Our People

As the managing director and co-founder of Legacy Private Client Services, I serve as a catalyst and the firm's chief strategist to provide decades of insight and wisdom to help optimize multi-generational wealth planning. My father launched our firm into national prominence, and we have quietly risen to the top of our profession as quantified by our peers and industry standards, as evidenced by our listing in the 2021 FORBES Top 250 Financial Security Professionals in the U.S., 2022 FORBES Best in State Financial Security Professionals^*, and as a member of the distinguished MDRT^** Top of the Table for the eighth year.

Working with my father for nearly two decades, we designed complex planning and financial strategies for wealthy families and entrepreneurs. In addition, we have spent much of our careers as thought leaders, educating professional advisors at Bar Associations, the American College of Financial Services, and various financial and non-profit corporations throughout the U.S.

I entered the financial services profession in the 1990s and was exposed to a multi-disciplinary forum for professional development from the NYU Institute of Family Wealth, where we studied private trust companies and planning-based family offices. The forum demonstrated the interesting perspective of utilizing integrated technical planning with philosophy and psychology - i.e., presentations that paired a tax attorney and a wealth psychologist.

Ultimately, my goal is to help inspire and challenge clients to pursue transformational outcomes in their planning journey while addressing the core fundamental services with excellence.

Personally, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Jodi, and my adult children, Megan and Nate. My passion for impact includes giving back, and I am blessed to have a family that has been active in local, regional, and global organizations - including global missions, rescue missions, childhood bereavement initiatives, Special Olympics, etc. In addition, it has been my privilege to serve on several non-profit boards, most recently as the Leadership Board Chair at Asbury Church.

I hold a Psychology degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a wrestling team member. More recently, as a family and individually, we have participated in several Ironman triathlon events and half marathons.

^* Data provided by SHOOK®Research, LLC. Data as of 12/31/21. Source: Forbes.com (July, 2022). Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receives any compensation in exchange for placement on its Top Financial Security Professional (FSP) rankings (including the Best-In-State Financial Security Professional rankings), which are determined independently (see methodology). FSP refers to professionals who are properly licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. FSPs may also hold other credentials and licenses which would allow them to offer investments and securities products through those licenses. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures learned through telephone, virtual and in-person interviews to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management, sales figures and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and these professionals rarely have audited performance reports. Individuals must carefully choose the right FSP for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. SHOOK's research and rankings provide opinions intended to help individuals choose the right FSP and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

^** The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry. Top of the Table qualifying in years 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021-2023. Court of the Table qualifying in years 2000-2004, 2007, 2009, and 2011-2023

With more than 19 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry, Adam works closely with his clients, providing solutions for asset protection, estate conservation, business continuation, retirement planning, and financial planning concerns.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Adam began his career in the insurance and financial services industry in 2001 at an international bank where he attained a number of awards for high levels of production. In 2010 Adam joined New York Life as an Agent, and in 2011 he became a partner at New York Life.  In 2014 he decided to move back to working more closely with clients and became an Agent with New York Life again and a Financial Adviser with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

As an Investment Adviser Representative with Eagle Strategies LLC, Adam can provide access to investment management programs and fee-based financial planning.  In addition, he has completed the extensive studies necessary to earn the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow^SM (LUTCF^®) and Financial Services Certified Professional^® (FSCP^®).

Adam is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT^®) Court of the Table. MDRT^® is recognized globally as the standard of excellence in life insurance sales performance.

Adam grew up in Alabama and is an avid supporter of Auburn University. He enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Laura, their daughter, and grandson. If Adam is not with his family or serving his community, you may find him on the open roads on his Harley Davidson motorcycle or in the sky above.

With more than 11 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry, Erick works closely with his clients to help them with their asset protection and accumulation needs.

Erick is a Million Dollar Round Table^* (MDRT^®) member. MDRT^® is recognized globally as the standard of excellence in life insurance sales performance and the financial services industry. In addition, in 2022, he had the distinct honor of being listed in the FORBES Best in State Financial Security Professionals^**.

Erick began his career in the insurance and financial services industry in 2008 in Long Island, New York. In 2010 he moved his practice to Cary to escape the cold winters and to be closer to his family. He is a second-generation insurance and financial services provider. As a Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC, he can provide access to investment management programs and fee-based financial planning. In addition, Erick offers a range of consultative and technical case design services to support his clients by presenting estate, business, charitable, insurance, and retirement strategies.

Erick helped Big Brothers Big Sisters© of the Triangle (BBBST) start their planned giving program working with donors to realize and execute their planned gifts. Erick also became a big brother to a little in Raleigh and worked with him for over a year. BBBST works with “bigs” and “littles” to ignite the potential within every child and advocates for them to explore the endless possibilities of what they can accomplish. Erick also worked with Comfort Zone Camp (CZC) in Raleigh, helping them plan their annual golf outing. CZC offers free grief resources, resilience training, and ongoing support to children who have suffered the loss of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.

Erick was born in Long Island, New York, attended high school in East Hampton, and went to college in New Haven, Connecticut. He enjoys spending time with his partner, Alicia, and their two cats and one dog. If Erick is not in the office or with his family, you may find him on the golf course or out for a run in the neighborhood.

^*The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry. Court of the Table qualifying in year 2022

^** Data provided by SHOOK®Research, LLC. Data as of 12/31/21. Source: Forbes.com (July, 2022). Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receives any compensation in exchange for placement on its Top Financial Security Professional (FSP) rankings (including the Best-In-State Financial Security Professional rankings), which are determined independently (see methodology). FSP refers to professionals who are properly licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. FSPs may also hold other credentials and licenses which would allow them to offer investments and securities products through those licenses. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures learned through telephone, virtual and in-person interviews to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management, sales figures and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and these professionals rarely have audited performance reports. Individuals must carefully choose the right FSP for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. SHOOK's research and rankings provide opinions intended to help individuals choose the right FSP and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Jessica is our Director of Planning. With more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Jessica works closely with high-net-worth families to help them uncover their goals and confidently achieve them by facilitating financial research and customized estate and retirement plans. Her goal is to inspire others to optimize the use and distribution of their total wealth according to their personal values. She believes that having a passionate purpose behind the plan is the key to making it something a client is invested in and willing to work for.

Prior to joining Legacypcs, Jessica worked at a highly distinguished advisory firm serving high-net-worth clients through financial planning and her administrative expertise. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner TM, she holds the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisory (CTFA) designation. Additionally, Jessica holds her NC Life and Health Licenses, Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, and continues to pursue additional licensure and education to enhance her professional credentials.

She is a Financial Planning Association (FPA) member and serves as the Women’s Initiative Director in the Triangle Chapter. Supporting women in finance is very important to Jessica. In addition, she volunteers with Invest in Girls mentoring high school girls.

Jessica grew up in Frederick, Maryland, and attended McDaniel College, where she played soccer and earned a degree in Business Administration. Jessica relocated to North Carolina in 2014 and lives in Raleigh with her husband, Rick, and two young children, Banks and Gemma. When she’s not spending time with them, you’ll find her running on the Raleigh greenways or enjoying a cup of coffee from a local shop.

Kathleen leads our platinum client service team, with a focus on concierge experiences for our clients and their families. As Todd’s executive assistant, Kathleen manages his schedule and serves as his client coordinator

She also oversees the daily administrative and operational functions of Legacypcs, working closely with Todd to establish policies and procedures that promote company culture and vision. Her focus is to remove obstacles and build paths to success for the advisors at Legacypcs and the clients we serve.

Kathleen has an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Technology from Johnston Community College and a North Carolina Life and Health Insurance License.

Before joining Legacy Private Client Services, she worked in the settlement services and title insurance industry for over 17 years in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kathleen brings her unique skill set that was honed while working in the settlement services and title insurance industry as an Escrow Officer, Branch Manager, and Escrow Operations Manager.

Kathleen enjoys doing Pilates, spending time with her family and friends, reading a great book, and escaping to the beach whenever possible.

As a dedicated Client Services Coordinator, Sydney works alongside Adam Persky in our New Bern office. In her role, Sydney efficiently manages administrative tasks, prepares essential documents for review and execution, schedules appointments with advisors, and provides additional support to the advisory team. Her efforts ensure that our clients consistently receive superior service.

Sydney is a Licensed Service Assistant with a N.C. Life and Health Insurance License. She is committed to building her skills and knowledge in the financial industry through additional coursework and training.

Sydney studied at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Professional Writing Certificate. During her time at UNCW, she participated in a news team training program and a student media internship, writing for the Seahawk, the university’s newspaper.

In her leisure time, Sydney enjoys recreational writing and has had several of her works published in online reviews. One of her non-fiction short stories, “Saltfish, Rum & Jamericans,” can be found in the June 2019 online issue of the Bangalore Review. With an adventurous spirit, Sydney loves exploring new places and cuisines. Her travels to visit family in Japan are particularly cherished, including moments spent in the Kagoshima hot springs with her grandmother and experiencing the vibrant nightlife and local foods with her cousins.

Alex Brese joined the staff of Legacy Private Client Services to serve as our Director of Analytics in the planning department. He is furthering his knowledge and training by taking additional coursework in the financial field. With seven years of industry experience, Alex plays a crucial role in supporting lead advisors by managing client relationships, including addressing client questions and concerns, collaborating closely with the advisory team, and remaining updated on the latest industry trends and regulations.

Alex earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance from North Carolina State University. Following his graduation, he acquired his N.C. Life and Health Licenses and holds several FINRA designations, including SIE, Series 63, and Series 7.

Beyond his professional life, Alex is married to Carley, and they are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child in June. In his leisure time, Alex enjoys playing golf, reading, spending time outdoors, and passionately supporting the Wolfpack

Lori Williamson serves as Erick Barone's Executive Assistant and Client Service Coordinator at LEGACYpcs. With a diverse background, she brings a wealth of experience to her multifaceted role. Lori efficiently manages administrative tasks, prepares essential documents for review and execution, schedules appointments with advisors, and provides additional support to the advisory team.

Lori is a Licensed Service Assistant with an N.C. Life insurance License. Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Temple University. In the mid-'90s, she relocated to North Carolina after marrying her husband, Todd. After teaching for several years, Lori transitioned briefly into real estate before finding her niche in the financial services industry.

She holds a deep conviction for the meaningful work undertaken at Legacypcs, considering it a privilege to contribute to the invaluable services offered to our clients and their families. A distinguishing feature of our approach is the meticulous attention devoted to understanding clients' goals and values, allowing Legacypcs to efficiently and effectively support our client's family wealth enterprise.

Beyond the office, Lori and Todd have two grown children and a spunky chocolate lab mix named Daisy. Lori prioritizes family time, leisurely walks (and runs) with Daisy, and community engagement. In October, she will run her first 5K to support the Make a Wish Foundation. Lori is actively involved in her church's Youth Ministry and Media Team. She firmly believes in the importance of service and giving back, and she feels blessed to be able to pursue these endeavors in both her personal and professional capacities.