Press Release

Salient Financial Names Susan Duvall-Dickson As New Chief Operating Officer

San Rafael, CA - December 12, 2006 – Richard Stone, founder and chief executive officer of Salient Financial Corp., today announced that Susan Duvall-Dickson has been promoted to the newly created position of chief operating officer of the Marin County-based wealth management firm. 

Founded in 1983, Salient was recently named as one of the country’s leading wealth management firms by Worth magazine.

“Since joining our firm in 2005,” said Stone.  “Susan has been instrumental in establishing and directing our client-based initiatives to provide high touch, personalized services in all aspects of our business.  

“Our clients look to us for specific planning and execution to fulfill their needs in wealth preservation, investment strategy and estate planning,” said Stone, “and Susan’s expertise has allowed us to grow while continuing to provide world class wealth management services, combined with institutional-grade investment research and strategies.”

Formerly the firm’s director of operations, Dickson’s new responsibilities include strategic planning for the attainment of short and long term financial goals and overall organizational development to ensure future growth while enhancing its client services.

Dickson has spent more than 20 years in business operations and management.  In addition to holding senior positions at Lockheed-Martin and Heublein Fine Wine Group, she pent several years in the non-profit, educational sector with the De La Salle Institute.  Having also owned and operated two small businesses, she brings an understanding of entrepreneurial enterprises and individuals to the firm.

A resident of Santa Rosa, Dickson holds a BA in human resource management from Dominican University as well as an MBA in strategic leadership from the same school.

Susan previously served on the board of directors of Hidden Valley Lake, one of the largest homeowner’s associations in Northern California.  Her community involvement includes initiatives in breast cancer awareness and fundraising. As a member of the Napa-Sonoma Junior League, she has also been involved in several charitable events to benefit disadvantaged children in the North Bay.

About Salient Financial

Salient Financial is one of the oldest privately-held wealth management firms in the Bay Area.  A 38-year veteran of the investment business, Stone established the company in Marin County in 1983.  Salient currently has nearly $400 million in assets under management and serves a clientele of affluent Northern California investors with a minimum of $2 million to invest.