Martin C. Bicknell, CEO

Martin is a former Senior Vice President-Investments of A.G. Edwards & Sons. During his 15-year tenure there, he led a staff of professional financial consultants in providing customized wealth management solutions for public and private corporations, high net-worth individuals and their families, and charitable organizations. In addition to managing the team, he was actively involved with the execution phase of the financial plans developed for the company's sophisticated clients.

Prior to founding Mariner Wealth Advisors, Martin counseled small to medium-sized businesses, including Xceligent, Pitt Plastics, National Mills, Zouire Incorporated, Bicknell Properties and National Pizza, in financial matters. A recognized leader in the field of financial problem-solving for companies and their executives, he has become a valuable resource for other successful entrepreneurs.

Martin has extensive personal and professional experience in the realm of closely held family businesses and the complexities that are unique to this area. From strategic planning for the accomplishment of long range goals, to succession planning and wealth transfer, he brings a breadth of knowledge to the table that encourages  creative thought and visionary solutions.

Bruce Kusmin, Co-Founder

Bruce is the co-founder of Mariner Wealth Advisors. He has more than 20 years experience as a financial advisor, and is a former senior vice president of investments with A.G. Edwards. Over his tenure, he has specialized in advising corporate clients and high net worth individuals on investment strategy, asset allocation, and wealth transfer. Bruce has worked extensively with closely held businesses in the areas of benefits and succession planning.

Bruce specializes in strategic planning for businesses and creating efficient solutions for business owners and executives. In 2007 he was recognized for his work in the industry by being named a
5-Star Financial Planning Manager by K.C. Magazine. Bruce also has extensive experience in the field of charitable giving, helping families and foundations find the right solution for their philanthropic wishes.

Bruce graduated Southwest Missouri State University and performed graduate studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He is an active member of the community, serving as president of the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Foundation, past president of the Plaza Kiwanis Club, and working closely with the Kansas City Businessman’s Club, assisting their efforts to support children with Tourette’s Syndrome. He is an accomplished instructor in the areas of investment management and financial planning.

S. Kirk Lambright, Jr., Chief Legal Officer

Kirk is the chief legal officer and co-founder of Mariner Wealth Advisors and Mariner Equity Management. He has more than 13 years of comprehensive business and legal experience working with a diverse clientele from small to Fortune 500 to international arenas. Previously, he served as Associate General Counsel for Anheuser-Busch Companies. In addition, he owned Classic Eagle Distributing, L.L.C.

Over the years, Kirk has established a successful track record of spearheading change management, increasing market share and sales volume, reducing employee turnover, cutting cost, handling legislative issues, negotiating resolutions and managing diverse aspects of the total business. As a result of his varied background, Kirk has gained expertise in areas related to financial, logistical, marketing, human resources and product issues. In addition, he is a strong leader skilled in forging strategic partnerships.

Kirk received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, and his Juris Doctorate and MBA from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. Active in the community, he volunteers with a number of charities and organizations.

Jenika Cook, CPA, CFP™, Chief Financial Officer

As a licensed CPA, Jenika's professional experience has included tax compliance as well as research and planning emphasized on closely held businesses, to include C Corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and individual returns. In addition, she has worked on individual retirement planning, record keeping for individuals and closely held businesses, and education and mentoring of successor business family owners. Prior to joining Mariner, Jenika had four years of public accounting experience at Deloitte.

Jenika holds a BS in Accounting from Kansas State University and a Masters of Accounting from Kansas State University. As well as being a licensed CPA, she is member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and is a Certified Financial Planning Practitioner™. Jenika is also a past President of the local chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants and a member of the Kansas City Women's Foundation 360 of Giving.

Gary P. Henson, CFA, CFP™, Chief Investment Officer

As the chief investment officer, Gary is responsible for the oversight of all investment related functions at Mariner.

Gary comes to Mariner from the Country Club Trust Company (CCTC), where he managed over $1 billion in institutional and high net worth client portfolios and relationships. During his tenure there, he developed a tactical asset allocation model using exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Prior to joining CCTC he was portfolio manager for FB Capital Management of Kansas, a $2 billion insurance and farming consortium. While there, he managed $1.5 billion in fixed income and $250 million in equities. He also served as consultant to the Kansas State University Foundation, and helped form FB Capital’s initial hedge fund.

Gary’s initial duties in the investment and banking community were with Central Bancompany out of Jefferson City, Missouri, where he managed the bank’s assets, trading desk, and portfolios, both individual and institutional.

Gary holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). The CFA designation is the most rigorous and globally accepted professional standard in the investment industry.

Kenneth A. Powell, CFA, Chief Equity Strategist

Ken holds a bachelor of science degree majoring in finance from Southern Illinois University. He has also obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, the most rigorous and globally accepted professional standard in the investment industry.

Ken began his investment career with Mid-States Corporate Federal Credit Union in 1989, located in Naperville, Illinois. In 1991, he joined Boatmen’s Trust Company in Kansas City. At Boatmen’s and its successor, Bank of America, Ken was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager. He managed investment portfolios for individuals, trusts, and foundations.

In the year 2000, Ken joined Country Club Bank as a Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Manager in the Trust Department. At Country Club Bank, Ken managed equity and fixed income investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. He also managed the Trust Department’s equity common trust fund.

In 2002, Ken joined CFW Capital Management as Senior Vice President and portfolio manager. At CFW, Ken managed investment portfolios for high net-worth individuals and foundations. His investment portfolio outperformed the corresponding benchmarks during his tenure there.

Ken is a member of the CFA Institute and the Kansas City Society of Financial Analysts. He is a board member for Children’s TLC and currently serves as Treasurer. He is also a board member for The Midwest Transplant Network.