Our Leadership Team
Richard L. Allen
Executive Vice President
As the Executive Vice Present of the Jacksonville Branch, Richard Allen leads and mentors a group of over 50 financial professionals. These represent some of the most passionate, hardest working financial professionals in the business. They love what they do and work tirelessly to help clients plan for tomorrow by taking small, manageable steps today. The Jacksonville branch has won multiple President trophies including 2015 and the one most recently won ranking the Jacksonville branch #4 nationally in 2020.
Richard began his career with AXA Advisors LLC in 2003, AXA Advisors, LLC was rebranded to Equitable Advisors in January 2020, and built a thriving personal practice in Orlando, FL and served as a leading Vice President for the Central Florida Branch before being promoted to his current role in Jacksonville. Richard is proud to have served on the Central Florida leadership team, helped Central Florida to President Trophies in 2018 and 2020, and was recognized as the #1 ranked Vice President of the Retirement Benefits Group division of the Equitable Advisors in 2020.
Richard is heavily involved in the community and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He is also a proud academic scholarship recipient and graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife, Elonda, and son Roman.
Securities offered through Equitable Advisors (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offered through Equitable Advisors, an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Annuity and insurance products offered through Equitable Network, LLC.
Dan Wohlgemuth
Sr. Branch Operations Manager
Dan has been with Equitable Advisors since 2008. In his current role as Sr. Branch Operations Manager, he has numerous responsibilities which include the day to day management and operations of the Jacksonville Branch which encompasses locations in the South Carolina, Georgia, and North Florida. He acts as a strategic partner to the Regional Executive Vice President in the guidance and direction of the branch. He is also responsible for managing the Profit & Loss of the branch.
Dan lives in beautiful Neptune Beach, Florida with his wife Edi and their five children.
Lisa Evans
Branch Controls Manager
Lisa has been with Equitable Advisors since January 2014, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. In her current role as Branch Controls Manager, she has numerous responsibilities which include Supervision, Risk Management, and Training of the Jacksonville Branch Financial Professionals. She works in partnership with the Regional Executive Vice President and Sr. Operations Manager to ensure compliance and mitigate risk in our branch to help protect our clients, Financial Professionals, and our firm.
Grant McMahon
Regional Vice President
Grant McMahon’s well-rounded academic background and experience are the foundation of his focus in financial planning and advising. Combined with high ethical standards and a deep understanding of his clients’ needs, he provides comfort and understanding to the businesses and individuals he serves.
After graduating from the University of North Florida with two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration – finance and economics – he earned the title Qualified Plan Specialist. A valuable designation held by very few professionals in the central Florida area, this specialization in 401(k) plans allows Grant to help businesses and individuals reach their future financial goals with personalized, face-to-face service.
As a manager, his mission is to hire, train and develop individuals based on their qualifications, without discrimination - a philosophy that has always been a fabric of our company. Equitable Advisors’ financial professionals may come from a variety of backgrounds but they all share several important characteristics: they are results-driven, highly motivated professionals who have the desire to help others grow and protect their financial futures. They are team players, coachable, possess excellent interpersonal relationship skills and communication abilities, and have a high degree of self-confidence.
Grant resides with his wife, Taylor, in Ocala, FL with their 3 beautiful daughters and are active members of the Church at The Springs.
Our Team Members
Brenda Holland
New Business Specialist
Brenda has been with Equitable Advisors since 1974 when she joined under Equitable. She processes all of our new business and policy assignments. Brenda’s product knowledge serves as a great resource and support to our advisors. She is our customer relationship manager ensuring client needs are met. Brenda manages procurement for both product and office materials as well as technology support for the branch.
Denise DeOsca
EVP Assistant, Licensing and Hiring Coordinator
Denise has been with Equitable Advisors since 1990 when she joined under Equitable. She serves dual roles as executive assistant and licensing coordinator. As direct assistant to our branch manager, Denise collaborates to create marketing pieces and communications for our firm. With her knowledge of both State and FINRA licensing requirements, she guides our advisors through the registration and appointment process.
Jonikka Gaines
Senior Associate, Branch Support 
Jonikka joined Equitable Advisors in 2011 in the roles of receptionist and administrative assistant. She is the face and voice of the branch by welcoming visitors and receiving incoming calls. Jonikka also supports recruiting by coordinating interviews and processing onboarding paperwork for new candidates. She serves as social media administrator ensuring global brand in our web presence. Jonikka is a graduate of the University of West Florida with a degree in Music Education.