Baird has appointed Christy Gatien, CFP, as Director and Financial Advisor in its Bellevue, Washington, wealth management office. Gatien joins from D.A. Davidson, where she managed more than $300 million in client assets, and brings nearly three decades of experience in financial services.
Gatien is joined by Sean Ladd, Senior Client Specialist, and Doug Wiedemeier, Client Specialist, expanding Baird’s advisory and client service capabilities in the Pacific Northwest.
The appointments will strengthen Baird’s Bellevue office as the firm continues to recruit experienced financial advisors and expand its private wealth management operations.
Gatien spent more than 20 years at D.A. Davidson, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Manager.
Throughout her tenure, she developed a financial planning practice focused on understanding clients’ individual circumstances and developing investment strategies aligned with their long-term objectives.
She also mentored women financial advisors and advocated for greater representation of women throughout the financial services industry.
Before joining D.A. Davidson, Gatien worked at Wells Fargo. She holds a degree from the University of Washington.
At Baird, Gatien will focus on comprehensive financial planning, combining portfolio management with advice tailored to the financial circumstances of individuals and families.
Her approach emphasizes understanding each client’s financial goals and developing strategies that can adapt as their needs change.
Gatien and her colleagues will join the Gatien Strategic Wealth Management team, which also includes recently recruited associates Mike Foody, Neale Foody, and Laurie Reynolds.
The expanded team adds financial planning and client service experience to Baird’s existing operations in Bellevue.
Baird’s recruitment of Gatien also aligns with its efforts to develop and support women in wealth management.
The firm’s Baird Women Advisors council provides professional development and networking opportunities for female financial advisors while promoting wealth management as a career.
Its Ascend Associate Resource Group supports professional development, leadership opportunities, and mentorship across the organization.
Beyond Bellevue, Baird maintains four additional private wealth management offices in Washington: Mount Vernon, Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima.
The firm provides investment management and financial planning services to high-net-worth individuals and families throughout the United States.
As of June 30, 2026, Baird’s Private Wealth Management division oversaw more than $395 billion in client assets.
The business includes more than 1,400 financial advisors, who have an average of approximately 20 years of industry experience.
Founded in 1919, Baird provides wealth management, investment banking, institutional equity, asset management, and other financial services.
The broader organization employs more than 5,400 people and reported more than $595 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2026.
Gatien’s arrival adds an experienced advisor and her client service colleagues to Baird’s Washington operations while supporting the continued development of its Bellevue wealth management team.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are thrilled to welcome Christy and her team to Baird. Christy has built a planning-focused practice that reflects the very best of comprehensive wealth management. Together with our recently hired associates, Mike Foody, Neale Foody and Laurie Reynolds, the Gatien Strategic Wealth Management team further strengthens the culture of excellence, integrity and client service that defines our Bellevue office. I couldn’t be prouder of our new associates and the entire Bellevue team, whose dedication makes this branch such a special place.”
Andy Roed, Branch Manager At Baird
