Don has over 50 years of experience in the finance industry. A Navy veteran, he graduated from Hofstra University and then earned a MBA at Marshall University. After an extensive business career, Don founded Aldebaran Financial, Inc. in 1991 with the sole goal of helping clients achieve their dreams of financial security and peace of mind. Don's reputation in the investment community and skill as a financial advisor has led to him being called upon extensively to service in both Finance and Investment capacities with area 501(c)3 organizations.
Peter W. Raber
Sr. Vice President & CCO
Peter has been managing investments of Tri-Cities residents for over 14 years. By focusing on asset allocation he helps craft customized portfolios for Aldebaran's clients. Peter received his undergraduate degree from Emory and Henry and his MBA from East Tennessee State University, where he has been named to the Business School Hall of Fame. He also holds a Series 65 certification and was named by the Business Journal as a 40 under 40 recipient. He has previously served as President of Kiwanis Club of Kingsport and Meals on Wheels of Kingsport. He is currently active on a number of 501(c)3 organization boards and is the Investment Chair for Northeast State Community College.
Justin A. Lester, CFP®
Senior Portfolio Manager
With over 13 years of investment experience, Justin enjoys working side by side with clients to help achieve their financial goals. He is passionate about crafting a unique portfolio of investments that fits each client's needs. Justin currently volunteers and serves as Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Kingsport and First Presbyterian Children's Center. Justin earned his bachelor's degree in Business with a concentration in finance from the University of Tennessee. He also completed his MBA degree from East Tennessee State University and is Series 65 certified.
Christine H. Yankee
Executive Assistant
Christine joined the office in 1998 and is Aldebaran Financial's executive assistant. With 20 years of experience, Christine is invaluable in keeping operations flowing smoothly. She is our first contact with our clients and handles non portfolio management tasks as they arise. Christine provides additional services to our clients including bill payment, balancing of accounts, and extensive assistance with Trusts and Estates under our management.
Chassidy M. Shelton
Financial Administrative Assistant
Bringing over 20 years of professional office experience, Chassidy has been an integral part of Aldebaran Financial, Inc. since 2014. She provides proficient administrative support to the team by generating reports and spreadsheets, coordinating account openings and transfers, along with ensuring that client requests are processed promptly. Chassidy assists with coordinating schedules and client meetings. She maintains the client database along with many other administrative tasks.
Brian W. Brummett
Investment Assistant
Brian joined Aldebaran Financial in 2016 as an Investment Assistant. He works closely with the Portfolio Managers by providing reports and research for developing investment portfolios and viewpoints. Brian earned his Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Economics from East Tennessee State University. Brian recently passed his Series 65 exam and has started his MBA at East Tennessee State University.
Robert W. Ingram
General Counsel & Tax Advisor
Robert joined Aldebaran Financial in 2018. He has been practicing law for almost 7 years in the areas of tax, estate planning, and administrative law, and he enjoys assisting clients reduce their tax and estate administration burdens. In addition to providing tax preparation and estate planning services, he also works closely with the other members of our team to present individually tailored advice to our clients. He earned his law degree with a concentration in business transactions from the University of Tennessee College of Law, and he received his undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University and graduate degree from the University of Memphis.