Our Team
Michelle Odom
CEO
Michelle Odom is the founder of Ellevate and provides growth-minded RIA firms with technology consulting and platform optimization services.
As the former Director of Solutions Consulting at SS&C Advent and a Senior Executive on the Black Diamond Wealth Platform, she has spent the last 15 years evolving her impact on the wealth management space by designing industry-leading technology solutions for the country’s most successful advisory firms.
Michelle was also instrumental in building Black Diamond’s Alternatives Strategy, connecting the platform with the largest fund administrator (SS&C) to address RIAs growing alternative investments exposure and aggregation challenges.
Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida and is a member of The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach with her husband and two daughters. When away from work, Michelle enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling, getting together with friends, and volunteering in her children’s schools.
Alexandra Romanello
Platform Consultant
Alexandra’s academic journey, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and culminating in an MBA from Florida State University, laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to innovative problem-solving and strategic growth.
When not working, Alexandra enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and working out.
Holmer Moran
Senior Data Engineer
As former Director of Portfolio and Research Systems at Oxbow Advisor and Manager Advent Operations at Salient Partners during his time in Texas. He helped several advisory firms to transition into the latest portfolio accounting and trading systems available.
Holmer holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in economics from Florida Atlantic University.
He lives in Miami but will soon move back to Tampa where he enjoys attending Rays and USF games, riding his bike, and playing soccer.
Alix Opsahl
Operations Specialist
Alix Opsahl is an experienced Operations Analyst at Ellevate, where she leverages her deep passion for data and attention to detail to support the company’s initiatives. With over 15 years of expertise in tech consulting, Alex has become a recognized expert in complex data conversions, particularly in the financial services industry. Her career includes significant roles at prestigious organizations such as Merrill Lynch (Bank of America) and Black Diamond, where she honed her skills in both technical and operational domains.
As the former Team Lead of Data Conversion, Alix has guided numerous Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms through intricate and often overwhelming data migration processes. Her blend of project management expertise and a keen eye for detail has enabled her to successfully lead teams in executing large-scale conversions that are crucial to ensuring smooth transitions and ongoing operations for her clients.
Alix is a proud graduate of Florida State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, son, and their dog, Kyle. Alix currently resides in Atlantic Beach, where she continues to thrive both personally and professionally.
Her vast experience, combined with her dedication to client success and her unrelenting passion for the finer points of data, make Alix a highly valued member of the Ellevate team.
Jessica Young
Director of Operations
With over 25 years of experience in operations management and strategic leadership, Jessica Young serves as the Director of Operations at Ellevate, optimizing processes, driving operational efficiency, and supporting the overall strategic goals of the organization.
Before joining Ellevate, Jessica was a key player in the overall growth of a start-up boutique data warehousing and business intelligence consulting firm including Directorships in Operations, Sales, and Client Services which lead to the successful private sale of the company in 2019. She spent the first 13 years of her career in Finance with roles in sales and client services with Banc of America Securities, SunTrust Investment Services and Hartford Mutual Funds.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and is dedicated to serving her community through various Education fundraising committees and The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, she now lives in Ocala, FL with her husband and daughter while her son is in college in Tallahassee. When away from work, Jessica enjoys watching her children playing baseball and volleyball, spending time at the beach and getting together with friends.
Josh Scharnberg
Platform Specialist
Josh Scharnberg is a Platform Specialist at Ellevate with extensive experience in Addepar, Black Diamond, Orion, and Tamarac financial reporting platforms. Specializing in Addepar, Josh excels in optimizing reporting processes and ensuring data accuracy to provide strategic insights for our clients.
Before joining Ellevate, Josh gained valuable experience in implementations and operations of financial reporting technologies over several years in his previous role, where they effectively managed various financial reporting systems.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida and stays updated with industry trends.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys traveling, being outdoors and participating in recreational sports, bringing a well-rounded perspective to their role.
Julie Grehl
Director of Data Engineering
Julie Grehl is the Director of Data Engineering at Ellevate and assists RIA firms with their large data projects.
She is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial technology industry. Her journey began with a hedge fund administrator, where she honed her skills in data management and reconciliation. Transitioning to Black Diamond, she excelled in client service, implementation, and operations roles, showcasing her expertise in handling large-scale projects and ensuring operational efficiency.
Throughout her career, Julie specialized in managing teams focused on daily reconciliation, historical data, cost basis analysis, and market data management. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic leadership contributed to the success of numerous data reconciliation projects and historical data audits.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Julie finds joy in family life. She resides in Ponte Vedra with her husband, two daughters, and son. They cherish spending quality time together, whether it’s relaxing at home, embarking on vacations, or cheering on their daughter during soccer matches.
Kayla Gandert
Senior Platform Consultant
Kayla Gandert brings a wealth of experience in banking, custodial services, and financial reporting to her role as a FinTech consultant. With a background in one of the big four custodians and top financial reporting platforms, Kayla possesses a deep understanding of the financial industry’s intricacies. Her expertise lies in leveraging technology to streamline processes and drive efficiency.
Based in Jacksonville, Kayla is dedicated to providing innovative solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, infant son, and Goldendoodle.
Karloina Wiggings
Vice President of Client Delivery
Karolina is the Vice President of Client Delivery at Ellevate, bringing over a decade of expertise in financial reporting technology. With experience at Black Diamond, a Salesforce-adjacent system, and Summit Wealth Systems, she has consulted on all major products in the space and has a deep understanding of the unique structures and needs of Wealth Management firms and the M&A landscape.
Outside of work, Karolina enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, daughter, Lili, and schnauzer, Charlie—preferably near water and nature. She is also passionate about environmental conservation and actively serves on the board of the local chapter of Surfrider Foundation.
Simon Gurrero
Operations Analyst
Simon Guerrero is an Operations Analyst at Ellevate, where he plays a key role in assisting RIA firms with the analysis and reconciliation of financial data.
With several years of experience in financial operations and data analysis, Simon brings a strong background in alternative assets and a deep understanding of how RIAs work with custodians and performance reporting platforms. Prior to joining Ellevate, Simon was a valued member of the team at NewForm, where he honed his skills in data reconciliation, operational analysis, and process improvement across a range of financial products.
Simon’s expertise spans analyzing and reconciling alternative investment data, including private equity, hedge funds, private real estate, and commodities. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach make him a trusted resource for identifying and resolving data discrepancies, documenting processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency.
Known for his strong analytical mindset and commitment to accuracy, Simon excels at navigating complex fund portals, managing documentation, and supporting operational improvement initiatives. His ability to adapt quickly and prioritize effectively has contributed to the success of numerous projects involving financial data reconciliation and technology deployments.
Outside of work, Simon enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new hobbies, and staying active. He is passionate about continuous learning and is always seeking new ways to improve processes and enhance his financial expertise.
Josh Davison
Vice President of Client Delivery
Josh Davison is a seasoned financial services professional with over 20 years of experience spanning investment management, technology, and advisory practice growth. As an expert in wealth technology solutions and portfolio architecture, Josh has helped numerous RIAs and independent advisors optimize their tech stacks, streamline operations, and enhance the full client lifecycle experience.
Prior to his current consulting roles, Josh held key positions at firms such as Focus Financial Partners and HJ Sims, where he led investment strategy initiatives and oversaw multi-billion-dollar portfolios. He also brings valuable experience from leadership roles at The Lubitz Financial Group, Charles Schwab, and Morgan Stanley.
Outside of work, Josh is an avid boater who enjoys exploring the open water, staying ahead of the curve with emerging technology, and embracing an active lifestyle through sports and fitness.
Carlene Thornton
Billing Specialist
Carlene is a billing specialist with a solid background in finance, payroll, and office administration. Before joining the team, she held roles in both public service and private sectors, including work as a corrections officer and assistant to a jail administrator, where she handled payroll and financial operations. Her experience brings a strong attention to detail and a steady, organized approach to her current role.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We believe that nothing is more important than our reputation. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards and act with uncompromising honesty, transparency and integrity in everything we do.
Innovation
We are passionate wealth tech experts who thrive on turning knowledge into insight. We stay on top of industry trends and challenge the status quo to provide creative solutions to complex business challenges.
Partnership
We relate to our clients as partners and prioritize collaboration. We know that the strength of our relationships is key to both our clients’ and our company’s success.
Service Excellence
Our clients’ experience is at the core of every decision we make. We work hard to earn their trust and always strive to exceed expectations.
Quality
We care deeply about our work. Each engagement is carefully and thoughtfully designed to the very highest standards and tailored to our clients’ needs.
Balance
We enjoy the work we do and the people we are fortunate to do it with. We bring a healthy balance of grit and levity to every situation allowing clients to enjoy not only the results of our work, but the entire collaborative process.