Prairie Wealth Advisors, a registered investment advisor based in Omaha, Nebraska, has appointed Mike Finnegan as its first chief investment officer, the firm announced Wednesday. The hire marks a strategic milestone for the RIA, which is nearing $1 billion in client assets following a recent merger.
Finnegan brings more than three decades of experience in asset allocation, portfolio construction, and manager research. He previously served as lead portfolio manager for target date funds at Principal Financial Group, where assets under management grew from $3 billion to $20 billion during his tenure. He also held senior investment roles at ManchesterStory Fund Management and Guggenheim Investment Management.
“As Prairie Wealth enters its next stage of growth, we are continuing to invest in the people, processes and capabilities that help us deliver thoughtful advice and disciplined portfolio management for clients,” said Craig Hundt, chief executive of Prairie Wealth. “Mike brings deep institutional experience, strong investment judgment and a client-first philosophy that aligns closely with how we serve families.”
Finnegan’s appointment follows Prairie Wealth’s merger with The McEwen Group, a five-advisor team formerly under RBC Wealth Management. The deal, announced in May, added roughly $400 million in assets under management and about $200 million in 401(k) assets, along with three additional staff members. Pre-merger, Prairie Wealth reported approximately $550 million in AUM on its Form ADV, including nearly $450 million from high-net-worth individual clients.
Prairie Wealth’s investment approach has historically centered on municipal bonds and alternative strategies, while The McEwen Group contributed equity-focused expertise and estate and succession planning capabilities. Hundt noted that the merger aimed to bring in “next generation rainmakers” capable of attracting new business and handling complex client needs.
As CIO, Finnegan will build a systematic investment framework designed to move beyond generic model portfolios. His responsibilities include leading manager research and due diligence, integrating risk management across decisions, and expanding the firm’s alternatives program. He will also serve as a market-facing voice for the firm, contributing commentary and supporting client and prospect conversations.
“I’m excited to be joining Prairie Wealth at such an important time for the firm’s evolution,” Finnegan said. “The team has built a strong reputation for thoughtful, planning-led advice, and I look forward to helping further strengthen the investment platform behind that work.”
The move aligns with broader industry trends as RIAs increasingly hire dedicated investment officers to support growth. Similar appointments have been seen at firms like Cerity Partners, which named its first chief innovation officer earlier this year, and Lido Advisors, which brought on a new CFO amid $42.5 billion in growth.
