Freestone signs industry veteran in war for RIA talent

The Seattle-based wealth firm’s latest hire comes with a professional history at big names like Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Wells Fargo.

Freestone Capital Management, a Seattle-based wealth advisory and asset management firm, is ratcheting up its efforts at recruitment with a key appointment.

The RIA announced Monday that it has hired financial industry veteran Nicole Bowers as its new recruitment leader.

Bowers, who brings over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, will operate from the company’s Seattle office.

Previously associated with a boutique advisory in San Francisco, Bowers has a notable background in talent acquisition, especially within the wealth management sphere.

Her career includes significant tenures at major institutions such as Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Wells Fargo Securities. In addition to her corporate roles, she is actively involved with community organizations in Seattle that focus on professional networking and talent development for women.

In her new role, Bowers will spearhead recruitment initiatives and work on enhancing employee engagement and professional growth within Freestone. She will report directly to Ann Gookin, managing director, and collaborate closely with Jim Hughes, head of client advisory.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Nicole to Freestone to lead our recruiting efforts,” Gookin said in a statement, highlighting Bowers’ pedigree as a recruiting professional within the RIA space.

“Our recruiting and people philosophy looks a lot like the work we do for clients, which is to say that we invest in, and care for, the experience that they have at Freestone every day,” she said.

Founded in 1999, Freestone has grown substantially from managing $250 million to nearly $10 billion in assets under management. The firm continues to focus on attracting and empowering a new generation of advisors, providing them with the necessary tools and information to succeed.

Most recently in April, the firm deepened its advisory bench in San Francisco, where it welcomed a financial advisor with three decades of industry experience, including more than 13 years at Goldman Sachs.

“I am passionate about connecting people with great opportunities and love helping people find work that is empowering, fulfilling, and rewarding,” Bowers said. “Freestone’s platform for advisors and team members is equipped with a compelling opportunity to attract and retain talent, and I am excited to be a part of it,” she said.