meet the team

elio Chiarelli, ph.d.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AIF® CFPA

Elio has over 12 years of experience with client servicing, investment fiduciary guidance for plan sponsors, investment management, and portfolio construction.  He has a significant background in agricultural education and economics, and he has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation through the Center for Fiduciary Studies. He has also received the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) credential from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), demonstrating expertise required to act as a plan fiduciary and help plan fiduciaries manage their roles and responsibilities. 

Elio received his BS in Agricultural Education from Penn State. He received his MS in Agricultural Education and Food & Resource Economics as well as his Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.  Prior to joining Capital Defender Advisors, Inc. Elio served as the Chief Investment Officer and Chair of the Investment Committee at Kidder Advisers, Inc. for 5 years.  He is also active in the community through his service with the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the First Baptist Church of Alachua, the Latin American Discipleship Outreach Mission Board and the Gainesville Ducks Unlimited Chapter.

Investment Advisory services are provided through Bison Wealth, LLC located at 3550 Lenox Rd., Ste 2550 Atlanta, GA 30326. Securities offered through Metric Financial, LLC. located at 725 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306, member FINRA/SIPC. Elio Chiarelli is registered as an investment adviser with Bison Wealth, LLC and periodically offers portfolio advisory services via Liquid Strategies and may, in this dual capacity, make recommendations regarding securities transacted on behalf of both entities. Bison Wealth and Liquid Strategies are affiliate entities. We address this conflict by disclosing fees related to the investments recommended to our clients.  Bison Wealth, LLC, Metric Financial, LLC and Capital Defender are not affiliate entities. More information about Bison Wealth, LLC and its fees can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request by calling 404-841-2224. Bison Wealth is an independent investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.