#United States #Dallas #Ashford Securities #Jonathan Dease #Melissa Birdsall

Ashford Securities Strengthens Team with New Hires

In a significant move to boost its operational capabilities, Ashford Securities LLC, a fully owned subsidiary of Ashford Inc., has welcomed two experienced professionals to its growing team. The recent appointments of Jonathan Dease as Senior Vice President of National Accounts and Melissa Birdsall as Regional Vice President of Sales for the Central Region are expected to play crucial roles in fortifying the company’s distribution network while expanding its alternative investment products.

Extensive Experience on Board

Jonathan Dease brings over 25 years of invaluable experience in the securities industry, demonstrating a robust track record of managing and enhancing a high-performing sales team. Before transitioning to Ashford Securities, Dease held senior national accounts positions at Preferred Capital Securities and Griffin Capital Securities, where he successfully developed strong collaborations with broker-dealers and registered investment advisors (RIAs). At Ashford, he will lead national account strategies and partnerships, focusing on strengthening relationships with key players in the financial advisory space, thus paving the way for the delivery of diverse financial products to clients.

C. Jay Steigerwald III, CEO of Ashford Securities, expressed his enthusiasm about Dease joining the team, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan to our national accounts team. His deep industry relationships and proven ability to support broker-dealers in maximizing the effectiveness of their registered representatives will be critical as we continue to expand our national footprint."

On the other hand, Melissa Birdsall comes with an impressive resume that spans 19 years in sales management and market development. As she steps into her new role, Birdsall’s responsibilities include collaborating with financial advisors, imparting product education, and enhancing market insight, which are vital for AS’s product offerings. Previously, she held product sales roles at ExchangeRight and Ares Asset Management, equipping her with a wealth of knowledge about capital-raising strategies within the securities sector.

Mr. Steigerwald emphasized the importance of Birdsall’s contribution, stating, "Melissa brings an energy and strategic mindset that aligns perfectly with our mission. Her leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate our growth and deepen our engagement with the Central Region's selling group."

Restructuring for Greater Efficiency

With this infusion of talent into the sales team, Todd Brewer, who previously managed the Central Region, will now concentrate on his duties as National Sales Manager. His expanded focus will enable him to continue leading the sales team and oversee sales and marketing efforts nationwide. Mr. Brewer, with nearly 20 years of expertise in sales management specializing in alternative investments, has been an integral part of the Ashford Securities team for over four years.

Steigerwald noted Brewer's extensive experience and industry respect, highlighting, "His approachable leadership style, paired with his strategic insight and creativity, will continue to be tremendous assets to our organization."

The combined expertise of Dease, Birdsall, and Brewer positions Ashford Securities for enhanced growth and a more dynamic distribution team, as all three aim to streamline processes and drive future success. This strategic realignment is part of Ashford's broader commitment to excel in the highly competitive sector of alternative investment products, catering to an increasing demand from financial intermediaries.

About Ashford Securities LLC

Ashford Securities LLC is a registered broker-dealer and a key contributor to the Ashford group of companies, serving as their investment product distributor. It is a member of FINRA/SIPC, fully compliant with regulatory requirements, ensuring a secure environment for investment activities.

About Ashford Inc.

Ashford Inc. specializes in alternative asset management with a diverse portfolio comprising strategic operating businesses. It provides top-tier asset management, investment management, and additional services specifically catering to the real estate and hospitality industries, reaffirming their commitment to excellence within the investment realm.