Eliminating Paperwork
Since 2002

Kevin J. Armstrong is a financial services executive, securities attorney, and board member with significant experience in developing and implementing strategies directed to build market share and sustainable growth, while anticipating, managing, and reducing areas of legal and regulatory risk.

Kevin is currently a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence on the faculty of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where he mentors students about the role of in-house counsel in asset managers and broker dealers and he lectures on topics including transformative technologies: blockchain, bitcoin, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Previously, he was Executive Compliance Director and Chief Compliance Officer for Ally Invest Group, Inc. where he was responsible for leading internal processes promoting and ensuring Ally’s compliance with laws impacting its digital investment adviser and bank affiliated broker-dealer with a focus on the overall reduction of financial, legal, and technology risks.

Prior to joining Ally, Kevin was General Counsel at DST Brokerage Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of DST Systems, Inc., a provider of advisory, information technology and operations outsourcing to the financial services and healthcare industries. From 2014 through the company’s sale in 2018, he directed the legal strategy and policy for the company and its affiliate, DST Market Services, providing legal and business advice on a wide range of matters including corporate governance, securities regulation and competition issues. In this role, Kevin also worked with policymakers, leaders of government and industry councils and lobbyists to influence public policy, monitor government initiatives and advocate for specific plans to advance the company’s objectives.

Kevin is a community leader and serves on boards in Minneapolis including on the Governance Committee at MinnPost, a nonprofit, nonpartisan enterprise whose mission is to provide high-quality journalism for people who care about Minnesota. Kevin also serves on the Board of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, enlisting the private bar’s leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity.

Kevin was named to the Savoy Magazines’ 2018 list of the nations “Most Influential Black Lawyers,” and in 2013, he received a CUP Catalyst: Change Agent award from the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP). Kevin earned his JD degree from Rutgers School of Law and his BS degree in Management from Rutgers University. Kevin is admitted to practice law in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and before the United States Supreme Court. Kevin holds Series 4, 7, 9, 10, 24, 63 and 65 securities licenses. He is an active member of the SIFMA Legal & Compliance Society, Small and Mid-Cap Companies Committee at the Society for Corporate Governance, National Bar Association, and the Minnesota Chapter of Association of Corporation Counsel.

Christina Cavalli serves as Vice President and Chief Human Reource Officer at Docupace.

Christina leads Human Capital Strategy at Docupace reinforcing strong company culture in talent acquisitions, employee experience, and engagement programs and implementing reward and talent management strategies that support Docupace’s continued growth, innovation, and achievement of business goals and objectives.

With more than 20 years of experience in Human Capital Management, Christina has been driven to serve employees and leaders alike, helping them think through changes, working with them to move their business forward with a strong sense of collaboration, strategic vision, and alignment. She believes in continually challenging conventions to find alternatives that may work better, reach farther, and drive more success.

Before joining Docupace in 2016, Christina led Human Resources for seven years at the XPRIZE Foundation, where she was responsible for all aspects of Human Resources, including creating programs and practices that elevated the employee experience. Christina’s earlier career focused on recruitment and talent acquisitions, where she worked closely with Executives and Management to build out and solve unique staffing solutions at 20th Century Fox, Ultimate Staffing, and Kforce.

Christina is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management and has achieved designation as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) as well as her certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Human Resource Certification Institute. Christina holds a BA degree in Sociology from Sonoma State University and her Certificate in HR Management from UCLA Extension.

With over 20 years in advanced technology, Judie’s experience spans Human Resources, Legal and Admin, to currently serving as Vice President of  Operations at Docupace.

Judie has supported executive teams through a variety of growth cycles, from early-stage startups to publicly traded international companies. Prior to joining Docupace, she served as VP of Corporate Services for a global digital media technology company. It was there that, in partnership with the executive team, she designed an acquisition strategy that led to the purchase of a division of a multi-billion dollar, publicly-traded company.

Judie believes that a deep understanding of the products and business is critical to identifying efficiencies throughout the organization and thrives on working with cross-functional teams to implement the best solutions.

Judie holds a BA in Communications from the University of Southern California.

Joel Friedman serves as the Chief Customer Officer (CCO) at Docupace.

As a member of the executive team, Joel works closely with all the teams directly supporting Docupace’s customers, including Professional Services, Support, and Education. Joel also manages Docupace’s Transition Assistant organization. A customer-first executive since joining Docupace in 2005, Joel has held a variety of roles at the company while maintaining one driven focus: Customer advocacy. Under Joel’s leadership, the CCO organization leads Docupace’s customer strategy and programs with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction (“Raving Fans”) and retention.

Prior to joining Docupace, Joel spent considerable time in various positions focused on business development within various technology companies both domestically and internationally, including Exigen, Genesys/Alcatel, and Nortel Networks Latin America.

Joel earned his Master’s in Global Management from Thunderbird and Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations at Emory University.

Ryan George is the Chief Marketing Officer at Docupace. He is responsible for the company’s brand awareness, early-stage sales pipeline, content strategies, customer and industry insights, internal and external communications, design, and events. As a member of the senior executive committee, Ryan collaborates with key stakeholders across Docupace to support the company’s growth, retention, and profitability objectives.

Ryan was previously the Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications at 1st Global, where he was responsible for executing growth, sales, and marketing strategies and leading his team in promoting the 1st Global brand through effective and efficient communication to employees, the community, and those in the financial services industry. He has also held marketing leadership positions at specialized asset managers – GuideStone Capital Management, based in Dallas, and U.S. Global Investors in San Antonio.

George actively engages in leadership roles in both the financial services and marketing communications communities. He currently serves as chair of the Financial Services Institute’s Marketing, Growth, and Development Council, comprised of high-level sales, marketing, and business development executives from across the industry. George is also a member of the Forbes Communications Council, an invitation-only, fee-based organization of senior-level communications and public relations executives.

He’s spoken at the PR News Media Relations Conference, FSI OneVoice, FinCon, and Social Media Summit presented by PR News, and been quoted by ThinkAdvisor, The Wall Street Journal, Marketwatch, CPA Practice Advisor, Accounting Today, and other leading publications.

Ryan, a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, is passionate about the power of sound financial planning and the pursuit of a purpose-driven career. He enjoys connecting the work others do with how it serves to meet the needs of others daily.

David Knoch is an accomplished leader and financial services executive with more than 20 years of experience in the financial advice industry.

David most recently served as president of 1st Global, a premier research and consulting partner to select CPA, wealth management and tax planning firms. David set the strategic direction for the company, was the architect of its award-winning culture and drove revenues to nearly $200 million during his 11 years as president. His tenure ended with the $180 million sale of the firm to an industry peer in 2019.

David’s purpose is to challenge others to create and lead purposeful lives; and he leads by example. He has previously provided expert testimony before Congress, been featured in the Wall Street Journal and has been voted one of the 25 most influential people in the Investment Advisory industry two years in a row, for 2018 and 2019. David was also recognized as one of the Class of 2021 LUMINARIES for Executive Leadership, a program which shines a spotlight on how the top-performing industry participants are producing meaningful results in the areas that matter most to advisors, rather than emphasizing asset levels, rankings, or the latest industry buzz.

David currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Financial Services Institute (FSI) Board of Directors. David also serves as Chair of the North Texas Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). David serves on the advisory board of the Dallas Chapter of Conscious Capitalism. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst℠ professional.

Kevin Laraia is a member of the Docupace executive team, serving as the EVP – Enterprise Sales. An experienced leader, Kevin served six years as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and spent over 25 years in the financial services industry.

Kevin joined Docupace in 2014 and has served in several executive roles, including COO. In his current role, Kevin works closely with our key clients and help new clients with Docupace solutions.

Prior to joining Docupace, Kevin was the Chief Operating Officer at Cetera Financial Group and the ING Advisors Network and was a Docupace client for over ten years. He understands the challenges broker-dealers and RIAs face and knows firsthand the value Docupace brings to our clients.

Kevin holds a B.S. in engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and an M.S. in Meteorology from Texas A&M University,

Liz Pavlik is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Docupace.

Liz joined Docupace in 2014, bringing over 15 years of experience of Insurance and Securities to the team. Hired as the Director of PMO, she was instrumental in establishing the company’s PMO best practices and methodologies. As SVP of Strategic Initiatives, Liz is now primarily focused on Product Innovation in Client Onboarding and the new account opening process, as well as contributing to the overall growth and strategy of the Docupace Platform.

Liz began her technical career as a developer at New York Life’s AARP division in Tampa, FL. Over her tenure at NYL, she held roles such as Senior Developer, Senior Project Manager, and Director of Data Warehousing/Business Intelligence. Liz joined National Life in 2006 as the Director of Technology for their broker-dealer, Equity Services Incorporated. Under Liz’s leadership, ESI transformed its operational landscape by implementing a comprehensive platform consisting of commission processing, back-office books and records, consolidated statements, and reporting, as well as Client Onboarding and Document Management.

Liz’s depth of experience from a business perspective, as well as her technical background, bring a unique and invaluable expertise to both Clients and Docupace team members alike.

Born and raised in the Soviet Union, Mr. Pinsker immigrated to the United States in 1991, where he used his talent to earn a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from UCLA.

Mr. Pinsker started his career in Information Technology (“IT”) more than 28 years ago with Datamax Technologies, an early software pioneer in an IT field labeled “Document Imaging and Workflow Management.”  Michael remains even today the preeminent software expert in that field.

Subsequent to the work at Datamax, Mr. Pinsker spent additional time with both Unisys and Paramount Pictures, broadening his understanding of how F-500 companies are organized while continuing to develop innovative software. These prior business experiences prompted Michael to start MPDN International, a consulting company in 1997 that specialized in complex enterprise-grade implementations of workflow and imaging systems for insurance companies and government agencies.

In 2002 Mr. Pinsker founded Docupace Technologies with the goal of bringing a SaaS transaction management platform to the market.  As a founder CEO, Mr. Pinsker focused Docupace on the needs of the Financial Services Industry. He led the company through a significant growth period from 2002 to 2020, including successful completion of several financing transactions and a management buyout, until assuming the role of Founder and President and Board Member.  Mr. Pinsker works closely with the executive team and the board to lead the company’s technology, partnership, and strategic initiatives as well as works hand in hand with the CEO to advance the growth objectives of the business.

In addition to over 30 years of experience in technology and business, 16 years of experience in Financial Services, Mr. Pinsker enhanced his knowledge in cybersecurity and holds certifications from American Board of Certification in Homeland Security in Sensitive Security Information (SII/DHS), Certified Information Assurance (CIA/DHS) and Cyber Warfare (CW TTPs/DHS).

Richard Thoeny serves as the Vice President of Product Management and Product Development.

He is a visionary executive leader with a proven record of achievement demonstrated by progressively responsible positions in financial services operations and technology, business development and product management.

Richard’s career spans 30+ years all within financial services either running and managing brokerage and clearing firms or developing product for financial services. Prior to joining Docupace as Vice President of Product Management in 2014, Richard held positions including  SVP of Product Management at Fetter Logic, the custom development arm catering to Fidelity Investments; SVP of Operations for Axos Clearing, a correspondent clearing firm servicing more than 80 broker-dealers; VP of Product Management with Talisys Software Systems, an enterprise brokerage software development company where he was the director of five divisions, executive board member and founding member of both the product and technical vision strategy groups.

Before joining Talisys, Richard co-founded HybridTrading, a premier financial services firm specializing in both discount brokerage and advisory services. Richard has extensive industry and technical experience beginning his career at Microsoft in 1991 then joining Bidwell & Company, a self-clearing national broker-dealer, in 1994 where he held many positions during his tenure until becoming VP of Operations.

Richard graduated from Gonzaga University with a B.A. in Finance, was an equities and options trader and held FINRA licenses 4, 6, 7, 24, and 63 and currently holds Department of Homeland Security cyber security certifications CIA, CW TTP’s 1 and SSI.

Ron Wallis serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Docupace, helping clients harness the power of technology.

Ron, within Docupace, leads initiatives, oversees development capacity, and advocates for technologies that empower our clients to do more by fully leveraging the Docupace Platform. It is his goal to provide technology that makes a real, meaningful difference in the lives of the people that use the Docupace platform from occasional usage to every moment of their working day.

Ron brings to Docupace seasoned technology leader with over three decades of experience, developing leading technologies for companies including IBM, McDonald Corporation, and of course, all of the impressive list of companies that Docupace is proud to call partners and clients. Prior to joining Docupace, Ron early on was recognized as a leader in design and architecture, where he served as the head architect for a new initiative at McDonald’s Corporation, brought on specifically to create a global financial accounting system to serve all of the countries outside of the US. He then went on to co-found a company that focused on providing a technology platform with a transactional focus for CRM and customer support through workflow optimization and extensive enterprise-level integration. Before coming to Docupace in 2007, Ron merged this company, Hunt Group, with Datamax to form Exigen along with the founders of Genesys Labs.

Gregory Wilson is a United States Air Force veteran and the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Docupace.

Prior to joining Docupace, Wilson served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Pioneer Natural Resources and was the Head of Information Security at 1st Global.  Wilson led the IT Compliance and Security function at TPG Capital and the IT Compliance and Security group at Lehigh Hanson.

Wilson serves as an Advisor for Menlo Ventures, YL and Vation Ventures and on EveryIncome, LLC corporate Advisory Boards and Dallas Innovation Advisory Council.  Wilson also serves on several professional and community boards, including Dallas CISO Executive Committee and SecureWorld Dallas.

Wilson graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Oklahoma.  Wilson holds a certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School cyber security executive program and holds the CISSP, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE, PSM and PMP certifications as well as his Series 7, 24 and 66.