Our Associates

Diane L. Young- President

Diane began her financial advising career in the New York metropolitan area after graduating from State University of New York at Stony Brook. She headed up a broker/dealer and insurance agency, in addition to running a successful planning practice. Before starting her own independent firm in Michigan, she was vice president of the Midwest Division of a global financial services company and focused on developing the women’s market.

Diane has taught Certified Financial Planning credentialing courses at New York University and presented educational workshops for EDS, Textron Automotive, Marriott Corporation, The New York Botanical Gardens, Kraft Foods, Barnes and Noble, SUNY at Purchase, Western Michigan University and The Long Island Women's Network. Her credentials include Series 7, 24, 53, 63 and 65 registrations and separately, the insurance license for life, accident and health. While her practice centers on southeast Michigan, she also is registered to offer securities in the state of New York.

In addition to serving on the board of directors of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan, and President of the board of the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, she is active in the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Women’s Foundation and the Crittenton Planned Giving Committee. In the past, she has served on the Inforum Board of Director and Rochester Rotary Charities. Diane was named Business Woman of the year in 2008 by the Rochester Regional Chamber. Diane also won first prize in the Art and Apples Pie Baking Contest in 2011.

She lives in Rochester Hills with her husband and school-age children.

Richard Ferguson MBA, CLTC -Executive Vice President

Rick has over 30 years in finance at General Motors, EDS and A.T. Kearney prior to becoming a financial advisor in 2001. As Chief Investment Officer, Rick is responsible for developing strategies for clients that help them reach their goals as well as researching investment opportunities and monitoring market conditions.

Rick has a MBA from University of Detroit with a concentration in international finance and a BBA from Walsh College where he majored in accounting and marketing. His credentials include the Series 7, 66 and life and health licenses. Rick became credential in Long Term Care Planning (CLTC) in 2007.

In addition, Rick is active in the St. Andrews Society as well as the Skyline Club where he serves on the “Friends of the Vine” Club. In the past, Rick was the Treasurer of the Project Management Institute. He lives in Rochester Hills and has three grown children and four grandchildren.

OUR STAFF

Jennifer French- Financial Planning Associate

Jennifer French joined the Athena Group in the fall of 2011 as a financial planning assistant.  She is the lead on the Athena Advantage program and will be assisting the president with monitoring financial plans. Jennifer is originally from Iowa, having moved to Michigan in 2004.  Her educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and her work experience has focused on the insurance and medical/pharmaceutical areas.

In her "free time", Jennifer enjoys volunteer opportunities and currently serves as Sponsorship Chairperson for Charlottes Wings.  She also enjoys running and entertaining friends and family.   

Jennifer currently lives in Rochester Hills with her husband, Cory, and three young daughters, Brooke, Taylor and Kelsey.

*Ms. French is not registered to offer securities or advisory services and is not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.

Patricia Dalrick- Operations Manager

Pat joined The Athena Group in 2010 and handles many of the technology issues and administrative functions of the office. She has over 30 years of administration and operation support. In her free time, Pat shows her Missouri Walker horses in Western Pleasure shows across the country. About half of her work time is virtual, so you never know where she may be when she calls you!

Stephanie Eickholdt- Operations Assistant

Stephanie works part time in the practice assisting with our paperless initiative. She is active in the Armada High School Business Club, Captain of the Golf Team, and a member of the High School Bowling team. She will be graduating high school in 2012.