Helping Clients Succeed Financially

Karen L. Richards, CFP, CIMA, MBA
Financial Advisor
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer
Email Address
karen.richards@wellsfargoadvisors.comPhone Number
(360) 527-2136I began my career as a Financial Consultant with RBC Wealth Management in 1999 before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2007. I hold both a BA and an MBA from the College of Business and Economics at Western Washington University. Additionally, I have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation.
Committed to professional excellence, I currently serve on the Investments & Wealth Institute Professional Review Board. Previously, I was an active volunteer for the Western Washington University Foundation Board from 2014 to 2023, where I chaired the Investment Committee and contributed to the Finance Committee. I also dedicated time to my local community by serving on the board of Northwest Youth Services from 2007 to 2015.
Originally from Forks, Washington, I maintain strong ties to my hometown and frequently visit the Olympic Peninsula to connect with family and friends. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, entertaining, and traveling, especially to sunny destinations across the United States and coastal Mexico.
CA Insurance License Number: 0H41638. Resident State WA.
Certificates
CFP, CIMA, MBA

Austin D. Belz
Financial Consultant
Email Address
austin.belz@wellsfargoadvisors.comPhone Number
(907) 257-0249I earned a BA degree in Accounting with a minor in Business from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2018, providing a strong foundation for my career. I began working at an accounting firm, assisting clients with complex tax matters, before transitioning into investment consulting with Merrill Lynch and the Bank of New York Mellon. These roles allowed me to develop a deep understanding of investment strategies and comprehensive investment planning.
In pursuit of new opportunities and a lifelong dream, my fiancée and I relocated from Long Island, New York, to Anchorage, Alaska. After first visiting in 2017, I was captivated by Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and unique way of life. Outside of work, I embrace everything the Last Frontier has to offer, from golfing under the midnight sun to skiing fresh powder in the winter. I am passionate about building strong, lasting relationships with my clients and helping them navigate their financial futures with confidence.
CA Insurance License Number: 4452901. Resident State: AK.
Tara entered the finance industry directly out of college in 2006. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Syracuse University. In 2007, she joined Wachovia Securities, a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors. Tara focuses on providing exceptional service to clients. She is an active member of the Anchorage ERISA Forum and maintains her Series 7 and 63 securities registrations. Tara and her husband grew up in upstate New York but they now call Alaska home where they are enjoying raising their three children. In her free time, she enjoys visiting with friends, traveling, and watching her daughters on the soccer field.
Mariah entered the financial services industry in 2021 when she joined Wells Fargo Advisors. She works closely with all members of our team, keeping our administrative and operational needs flowing smoothly. Mariah is Yup’ik and grew up in Southwest Alaska until moving to Anchorage in 2019. Outside of the office she loves any activity in nature, cooking, baking, and visiting with family and friends.
Jenny entered the financial service industry with Wells Fargo Bank in 2023. She joined our team in 2025, bringing dedication, enthusiasm and attention to detail to our team in serving our clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies from the University of Washington. When she’s not working, you can find her enjoying a good fantasy book or cuddling up with her two beloved cats. Or both! Jenny is a Bellingham, WA native with a passion for hiking, camping, reading, and spending quality time with family, including her husband, Tommy.

