Melissa Transier, CFA
Managing Director/Investments
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About Me
Melissa began her financial services industry career in 1991 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, she spent 16 years as a Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Dallas. She provides guidance to a select group of clients, helping them navigate various aspects of their financial lives.
Melissa’s clients look to her for high-level strategy, execution, and ongoing focus on their needs. She brings decades of knowledge and insight, gained from investment banking and wealth management experience. Melissa has worked with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families who find themselves in life transitions, such as the sale of a business, an inheritance, a death, or divorce. These events cause change, and she appreciates the stresses that clients experience, taking the time to help them navigate these obstacles, enabling them to enjoy what is important to them.
As a veteran financial advisor, Melissa is adept at identifying the nuances of each client’s unique situation, illustrating clear alternatives to pursue their objectives, defining a path forward and then executing. She has built long-term relationships that enable her to enlist resources for collaboration on potential solutions so that clients can focus on their personal and professional priorities. Melissa has broad experience in customized wealth management, tax-minimization strategies, estate planning services, philanthropy, and the regulatory requirements imposed on corporate insiders.
Melissa earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University before beginning her career in the Financial Analyst program in the investment banking group at The First Boston Corporation. Following the completion of this three-year program, she formed a money management firm and trust company, Founders Trust Company, with her former SMU finance professor. When Founders was sold to Norwest Bank (which later became Wells Fargo), Melissa continued her investments career, moving with her team to Morgan Stanley, where she focused on corporate finance as well as mergers and acquisitions, and then joined JPMorgan Private Bank. She ultimately met her current business partner, Chris Green, in 1998, and together they formed a long-lasting partnership that began at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (which was purchased by CS First Boston). After CS First Boston divested their wealth management business, Melissa and her team joined Citi Family Office for four years before joining Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2009.
Committed to the belief that learning never stops, Melissa holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Outside the office, Melissa and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing golf in beautiful places such as Pebble Beach and New Zealand. She is also passionate about giving back and enjoyed participating in a mission trip to Africa as well as supporting various charities supporting homeless and abused animals.
Melissa Transier
CFA
CFA
Managing Director/Investments
2147069451
Melissa began her financial services industry career in 1991 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, she spent 16 years as a Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Dallas. She provides guidance to a select group of clients, helping them navigate various aspects of their financial lives.
Melissa’s clients look to her for high-level strategy, execution, and ongoing focus on their needs. She brings decades of knowledge and insight, gained from investment banking and wealth management experience. Melissa has worked with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families who find themselves in life transitions, such as the sale of a business, an inheritance, a death, or divorce. These events cause change, and she appreciates the stresses that clients experience, taking the time to help them navigate these obstacles, enabling them to enjoy what is important to them.
As a veteran financial advisor, Melissa is adept at identifying the nuances of each client’s unique situation, illustrating clear alternatives to pursue their objectives, defining a path forward and then executing. She has built long-term relationships that enable her to enlist resources for collaboration on potential solutions so that clients can focus on their personal and professional priorities. Melissa has broad experience in customized wealth management, tax-minimization strategies, estate planning services, philanthropy, and the regulatory requirements imposed on corporate insiders.
Melissa earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University before beginning her career in the Financial Analyst program in the investment banking group at The First Boston Corporation. Following the completion of this three-year program, she formed a money management firm and trust company, Founders Trust Company, with her former SMU finance professor. When Founders was sold to Norwest Bank (which later became Wells Fargo), Melissa continued her investments career, moving with her team to Morgan Stanley, where she focused on corporate finance as well as mergers and acquisitions, and then joined JPMorgan Private Bank. She ultimately met her current business partner, Chris Green, in 1998, and together they formed a long-lasting partnership that began at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (which was purchased by CS First Boston). After CS First Boston divested their wealth management business, Melissa and her team joined Citi Family Office for four years before joining Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2009.
Committed to the belief that learning never stops, Melissa holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Outside the office, Melissa and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing golf in beautiful places such as Pebble Beach and New Zealand. She is also passionate about giving back and enjoyed participating in a mission trip to Africa as well as supporting various charities supporting homeless and abused animals.
Chris Green
Managing Director/Investments
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About Me
Chris began his investment industry career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, he worked at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, guiding accomplished families, individuals, corporate executives, family offices, and foundations. Chris’s core competencies include customized wealth management strategies, tax minimization strategies, estate planning services, and philanthropy.
Chris draws upon a broad range of investment capabilities, including equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and structured investments, offering a disciplined approach designed to help multiple generations grow, preserve, and transfer their wealth more effectively. He has knowledge in guiding corporate insiders and holders of concentrated positions of restricted stock, as he is well educated and experienced in the filing requirements of Rule 144, Section 16, and Rule 10b5-1.
Chris began his career at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) in 1997, where he met his business partner, Melissa Transier, in 1998 and together they formed a long-lasting partnership. After DLJ was purchased by CS First Boston and ultimately divested of their wealth management business, Chris and his team joined Citi Family Office for five years before joining Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2009. Chris earned a B.A. and his M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.
Outside the office, Chris and his wife, Kara, live in Dallas with their four children, Chris Jr., Walker, McKenna, and Mia, along with their furry children, Abbey and Lilli. He enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Chris Green
Managing Director/Investments
2147069452
Chris began his investment industry career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, he worked at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, guiding accomplished families, individuals, corporate executives, family offices, and foundations. Chris’s core competencies include customized wealth management strategies, tax minimization strategies, estate planning services, and philanthropy.
Chris draws upon a broad range of investment capabilities, including equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and structured investments, offering a disciplined approach designed to help multiple generations grow, preserve, and transfer their wealth more effectively. He has knowledge in guiding corporate insiders and holders of concentrated positions of restricted stock, as he is well educated and experienced in the filing requirements of Rule 144, Section 16, and Rule 10b5-1.
Chris began his career at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) in 1997, where he met his business partner, Melissa Transier, in 1998 and together they formed a long-lasting partnership. After DLJ was purchased by CS First Boston and ultimately divested of their wealth management business, Chris and his team joined Citi Family Office for five years before joining Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2009. Chris earned a B.A. and his M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.
Outside the office, Chris and his wife, Kara, live in Dallas with their four children, Chris Jr., Walker, McKenna, and Mia, along with their furry children, Abbey and Lilli. He enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his family.
About Me
Ryan began his investment career at Goldman Sachs, where he worked in the firm’s Menlo Park, New York, and Dallas offices. In 2003, he was recruited by Merrill Lynch to join its Private Wealth Management Group in Dallas. For more than two decades, Ryan has provided strategic guidance to a select group of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, business owners, and C-suite executives. After more than 26 successful years at two of Wall Street’s most respected firms, Ryan made the decision to transition his practice to Stifel, where wealth management is the firm’s core business and the client’s best interest is paramount.
At Stifel, he continues to provide tailored guidance and strategies designed to pursue the complex needs of his clients. Ryan and his team emphasize long-term planning, customized asset allocation, and portfolio construction. He directly manages individual equity portfolios and allocates to carefully selected institutional-caliber managers across both traditional and alternative asset classes. His work also includes deep experience advising clients on pre-liquidity event planning and advanced tax strategies, with the goal of preserving wealth and helping families surpass their long-term financial objectives.
Ryan is from San Antonio, Texas, and after graduating high school, was fortunate to attend Southern Methodist University on a full scholarship, earning degrees in Biological Sciences and Economics.
Outside the office, Ryan and his wife, Nina, live in Dallas with their four children: Ella, who will be a freshman at Southern Methodist University this fall, twin daughters, Halle and Carson, and their son, Andrew, all of whom attend The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD).
Ryan is actively involved in the Dallas community through his service with the First Tee of Greater Dallas, Highland Park United Methodist Church, and the ESD Dads’ Partnership Group. He enjoys playing golf, traveling with his family, and is a dedicated supporter of his children’s academic and extracurricular endeavors.
Ryan Bell
Managing Director/Investments
2147069454
Ryan began his investment career at Goldman Sachs, where he worked in the firm’s Menlo Park, New York, and Dallas offices. In 2003, he was recruited by Merrill Lynch to join its Private Wealth Management Group in Dallas. For more than two decades, Ryan has provided strategic guidance to a select group of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, business owners, and C-suite executives. After more than 26 successful years at two of Wall Street’s most respected firms, Ryan made the decision to transition his practice to Stifel, where wealth management is the firm’s core business and the client’s best interest is paramount.
At Stifel, he continues to provide tailored guidance and strategies designed to pursue the complex needs of his clients. Ryan and his team emphasize long-term planning, customized asset allocation, and portfolio construction. He directly manages individual equity portfolios and allocates to carefully selected institutional-caliber managers across both traditional and alternative asset classes. His work also includes deep experience advising clients on pre-liquidity event planning and advanced tax strategies, with the goal of preserving wealth and helping families surpass their long-term financial objectives.
Ryan is from San Antonio, Texas, and after graduating high school, was fortunate to attend Southern Methodist University on a full scholarship, earning degrees in Biological Sciences and Economics.
Outside the office, Ryan and his wife, Nina, live in Dallas with their four children: Ella, who will be a freshman at Southern Methodist University this fall, twin daughters, Halle and Carson, and their son, Andrew, all of whom attend The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD).
Ryan is actively involved in the Dallas community through his service with the First Tee of Greater Dallas, Highland Park United Methodist Church, and the ESD Dads’ Partnership Group. He enjoys playing golf, traveling with his family, and is a dedicated supporter of his children’s academic and extracurricular endeavors.
Laura Martin-Bernard
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
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About Me
Laura began her financial services career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, she joined the Transier & Green team in 2000. Before the team joined Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2009, Laura worked with the team at Citi Family Office.
Laura assists clients with day-to-day financial service needs with the goal of simplifying and streamlining operations. She has extensive experience in the areas of account opening, as well as managed accounts and alternative investments matters. Laura strives to exceed each client’s expectations by providing top-tier service in an accurate and timely manner. She has built strong client relationships, serving as the first point of contact for the team.
Laura and her husband, Lyman, live in Waxahachie with their daughter, Leila, and their four-legged children, Cooper, Stella, and Jazzy. In her free time, Laura enjoys traveling, reading, and life in “small” town Texas.
Laura Martin-Bernard
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
2147069461
Laura began her financial services career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, she joined the Transier & Green team in 2000. Before the team joined Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2009, Laura worked with the team at Citi Family Office.
Laura assists clients with day-to-day financial service needs with the goal of simplifying and streamlining operations. She has extensive experience in the areas of account opening, as well as managed accounts and alternative investments matters. Laura strives to exceed each client’s expectations by providing top-tier service in an accurate and timely manner. She has built strong client relationships, serving as the first point of contact for the team.
Laura and her husband, Lyman, live in Waxahachie with their daughter, Leila, and their four-legged children, Cooper, Stella, and Jazzy. In her free time, Laura enjoys traveling, reading, and life in “small” town Texas.
Deborah Griffith
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
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About Me
Deborah began her financial services career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2025. She is well versed in the needs of ultra-high-net-worth clients, corporate executives, and their families. Deborah’s responsibilities include account administration, client relationship management, and cash management matters as part of servicing the team’s business.
Deborah earned a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Houston and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Deborah Griffith
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
2147069457
Deborah began her financial services career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2025. She is well versed in the needs of ultra-high-net-worth clients, corporate executives, and their families. Deborah’s responsibilities include account administration, client relationship management, and cash management matters as part of servicing the team’s business.
Deborah earned a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Houston and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Stacey Jacobson
Senior Client Service Associate
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About Me
Stacey began her financial services career in 1992 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, she has worked at different firms in various roles, including client support, trading, back office support, and most recently as a Digital Training Specialist. Stacey looks forward to building client relationships, providing top-tier service, and exceeding expectations. Stacey is committed to leveraging her diverse experience to provide appropriate responses to client needs and help ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
Outside the office, Stacey and her husband reside in McKinney, Texas, and you can find them sitting courtside at their daughter, Nicole’s, volleyball tournaments.
Stacey Jacobson
Senior Client Service Associate
2147069464
Stacey began her financial services career in 1992 and joined Stifel in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel, she has worked at different firms in various roles, including client support, trading, back office support, and most recently as a Digital Training Specialist. Stacey looks forward to building client relationships, providing top-tier service, and exceeding expectations. Stacey is committed to leveraging her diverse experience to provide appropriate responses to client needs and help ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
Outside the office, Stacey and her husband reside in McKinney, Texas, and you can find them sitting courtside at their daughter, Nicole’s, volleyball tournaments.
