Ron Finke  President, Chief Investment Officer

Ron left law practice with Burns, Humphrey and Finke, P.C. over 40 years ago. He turned to his passion for economics and finance. After 16 years of financial services under the commission model, Ron founded Stewardship Capital, Ltd. in December 1997. It was one of the first Registered Investment Advisor firms in Greater Kansas City. He recognized the value of actively managing client funds by adjusting allocations and investments to protect clients’ hard-earned money, especially in bear markets. Ron wanted access to all forms of investments and insurance products from all major companies so clients can have the best products and services along with wise financial advice.

Ron is responsible for research, choice of investments, and tactical investment allocation. He and Aaron Pickert work together in portfolio management, client communications and financial planning.

In the past decade, Ron earned the Chartered Market Technician® designation. These studies with three comprehensive examinations enable him to use quantitative research from idea generation to signal-testing and performance analysis. The overall purpose is to provide consistently superior performance while controlling investment and portfolio risk.

Ron is a lifelong resident of Independence, Missouri, leaving only for college. He was a University of Missouri Curators Scholar, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University and Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Later he earned the Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from The American College of Financial Services, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Ron deeply appreciates his community and enjoys volunteering. He has served as a Bible Study Teacher and Deacon of The Gathering Baptist Church (formerly Noland Road Baptist Church) since the late 1980’s. His other involvements have included Blue River/Kansas City Baptist Association, Finance Committee; Estate Planning Society of KC, President; Independence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Treasurer; Independence School District Board of Directors (1986-98), President; Million Dollar Round Table, Life Member; Missouri Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Volunteer; Missouri Bar Association; Rotary Club of Independence, President; Society of Financial Service Professionals;  Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board of Directors; and The LIGHT House Maternity Services, President.

Ron and his wife Karen enjoy landscape gardening, traveling and spending time with their three children, their spouses, and ten grandchildren.

Thoughts on an Imperfect World is a collection of articles relating to personal finance, investing, the stock market, the economy, and the importance of community involvement.

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Luke Davis   Executive Vice-president

As Executive Vice President, Luke wears many hats. His diverse responsibilities includes the oversight of operations, corporate financials, internal technology, and compliance. There is little going on within the firm he is not involved with in some way.

A graduate of Missouri Western University, and a lifelong Kansas Citian, Luke held diverse leadership roles before joining Stewardship Capital. These roles include director of finance and operations, secondary educator and corporate trainer.

With a background in leadership, education and finance, he is particularly well suited for his current position. Luke has a passion for problem solving and helping others. These skills, along with his background in personal finance and education, has enabled Luke to make a positive and lasting impression to the overall effectiveness at Stewardship Capital.

Luke is very active in his local church and currently serves as both children’s director and chair of its administrative board. He is also treasurer for the Rotary Club of Independence and works with several charitable organizations in the area. Above all else his is a family man. In addition to spending time with extended family, Luke, and his wife, Rebecca, have two little boys, Ethan and Owen that keep them very busy.

Aaron Pickert   Financial Advisor, Chief Investment Strategist

Aaron is passionate about helping families reach their financial goals through sound planning and flexible investment management. He’s been able to combine his two childhood dream jobs of weather forecasting and psychology into one as an investment and planning professional.

Few take the fiduciary standard to the heights Aaron adheres to. His unrivaled candor guards the best interest of everyone he talks and works with. Having worked through and studied many market cycles since the late 90’s, he’s able to bring seasoned guidance to people through both good and bad times. It’s important to him that each person understands and finds the plan that they can stick with to reach their financial goals.

Aaron is a Kansas State Wildcat with a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics. He has attained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation. He holds a Series 66 Securities License in addition to a Life & Health Insurance License.

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Chris Walden   Financial Advisor, Chief Financial Planner

Chris has been a devoted Kansas City local all his life, deeply rooted in the financial services industry since 1995. He boasts a solid educational foundation with a BS in Business Administration from Kansas State University, earned in 1992, followed by an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1999. A significant milestone in his career was obtaining his CFP® certification in 2001, demonstrating his passion and commitment to financial planning.

Chris’s leadership skills are evident from his tenure as the former President of the Greater Kansas City Financial Planning Association. Beyond finance, his interests extend into the sporting realm, where he currently serves as President of the KC Golden Gloves. His dedication to boxing also shines through in his role as a nationally ranked USA Boxing Official, marking him as a prominent figure in the boxing community.

Chris cherishes his family life in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where he resides with his wife, Kristie, and their two children, Jake and Jacey. His deep involvement in both his professional and personal communities showcases his commitment to excellence and service.

Celeste J Maddocks    Licensed Insurance Professional and Management Analyst

Celeste was born and raised in the little town of Durban in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. Originally educated and trained in the field of Biotechnology, she soon realized her true passion for marketing, finance, and sales. She comes from a family legacy in insurance and investments. Joining the industry herself in 2007, she worked her way up and around the corporate ladder to eventually own and manage her own insurance company by 2015. After 13 years within the financial industry in South Africa, Celeste expanded her wings and decided to cross over the mighty Atlantic into the financial industry here in the USA.

A host of events have led to her and her family moving to Kansas City for their continued work in ministry, the expansion of their family business and the formulation of a new life here in Midwest.

Celeste and Marcel have been married for over 20 years and have 2 teenage boys, Michael and Levi. The Maddocks family have always been very involved in their local church in the areas of worship, leadership, and all things technical.

Celeste has her Life, Accident and Health Insurance License. She’s passionate about adding value to individuals and companies, by focusing on holistic financial planning. With her years of experience working with professionals in the marketing and financial advisory space, she’s ready to build and sustain lasting relationships within our local community.

Elizabeth Scholes   Client Experiences Associate

Elizabeth has been a vital part of Stewardship Capital since 2021, where she supports Ron Finke’s office in an administrative capacity. She is likely to be the first person you encounter when you enter our office or call in. Elizabeth is dedicated to ensuring a warm, welcoming experience and assists in general client services and administrative duties, effectively keeping our office operations seamless.

Previously, Elizabeth dedicated her time as a full-time homemaker and has shared her passion for music as a vocal instructor and teacher in various capacities. She continues to contribute to her community by participating actively in her children’s schools and volunteering at a local nursing home with her church.

Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Oklahoma Baptist University. She and her family are active members of The Gathering Baptist Church, where her husband, Conor, serves as a pastor. Together, they have four children, whose growth and development bring them great joy.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys cooking, tending to her garden, and suburban chicken farming. She also treasures reading and having coffee dates with her husband. Her multifaceted interests and commitments enrich her professional role, bringing a unique perspective to our team.