Raymond James welcomes Maryland advisor team managing approximately $1 billion
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James recently welcomed a team of four financial advisors to Raymond James & Associates (RJA) – the firm’s employee advisor channel – according to Tony Barrett, North Atlantic regional director for RJA.
The team is comprised of advisors Garrett Thrift, Kara Burt, Blake Saulsbury and Wade Oursler. Operating as Thrift Private Wealth of Raymond James in Easton, Maryland, the advisors arrive from Merrill Lynch where they previously managed approximately $1 billion in client assets. The practice serves business owners, families, individuals, family offices and retirees. They are joined by client service associates Chris Gostomski and Blair Goodrich.
“After extensive due diligence, we found Raymond James to be our ideal fit – a place where advisors are empowered, respected and supported in building practices centered on authentic teamwork and long-term relationships,” said Thrift. “Raymond James’ private wealth resources and capabilities were an essential part of our decision-making process in addition to the unique element of direct access to senior leadership. The firm’s leadership is truly invested in our success, and we feel that our voices matter here.”
Thrift is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with 15 years of industry experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University along with the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designations.
Burt holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Salisbury University. Her eight years of financial services industry experience are backed by the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® designations.
Saulsbury, an Easton native, graduated from Salisbury University and began his career at Merrill Lynch in 2022. In addition to his experience, he holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation.
Oursler holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Delaware alongside the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designations. He joined RJA after three years of service at his previous firm where he contributed to planning, portfolio strategy and client relationship development.
About Raymond James & Associates
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (RJA), member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, is an industry leader in financial planning and wealth management services for individuals, high-net-worth families, corporations and municipalities. RJA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), one of the nation's premier diversified financial services companies with advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are approximately $1.77 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2025. Additional information is available at raymondjames.com.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
CRPC™ and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning.