tru Independence Appoints Advisory Board

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- tru Independence, a consulting firm launched in July to provide financial professionals with a customized open-architecture platform of wealth management solutions, consulting and business development services to help them transition to being independent Registered Investment Advisors today announced the formation of its Advisory Board.

The four-person Advisory Board is made up of:

• Jay Willoughby, Chief Investment Officer, Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.
• Thane Cleland, Chief Executive Officer, CWC Advisors, LLC
• Corey Von Allmen, Partner, 801 West Capital Management
• Sally Brandsen, Waggener Edstrom Communications

Messrs. Willoughby, Cleland and Von Allmen serve as advisors to tru Independence and provide intellectual capital and guidance in building out the company's investment platforms. Each has extensive experience in the capital markets, focusing on alternative investments. Ms. Brandsen provides thought leadership and expertise in the areas of branding, social media and public relations.

"It is gratifying to have such well-respected and experienced investment professionals join tru Independence's advisory board.  We look forward to leveraging their expertise, insights, and industry relationships for the benefit of our clients," said Craig Stuvland, CEO and President of tru Independence. "Further, Sally's experience working with some of the most innovative companies in the world reminds us of what it takes to build and maintain a successful enterprise in a continually evolving marketplace."

Mr. Willoughby has 31 years of investment experience and since 2011 has overseen the $50 billion Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation as Chief Investment Officer. He reports to the fund's Executive Director and a six-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Governor. Mr. Willoughby is responsible for all of the investment functions and provides guidance to a staff of approximately 15 investment professionals. 

Mr. Cleland brings a broad range of skills to tru gathered over his 27 year tenure in the investment industry including portfolio management, stock research and selection, successful generation and management of institutional and advisor accounts, corporate management, and trading and operations. Mr. Cleland co-founded CWC Group in 2000 and is responsible for corporate strategy, as well as for leading the investment group that performs all investment functions for the firm.

Mr. Von Allmen's extensive investment experience, resources and contacts span a career of 18 years in alternative investing and portfolio management. Prior to joining 801 West Capital Management, an investment management group based in Portland, Oregon, Mr. Von Allmen served for six years as a Partner and Portfolio Manager for CSIM, a $4.5 billion equity long/short fund of hedge funds. Mr. Von Allmen served on the company's five-person management team, providing strategic planning. His responsibilities were focused on manager sourcing/due diligence, portfolio construction, portfolio management and risk management.  He also helped manage the firm's institutional consulting relationships and authored investment communication to investors. 

Ms. Brandsen has extensive knowledge of integrated communications initiatives, and assists tru with brand management and innovation, managing social media communities, public relations and marketing strategy for network firms. Ms. Brandsen has played a key role in Microsoft's media relations at Waggener Edstrom, a privately held public relations and communications agency in Portland, Oregon.

For media inquiries, please contact Kris Kagel at 973-850-7312 or [email protected].

About tru Independence

Through uncompromising investment in people and technology, tru Independence delivers the premier customized open-architecture platform, consulting and business development services for wealth management firms seeking independence. We diligently focus on and invest in our three core disciplines of investment consulting, business consulting and new business development.

To deliver unrivalled excellence, we leverage key relationships by outsourcing to the best providers and platforms. Our consultative sales process is defined by simplicity, clarity and transparency, grounded on the belief that our partners can best control their future by owning the equity of their firms. Drawing upon our decades of industry experience, we are committed to ensuring that our partners maximize their enterprise value.  For more information, please call 971-371-3448 or visit us at http://tru-ind.com.

Kris Kagel
Jennifer Connelly Public Relations
973-850-7312
[email protected]

SOURCE tru Independence