Meet the Advisors Behind Elation Wealth

Philip is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning who helps people make sense of their financial lives. He understands that money decisions can feel overwhelming, especially during major life transitions, and his goal is to make the planning process clear, personal, and practical.

At Elation Wealth, Philip works with individuals, families, professionals, and business owners who want thoughtful guidance and a trusted financial partner. Whether clients are preparing for retirement, investing for the future, funding a child’s education, or making important life decisions, Philip helps them create a plan that reflects their goals, values, and the life they want to build.

His approach blends real-world advisory experience, CFP® training, and academic research. He believes financial planning should not feel intimidating or filled with jargon. Instead, it should help clients feel more confident, informed, and in control of their future.

Philip is also a professor and Director of Financial Planning at Winthrop University. His research has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Reuters, and other national outlets, and he has been recognized by Investment News and the Association of African American Financial Advisors for his leadership in the profession.

Outside of work, Philip enjoys traveling with his family, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors with his wife, two children, and their dog.

If you are looking for a financial advisor who listens first, explains clearly, and helps you plan with purpose, Philip would be honored to help.

Mark brings a unique blend of academic excellence, industry expertise, and genuine passion for helping people achieve their financial goals. He serves as Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director for the CFP® Board Registered Financial Planning Program at the University of North Texas, while also working directly with clients as a Financial Advisor at Elation Wealth.

With over 16 years in education and more than two decades in the financial services industry, Mark’s experience spans both the classroom and the real world. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, as well as an M.S. in Finance and Economics and an MBA from West Texas A&M University. He is an active CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™).

Mark’s dedication to excellence has earned him numerous honors, including the 2024 FPA DFW Chairman’s Award, the 2024 UCAN Award for Outstanding Faculty Advisor at UNT, and multiple 2023 faculty awards for teaching, service, and contributions to the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. His expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, WalletHub, MoneyGeek, and at leading conferences including the CFP Board Connections Conference and the Academy of Financial Services Conference.

Outside of work, Mark is deeply involved in his community, leading pro-bono financial workshops at Gateway Church and other North Texas venues. At home in North Fort Worth, he enjoys life with his wife, four children, their Jack Russell rescue Holley, and Petey the Magical Parakeet. His hobbies include playing guitar, vintage video games, softball, and cheering on the Cowboys, Rangers, Astros, Mean Green, Aggies, and Red Raiders.

Mark’s research explores the impact of natural disasters on financial well-being, as well as consumer behavior and decision-making—insights he brings to his work with clients to help them make informed, confident choices about their financial futures.