Our Team
Michelle Odom
Founder & 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 Romanello has over 5 years of consulting experience in financial technology. With a strong foundation in business administration, Alexandra has a history of delivering impactful solutions for clients across various sectors. Known for a hands-on, client-focused approach, she has a proven track record in analyzing complex challenges, identifying opportunities, and implementing actionable strategies that achieve measurable outcomes.
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
Data Consultant
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, Alix 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
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.
Abigail Eames
Platform Associate
Abigail Eames is an experienced professional with a diverse background in financial services and technology. With a passion for problem-solving and strategic growth, Abbey delivers actionable solutions while maintaining a client-focused mindset.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida, she has built a strong foundation in customer service, financial services, and team facilitation, contributing to the success of every team with a can-do attitude and a solution-oriented approach.
Abbey enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Josh Scharnberg
Platform Specialist
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.
Josh Davison, CIMA®
Vice President of Consulting
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.
Nick Grimsley
Platform Associate
Nick Grimsley is an Operations Analyst with related background experience in one of the Big Four firms. With experience in financial data analysis, reconciliation, and risk management, Nick brings a detail-oriented and solution-focused approach to identifying anomalies and improving operational processes.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University, he combines strong analytical skills with effective collaboration across teams to streamline workflows and drive operational improvements.
Nick is dedicated to accuracy and efficiency, helping ensure seamless financial operations and compliance. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, running, and exploring new ways to improve.
Scott Paster
Vice President of Client Strategy
Scott Paster is the Vice President of Client Strategy at Ellevate, bringing more than 20 years of experience in wealth management technology and advisory practice management. During his tenure at SS&C Technologies on the Black Diamond Platform, he held leadership roles partnering with wealth management firms to optimize technology adoption, streamline operations, and strengthen client relationships.
At Ellevate, Scott partners with advisory firms to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that technology platforms, reporting, and operations are aligned with long-term growth goals. His combination of wealth management expertise and hands-on experience as a financial advisor enables him to guide firms through complex challenges with clarity and confidence.
Scott is a proud graduate of Florida State University, where he earned degrees in Finance and Psychology. He and his wife live in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with their twin daughters, who keep them busy with sports and school activities. Scott embraces an active and healthy lifestyle, often spending time outdoors and on the sidelines coaching his daughters’ flag football and volleyball teams. He also enjoys traveling with his family, exploring new places together, and volunteering at his church and in the local community.
Keith Srock
Senior Platform Consultant
Keith Srock is a Senior Platform Consultant at Ellevate, helping RIA firms maximize technology adoption, streamline onboarding, and unlock long-term business value. He has spent more than 15 years in the fintech and SaaS industries building trusted client relationships, managing portfolios, and delivering measurable results for some of the nation’s most successful advisory firms.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Florida.
Outside of work, Keith likes to spend time with his family and friends. He is an avid cyclist and motorcycle enthusiast, and he serves as a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor, sharing his passion for safe riding with others.
Cody Rollins
Data Consultant
Cody is a seasoned financial operations and data specialist with over a decade of experience at major investment banks, including Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. With a strong background in performance reporting platforms, Cody brings deep expertise in how these systems operate and how they are leveraged by wealth management firms to drive client reporting and portfolio oversight.
Over the course of his career, Cody has focused on optimizing financial data workflows through advanced reconciliation, cleaning, and preparation techniques. His analytical skills and process-driven mindset have consistently contributed to the resolution of complex operational challenges, the enhancement of data integrity, and the implementation of scalable solutions across diverse financial environments.
Known for his ability to identify strategic opportunities within data ecosystems, Cody continues to play a critical role in helping firms streamline operational processes and improve efficiency.
Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending quality time with his family and his friends, exploring local restaurants and breweries, and playing pickleball