MEET
The Team
RICHARD MUNCASTER, AIF®, LUTCF®
President & CEO
As President and CEO of Muncaster Financial Group, Richard aims to deliver
personalized care and financial expertise as our clients pursue and achieve their unique financial goals. With three decades of experience as a financial advisor, Richard understands the importance of listening to his clients’ financial goals. Richard established Muncaster Financial Group in 2005 after recognizing the public’s desire for a service-based, independent, financial firm. Richard has extensive experience in the financial services industry working with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and upper-level management of successful corporations. He is a Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7, 6, 63), an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 65), Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), holds a Life, Accident and Health (LA&H) license, a Property and Casualty (P&C) license, and numerous industry planning designations.
Passionate about the Upstate of South Carolina, Richard gives back to the Greenville community through his work with Meals on Wheels of Greenville, Greenville Clemson Alumni Club, The Meyer Center For Special Children, the American Heart Association, and the Better Business Bureau of Upstate SC.
He is also a member of the Greenville Country Club and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, through which he completed Opportunity Greenville. Beyond serving his clients and community, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, Sheri, his son, Mills, and step-daughter, Sophia. You may also find him cheering on Clemson University athletics, golfing, snow skiing, visiting family in Florida, spending time at the lake, and traveling.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
- Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7, 6, 63)
- Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 65)
- Named Top 10 Advisor with Organic Growth among Transamerica Financial Advisors
- Graduate of Clemson University – Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a concentration in Financial Management
- LUTCF® (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow)
- LA&H (Life, Accident and Health) License
- P&C (Property and Casualty) License
- St. Francis Forum, Class 20
THOMAS SIMMONS, CPA
Vice President & CFO
Thomas serves as Vice President and CFO at Muncaster Financial Group. His highest priority is to deliver exceptional advice and value to our clients who are diligently seeking to understand their personal circumstances, resources, needs, and goals. Thomas joined Muncaster Financial Group in 2017 after spending three years at Elliott Davis, the Greenville-based public accounting firm. He offers extensive client services such as wealth management, tax planning, estate planning, and philanthropic planning.
A Greer native, Thomas is passionate about the Upstate and is committed to giving back to his community. He serves as Endowment Trustee for Meals on Wheels of Greenville, Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee for Memorial United Methodist Church, Board member for the Greenville Police Foundation, and is an active member of the Greenville Estate Planning Council.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7)
- Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 66)
- Certified Public Accountant (SC #9123)
- LA&H (Life, Accident and Health) Insurance License
- Master of Professional Accountancy, with a Concentration in Taxation – Clemson University
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance – Wofford College
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting – Wofford College
- Three-year letterman wide receiver for the Wofford Terriers
- Member of the Southern Conference Academic All Conference Team
- St. Francis Forum, Class 21
- Greenville Business Magazine’s Best & Brightest 35 and Under, Class of 2022
Tricia Smith, AIF®
Retirement Plan Specialist
Tricia serves as our Retirement Plan Specialist, with the goal of creating effective retirement plans to protect clients’ wealth. Her expertise in optimizing plan designs and implementing proactive solutions provides sound guidance. Tricia also brings more than 30 years of financial services and retirement plan experience to the Muncaster team. Prior to joining Muncaster Financial Group, Tricia worked with 401(k) plans across an extensive and varied book of business.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, she is a Carolina girl through and through. Outside of the office, Tricia enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. As a former competitive swimmer, Division I coach, and current gym enthusiast, she exudes dedication and determination to all of her endeavors, both personal and professional.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
- Series 7 Securities License, Series 66 Uniform Combines State Law Exam for Investment
- Advisor Representatives Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics – Davidson College
Bryan Newton
Private Wealth Associate
Bryan joined the Muncaster Financial Group team in 2022 and serves as a Private Wealth Associate at the firm. Bryan works with firm clients by designing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive financial plans for business owners, individuals, and families. Bryan has been in the financial/investment industry since 2014. His career started as an Insurance Agent with Mutual of Omaha, then as a Financial Representative with New York Life. During this time, he specialized in working with clients and their families on insurance and retirement income planning.
Starting in 2017, Bryan transitioned to the commercial real estate industry with RealtyLink as an Investor Relations Manager. In this position, Bryan worked closely with individuals and institutions nationwide looking for commercial real estate investment opportunities. He would pursue new investors for real estate development projects and maintain those relationships through the lifespan of the investment process.
Bryan graduated from Lander University in 2010 earning a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. At Lander, he was a member of the Men’s Golf Team. He currently lives in Greenville, SC, and has two sons, Wells and Wyatt. When not serving clients, Bryan enjoys playing competitive golf and swimming. He also coaches the Master’s Swim program at the Caine Halter Family YMCA.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7)
- Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 66)
- LA&H (Life, Accident and Health) Insurance License
- GSA’s Forty Under 40, Class of 2023
Sheri Muncaster
Business Development Specialist
As the Business Development Specialist, Sheri brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her background spans from business development in the higher education space to interior design and consulting, as well as planning company events to inspire and promote relationship building. She’s a Greenville native and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, go on neighborhood walks and bike rides, support local nonprofits, and travel. She’s always excited to take on new challenges.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood – University of South Carolina
Debbie Brown
Administrative Associate
Debbie fulfills the role of Administrative Associate, working alongside our financial executives as they deliver first-class customer service. Her role is key in performing administrative duties for clients while keeping the team on track with her attention to detail. With a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina, Debbie brings over a decade of experience in the financial services industry to the Muncaster team. Her background and education make her an impressive and comprehensive resource, and her communication and adaptive skills allow her to navigate the complex nature of the wealth management and insurance business while always keeping our clients’ welfare as her top priority.
Debbie was born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina. She and her husband, Jim, reside in Downtown Greenville, enjoying all of the amenities offered by the location, including easy access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Debbie enjoys being active and going to the beach with her two grandchildren.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) – University of South Carolina
James Wells
Private Wealth Associate
James serves as a Private Wealth Associate at Muncaster Financial Group. His highest priority is supporting the day-to-day operations of the firm as well as assisting both our Private Wealth Advisors and our Retirement Plan Specialists with their needs. James is a native of Chapin, SC and a recent graduate of Wofford College where he majored in Business Economics and minored in both Accounting and Finance. During his time at Wofford, he was a member of the football team and was part of the 2019 SOCON Championship Team that played in the FCS Playoffs.
During his final semester at Wofford, he began interning with Muncaster Financial Group then joined the team full-time in June 2023 after graduation. James is currently furthering his education at North Greenville University where he’s pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. While at NGU, James will be finishing out his NCAA football eligibility as a linebacker for the Crusaders. James looks forward to utilizing his Wofford and NGU connections to become more involved in the Greenville community.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Economics – Wofford College
- Three-time member of the Southern Conference All-Academic Team
- Member of the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team
Claudia Roe
Marketing Coordinator
Claudia Roe serves as the Marketing Coordinator for Muncaster Financial Group. Her primary goal is to foster strong connections with clients and further elevate MFG’s brand presence. A native of Anderson, SC, Claudia is a graduate of Furman University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Strategic Design at Furman, with a concentration in Marketing. Through her graduate program, Claudia is deepening her expertise in graphic design and brand strategy, complementing her robust business background.
During her time at Furman, Claudia served in numerous leadership positions. She was selected as an Admissions Ambassador where she had the opportunity to guide prospective students and families through campus tours and events. This would lead her to her social media internship with Furman where she was able to hone her content creation skills. Claudia also served on the executive board of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and as Vice President of the Investment Club where she created a vibrant network for students interested in investing. Claudia looks forward to integrating her creative and strategic skills to drive Muncaster Financial Group forward and create meaningful client relationships.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Furman University
