Our Expert Team
Building Better Portfolios
Systematic Investment Committee
The Systematic Investment Committee of Focus Partners was established as the primary authority charged with developing and setting investment policies for Focus Partners. They determine, approve, review, and document all of Focus Partners’s investment policy activities to meet the current and future needs of our clients. Their policy decisions are driven by the findings of Nobel Prize winning academic research, not by the personal opinions of committee members.
Kevin Grogan, CFA, CFP® Chief Investment Officer — Current Tenure: 17 years
Kevin analyzes the latest research in investment and finance to draw practical applications and apply findings to help clients improve the structure of their portfolios and achieve their goals. He has co-authored three books about investing. He holds an MBA from Saint Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Missouri State University in Springfield. Kevin also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Sheldon McFarland Director, Investment Strategy – Current Tenure: 18 years
Sheldon manages the portfolio strategy group, oversees the investment planning center, and develops tools to support advisors at Focus Partners. He earned his MBA from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Brigham Young University.
Brian Haywood, CIMA® Investment Strategy Advisor – Current Tenure: 18 years
Brian works closely with clients and advisors to help them understand and implement evidence-driven investment solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and is a CIMA® professional.
Jonathan Scheid, CFA, AIF® President, Focus Partners Advisor Solutions – Current Tenure: 6 years
As President of Focus Partners Advisor Solutions, Jonathan focuses on forward-looking strategies, vision and growth for our Turnkey Asset Management Platform (TAMP) business. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce, with an emphasis in finance, and a minor in computer engineering from Santa Clara University. Jonathan also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designations.
Blerina Hysi Director, Fixed Income – Current Tenure: 13 years
As Director of Fixed Income, Blerina works with Focus Partners fixed income and advisory teams to help construct and maintain customized client bond portfolios, all with an eye toward finding the best way to implement the client’s comprehensive financial plan. Her duties include fixed income analysis, bond trading and building tailored, client-focused portfolio solutions. She also serves on the Wellness Committee and Community Action Committee and is part of the firm’s Women and Wealth team. Blerina holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Doug Buchan, CFP® Wealth Advisor – Current Tenure: 6 years
As a Wealth Advisor, Doug seeks to help clients make smart choices with their money so they can live the life that is most important to them. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Richmond. Doug also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Michael Clayman, CFP®, ChSNC® Wealth Advisor – Current Tenure: 11 years
Mike works with families to gain a crystal clear and very deep understanding of their unique goals, needs and concerns. He then collaborates with the family to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to their individual circumstances. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Purdue University and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Mike also serves clients who have a loved one with a disability or special need, and he is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant®.
Carl Nadwodny, CFA, CFP® Wealth Advisor – Current Tenure: 1 year
As a Wealth Advisor, Carl enjoys helping clients with objective decision-making and his experience includes implementing an investment discipline combining behavioral finance and asset liability management. Prior to joining Buckingham in 2023, Carl was the Chief Investment Officer for Convergent Financial Strategies, which merged with Buckingham the same year. He holds an MBA in finance from Drexel University and a bachelor’s in finance from Villanova University. Carl also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.