Chris Auten, CFP^® CFA^®

Chris is proud to serve as the Chief Investment Officer at Picacho Financial Consulting. His responsibilities include designing and executing the firm's investment philosophy, developing clients’ goal-based asset allocation strategies, and providing timely market and economic insights. With a career spanning over 15 years in the financial services industry, his focus has been predominantly on investment management through various roles in portfolio management, research, and trading.

Throughout his career, he has earned several professional designations and licenses, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations, as well as the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. His educational journey began at New Mexico State University, where he earned a scholarship to play on their baseball team and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Finance with Honors. During his time there, he received several academic awards, including the prestigious Peter Wichert Award, which is presented to a top graduating finance student.

Chris is driven by a commitment to providing an exceptional client experience. He finds satisfaction in seeing our hard work translate into measurable improvements in our clients' lives and financial goals. He believes in the importance of continually innovating and adapting to consistently add value to our clients in every possible way. Chris recognizes the significance of comprehensive wealth management by constructing a client's investment portfolio as part of their entire financial picture, rather than in isolation.

Outside of the office, you can find Chris enjoying the California outdoors with his wife, Olga, and son Connor. Some of their favorite activities are spending time at the beach, discovering new places, and enjoying live music and stand-up comedy.