A team tailored to your needs.
We started Alliance to make a difference. We are a small but mighty woman-run business. Our approach is more supportive and specialized, giving you goal-based guidance that feels more nurturing and considerate.
Finding the best way to work with you.
When it comes to our compensation, we can charge a set fee or collect a commission. Either way, we'll prioritize your financial goals and offer experienced, objective advice tailored to your specific needs.
Your Alliance Team
Diane Verhalen – Founder, CFP®
Founder
Lucas McAvoy
Financial Advisor
Kelli Newman
Financial Advisor
Kasi Pierce
Office Manager
Diane Verhalen – Founder
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Diane is a Lexington native and has always taken pride in herself for being trustworthy, honest, knowledgeable, and a person of good character. She feels that these characteristics make her clients feel more at ease and secure in knowing that she is helping you plan to protect your family and your assets.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Diane’s entry into the financial business. She achieved the remarkable feat of passing the Series 7 exam in 2004. Since then, she has remained up to date with industry trends. Independent since 2006, Diane partnered with GCH Insurance Group to form GCH Wealth Management in 2009. Diane founded her own firm in 2014 with Alliance Financial Planning, solidifying her independence and dedication to serving her clients.
Prior to going independent and partnering with Commonwealth Financial Networks, Diane worked as a Financial Advisor with LPL Financial and AXA Advisors. The knowledge and training in both insurance-based and independent-based platforms have given her the background and experience to provide her clients with a well-rounded financial planning approach.
Being a graduate of the University of Kentucky, Diane received her Bachelor's degrees in both Finance and Accounting. Diane continued her education by completing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificate from Bellarmine University as well as being recognized as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Practitioner. She holds her Securities Registrations Series 7 and 66 through LPL Financial and her life and health licenses.
In her spare time, she loves to travel and explore the world, with frequent visits to Anna Maria Island, FL and Highlands, NC. She loves to spend time working on home improvement projects and doting on her three dogs, Jax, Daisy, and Rose. Diane spends time with family and friends and is a huge UK sports fan and cheers on the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals.
Diane is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Lexington, and volunteers for various local non-profits, including Cavalier Rescue USA and the Bluegrass Pug Rescue. She is a supporter of St. Jude, ASCPA and the Human Rights Campaign.
Lucas McAvoy
Financial Advisor
Lucas is a Lexington native that has a passion for helping people pursue their financial goals through objective advice and services. Lucas started his journey in financial services in 2018 and felt that being an independent advisor was best for his future. That led him to Alliance Financial Planning in the beginning of 2020. Lucas focuses on the whole financial picture and specializes in working with pre-retirees and young families to build their financial path. He also serves business owners in navigating the benefit options that they want to make available to their employees. Lucas holds his Series 7 and 66 Securities registration and his Life and Health insurance licenses. He also has the Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM Certification.
Lucas is a graduate of Centre College, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance and was a pitcher on the baseball team. In his spare time, he is an active member of his Business Networking International chapter, a member of the Rotary Club of Lexington, and Supports a Foster Family through All God’s Children.
Lucas is married to his wife, Claire, who is a Pharmacist at the University of Kentucky. They are members of Center Point Church in Lexington where Lucas serves on the Welcome Team. He is also an avid fan of the University of Kentucky where you’ll find him tailgating and attending football games in the fall, a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, and enjoys playing golf on his off days.
Kelli Newman
Financial Advisor
A native of Lexington, Kelli Newman has dedicated her career to assisting clients in planning for their retirement and ensuring they have the necessary resources for their later years. Her specialization lies in providing personalized advice to both individual and corporate clients across various financial areas, including investments, retirement planning, insurance, and estate planning. When it comes to managing finances, Kelli offers valuable guidance to help clients make informed decisions. She takes pride in her accessibility to all clients and willingly shares her knowledge.
Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the UK Gatton College of Business & Economics at the University of Kentucky. She obtained her Life & Health licenses in 2001 and is also registered with Commonwealth Financial Network for Series 7 & 66 Securities.
Outside of her professional life, Kelli actively participates in her local community. She is a devoted member of The Rotary Club of Lexington, KY, and Altrusa International of Lexington, KY. In her leisure time, Kelli enjoys spending moments with her family, friends, and dogs. She’s also an avid supporter of University of Kentucky sports programs and loves to explore new destinations through travel.
