Boutique Wealth Planning in San FRANCISCO, CA

Managing Director, Family Office

Karen Schmid, CFA®

As Managing Director of RWA Family Office, Karen creates tailored wealth management solutions to help high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families identify and achieve their financial goals. She leads a team of professionals committed to providing excellent client service. Karen’s ability to provide comprehensive personalized advice, respond to individual needs and coordinate the financial aspects of major life events have helped her form many longstanding client relationships.

Karen joined forces with RWA in 2025 upon the acquisition of Moirai Wealth Management, an independent advisory firm she founded and led for 25 years. Early in her financial services career, she worked for a large multinational bank and subsequently for a boutique investment firm.

Karen earned a BA in international economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA in international business from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.

A CFA^® Charterholder, Karen is an active member of the CFA Society San Francisco. Additionally, she is a trustee for the International School of San Francisco and Chairperson of its Finance Committee. In her free time, Karen loves to cook and is an avid sportsperson. She has a son at college and lives in San Francisco with her dog, Boomer.

Chartered Financial Analyst® or CFA® designation is a professional certification offered by the CFA Institute.  To earn the CFA® designation, candidates must complete a series of three exams, possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or have equivalent education or work experience as well as 4 years of qualified, professional work experience. CFA® charterholders are also obligated to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards governing their professional conduct. More information about the CFA® designation is available at cfainstitute.org.

The fact that an employee holds a particular designation or credential does not guarantee that a specific investment-related result will be achieved; nor does such protect against loss of investment principal. For more information on credentials please refer to the Professional Credentials page on this website.

Wealth Advisor

Brennan Foust, CFP®

Brennan Foust is a wealth advisor at RWA Wealth Partners. Brennan provides comprehensive financial planning to individuals and families in coordination with our investment team, tax professionals and estate planners. Brennan plays an integral role in helping clients build, sustain, and transfer their wealth according to their specific goals and needs. Brennan began his career at RWA Wealth Partners in 2019 as a relationship manager, where he was responsible for delivering individualized and comprehensive financial planning solutions. Before joining RWA Wealth Partners, Brennan worked as an investment analyst at Stevens Foster Financial Advisors, a Minnesota-based advisory firm.

Brennan graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with a B.S. in finance. He obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® certification in 2024.

Brennan currently resides in San Francisco with his wife, Diana, and is an avid sportsman who particularly enjoys soccer, golf and cycling.

The fact that an employee holds a particular designation or credential does not guarantee that a specific investment-related result will be achieved; nor does such protect against loss of investment principal. For more information on credentials please refer to the Professional Credentials page on this website.

Portfolio Manager & Director

Jeremy Lehrer, CFA®, CPWA®, CAIA®

Jeremy Lehrer serves as a portfolio manager and director at RWA Wealth Partners, and he is a member of the firm’s investment team. In his role, Jeremy meets with current and potential clients to discuss investment philosophy and process. He develops and implements each client’s investment objectives and establishes ongoing portfolio recommendations based on market environment, tax considerations and individual client objectives. Jeremy’s breadth of experience in financial services helps shape his commitment to providing exceptional client service.

Jeremy was previously at Matthews Asia, where he helped investment advisors like RWA Wealth Partners better understand investment opportunities in Asian and emerging markets. At Charles Schwab, he helped investors take advantage of the resources on the firm’s separately managed account platform. As an intern in emerging market debt at a Japanese bank in the late ’90s, Jeremy observed (but did not directly cause) the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Jeremy graduated with a B.A. in Asian studies and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a Master of Pacific International Affairs from the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California, San Diego. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst^®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor^® and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst^® designations.

Jeremy lives with his wife in San Francisco and Sonoma, CA, and he enjoys world travel (53 countries and counting), audiobooks and the occasional glass of wine.

Chartered Financial Analyst® or CFA® designation is a professional certification offered by the CFA Institute.  To earn the CFA® designation, candidates must complete a series of three exams, possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or have equivalent education or work experience as well as 4 years of qualified, professional work experience. CFA® charterholders are also obligated to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards governing their professional conduct. More information about the CFA® designation is available at cfainstitute.org.

The fact that an employee holds a particular designation or credential does not guarantee that a specific investment-related result will be achieved; nor does such protect against loss of investment principal. For more information on credentials please refer to the Professional Credentials page on this website.

Portfolio Trading Associate

Anna-Beth Athey

Director of Private Wealth Administration

Lesley Valenzuela

Lesley Valenzuela started her career at RWA Wealth Partners in 2014. As the director of private wealth administration, she plays a key role in training new client service administrators and associates while mentoring current team members to ensure that quality control, policies and procedures are consistently followed. With a passion for delivering exceptional service, she is committed to inspiring her team to uphold the same high standards.

Prior to joining the firm, Lesley held several positions at Hewins Financial/Wipfli Hewins. She earned a B.A. in communications from Miriam College.

Lesley resides in the Bay Area of San Francisco with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Private Wealth Sr. Client Officer

Elaine Keratzides

Elaine Keratzides serves as a senior client officer at RWA Wealth Partners. In her role, she supports wealth advisors during the onboarding of new clients and helps foster relationships with both existing clients and our firm’s custodians. She’s committed to delivering an exceptional client experience through the highest level of service and care.

Elaine has extensive and diverse experience, having worked in various operational and financial positions for Charles Schwab, Hewlett-Packard and Levi Strauss.

She earned a B.A. in economics from San Francisco State University and an MBA from the University of San Francisco.

A native of San Francisco, Elaine now calls San Rafael, CA, home. In her spare time, she supports her son’s basketball team and the summer league teams. She also loves staying active with walks and tennis matches, and she cherishes quality moments with friends and family.

Director of Family Office Administration

Aloe Driscoll, CPWA®

Administrative Officer

Arlene Lazzarini

Administrative Officer

Dolores Ortiz Barajas

Dolores Ortiz Barajas serves as an administrative officer at RWA Wealth Partners. In her role, she provides essential support to the private wealth team, assists with new client onboarding, and works diligently to meet the needs of existing clients. She has a passion for client service and is committed to ensuring that every client receives the highest level of attention.

Raised in both San Francisco and Marin County, Dolores calls Mill Valley, CA, home. When she’s not enjoying quality time with her family, she loves traveling and taking advantage of all the amazing activities the Bay Area has to offer, including its vibrant restaurant scene.