For over three decades, Gary Bezilla has advised his clients, helping them both address their financial needs and develop sound strategies for meeting their lifetime goals. Prior to joining the financial services industry, he earned his MBA from Lehigh University and was a tax partner with a local certified public accounting firm. Gary is responsible for directing portfolio asset allocation and investment planning, as well as overseeing common stock, equity mutual fund, and ETF portfolio management of client accounts. As a PIM Portfolio Manager, he is among the select group of Wells Fargo Advisors who is qualified to manage client portfolios on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. 

Gary was a founding member of the Hilton Head Island Council of Estate and Financial Advisors and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. He has been named one of the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in South Carolina every year from 2018–2021. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or the firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

Gary lives in Hilton Head, SC, with his wife, Michelle, and he enjoys spending free time with his family. Active in his community, Gary has served on boards of directors for many local charitable and civic organizations.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, Alan Kinney is well versed in all disciplines of financial management. Accustomed to helping clients through life changes, economic changes, market shifts, and family cycles, Alan plays a key role in their lives. Alan’s primary role is to direct portfolio asset allocation and investment planning. He also manages the team’s individual fixed income, common stock and bond mutual fund, and ETF portfolio management of client accounts. He assists in the review and implementation of clients’ life insurance,* disability insurance, and long-term care needs. 

In 1998, Alan earned the designation of Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) from the Wharton School of Business. He was named one of the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in Georgia in both 2019 and 2020. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or the firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

Alan graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in finance. Her currently lives in Savannah with his wife, Rhonda, and their two daughters. Away from the office, Alan serves as a member of the CURE Childhood Cancer Savannah Leadership Council. 


_{*Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies. This is not, in any way, intended as an invitation to replace your existing coverage. Such an exchange is often not appropriate due to such factors as surrender charges on your existing policy, the surrender charge period on the new policy, transaction costs associated with the exchange, the values of the new policy versus the old policy, and the various fees and expenses associated with the new product. Therefore, replacing an existing policy should only be considered after a careful evaluation of these factors as well as a thorough review of your existing coverage.}

Katie Phifer joined the Bezilla Kinney Phifer Wealth Management Group in 2007. Her favorite aspect of her job is helping clients develop sound investment planning strategies that help them take steps toward achieving their life and financial goals. 

As a Financial Advisor with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation, Katie’s primary role is working with clients to prioritize their financial goals and implement customized investment and planning strategies to help meet those goals. She makes it her priority to educate clients on appropriate methods to help pursue stated financial objectives, and she assists them in implementing relevant strategies to help prepare them for unexpected life events.

Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She and her husband, Matt, now live in Beaufort with their two children. Katie remains involved in the community by volunteering with a variety of local organizations.

Prior to joining the Bezilla Kinney Phifer Wealth Management Group in 2005, Jim Cuppia was a local business owner on Hilton Head Island for 22 years. He now enjoys working with clients who take an active role in their financial futures, and he works hard every day to deliver the highest level of customer service and professionalism. 

With nearly 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Jim specializes in investment performance evaluation and reporting, asset allocation strategies, and investment manager evaluation. His primary role is to assist with the implementation of securities transactions and actively review client portfolios. He is also responsible for evaluating the fund performance and style deviations, as well as the performance measurement and client reporting.

John Felix is dedicated to helping clients meet their financial needs by creating and implementing tailored plans that fit each person’s unique life circumstances. 

Before entering the financial services industry, John graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and went on to earn his MBA at Queens University of Charlotte. When he wasn’t studying, John was a student athlete, competing in cross country, track and field, and triathlon. He achieved an individual collegiate national title and, in the process, led the team to the school’s first ever national title in triathlon. 

Following a college athletic career, John competed professionally at an international level, representing the United States at the FISU World Games and participating in the Super League Series. 

As a Financial Advisor, John brings the same intensity and commitment that he brought to sport. His personal mission is to help each client plan for a financial future in the way that best meets her or his goals. He is proud to carry out this mission for a firm that puts clients first. 

In his free time, John enjoys fishing, surfing, and spending time on local waterways. 

Elizabeth Cutshall has dedicated over 25 years of experience to the financial services industry and has worked with Bezilla Kinney Phifer Wealth Management Group since 1994. 

With extensive experience in providing optimal client service, Elizabeth oversees all aspects of client administration for the team. Through diligence and dedication, she strives to address clients’ individual needs efficiently and to ensure they have a positive experience. 

Elizabeth was recognized by the firm as a Premier Client Associate in 2016, 2017, and 2018. This an award given to a select group of Registered Client Associates within Wells Fargo Advisors who were nominated by their management for their consistent display of professionalism, integrity, and core leadership values. 

Currently living in Hilton Head with her husband, Bret, Elizabeth is active in her local community as a volunteer for the Deep Well Project, and she has volunteered with various other non-profit organizations.

Joan Hayes has nearly 25 years of experience working at Wells Fargo Advisors, and she joined the Bezilla Kinney Phifer Wealth Management Group in 2016. Joan has a strong background in operations and compliance, and she works to ensure that each interaction with a client is positive and meets their needs. She is passionate about fulfilling clients’ day-to-day needs and views working with clients as service. 

Joan grew up in Long Island, NY, and eventually moved to South Carolina from Ringwood, NJ. Away from the office, she is an active member and ministry leader in the Church of the Cross in Bluffton, SC.