Early in Darren’s career, he worked as a senior member within Hefren-Tillotson’s Financial Planning Department where he provided in-depth financial analysis and research for thousands of clients before ever sitting down with one of his own.

Much of Darren’s time is spent with hard-working families nearing retirement and those already happily retired. His focus is to provide clients comprehensive financial planning – with an emphasis on wealth management, income planning, and estate planning. 

After joining Hefren-Tillotson, Darren became a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He later obtained the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation, which enables him to further specialize in developing income planning strategies for his clients.  Darren joined Baird as a result of the merger between Hefren-Tillotson and Baird in 2022.

Darren has appeared as a financial expert on CBS (Pittsburgh Today Live) and featured on KDKA AM (“Your Money & You”).  In 2023, Darren was named as a recipient of the InvestmentNews Magazine 40 Under 40 award, acknowledging his leadership in the financial advice field, drive to succeed, and vision for the future.

Before his work as a Financial Advisor, J.R. Kautz worked in Hefren-Tillotson's Financial Planning Department, developing comprehensive financial analyses, and reviewing case studies for over a thousand clients to provide long-term solutions to meet their goals.  Joining Baird in 2022 as a result of the merger with Hefren-Tillotson, he continued to keep a strong focus on financial planning, with additional resources.

J.R. partnered with Darren Hucko, combining their expertise in financial planning, investment management, retirement, and tax planning. This allows them to offer the highest level of financial services and knowledge to a wide variety of clients – including individuals, families, business owners, and professional athletes. He has also been heard as a featured speaker on KDKA radio, offering financial updates, and appeared on CBS (Pittsburgh Today Live) as a financial expert.

J.R. is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), holds his Series 66 and 7 licenses, and is a Licensed Agent for Life, Accident, and Health Insurance. He received his undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, from Waynesburg University, where he also served as a Stover Scholar for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership.

He and his wife, Alexis, reside in Washington County with their two daughters and two dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and driving classic cars.

Ryan Naples spent time as a corporate accountant for a local manufacturing company before jumping into wealth management. He arrived at Hefren-Tillotson as the Assistant Director of Financial Planning, where he reviewed and finalized thousands of financial plans, providing insight in many areas of the financial planning process.  Ryan joined Baird in 2022 as a result of the merger with Hefren-Tillotson and brought his talents to the Hucko Group in 2023.

While having an affinity for tax minimization, Ryan enjoys digging into the minutiae of all areas involved with comprehensive wealth management, taking complex matters and working them into easy-to-understand solutions. His goal is to bring peace of mind to clients, allowing them to focus their energy on their families and passions, rather than their finances.

Ryan is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) and an Enrolled Agent. Enrolled Agents are federally authorized practitioners who specialize in tax matters facing individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, and trusts. They are also empowered by the US Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS for tax issues including audits, collections, and appeals.

Ryan and his wife, Callie, currently reside in Mars. Ryan enjoys reading (fiction and history), golfing, and any time spent outdoors.

Katie Bowers is a Senior Client Specialist with The Hucko Group and has been with Hefren-Tillotson since 2008, prior to joining Baird in October 2022 as a result of the merger.  She has worked in the financial services industry since 2004 and brings a diverse skill set to Baird.  As a vital member of the team, Katie provides a wide range of support and service in all aspects of the client relationship.  

Earning her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Kent State University and graduating Magna Cum Laude, she immediately began working in the finance industry with another large wealth management firm.  After joining Baird, Katie was elected to the Registered Assistant Advisory Council, and served as Co-Chair for 2023, which represents all Client Specialists and Branch Support Associates for Baird’s Private Wealth Management division.  

Katie lives in McDonald with her husband, Scott, and her children.  She serves on the school board of Central Christian Academy and helps with the Children’s Ministry at her church.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Karen Naughton is a Client Assistant with The Hucko Group and started with Hefren-Tillotson in 2018, prior to joining Baird in October 2022, as a result of the merger.  In Karen’s previous role as Office Manager, before joining The Hucko Group, she worked with high volume internal and external client communications, and ongoing service operations.  Karen plays an integral role on the team and provides a high level of administrative support for all clients.  

Karen attended the Community College of Allegheny County, receiving an Associate Degree in Early Education & Child Development.  This background in assistance, education, and care helps her deliver an outstanding experience for clients as they onboard to become a member of the Baird family.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Karen still lives there with her husband, Michael and two dogs.  They have one daughter that graduated from Slippery Rock University.  She enjoys reading, watching Pittsburgh sports teams and spending time with family and friends.