Tyler Abney is Tidemark’s lead Financial Planner. He brings his deep level of financial knowledge to give specialized advice to clients with specialized careers. His experience in employee stock options strategies (RSUs, ESPP, NQSO) and retirement planning allows him to provide career-specific guidance to his clients.

After earning his degrees in both Political Science and Management Science, Tyler continued his education at Boston University and passed the rigorous Certified Financial Planner™ exam to build his craft of holistic financial planning services.

At the age of 25, Tyler was named a Branch Manager while honing his skills as an investment consultant at major brokerage companies. He then returned to his entrepreneurial roots, with partner and Tidemark co-founder Josh Stipcich, to focus on providing specialized financial advice to clients with specialized careers.

Most recently, he was recognized as one of the Best-In-State Wealth Advisor* by Forbes in the 2024 Forbes/SHOOK Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for his track record of success in the financial services industry.*

Tyler and his wife, Ashley, are natives to the San Diego area. They welcomed their son, Jackson, in 2016, and second son Hudson, in 2019.

CA Insurance Lic. #0F20586

*The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Tidemark LLC., a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. LPL Financial, Forbes, SHOOK Research and Tidemark Financial Partners are all separate entities. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither LPL Financial nor the advisors pay a fee to Forbes in exchange for inclusion in the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list.

As COO of Tidemark Financial Partners, Joshua Stipcich, AIF® leads our firm’s growth strategy by focusing on business development and advisor recruitment. His mission is to help financial professionals build smarter—not alone—by connecting them with the resources, infrastructure, and support they need to thrive.

Over the past 15+ years, we’ve built a turnkey platform designed for advisors who want to scale without sacrificing independence. From in-house investment management and full administrative support to office space, technology, compliance, and marketing—our team has created an ecosystem that allows advisors to focus on what they do best: serving clients and growing their practice.

Whether you’re at a wirehouse, IBD, or another RIA, I enjoy learning about what drives each advisor and exploring whether our community and resources can help them reach the next stage of their career. At Tidemark, we believe a rising tide lifts all boats—and we’re passionate about creating an environment where advisors can grow their business with confidence and clarity.

Lisa earned her degree in Financial Planning and Services at San Diego State University, and upon completion of the Tidemark Financial Partners’ internship program she was offered a position to join our team. She later completed her Masters in Finance at University of San Diego to take on an investment-focused role at our firm.

Lisa is Tidemark’s Investment Operations Director, responsible for trading, research & analysis, and portfolio management. She is a CFA® charterholder and also a member of the CFA San Diego Society.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys fitness, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Frank Alvarez specializes in providing financial advice and plans to Engineers. As someone who enjoys math and detail-oriented work, Frank recognized his natural fit for working with professionals who value facts and results based on underlying numbers.

Frank earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at San Diego State. He is Bilingual in Spanish and English, committed to offering professional financial advice to a wide range of clients, as well as being a dedicated volunteer in his church’s ministry for the homeless.

CA Insurance Lic. #0K24176

His deep connection within the San Diego community has led him to assist the vibrant scene of Tech Employees and Families in the area with their financial planning and retirement planning needs.

Tech employees face a unique set of challenges based on complex benefits packages, rapid wealth accumulation, and volatile changes in net worth. Jared ties the fundamentals of individual-focused planning in with other strategies available to Tech employees by designing and implementing analysis for benefits such as employer-sponsored stock plans and stock options.

Outside of Jared’s work with the tech sector, Jared also works with individuals and families navigate significant financial transitions—particularly those involving inheritance, new wealth, and retirement. These life events not only require thoughtful planning but also experienced guidance.

With his background, he helps clients manage these complexities with confidence, using a holistic approach so that no stone is left unturned. That includes investment management, tax-efficient strategies, life insurance planning, future college funding, and estate planning solutions.

CA Insurance Lic. #4058183

“I was very fortunate to grow up in family that made financial planning and fiscal responsibility a top priority. I was taught very early on that you can live the life you want to live if you plan for the things you want to do and have. I feel very blessed to be able to help others pursue their financial goals and dreams.”

Brad grew up in Redding, California and earned his Bachelor’s degree in finance from San Diego State University.  He has been working in financial services continuously since 2001.

Brad and his wife, Alicia, enjoy traveling with their 3 children and participating in their youth activities.  In his free time, Brad coaches youth soccer and baseball.

CA Insurance Lic. #0D34302

A native to San Diego, Anthony seized the opportunity to return to the area after attending Southern Illinois University.  Armed with formal management education, an experienced leader in volunteer organizations,  and proven business success, he has been a trusted resource in financial services.

Both personally and professionally, Anthony implemented techniques taught by Dave Ramsey for budgeting and debt elimination.  This became a cornerstone of his work as a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, helping people in all aspects of home ownership and real estate investments.

Anthony’s practical business knowledge and financial specialization, he was recruited to become a Financial Advisor, which was a natural fit considering his work to help in his clients obtaining Financial Peace.  With his experiences, he can help people in all aspects of financial planning, including cash management, asset accumulation, retirement, and estate planning, 401(K) administration and many other aspects of personal and business financial responsibility.

One such personal experience was lessons he learned through his own divorce.  Whereas it was an amicable split, there were still financial questions that went unanswered.  It is well known that finances can break up a marriage, the stressful time of a divorce only heightens money issues.  Anthony committed himself to being a resource for people during these times and has obtained the designation Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.  He works closely with individuals through the entire divorce process: pre-divorce, mediation, litigation, and post decree.

Anthony specializes in all major life transitions and is honored to be a positive impact helping others achieve their goals and dreams.

CA Insurance Lic. #0G65930

Giovanna Leyva was born & raised in San Diego with a drive to better her community. She earned degrees in Economics and Business where she then went on to pursue a career in financial planning.

Giovanna earned her degree in Financial Services as well as a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from San Diego State University. Giovanna works closely with clients to help them prepare for major financial milestones, such as retirement, tax-efficient wealth transfers, and investment management. With a focus on building trust and delivering tailored strategies, she is committed to guiding clients toward achieving their long-term financial goals.

On her free time, Giovanna enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being out in nature, and fitness.

Lillie Brown brings a bright, dependable presence to the Tidemark Financial Partners team. As a Client Services Associate, she specializes in keeping the firm’s operations organized and efficient, working closely with advisors to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

With a strong background in administrative support and a passion for precision, Lillie coordinates daily operations, organizing essential documentation, and ensuring every client interaction is seamless, thoughtful, and well supported. Her attention to detail and clear, thoughtful communication create an experience that’s as reassuring as it is professional.

Outside the office, Lillie enjoys spending time in nature, diving into a good book, and exploring creative outlets like drawing and sewing. Pursuits that keep her grounded, inspired, and always curious.

Dylan brings precision and a client-first mindset to his role at Tidemark Financial Partners. As a San Diego native, he takes pride in serving his community by ensuring clients receive thoughtful and attentive service throughout every step of their financial journey.

In his role as a Client Service Associate, Dylan supports both clients and advisors by managing account transitions, processing service requests, and maintaining organized, accurate records through CRM systems. His attention to detail and commitment to efficiency help create a seamless experience behind the scenes, allowing advisors to stay focused on delivering personalized financial guidance.

Dylan is currently pursuing his college degree at San Diego State University and is passionate about starting and building a career rooted in trust, professionalism, and long-term client success.

Outside the office, you’ll find him enjoying time on the golf course, keeping up with the latest in watches and cars, and exploring everything his hometown of San Diego has to offer.

Will Merchad serves as CFO at Tidemark Financial Partners, overseeing the firm’s financial strategy and operations. With more than two decades of experience in financial services, he brings deep expertise in advisor growth, strategic planning, and business leadership. Prior to joining Tidemark, Will held senior roles at LPL Financial and Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he supported advisors managing billions in client assets.

He holds a B.S. from UC Davis, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Will lives in Fort Mill, SC with his wife and two daughters, and enjoys fly-fishing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.