Meet The Team
CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF STRATEGIC OFFICER PRINCIPAL
Scot L. Hunter
Scot is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer of EMFO, LLC. Scot has worked with successful families for more than three decades. Scot Hunter also founded and was CEO of Emerald Asset Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm that focused on Wealth Management and Financial Planning. Emerald Asset Advisors was acquired in 2019 by SlateStone Private Client.
Scot Hunter and his business partner of 20 years, Allan Budelman, are responsible for the overall strategic and corporate development activity of the firm and represent the company in various charitable initiatives and civic organizations.
Based in South Florida, EMFO provides family office services to ultra-high net worth families.
In the early 1990's, Scot was an original investor and helped raise the initial seed money for Ultimate Software Group. In 2019 Ultimate was taken private for 11 billion dollars. In addition, Scot founded Emerald Benefits, a health insurance consulting firm, in 1991. In 2005, Scot sold Emerald Benefits to Brown & Brown a public company.
Prior to that, he founded Emerald Planning Group in 1986. Emerald Planning Group is an insurance and estate planning firm which specializes in all facets of financial planning. In 2009, Scot transitioned Emerald Planning Group to his son Josh, who is now President of Emerald Planning Group.
Mr. Hunter received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, graduating as an “Academic All-American.” Scot holds the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). He works with clients in California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, and New York. Scot has been a resident of South Florida since 1970.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF CLIENT ADVISOR, PRINCIPAL
Allan M. Budelman
Allan is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EMFO, LLC, and previously served as Managing Partner and Principal for Emerald Asset Advisors. Emerald Asset Advisors was acquired in 2019 by SlateStone Private Client.
Allan joined Emerald Asset Advisors (Emerald) in 1999 and has over 25 years of investment experience, covering a broad spectrum of capital markets investing. Allan also has extensive experience providing independent, objective advice to wealthy individuals and families. He aims to provide the structure and discipline needed to make sound financial decisions and achieve peace of mind, while focusing on long term results. Allan has a passion for helping family members understand and implement philanthropic and wealth transfer strategies. Allan is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.
Prior to joining Emerald, Allan served as an Associate in JP Morgan’s Private Bank for two years, working with the portfolio management team for ultra-high net worth individuals. From 1996-1997, he was an Assistant Treasurer with Bankers Trust Company, serving as a relationship manager for institutional banking clients. Previously, from 1994-1996, Allan worked with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, serving as an Administrator in the foreign exchange and global securities settlement department.
In 1992, Allan earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Maryland, College Park and an MBA in International Business from the University of Miami in 2000. Allan is active in various charities in the community.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
MANAGING PARTNER, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Melissa Budelman
Melissa is the Managing Partner and Chief Compliance Officer of EMFO, LLC. Melissa previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for its affiliate Emerald Asset Advisors, LLC. Emerald Asset Advisors was acquired in 2019 by SlateStone Private Client.
She is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the operations of EMFO, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring operational efficiency. Her focus is to maintain excellent external connections by ensuring that clients and stakeholders are fully satisfied with their services.
Prior to joining Emerald Asset Advisors in 2015, she worked at Citi for nearly 20 years, most recently as Director, Segment Head of International Personal Banking within the Citi Wealth Management Latin America Division. Previously, she held various roles as Head of Product Management, Client Experience, Strategy and Business Development, and was also previously Chief Financial Officer within the Citi Wealth Management Latin America Division. Melissa holds a Masters in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from College at Old Westbury State University of New York.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
PARTNER, SENIOR CLIENT ADVISOR, CPWA®, CIMA®, QFOP, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®
Keith D. Stoloff
Keith is a Partner and Senior Client Advisor with EMFO, LLC. He joined EMFO in 2017. He has over 17 years’ experience leading two Family Offices and 35 years’ experience working in the financial services industry. Prior to joining EMFO, Keith had his own Investment Advisory Firm, serving two high net worth families and assisting in their financial endeavors. Keith holds many professional designations, including:
Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), Qualified Family Office Professional (QFOP), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®), Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®), Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC®).
Keith has completed the Advanced Investment Strategist Certificate in Portfolio Management, taught by faculty from the Wharton School, Princeton University, University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business and Princeton University, offered in conjunction with the Investment Management Consultants Association ®.
Keith is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
PARTNER, HEAD OF RESEARCH
Colm Smith
Colm is a Partner and Head of Research for EMFO, LLC and previously joined Emerald Asset Advisors in 2017 as a research analyst. He is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities in real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and private companies.
Prior to joining Emerald Asset Advisors, Colm was an Investment Banking Analyst at AGC Partners in Boston, advising private technology companies on M&A and capital raising activity. Colm’s background also includes Healthcare Investment Banking and Student Housing Real Estate Investments.
Colm received a B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University. He holds a Series 65 Securities license.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Karla Podalsky
Karla is the Operations Manager for EMFO, LLC. She previously joined Emerald Asset Advisors in 2015 where she has since handled operations for the firm. Karla has 14 years of industry experience and previously worked for Merrill Lynch, where she started as an Administrative Assistant then trained and was selected to be a Compliance Manager and finally worked as a Junior Broker. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a double major in Marketing and International Business, from Florida International University.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Leana C. Alu
Leana is a Client Service Manager for EMFO, LLC and previously joined Emerald Asset Advisors in 2009. Leana is responsible for delivering high quality and efficient service to both internal and external clients. Some of her responsibilities include coordination of consolidated reporting, performance reporting, and analytical support.
Prior to joining Emerald Asset Advisors, she served as a Sales Executive and was responsible for proactive sales and client service for individual and family dental care. Her previous experience includes working as an Operations Accountant under the Student Work Experience Program at Lockheed Martin.
Leana earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Central Florida. She also holds an MBA in Management from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Marlene Diniz Santos
Marlene is a Client Service Manager for EMFO, LLC and previously joined Emerald Asset Advisors in 2016. She delivers high quality and efficient service to both internal and external clients. Some of her responsibilities include coordination of consolidated reporting, performance reporting, and analytical support.
Prior to joining Emerald Asset Advisors, Marlene held various roles at JP Morgan Chase, Citibank and Price Waterhouse, where she had 20 years of experience within the Financial Division and Auditing Department. Her responsibilities included Regulatory Reporting to the Head Office and to the Central Bank, implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley, reviewing Local and US GAAP Balance Sheets, and liaise with external auditors.
Marlene holds a Masters in Capital Markets from IBMEC- Instituto Brasileiro de Mercado de Capitais (Sao Paulo –Brazil) and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Universidade Sao Judas Tadeu (Sao Paulo –Brazil). Marlene is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
Family Office Services Analyst
Rachael Gaer
Rachael is the Family Office Services Analyst for EMFO, LLC. She joined EMFO, LLC in 2018 as an Office Manager. She is currently responsible for supporting our clients with lifestyle services, including but not limited to, bill payment services, bookkeeping and account reconciliation. She is the perfect team player and expert multi-tasker as she supports team members with various initiatives.
Prior to joining EMFO, LLC, Rachael was the Executive Assistant to the CEO/President of a large insurance and financial planning firm in South Florida. Rachael received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
SENIOR ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Debra Fagien
Debra is a Senior Accounting Manager for EMFO, LLC and joined the company in 2019. She provides a unique service to our clients by working with our team, clients and outside professionals in the tax and accounting arena. As she concentrates on our clients, she coordinates all aspects of their tax and financial world to help insure they are receiving the most comprehensive and beneficial tax benefits for both individual transactions and the clients overall tax filings.
Debra spent the first 12 years of her career as a CPA in public accounting, where she worked for Ernst & Young along with small specialized public accounting firms. She provided tax preparation, review and consulting services for her clients. Debra went on to continue her career in the private sector as a Chief Financial Officer for a multitude of businesses. Her focus was on managing companies for entrepreneurs that operated and invested in various industries, where she provided both tax and financial guidance.
Debra received her accounting degree from the University of Florida in 1981 and has continued her continuing professional education annually.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
TRADER
George Suarez
George is a Trader for EMFO, LLC. He is responsible for delivering high quality and efficient service to both internal and external clients. Some of his responsibilities include portfolio accounting/reconciliation, consolidated reporting, and analytical support.
Prior to EMFO, George worked as a Financial Planning Associate for a Registered Investment Advisor in Ft. Lauderdale, FL (2015-2018) providing Investment and Financial Planning advice to high-net-worth clients. For the period of 2010-2014 George held relationship management roles in the Energy and Insurance industries.
George is a graduate of Rutgers University, holding a B.A. in Economics. He also holds the professional designation of Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) through the American Bankers Association. The designation provides training and knowledge in taxes, investments, financial planning, trusts, and estates.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER
Saeki Suto
Saeki is a Client Service Manager for EMFO, LLC. She delivers high quality and efficient service to both internal and external clients, data analysis and KPIs. Some of her responsibilities include coordination of consolidated reporting, performance reporting, and data analysis. Prior to joining EMFO, Saeki was in banking industry as an associate banker with JP Morgan Chase and hospitality industry as a Project Specialist with Daily Management. She is certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist. Saeki is fluent in Spanish and English.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
DATABASE MANAGER
Oscar Silva
Oscar is a Database Manager for EMFO LLC. He joined the firm in April 2021. He is responsible for data input and reconciliation into our portfolio accounting software for all held away and direct investments with operators, as well as reconciling our assets under management. Oscar received a journalism degree from the Universidad Santa Maria in Venezuela in 2006.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE/CLIENT REPORTING ANALYST
Kevin Brown
Kevin is the Business Intelligence & Client Reporting Analyst for EMFO, LLC. He joined the firm in April 2022. He is responsible for managing and analyzing the data maintained by the firm as well as implementing strategies to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Prior to joining EMFO, Kevin was a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Fort Lauderdale. His background also includes property management, inventory database analysis, and underwriting in the sports and entertainment industry.
Kevin received a B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University in 2014. He currently holds SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 designations. He is a Registered Investment Advisor in Florida & Colorado.
Please see our Form ADV for additional information on the firm, our registered individuals and their designations:
https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/Firm/289997