Cole Smead, CFA is Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager where he oversees all activities of the firm. He is the final decision maker for all investment decisions in the firm’s international equity portfolios. Cole has been with the firm since its founding in 2007. Prior to joining Smead Capital Management, he was a Financial Advisor with Wachovia Securities in Scottsdale, AZ. He is a member of the CFA Institute.

Whitman College, B.A. Economics & History

David R. York is an Attorney, Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner with the Salt Lake City law firm of York Howell. David practices law in the areas of estate planning, tax, business planning, and non-profit entities. He is a Fellow with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and is a Dean with the Purposeful Planning Institute. David has extensive experience in designing and implementing advanced wealth planning strategies for ultra-high net worth clients.

He also has extensive experience working with charitable planning, purpose trusts, private trust companies, and advanced trust planning. David has spoken to hundreds of public groups and professional organizations, including TED, Q Commons, Stanford University, the Purposeful Planning Institute, Million Dollar Roundtable, AALU National Conference, Hawaii Tax Institute, and Investments & Wealth Institute.

He is the author of The Gift of Lift: Harnessing the Power of Stewardship to Elevate the World and the children’s book, Dudley’s Castle. He is the co-author of two other books, Entrusted: Building a Legacy That Lasts and Riveted: 44 Values that Change the World. He has also written for Trusts & Estates Magazine, Estate Planning Magazine, and Investments and Wealth Monitor.

In 2023, he co-founded CorenologyTM, a software as a solution (SaaS) technology company that provides qualitative tools and resources that allow financial professionals to help their clients identify and understand their unique values so they can connect purpose and planning.

David currently serves on the Board of Directors of Healing Nations. He lives in the Salt Lake City, Utah area with his wife Mindy and their five children, Emma, John, Samuel, Hudson, and Avery.

To view David’s Ted Talk: www.ted.com/talks/david_york_a_new_way_to_think_about_inheritance

Jeff Waldron is an experienced and pragmatic tax and transactional attorney, and he is passionate about inspiring and facilitating generosity for the good of the world and the glory of Jesus.  

As a gift planning attorney for the National Christian Foundation, Jeff helps families across the country maximize their Kingdom impact through the giving of complex assets, such as real estate and business interests.  He is known for his ability to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible and understandable to givers from all walks of life.  

Prior to joining NCF, Jeff was a partner in a large Minneapolis law firm, advising closely held companies in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, organizational planning, tax planning, succession planning, and commercial transactions.  He holds a JD from Drake Law School and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from New York University School of Law. 

Jeff and his wife, Christina, have four children and two dogs, and they live in beautiful Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  They love board games, bike rides, sports, and adventures.  Jeff serves as an elder at Redeemer Bible Church in Minnetonka, Minnesota. 

Mr. Mueller founded Excellence in Giving in 2001 after 20 years of providing investment advice to major institutions and wealthy families. During his career at Morgan Stanley and UBS, Mr. Mueller evaluated investments in virtually every asset class. His clients relied on his ability to evaluate risk-and-reward of the investments in their portfolios.

Mr. Mueller used his investment background to launch Excellence in Giving with a desire to help clients achieve high-performing philanthropic portfolios. The world-class team that Mr. Mueller assembled has been acknowledged as the premier provider of advice for values-based giving.

Since 2001, Mr. Mueller and his team have advised their retained clients on over $800 million of charitable gifts. The Excellence in Giving clients give with great confidence and can celebrate the results of their gifts. Al’s proven service and advice to families makes him one of the most respected and sought-after thought leaders in philanthropy today.

Mr. Mueller played football at Brown University, graduated from the University of Arizona, and holds an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA. He and his wife, Susan, have three adult children and four adorable grandchildren. Al and Susan appreciate the challenging game of golf, mountain adventures, and ski slopes that the Rocky Mountains provide.  

John Moore’s journey began with a love of flying, leading him to a distinguished career as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and Weapons and Tactics officer. While serving, he discovered a passion for finance, guiding fellow pilots through money management. This inspired him to build a career helping others achieve financial security.

In 1997, John founded John Moore Associates (JMA), integrating biblical financial principles into his work to encourage contentment and generosity. His leadership expanded with Zia Trust, Inc., and his involvement in faith-based financial initiatives, including the National Christian Foundation Southwest. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, John is dedicated to applying biblical wisdom in finance and life.

As part of handing off JMA’s leadership to Brian Cochran, John and Brian co-authored two books: The Almighty & the Dollar: A Lifestyle of Generosity and In Succession: A Step-by-Step Journey for Continuity, sharing his insights on financial stewardship and leadership transition. When he’s not encouraging generosity, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Connie, and their family.