InnerView

One theme quickly surfaces when you meet Ryan Sewell: he is deeply focused on helping clients gain clarity, confidence, and purpose in their financial lives. As DVI’s new Managing Director and Senior Relationship Manager in the Winter Park office, Ryan is stepping into a dual role that blends senior leadership with hands-on work alongside the families and institutions DVI serves. His arrival marks an important next step in the build-out of DVI’s senior leadership team in Central Florida.

Since establishing a foothold in the region in 1998, DVI has grown into a multibillion-dollar investment advisory firm by partnering closely with independent tax and legal professionals to address clients’ complex financial needs. Ryan will concentrate on deepening the firm’s presence in Central Florida, drawing on more than 20 years of industry experience across strategy, practice leadership, and frontline client work. In prior roles, he has improved client engagement and satisfaction while elevating team performance through disciplined coaching and process improvement—experience that closely aligns with DVI’s client-first focus and growth ambitions.

The “One DVI” mindset—bringing together subject-matter experts across offices to deliver a seamless, unified client experience—will be central to Ryan’s work at the firm. “At DVI, excellent investment management and enduring relationships go hand in hand,” Ryan reflects. Clients and professional partners can expect his leadership to embody the same Quiet Quality approach that has defined the firm since 1977, now strengthened by an increasingly deep leadership bench. Ryan’s approach is straightforward: help clients navigate complex financial situations, make informed decisions during transitions, and earn the trust of the Central Florida community through consistent, excellent work.

Six weeks in, Ryan notes that the values of integrity, long-term thinking, and DVI’s client-first approach are evident across the firm. “What stands out most,” he says, “is the combination of genuine kindness and exceptional expertise across the DVI team. Every Associate brings meticulous discipline to their work and takes great care to understand each client’s unique financial needs and the details of their lives.” Already engaged in several strategic projects, he is especially excited to enhance DVI’s engagement in Central Florida and build on the strong relationships already in place.

“Ryan built an impressive reputation at several top national financial services firms by doing what DVI values most—fostering collaborative, high-performing teams focused on meaningful client relationships,” says Pat Smarjesse, Senior Vice President and Partner. Since joining DVI, Ryan has jumped right in, connecting with Associates in both our Peoria and Winter Park offices and quickly embracing The DVI Way of delivering exceptional service. “We’ll be introducing Ryan to our Central Florida clients in the coming weeks,” Pat adds, “and we’re confident they’ll appreciate the expertise and energy he brings to our team.”

Outside the office, Ryan and his family make the most of life in Central Florida. Having grown up in rural northern Indiana, he values his steady Midwestern roots while embracing an active, year-round outdoor lifestyle, often spending his free time on the water, coaching youth football, or cooking for family. Ryan and his wife, Lauren, have four children, and many of his weekends are happily spent supporting their interests and cheering them on.

Ryan looks forward to getting to know DVI more each day—please join us in welcoming him to the firm.

We are pleased to announce that Stephanie Ricketts has joined the DVI Management Committee, effective October 1, 2025. Stephanie’s appointment to this leadership group reflects her outstanding contributions to the firm and the continued evolution of DVI’s client experience strategy.

In her role leading Client Services, Stephanie has driven meaningful improvements in operational efficiency, strengthened our service model, and championed the adoption of new technologies that enhance how we serve our clients and safeguard their information. Her perspective and expertise will be invaluable to the Management Committee as we evaluate future strategic initiatives.

Stephanie’s thoughtful, steady approach to leadership will help guide key decisions that shape the next phase of DVI’s growth. We congratulate her on this well‑deserved appointment and thank her for her ongoing commitment to DVI’s mission and success.

In recognition of her consistently strong performance and expanding role in Winter Park office operations, Sonia Williams has been promoted to Senior Administrative Client Services & Front Office Associate. Sonia’s reliability and attention to detail make her a sought-after collaborator on complex, time-sensitive projects, where her professionalism and careful execution are especially valued. Clients and colleagues alike note the positive experience she creates through her warm presence and attentive service. This promotion acknowledges her impact on the Winter Park office and her growing contributions across the firm.

Our 2025 Associate of the Year, Lexi Morey, embodies the best of DVI’s culture. Since joining the firm in 2023, she has distinguished herself through a quiet, steady commitment to excellence, combining strong technical capability with a consistently thoughtful, client‑focused approach. Her drive to deepen her expertise was evident in 2025, when she earned the CFP^® designation, further enhancing the value she brings to clients and colleagues. Equally noteworthy is the way Lexi approaches her work; colleagues consistently highlight her positive, upbeat demeanor and the professionalism and empathy she brings to every interaction.

Within the Relationship Management department, Lexi has quickly become a trusted resource. “Lexi’s initiatives to update and document key processes have improved consistency, clarity, and efficiency in how the Relationship Management department serves our clients,” notes Mike Flaherty, Senior Relationship Manager and Associate Partner. “Across the department and the firm, there’s great appreciation for her strong work ethic and attention to detail.” Lexi’s impact extends beyond her day‑to‑day responsibilities, from representing DVI at career fairs to helping strengthen the firm’s future talent pipeline, to investing significant time and energy in the planning and execution of the firm’s Corporate Challenge.

“I am so grateful to be a part of the DVI team and feel fortunate to hone my professional skills here,” Lexi shared. “I owe a tremendous amount of my growth to the expertise and mentorship I’ve received from my colleagues, especially the RMs who always take time to support and guide my work.” Though she is quick to credit the collective spirit and team approach that define DVI, her diligence, humility, and thoughtful service set her apart. Lexi’s example underscores that excellence at DVI is built day by day, client by client.