Prairie Wealth Advisors announced it has appointed Mike Finnegan, CFA, as chief investment officer (CIO), adding more than three decades of investment leadership experience as the registered investment advisor continues to expand its investment platform. Based in Omaha, Finnegan will help shape the firm’s investment philosophy, oversee portfolio strategy, and enhance manager research and due diligence.
Finnegan joins Prairie Wealth after holding senior investment leadership positions at ManchesterStory Fund Management, Guggenheim Investment Management, and Principal Financial Group. Throughout his career, he has specialized in asset allocation, portfolio construction, manager research, and multi-asset investment strategies. During his time at Principal, he served as lead portfolio manager for target date funds that grew from $3 billion to $20 billion in assets.
In his new role, Finnegan will lead the development of a more systematic investment framework designed to move beyond standardized model portfolios while supporting differentiated investment strategies. He will also oversee manager research and due diligence, integrate risk management across investment decisions, expand Prairie Wealth’s alternatives program, and serve as a key investment spokesperson through market commentary and client engagement.
The appointment comes as Prairie Wealth approaches $1 billion in assets under management following its recent merger with The McEwen Group, which nearly doubled the firm’s headcount. The addition of a dedicated CIO is intended to strengthen the firm’s institutional investment capabilities while supporting its continued growth.
KEY QUOTES:
“As Prairie Wealth enters its next stage of growth, we are continuing to invest in the people, processes and capabilities that help us deliver thoughtful advice and disciplined portfolio management for clients. Following our merger with The McEwen Group, we saw an opportunity to add dedicated investment leadership that reflects the scale, sophistication and ambition of the combined firm. Mike brings deep institutional experience, strong investment judgment and a client-first philosophy that aligns closely with how we serve families.”
Craig Hundt, CEO of Prairie Wealth
“I’m excited to be joining Prairie Wealth at such an important time for the firm’s evolution. The team has built a strong reputation for thoughtful, planning-led advice, and I look forward to helping further strengthen the investment platform behind that work. Prairie Wealth has an opportunity to pair highly personal client service with a more institutional investment process, and I’m eager to help build on that momentum.”
Mike Finnegan, Chief Investment Officer at Prairie Wealth
