Our Team

We are a diverse team with expertise across a broad range of disciplines, working collaboratively to deliver the holistic guidance our clients need and deserve

Leadership & Business Team

Amit Stavinsky

Amit Stavinsky

Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director
Amit Stavinsky

Amit Stavinsky

Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director

Amit Stavinsky is the Managing Director, and the Lead Advisor of the wealth management firm TAMAR SECURITIES, LLC. He is also a registered representative with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Inc. (“PKS”), a registered broker-dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC.

A native of Israel, Amit has been an investment professional in the US since 1991. From 1996 to 2010, Amit served as an Executive Director of Investments and an Omega Portfolio Manager with Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. Before joining Oppenheimer in 1996, he worked as a Financial Advisor at Prudential Securities.

From 1982 to 1986, Amit served as a Lieutenant in the Israeli Air Force, performing various aviation intelligence assignments. Subsequently, he founded the Israeli Economic Monthly Review, a financial publication with a circulation of 20,000 that targeted institutional and high net worth readers. He sold this publication after moving to the U.S.

Amit describes himself as a top-down value investor who seeks to identify domestic and global companies in undervalued sectors which he refers to as “Super Cycles” that sell at deep discounts to both their respective and historical intrinsic values. Amit defines “Super Cycles” as undervalued sectors in the global economy that he believes are best positioned for “Long-Term Growth”.

Amit graduated magna cum laude in Finance from Woodbury University. He holds the General Securities Representative License (Series 7), the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam (Series 63) and the Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam (Series 65). He is also licensed as an Agent for Life Insurance in the state of California.

Amit resides in Woodland Hills, CA with his wife and three children. He is an advisor to the Peace Works Corporation and a frequent speaker at synagogues in the Los Angeles area.

Roberta Taylor

Roberta Taylor

Chief of Staff
Roberta Taylor

Roberta Taylor

Chief of Staff

Roberta Taylor serves as the Chief of Staff at Tamar Securities, bringing over 25 years of deep operational and accounting experience to the firm. For more than a decade, Roberta has been the heart of our daily operations. Acting as a trusted partner to the executive team and a guide for our staff, she focuses heavily on the people—ensuring our team has the support and clarity needed to work together seamlessly.

As our primary problem solver, Roberta oversees all departments, directs internal staff, and strengthens the firm’s business infrastructure. She excels at translating big-picture strategic goals into daily reality, handling major company events.

Known for her approachable leadership style, she directs internal hiring, onboarding, and training to integrate new personnel into the firm’s culture, while prioritizing staff mentorship and professional growth.

Roberta earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. Outside the office, she uses her extensive planning skills to volunteer at her church, helping coordinate community gatherings. She is deeply committed to driving the continued operational success of Tamar.

Nuclean Marcelo

Nuclean Marcelo

Chief Financial Officer
Nuclean Marcelo

Nuclean Marcelo

Chief Financial Officer

Nuclean Marcelo serves as Chief Financial Officer of Tamar Securities, where he oversees the firm’s financial operations, accounting functions, financial reporting, and technology infrastructure while partnering with executive leadership to promote operational excellence and effective governance. With more than 20 years of accounting and financial leadership experience, he plays an integral role in maintaining strong financial controls, operational efficiency, and the infrastructure that supports the firm’s commitment to its clients.

Nuclean previously served as Controller at Tamar. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Controller at Jouer Cosmetics and Senior Accountant at NKSFB, LLC. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in financial reporting, process improvement, operational efficiency, and supporting organizations through growth and change.

Michael Stavinsky

Michael Stavinsky

Chief Growth Officer
Michael Stavinsky

Michael Stavinsky

Chief Growth Officer

Michael joined Tamar in June 2026 as Chief Growth Officer, leading the firm’s technology and strategic growth initiatives. This includes overseeing development of AI applications that support both clients and advisors and executing the firm’s corporate development and long-term growth strategy.

Prior to joining Tamar, Michael served as a Principal at Glade Brook Capital, a global technology growth equity firm, where he led investments across AI and industrial technology and supported various portfolio companies and founders’ operations. Earlier in his career, Michael served as an investment banking analyst at RBC Capital Markets, covering healthcare. At RBC, Michael advised companies on a range of strategic and financial transactions across equity, debt, and mergers and acquisitions.

Michael graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Minor in Economics.

Luz Pina

Luz Pina

Director of Client Onboarding
Luz Pina

Luz Pina

Director of Client Onboarding
Alexandra Friedman

Alexandra Friedman

Executive Assistant
Alexandra Friedman

Alexandra Friedman

Executive Assistant

Alexandra Friedman Serves as an Executive Assistant at Tamar Securities, where she provides operational and administrative support across the firm’s executive team. She plays an integral role in coordinating client-facing initiatives, firm events, vendor relationships, and day-to-day business operations, helping to ensure the organization runs efficiently while delivering a high standard of service.

In addition to her administrative and operational responsibilities, Alexandra assists in a variety of the firm’s branding and marketing initiatives. She supports design and production of branded collateral and other creative projects that strengthen Tamar Securities’ professional presence.

With a background in financial services, marketing, and operations, Alexandra brings a detail-oriented, creative, and solutions-driven approach to her work. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Mississippi.

Anthony Rodriguez

Administrative Assistant

Anthony Rodriguez

Administrative Assistant

Advisor and Investment Team

Joe Estes

Joe Estes, MBA

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor
Joe Estes

Joe Estes, MBA

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor

Joe Estes serves as Senior Financial Advisor, Executive Director, and Director of Technology Investments for Tamar. As a Series 65 licensed advisor, he combines wealth management expertise with a distinguished background in software architecture and technology leadership, providing unique insight into the companies and innovations shaping tomorrow’s economy.

Prior to joining Tamar Securities, Joe led mobile development at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He earned an MBA from the University of Redlands and a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Cal Poly Pomona. Passionate about financial education, Joe has also served as an Information Systems professor at the University of Redlands, teaching Financial Technology to MBA candidates.

Richard Mason

Richard Mason

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor
Richard Mason

Richard Mason

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor

Richard Mason serves as Senior Financial Advisor and Executive Director of Investments for Tamar. He has been helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals since 2001.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Richard honorably served his country and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He later built a successful career in financial services, achieving the position of Regional Vice President with Primerica Financial Services before joining Tamar Securities in 2018. Since then, he has played a key role in expanding the firm’s presence within the first responder community, helping thousands of families access financial education, investment guidance, and retirement planning resources.

Richard is committed to building lasting client relationships and helping families navigate important financial decisions with confidence. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, five children, and six grandchildren, as well as golfing and enjoying the outdoors.

David Sirin

David Sirin, JD

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor
David Sirin

David Sirin, JD

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor

David Sirin serves as a Senior Financial Advisor at Tamar, attributing much of his success to his diverse professional background. Following his graduation from UCSB, he worked in the entertainment industry as a Postproduction Coordinator for Bunim/Murray Productions, contributing to popular MTV and VH1 programs. He later received his Juris Doctorate (JD) from The Chapman University School of Law and worked in the legal field for several years before recognizing an opportunity to combine his creative, analytical, and legal expertise within the financial services industry.

David started as an investment professional in 2010 as a Financial Advisor with AXA Advisors, LLC. By 2013, David had joined TD Ameritrade as a Financial Advisor and was quickly promoted to Senior Financial Advisor working with ‘High Net Worth’ individuals and entities. David continued there until 2020 when he began working with Tamar Securities, LLC.

This unique blend of experience along with Series 7 and 65 certifications enable David to approach client relationships with a thoughtful, strategic perspective, helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.

Eric LeCours

Eric LeCours, JD, CFP

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor
Eric LeCours

Eric LeCours, JD, CFP

Executive Director, Senior Financial Advisor

Eric LeCours, JD, CFP® is a Financial Advisor with Tamar Securities and its affiliated brands. With more than a decade of experience in financial services, Eric specializes in helping first responders and their families navigate retirement planning, investment management, and wealth preservation strategies tailored to the unique financial opportunities and challenges of public safety careers. He began his career with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., and later served as a Financial Advisor with Silversage Advisors in Irvine, California, before joining Tamar Securities.

Eric’s diverse educational background provides him with a unique perspective when advising clients. He graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University, earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Philosophy, and later earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. He is also a registered representative with Purshe Kaplan Sterling and holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations.

Dominick Savo

Dominick Savo

Senior Financial Advisor
Dominick Savo

Dominick Savo

Senior Financial Advisor

Dominick Savo has been serving clients in the financial services industry since 1998. He spent 15 years with Primerica Financial Services as an Independent Financial Representative before joining Tamar Securities in August 2013. Today, he serves as a Senior Investment Advisor, helping clients navigate their investment and financial planning needs.

Dominick holds his Series 6, 26, 63, 65, and is licensed as an agent for Life and Health Insurance in the state of California.

Before entering the financial services industry, Dominick earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tri-State University, a Master of Science in Physical Chemistry from Loyola University, and a Master of Management from Northwestern University.

Mark Benavides

Mark Benavides

Senior Financial Advisor
Mark Benavides

Mark Benavides

Senior Financial Advisor

Mark Benavides is a Financial Advisor primarily serving clients of 911 Financial Services, a division of Tamar Securities, LLC. Mark earned both a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration as well as a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne. Mark holds Series 6, 63, 26, 65 securities licenses.

After a career in law enforcement in southern California, Mark began his financial career working for a Fortune 1000 company providing financial services to families. Mark is focused on helping first-responder clients make the best possible financial decisions, allowing them to take control of their financial futures.

Jonathan Ezra

Jonathan Ezra, CFA

Head of Trading, Financial Advisor, Investment Team
Jonathan Ezra

Jonathan Ezra, CFA

Head of Trading, Financial Advisor, Investment Team

Jonathan Ezra is Head of Trading at Tamar Securities, where he oversees the firm’s trading activity across equities and fixed income. Beyond trading, Jonathan has contributed to the development of Tamar’s proprietary investment strategies.

Jonathan joined Tamar in 2019 as a Junior Trader while completing his undergraduate studies. In his current role, he leads trade execution and portfolio implementation. He also sits on the firm’s Investment Committee, where he helps shape investment views and translate them into portfolio strategy. He has designed and implemented portfolio-management and trading processes that use data analysis, automation, and internally developed tools to support more efficient and consistent investment decisions.

Jonathan also serves as a financial advisor, working directly with clients on investment strategy and portfolio management.

Jonathan graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and is a CFA® charterholder.

Daniel Itzhaki

Daniel Itzhaki

Financial Advisor, Investment Team
Daniel Itzhaki

Daniel Itzhaki

Financial Advisor, Investment Team

Daniel Itzhaki earned a degree in Financial Analysis from California State University, Northridge, has passed Level I of the CFA Program, and holds the Series 65 license. With more than a decade of market experience, he serves on the firm’s investment committee, conducting equity research and investment analysis to support investment strategy and portfolio management decisions.

Daniel believes financial planning should encompass more than retirement alone. He works closely with clients to develop tailored investment strategies aligned with their broader life goals, helping them prepare for important milestones such as marriage, homeownership, and other major financial transitions. By balancing long-term wealth accumulation with near- and intermediate-term objectives, he strives to create flexible strategies that evolve alongside each client’s changing needs. As someone navigating many of the same life stages as his clients, Daniel brings a relatable perspective and a strong understanding of the financial decisions facing younger generations.

Gorge Salcedo

Gorge Salcedo

Financial Advisor
Gorge Salcedo

Gorge Salcedo

Financial Advisor

Gorge serves as a Financial Advisor at Tamar, joining in 2024 as a Financial Advisor Associate before quickly becoming a Financial Advisor. Gorge specializes in helping first responders and their families pursue their financial goals. Previously, Gorge was the founder and CEO of a plumbing business in the San Fernando Valley, which he led for ~10 years. Gorge ultimately joined Tamar to support advisors and clients of the firm in an associate role.

Gorge is passionate about helping his clients accomplish their goals and protect what they’ve built. Gorge seeks to approach his relationships with a thoughtful perspective, helping clients navigate key life events and financial decisions with confidence.

Frank Parks

Franklin Parks

Senior Financial Advisor Associate
Frank Parks

Franklin Parks

Senior Financial Advisor Associate

Frank Parks has served as a Senior Financial Associate at Tamar since 2010. He brings more than three decades of experience in financial services.

Frank began his career in the financial industry in 1987 with Dean Witter Reynolds before continuing at Morgan Stanley in Beverly Hills. In 2003, he joined The Oppenheimer Group alongside Amit Stavinsky, further expanding his experience serving wealth management clients.

Frank earned a master’s degree in communication from the University of Maryland in 1981 and holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 licenses. He is also licensed to offer life insurance products in the State of California. Since joining Tamar, Frank has remained dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial goals through personalized guidance, industry expertise, and long-term relationship management.

Javier Orozco

Javier Orozco

Senior Financial Advisor Associate
Javier Orozco

Javier Orozco

Senior Financial Advisor Associate

Javier Orozco serves as a Client Associate with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 securities licenses in California. Throughout his career, he has served in trading, operations, and client-facing roles, including as a Senior Financial Consultant for Fortune 500 companies.

Javier leverages his extensive knowledge of financial markets, investment strategies, and wealth management to help clients make informed decisions. He is committed to understanding each client’s unique goals and takes a personalized, relationship-focused approach to financial planning, helping clients navigate changing markets and stay focused on their long-term objectives.

Phil Moston

Phil Moston

Lead Financial Advisor Associate
Phil Moston

Phil Moston

Lead Financial Advisor Associate
Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott

Financial Advisor Associate
Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott

Financial Advisor Associate

Andrew Scott is a Financial Advisor Associate at Tamar Securities, where he works closely with advisors to support client relationships, conduct portfolio reviews, and help ensure clients receive timely, personalized service. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 registrations and is dedicated to helping clients navigate important financial decisions with professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Andrew takes pride in providing dependable support to both clients and advisors while contributing to Tamar’s commitment to delivering exceptional client service by combing strong communication skills with a keen interest in economics, financial markets, and long-term wealth management. Andrew strives to ensure each client relationship is built on trust, responsiveness, and a thorough understanding of each client’s unique goals and financial objectives.

John Townsend

John Townsend, CFP

Financial Advisor Associate
John Townsend

John Townsend, CFP

Financial Advisor Associate

John Townsend earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with an emphasis in Global Business from the University of Southern California, where he developed a strong interest in global economics, business, and financial planning. With six years of experience in wealth management and the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, he specializes in comprehensive retirement planning for clients.

John is particularly focused on helping public safety professionals maximize their 457(b) deferred compensation plans and create tailored retirement income strategies designed to support their long-term goals and lifestyle needs. John strives to maintain a professional, organized, and detail-oriented approach, as well as a commitment to financial education and personalized guidance.

Owen Kim

Owen Kim

Trading Analyst
Owen Kim

Owen Kim

Trading Analyst

Owen Kim serves as the firm’s Lead Trading Analyst, specializing in portfolio construction, investment models, and wealth management strategies. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Irvine, and holds the Series 7, Series 66, and insurance licenses.

Owen works closely with advisors and clients to provide insight into portfolio models and the firm’s investment strategies. He believes that strong collaboration, clear communication, and a disciplined approach to investing are key to helping clients pursue their long-term financial goals. Committed to professional growth and exceptional service, Owen strives to deliver meaningful outcomes and a high-quality client experience.