Financial Institution, Independent Broker Dealer, or RIA.
You can reach Heather at hrobbins@terranagroup.com
RYAN A. TERRANA
EVP | IT Consultant
Ryan, with his ability to build strong long-lasting relationships, he has consistently placed some of the financial services industry’s top advisor talent throughout the country.
Having joined the TERRANA GROUP in the summer of 2016 with a business operations and client engagement background, Ryan finds it very rewarding to successfully match our client firms with its next key player by addressing the direct needs of both candidate and client.
You can reach Ryan at rterrana@terranagroup.com.
MICHAEL ANTHONY TERRANA JR.
IT Administrator
Expertise in Microsoft products administration and deployment – Azure, Active Directory, Network management, Office 365, SharePoint and Windows management.
JOSEPHINE CLAPHAM
Regional Executive Consultant
Josephine brings an elite education background, vast experiences and a solid work ethic to our firm. Josephine has the belief that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it and do your best. Her career began working for the British Government as a Barrister dealing with tax evasion and in an 8 year period was recognized several times in the House of Commons, London.
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“I have worked with Michael Terrana since 2009. Michael and his team have produced tremendous results. Michael is clearly an expert in the financial services industry and that expertise translates into timely results. Above all, Michael is a true gentleman and a professional. Michael has not only contributed to the success of our organization, but he has become a true friend in the process. I highly recommend Michael Terrana and the entire Terrana Group for their professionalism and their ability.”
“Mike is a very competent, professional fellow. He has great drive, focus, and the desire to get the search completed thoroughly. I would recommend him to any company looking to engage a search firm.”
“I just started working with the Terrana Group in 2011 and they have been filling my calendar with high quality recruit leads ever since. They are very responsive and professional. I look forward to a long lasting mutually beneficial partnership.”
“Michael is very unique. He deeply understands his business and his customers’ business. I have come to know Michael as a man I can trust. I can always count on him to listen to my ideas and give me a fresh perspective like no one else can.”
“Michael and the team he has built are great to work with. Everyone is professional, thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable to the constant changes within our industry.”
“Michael Terrana and his group of recruiting professionals are a very stable firm; the same folks I first spoke to four years ago are still there today.”
“In all the time that I worked with Michael I consistently found him to be genuinely concerned for the well-being of his clients as well as the firms for whom he was recruiting. This integrity combined with his knowledge and business acumen in the financial professional placement field led to a virtual unanimity of satisfaction not only for the clients he placed, but also for the firms in which he placed clients. I would strongly encourage anyone seeking such services to work with Michael.”
“I have known Michael on a personal level for many years and seen his dedication to family and profession. Michael is a leader with passion, enthusiasm, perseverance and is effective in what he does to attain results that are pure and of the highest quality.”
“With over 20 years of experience, Michael has learned the ins and outs of the investment recruiting field. Even though he is a very results-driven CEO, he strives to develop and enhance relationships that benefit a person’s best interest. He is a pleasure to work with and does everything in his power to make his employees, customers and partners feel like a part of his family. I encourage investment professionals to seek out Michael’s services for placement opportunities.”
“Michael’s reputation in his industry is top notch. Michael presents the candidate with options so that the candidate and not the recruiter is driving the process. Michael will get the candidate the right fit and not leave any money ‘on the table.’ I have found that other recruiters are seldom able to do both for their candidates.”
“Michael and I met back in 1994 when he successfully helped me move my $1MM plus business to a Wall Street Boutique firm. Michael truly is ‘the professional’s professional’. Michael has opened my eyes to opportunities in the industry that I would not have learned on my own. He has strong relationships across the financial industry and completely understands what his clients and candidates are looking for while representing their best interests in front of his own. I view Michael more so as my agent. He is the best in this business!”
‘In my time at Terrana Group, I greatly valued Michael’s expertise in learning how to develop successful relationships. I very much consider him a mentor when it comes to knowing how to assert yourself in complex relationships with a variety of high profile, national clients. I plan on carrying those skills with me the remainder of my career.’
“Michael Terrana and Mark Eskridge go above and beyond what I would expect from a recruiter. These guys are experts at understanding the people side of this business while keeping their eye on the ball in terms of execution and getting win-win results. It was great working with both of you!”
“Michael is a recruiter that you want to work with if you want to move your career to the next level. His knowledge and guidance throughout the recruiting process as well as his personal touch deliver great results. In a few words, he got the job done efficiently, timely and attained the win for all. I highly recommend Michael and his team.”
“Michael and I worked together in determining the right career path for me. For over a decade, our mutual conclusion was I should stay at my existing firm. When the time was right to leave Michael negotiated a great package with extras other Advisors do not normally receive. Michael’s interest in doing right for me, led to the lowest per hour fee he may ever receive. His integrity in making the process about my happiness and success is why I recommend Michael to all of my friends and colleagues.”
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