operations.

Sharon L. Criswell, CFA

Chief Operating Officer

Sharon Criswell has more than 20 years of experience in the information technology field, the last 17 of which has been in the investments area. In her capacity as operations manager for ALM First, Ms. Criswell oversees operations, accounting, portfolio analytics and all technology systems. Her expertise in investment accounting and reporting systems has been invaluable in the design, evaluation, and administration of timely reporting for ALM First clients.

Prior to joining ALM First, Ms. Criswell administered global custody and accounting investment operations and systems for Citigroup, one of the world’s leading global private banks. While there, she managed the company’s portfolio administration and management system, comprised of more than $5 billion in assets. Previously, she was responsible for managing the Money Market Information Center for Fidelity Investments.

Ms. Criswell received her master’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas; and her business degree in arts from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. She has earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and serves as an officer on the board of the CFA Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. Ms. Criswell was recently elected as a President Council Representative (PCR) serving as a liaison to represent the South Central US, Latin and South American member societies of the CFA Institute.

Maria Giagtzis

Accounting Manager

Maria Giagtzis serves as accounting manager for ALM First Financial Advisors, LLC, with more than 14 years’ experience in funds and investment-portfolio accounting and reporting. In this role, she is responsible for the timely and accurate production of client’s accounting and financial records for the firm.

Prior to joining ALM First, Ms. Giagtzis held a position with JP Morgan Chase Bank in Dallas, where she managed the fund accounting of 800 fixed-income and mortgage-backed unit investment trusts. Previously, she served as a fund accountant and compliance administrator for a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm and was responsible for ensuring adherence to investment guidelines of the global and international fixed-income portfolios. Before moving to the United States, she served as a money market dealer at a Commercial Bank in Athens, Greece.

Ms. Giagtzis earned her associates degree from the Institute of Banking Studies of Athens, Greece.

Paula K. Beamis

Office Manager

Paula Beamis joined ALM First in 2000 and currently serves as office manager. Ms. Beamis is responsible for maintaining accounts payable and accounts receivable, serves as the human resources coordinator for all employees and is in charge of compiling all client reports prior to posting. Additionally, Ms. Beamis is the key contact person for all company-related extraneous services; serves as backup contact for all vendor-related issues, and oversees the safekeeping and trade settlement functions.