Meet Our Team
Ryan Staton, MBA, AIF®, CFP®, CExP™, ChFC®, CPFA®
Managing Partner/Director of Business Planning
410-777-9487
Ryan is a seasoned financial planner with an impressive portfolio of accomplishments, including his certifications as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Exit Planner (CExP), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). With his extensive expertise and diverse skill set, Ryan has established himself as a trusted advisor to both thriving businesses and individuals.
Specializing in a range of strategic financial services, Ryan has gained recognition for his exceptional work in exit planning, corporate retirement planning, and financial wellness. His proficiency in guiding businesses through complex exit strategies has earned him a reputation as a go-to professional for successful business owners seeking smooth transitions and optimal outcomes. In the realm of corporate retirement planning, Ryan has helped numerous companies implement tailored solutions that ensure employee financial well-being while aligning with their business objectives.
Moreover, Ryan is committed to promoting financial wellness on both a professional and personal level. His ability to distill intricate financial concepts into easily understandable terms enables him to deliver comprehensive guidance that resonates with his clients. By empowering individuals to make informed decisions, Ryan helps them maximize their wealth and achieve long-term financial security.
Backed by his prestigious certifications and fueled by his passion for education, Ryan is dedicated to staying at the forefront of industry advancements and best practices. His clients benefit from his relentless pursuit of knowledge, receiving innovative strategies that address their unique needs and goals.
Whether partnering with thriving businesses or working closely with individuals, Ryan's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional financial advice has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry. His approachable demeanor, combined with his deep understanding of complex financial matters, ensures that his clients receive the guidance they need to make the best decisions for their financial future.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Founders Financial.
Devin Walsh, CPFA ®
Managing Partner
410-777-9487
Devin is dedicated to empowering business leaders to build the bridge between wealth and purpose. His work extends beyond the numbers—he understands the intricate dynamics of entrepreneurship and how to align business growth with personal financial security. From crafting tailored exit strategies to optimizing corporate retirement plans, he helps business leaders take a holistic approach to their financial health, ensuring their goals are met both in business and in life.
With a strong foundation as a former insurance executive and Chief Operating Officer at a local brokerage, Devin recognized the need for greater transparency in the financial industry. This insight drives his passion for equipping business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their financial goals while building meaningful, trust-driven relationships.
Outside of work, Devin is deeply involved in his community. As Chair of the Maryland State Board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he channels his leadership to make a lasting impact. His commitment to service reflects his belief in fostering success for others in every aspect of life.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Founders Financial.
Marissa Walsh
Director of Client Experience
410-777-9487
Marissa is a dynamic business development and sales professional, recognized for her exceptional ability to align business strategy with relationship management to deliver unparalleled client experiences. With a proven track record of working closely with C-level executives and business owners, she excels in fostering meaningful connections that drive success and satisfaction.
As the Director of Client Experience at StatonWalsh, Marissa is dedicated to building lasting relationships and ensuring each client receives personalized, high-quality service. Her commitment to understanding clients’ unique needs and exceeding their expectations is at the heart of her role, creating an environment where trust and collaboration thrive.
Outside of work, Marissa is passionate about giving back to her community. She recently joined the Maryland State Board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she contributes her leadership and dedication to making a positive impact.
Polina Bolotnikova
Financial Planning Associate
410-777-9487
Polina, originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, is a dynamic professional who excels at the intersection of psychology and business. Her journey started at Kharkiv National Karazin’s University, where she earned an associate degree in Psychology, fostering her passion for understanding human needs while working as a Sales Manager.
Now based in the United States, she furthered her education at Penn State University with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Management, Marketing, and Project Supply Chain Management. Her academic prowess has earned her memberships in prestigious societies including the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, the Future Business Leaders of America Phi Beta Lambda, and the Grahams Fellowship program.
Polina is a national and state champion in finance case competitions and has proven her economic expertise through top placements in Microeconomics and the national Stock Market game by the SIFMA Foundation. She is also licensed with the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, demonstrating her commitment to the financial services industry.
Since January 2023, she has brought her unique blend of psychology and business acumen to the financial advising team at StatonWalsh. Additionally, as a certified Life and Health insurance producer, she supports her clients in safeguarding their futures.
An accomplished public speaker, Polina took top honors in state and national speaking competitions. Outside of work, she nurtures her adventurous spirit with travel, exploration, and cherished time with friends. Her passion for people, persistent curiosity, and commitment to client service make Polina a standout in her field.
Shea Bitter
Manager of Client Success
410-777-9487
Shea supports Staton Walsh’s team mission to provide an exceptional client experience and is dedicated to ensuring seamless operations and efficiency within the firm. She is a seasoned associate with over 15 years in the financial industry and demonstrates achievements in successfully leading administrative, financial and operational functionality for senior level executives.
In Shea’s role as the Manager of Client Success, she is committed to ensuring that our clients achieve their goals through a tailored and personalized experience. Leveraging her expertise in operations and client service management, she plays a critical role in guiding clients through their journey, from onboarding to long term success.
As an Eastern Shore native, Shea cherishes time spent on the water with her husband and family. Whether boating or simply enjoying the shoreline, she has a deep appreciation for the beauty and traditions of her small town.