Baird extends Virginia presence with $510M Edelman pair

Baird is extending its East Coast presence again at Edelman's expense as two advisors who managed more than half a billion dollars join its newest location in Virginia.

On Monday, Baird Private Wealth Management announced it has hired two experienced financial advisors, Robert Bowman and Matthew Preddy, to join its newly opened office in Richmond.

The move is part of the firm’s broader expansion in the state, counting locations in McLean Lynchburg, and Fairfax, where it welcomed another Edelman advisor just last month. Baird’s Richmond office is located at 3957 Westerre Parkway.

Bowman and Preddy both bring significant industry experience to their new roles as directors and financial advisors.

Bowman, who has 25 years of experience, managed $285 million in assets at Edelman Financial Engines. He will be joined by associate financial advisor Dustin Dodge. Preddy, who comes to Baird with 20 years of experience, managed $225 million in assets at Edelman. Preddy will work with client assistant Ana Rawls in his new role.

Jim McGuire, branch manager at Baird, emphasized the importance of the firm’s Virginia expansion.

“We are excited for the new Richmond location and to welcome these two impressive advisors to Baird,” he said in a statement. “Each has a proven track record of being committed to the local Virginia community and are welcome additions to our growing footprint in the state.”

Baird’s private wealth management division now includes more than 1,400 financial advisors nationwide, managing over $310 billion in client assets as of June 30. On top of its moves in Virginia, the firm has made numerous notable additions this year, including a former Wells Fargo advisor in Ohio and a top-caliber veteran advisor who joined from RBC in Minnesota.