Kirk Stovesand CPA/PFS, CPWA®, CFP®, MST

Partner, Wealth Advisor
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While still in college, Kirk Stovesand started working for the company which grew into Walpole & Co., LLP. That combination of work and study continued once he joined the company as a full-time employee (and later, a partner). His extensive knowledge and innovative insight are sought after by clients and colleagues alike.

Among his accomplishments, Kirk earned a BA in Business Economics from UCSB, a Master in Taxation from Golden Gate University, a Master Certificate in Global Business Management from George Washington University. Kirk is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, Certified Private Wealth Advisor and a Personal Financial Specialist.

Kirk’s interest in finance and financial planning issues facing his clients was a main driver in the creation of Walpole Financial Advisors, LLC (see Our Story). He helps clients make smart decisions about their money and focuses his time on clients’ major concerns in the areas of wealth enhancement, wealth protection, wealth transfer, and charitable giving. In addition to his involvement with this company, Kirk is a Board Member for a local bank.

Kirk, his wife Donna and their sons, Marlin and Spencer, live in Santa Barbara where they enjoy the laid back atmosphere. Kirk enjoys spending time with family and traveling.

Yusuf A. Balogun CPA/PFS, MST

Partner, Wealth Advisor
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Yusuf is one of sixteen siblings to whom their parents promised a college education, with the condition that they study outside their native Nigeria. This commitment became a financial planning challenge when, one by one, fourteen of the children took up the parents’ offer and did go to college. As the youngest of the family, Yusuf is particularly grateful that his parent’s careful planning provided for everyone.

Committed to making the most of the opportunities open to him, Yusuf enrolled at UCSB in 1985, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He pursued further education, earning an Accounting Certification from UCSB Extension and a master's in taxation from Golden Gate University

Yusuf joined Walpole & Co., LLP in 2000, becoming a partner in 2008. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the California Society of CPAs (Channel Counties Chapter) and New Directions For People With Disabilities, Inc.  

Yusuf and his wife Toyosi have two daughters. In his spare time he enjoys playing soccer, traveling and the theater.

Because the life Yusuf enjoys was made possible by his parents’ careful financial planning, he understands the importance of helping his clients lay the groundwork for their own financial goals. Adding the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential to his CPA qualifications demonstrates his commitment to this service.

 

[The PFS credential is available only to CPAs who meet selective requirements for financial planning education and experience.]

Jean Smith CPA/PFS, CFP®, EA

Wealth Advisor
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From an early age, Jean Smith’s vocation was taking care of people. As such, she initially prepared herself for a career in nursing. She volunteered as a Candy Striper and attended Drake College’s nursing program. As we now know, destiny had other plans for Jean. Fate redirected Jean’s vocation from the field of physical health to financial health. In 1974, Jean’s entrepreneurial husband initiated the purchase of an accounting practice in Santa Barbara, CA. Jean ran the business with the simple premise of taking care of clients, very much as a nurse would take care of patients.

Client relationships flourished and Smith & Associates thrived. Along the way, Jean partnered with Marv Walpole to form Smith & Walpole. Under Jean’s instructions, taking care of clients remained the driving factor. Success continued. To keep the name short as the company added partners, it simply evolved into Walpole & Co. LLP. Today, the company Jean started over 30 years ago is a well-respected regional CPA firm serving its clients’ needs with an impressive range of services (see www.walpolecpa.com ).

Along with building a thriving business, Jean also raised a family, helped neighbors and involved herself in her community. Jean became an enrolled agent, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Financial Planner. She attended SBCC, UCSB and the Master in Taxation program at Golden Gate University. Jean is a member of the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council, and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. In addition, Jean maintains a dynamic exercise routine. She occasionally travels to hike in the mountains which would not surprise those who know her boundless energy.

Jean, along with partner Kirk Stovesand, initiated the creation of Walpole Financial Advisors, LLC in response to clients’ request for financial services that would fit their needs (see Our Story). Here again, and more than ever, Jean’s vocation for taking care of people shows.

Anita Peca CPA/PFS

Wealth Advisor
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Among Anita’s various interests, one common theme stands out: people. That interest coupled to her inclination to contribute led her to earn a BA in Psychology from UC Davis and Teaching Credentials from UCSB. Yet, the best expression of Anita’s interest in people has formed in the financial field, where Anita has a unique ability to hear people and translate their hopes and dreams into pragmatic elements.

Anita, a Certified Public Accountant, attended the accounting program at Montana State University, earned a Financial Planning certificate from UCSB and holds the Personal Financial Specialist credential from the American Institute of CPAs. Anita is also a member of the California Society of CPAs, Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity, Wilding Art Museum, and Toastmasters.

Anita and her husband John lived in Bozeman, Montana, where they maintain roots and friendships. Both of them love the great outdoors and feel at home backpacking in California’s Eastern Sierras. In addition to hiking, Anita enjoys swimming and Balkan Folk dancing.

Anita joined Walpole Financial Advisors, LLC to further guide her clients along their financial path. Anita’s experience assisting her parents gives her an affinity and knack for helping clients with eldercare issues. Those who know her well admire her dedication to helping family, friends and clients.

Paul Mannion CFP®

Wealth Advisor
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Paul has been helping clients achieve their financial goals since 2003. His current position of Wealth Advisor allows him to provide in depth financial planning and education to Walpole Financial Advisors’ clients.

Paul has always had a passion for financial planning, which led him to obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has educated clients in the areas of investments, insurance, retirement planning, college planning and personal cash flows. His goal is to provide unbiased advice to clients that will assist them in obtaining their short and long term financial goals. Paul currently holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.

Paul currently lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and three young daughters. In addition to spending his time taking advantage of the many activities Santa Barbara offers with his family, he enjoys  soccer, swimming and snowboarding.

Marlin B. Stovesand CFP, CPFA, CRPS, QFOP

Retirement Plan Consultant
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Marlin grew up in a small town south of Santa Barbara called Ojai, California. After graduating from Villanova High School, Marlin attended the University of San Diego where he earned a BBA in Finance with an Accounting minor.

Marlin’s field of expertise includes individual tax services and company sponsored retirement plan design, implementation, and investment.

Among his accomplishments, Marlin is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist, Certified Prudent Fiduciary Advisor, and Qualified Family Office Professional. Marlin also holds the Series 65 license and the Series 63 license. Excited to further help clients with their tax and financial concerns, Marlin is currently a Qualified 401(k) Administrator candidate (QKA).

Marlin currently lives in Santa Barbara where he enjoys boating, scuba diving, and golfing.

Donovan Roberson CFP®

Associate Wealth Advisor
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Donovan comes from the humble town of Bakersfield, CA. With a passion for building relationships and interest in the financial markets, joining a reputable firm like Walpole helped to pair those interests and allows Donovan to assist clients with developing a path towards achieving their financial goals.

Prior to joining Walpole Financial Advisors, Donovan obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance from San Diego State University and went on to spend a number of years specializing in the corporate retirement space where he was able to hone in on relationship management, client servicing, and advance retirement planning topics. 

Outside of the office, Donovan enjoys getting active through running, biking, playing tennis, or hiking some of the local trails.

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Donovan is working towards becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

Mikaela Lelonek

Client Relationship Specialist
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Mikaela was born and raised in Minnesota, where she received her AAS degree in Business Management. She began her career in the finance world by working for Wells Fargo Bank, where she found herself assisting in the management of Private Bank clients. This is where she discovered her passion for helping clients succeed in reaching their financial goals.

With an urge to escape the bitter-cold of the Midwest, she moved to California in 2018. Mikaela now lives in Ventura, and is studying to become a licensed Financial Advisor. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, snowboarding, and going to the beach.