Profile
“Clients tell me all the time that they feel more connected, more informed, and more confident because of those little touchpoints. It’s a way to educate, stay visible, and reinforce that I’m here for them – not just at review meetings, but all year round”
Megan Dorn, Dorn Wealth Management
Martha Staniford is a managing director and financial advisor at Wealthspire Advisors. She works with clients to develop, implement, and oversee solutions that integrate investment, insurance, retirement, and tax management into a comprehensive financial/investment strategy.
Prior to her role at Wealthspire, Martha had an active career on Wall Street (Chase Manhattan Bank, Bankers Trust Company – Capital Markets Group, BT Latin America Division, BT Alex Brown, and Oppenheimer) and in Corporate America (Rohm & Haas Co. and GTE).
She is also the author of “The Family Office” chapter in Planning for the Affluent by Richard Mayer and Donald Levy. In 2024 and 2025, she was named to Forbes’ list of Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State.
Martha is an active volunteer in the community, currently serving as a trustee of the Lynde Point Land Trust, and as a board member of both the Petey Greene Program and the Zoning Board of Appeals in Connecticut.
521 5th Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10175
8009 943 766
martha.staniford@wealthspire.com
linkedin.com/in/marthastanifordwealthspire
wealthspire.comhttps://www.gilbertcook.com/
Martha Staniford
Managing Director, Financial Advisor Wealthspire Advisors
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
“My clients are more like family, and I want to make sure I can provide real value to them”
Megan Dorn, Dorn Wealth Management
1980–1984
1984–1998
1998–2003
2003–2019
2019–Present
1980–1982: Senior Treasury Analyst at GTE Corporation
1982–1984: Manager at GTE Corporation
1980–1984
Managing Director at Bankers Trust Company/Alex Brown
Managing Director at BT Brokerage
Managing Director & Head of Latin America Private Banking Division at Banker’s Trust
Managing Director and Head of Banker’s Trust Latin America Corporate Finance Department
Managing Director at Banker’s Trust Capital Markets Group, New York and London
1984–1998
Executive Director at CIBC Oppenheimer’s Private Client Division creating the Wealth Management Alliance (WMA) program, a virtual family office
1998–2003
Managing Director at Sontag Advisory
2003–2019
Managing Director at Wealthspire Advisors
2019–Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Despite facing industry biases, such as being mistaken for an assistant at events, she refused to let female stereotypes define her. Instead, she’s built a thriving network of women advisors and found a strong ally in Harbour Investments, which supports her growth as a leader, business owner, and mother.
Client satisfaction isn’t measured in Dorn’s office by closing ratios or one-time feedback – it’s reflected in loyalty, longevity, and referrals. Her communications strategy features handwritten and even hand-drawn birthday cards because in her words, “the little things matter”.
Another offering is short videos delivered a few times per month, providing quick updates on market changes, financial tips, or just simple reassurance during uncertain times.
She explains, “Clients tell me all the time that they feel more connected, more informed, and more confident because of those little touchpoints. It’s a way to educate, stay visible, and reinforce that I’m here for them – not just at review meetings, but all year round.”
Empowerment is an ambition of Dorn’s, believing that financial education leads to strong communities. However, she only works with individuals who match her values.
“I also don’t take on every prospective client who walks through the door. I’m intentional about making sure it’s a good fit on both sides,” she adds. “My clients are more like family, and I want to make sure I can provide real value to them. That means listening closely, being transparent, and never overpromising.”