Gary T. Bezilla
Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director - Investment Officer
Senior PIM Portfolio Manager
Gary has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors every year from 2018 through 2026 an honor that highlights his standing among the top financial professionals in South Carolina. From 2011 through 2026 he has also been named to the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council.
With deep experience navigating diverse economic cycles and market conditions, Gary is committed to delivering exceptional service and strategic insight. As a Senior PIM® Portfolio Manager, Gary is among a select group of advisors at Wells Fargo Advisors authorized to manage portfolios on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gary has served on the boards of numerous local charitable and civic organizations. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Hilton Head, where he enjoys spending quality time with his family.
2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2026; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/24- 6/30/25 (Source: Forbes.com). 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23- 6/30/24 (Source: Forbes.com). 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com).2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18 (Source: Forbes.com). 2018 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: (Awarded February 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/16 - 6/30/17 (Source: Forbes.com).
The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year's industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria
Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director - Investment Officer
Senior PIM Portfolio Manager
Alan D. Kinney
Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director - Investment Officer
Senior PIM Portfolio Manager
Alan has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2019, 2020 and 2022 through 2026. This honor highlights his commitment to excellence. From 2011 through 2026 he has also been named to the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council.
2024-2026: The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. 2011 -2023: The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structure
Alan’s primary responsibilities include directing portfolio asset allocation and investment planning. He manages client portfolios with a focus on individual fixed income securities, common stocks, bond mutual funds, and ETFs. In addition, he plays a key role in reviewing and implementing strategies for clients’ life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care needs. Alan is among the select group of Wells Fargo Advisors qualified to manage portfolios on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis.
Deeply committed to his community, Alan has volunteered with a variety of local organizations over the years. He resides in Savannah with his wife, Rhonda, and enjoys spending time with his family.
2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2026; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/24- 6/30/25 (Source: Forbes.com). 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23- 6/30/24 (Source: Forbes.com). 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18 (Source: Forbes.com).
The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year's industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director - Investment Officer
Senior PIM Portfolio Manager
Katherine C. Phifer, CFP, RICP, CDFA
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer
Katherine’s primary focus is helping clients define and prioritize their financial goals, then implementing customized investment and planning strategies to support them. As a Fundamental Choice® Portfolio Manager, she is qualified to manage client portfolios on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. In addition to investment management, Katie assists clients with comprehensive planning, including life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care strategies. She is passionate about educating clients and helping them implement solutions designed to protect and preserve their financial goals.
Active in the Beaufort community, Katherine has served on the boards of several local organizations and continues to volunteer her time. She lives in Beaufort with her husband, Matt, and their two children.
CA Insurance License Number: 4292218. Resident State SC
2019 – 2021 Platinum Council: The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structure.
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer
CFP, RICP, CDFA
After graduating from The Citadel, Sam spent several years in hospitality leadership before beginning his financial services career in 2019. Those early experiences helped shape the service-oriented mindset and commitment to exceptional client care that define his practice today.
A Beaufort native, Sam credits much of his professional and personal development to a strong foundation of family, service, and community involvement. He remains active throughout the Lowcountry through Rotary, local nonprofit organizations, volunteer initiatives, and Sea Island Presbyterian Church. His father serves as Senior Pastor of Sea Island Presbyterian Church, and his mother is a retired principal with the Beaufort County School District.
Sam and his wife, Weslie, a special education teacher, reside on Cat Island with their two daughters. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and cheering on his daughters at gymnastics competitions.
Senior Financial Advisor
Drawing on the vast resources of Wells Fargo Advisors and his own extensive background, William focuses on building long-term relationships and delivering thoughtful, solutions-oriented guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs.
William is actively involved in the Beaufort community and has served on the boards of several local organizations. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth baseball, fishing, and playing golf. He and his wife, Penny, live in Beaufort with their two children.
Financial Advisor
Elizabeth S. Cutshall
Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate
Assistant Vice President
Elizabeth plays a key role in delivering exceptional client service and managing all aspects of client administration for the team.
Elizabeth is actively involved in her community. She currently volunteers with The Deep Well Project and has supported several other local nonprofit organizations over the years. She resides in Hilton Head with her husband, Bret.
2016-2019 Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council Client Associate - The Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council Client Associate (previously Premier Client Associate) distinction is held by a select group of Registered Client Associates within Wells Fargo Advisors nominated by their management for their consistent display of professionalism, integrity and core leadership values. 2025-2026 The Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Recognition Program is open to eligible branch support associates that have delivered exceptional performance during the prior calendar year. Performance factors are inclusive of client experience, partnership with Financial Advisors to support their objectives, and task execution. Participants are placed into one of two categories. Pinnacle Level are the Top 100 performers as selected by manager nomination and divisional review. Excellence Level are all remaining participants.
Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate
Assistant Vice President
With a passion for providing five-star service, Damara started in the wealth management field in 2022 as a Client Associate in the Savannah, Georgia office, where she supports clients with care and professionalism. She has been recognized as a 2025 Platinum Excellence Client Associate. Damara lives in Savannah with her family.
2025 Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Client Associate-The Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Client Associate recognition is held by a select group of client associates within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by their success in achieving exceptional performance the previous calendar year. Performance factors are inclusive of client experience, partnership with Financial Advisors to support their objectives, and task execution.
Private Wealth Senior Client Associate
As a Client Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors since 2019, Tracey brings a strong background in client service and financial administration, complemented by previous experience working with a local CPA. She is committed to building lasting relationships, attentive support, and helping clients feel informed and comfortable throughout every step of their financial journey. Tracey takes pride in delivering personalized service with professionalism, care, and a genuine commitment to her clients and community.
Senior Client Associate