Meet the Team

Susan has dedicated herself to helping individuals, families, and small businesses since 1985. She takes time to examine every element of a client’s financial life. The result is a lasting relationship where both Susan and her clients are focused on careful asset allocation and success over the long term. The strong relationships have helped make her an industry leader. Named as one of a Five Star’s Wealth Managers as seen in Charlotte Magazine from 2011 through 2022. She has been named a Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council from 2010 through 2022. In 2021 she was named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors and to the Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State in 2023. The Platinum Council previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

 
Susan earned her Bachelor degree in Business from the University of Kentucky and holds the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC). She is also licensed to offer life and long-term care insurance. Susan is currently developing a multi-generational team as a way to pay her gratitude forward, and loves her Charlotte, NC community. When she’s not helping others, Susan has a passion for adventure, traveling, and loves spending time with her family and friends.


<sub><sup>Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors and rating and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 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.

Five Star Professional award was issued on 8/1/23 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 10/10/22 through 5/05/23. Survey conducted by Five Star Professional, an independent third-party research firm, who received nominations from peers or firms in the Charlotte-area and evaluated the nominees based on 10 objective criteria including client retention rates, client assets administered, firm review and favorable regulatory and complaint history. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager's future performance. Self- completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Award issued on August 1, 2023 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period October 10, 2022 through May 5, 2023. 1,677 Charlotte area wealth managers were considered for the award; 105 (6%) of the candidates were named Five Star Wealth Managers. For more information, please see most recent year awarded above and: https://fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/brown-shane-wealth-management-group/</sup></sub>

As a key member of the Brown & Shane Wealth Management Group, Karen provides asset allocation reviews and comprehensive planning to clients. She is a disciplined achiever and her ambitious personality drives her to exceed. She incorporates being someone who is passionate about working with and helping people as well as her absolute love of the financial markets. Karen has worked diligently on her professional development during her career. Her credentials include the Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, Series 9 and Series 10 securities registrations. She has also acquired life, health and long-term care insurance licenses. In 2014, she passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ Professional exam and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Finance. 

Karen and her husband, Rob, have two children, Tessa, and Christopher. In addition to balancing an active family life she also serves on the Leadership Board of The Sandbox, a local organization in Charlotte that helps families with children that have cancer or other life-altering and terminal illnesses.