Robert F. Mewshaw

President and Chief Investment Officer

Robert F. Mewshaw graduated from the University of Baltimore with a Bachelors of Arts, whereupon he spent five years with a local law enforcement agency conducting criminal investigations. After leaving law enforcement he worked for several member firms of the New York Stock Exchange for 12 years. He has been on the adjunct faculty of Loyola College as an Assistant Professor where he taught Investment Analysis in the undergraduate school.

He has held the following positions in the securities industry; Registered Representative (Stockbroker), Associated Person (Commodity Broker), Branch Manager NYSE, General Securities Principal, State Securities Agent, Investment Advisor Representative.

He has participated in numerous securities arbitration's as a consultant, advocate and expert witness. He has investigated complaints of securities fraud, churning, misrepresentation, unsuitability and various other regulatory problems concerning the securities industry.

Mr. Mewshaw has over 30 years of experience as an investment professional.

 

Alexander F. Barron

Senior Investment Counselor

Assistant Compliance Officer Alexander F. Barron graduated from Tanenbaum College with a Bachelor of Arts in Talmudic Law, whereupon he continued another two years in graduate school in Advanced Talmudic Law.  He has worked for several member firms of the New York Stock Exchange working on both the Institutional and Retail sides of the Industry. He has held the following positions in the securities industry; Registered Representative (Stockbroker), General Securities Principal, State Securities Agent, and Investment Advisor Representative. He has lectured and taught investment analysis as an adjunct professor. Alex has published many articles for local papers and periodicals, as well writing a monthly financial column for the Senior Digest of Maryland.  As a former board member of the Baltimore County Department of Aging, he has lectured to senior groups on the awareness of financial abuse and victimization to the elderly.

His areas of specialty encompass portfolio management that incorporates family wealth needs for financial, educational, and retirement planning. He also manages 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans for businesses and non-profit organizations.

He presently serves as Vice President and Co-Chairman of the Capital Campaign for Shearith Israel Congregation (est. 1851).  He is a volunteer personal finance counselor with Mesila of Baltimore (an organization which provides awareness and a path to financial stability for Baltimore families). He also serves as a board member for Bnos Yisroel School of Baltimore.  He was one of the founding board members, as well as an instructor at Ateris Tzvi School, a men's college based in Baltimore. He is also a founding member and certified EMT with Hatzalah of Baltimore.

Mr. Barron has over 26 years experience as an investment professional.

 

Bryan Thaler

Senior Investment Counsellor

Assistant Investment Officer Bryan M. Thaler graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He began his career as a Registered Representative (Stockbroker) for a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange.  At Van Sant & Mewshaw, he is responsible for helping families protect and grow their financial assets as well as providing assistance with various financial planning and estate planning techniques.

He is presently serving as the Treasurer for the Towson University Foundation Board and has served on the investment committee for the University's endowments for a number of years. Previously he served 3 years as the Towson University Alumni Association's president and served on the board of directors for almost 10 years. In 2005 he was recipient of the Spirit of the University Award.

In addition to volunteering at Towson University, he is also a past participant of the BJC Leadership development program and served on the Board of Directors for the York JCC. In 2006 he was selected by the Baltimore Business Journal as one of the top '40 Under 40' for achievements.

Mr. Thaler has over 15 years experience as an investment professional.

 

Christopher J. Blair

Investment Counsellor

Christopher J. Blair graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Prior to joining Van Sant & Mewshaw, Chris began his career at a global investment firm located in Baltimore, Maryland. During his time there, Chris held various positions including retirement plan service associate, portfolio accounting specialist and as a risk & compliance analyst. At Van Sant & Mewshaw, Chris' scope of responsibilities includes client portfolio management, college savings, retirement and estate planning.