Ryan S. Elkins, MBA, CFP®, CWS®

Vice President & Financial Advisor

Ryan Elkins is a financial advisor and advocates for higher education professionals and retired military seeking to reach their financial goals. Instead of focusing on trends, he coordinates the financial planning process for his clients by centering on their individual, specific circumstances and financial future.

With a strong familial and personal connection to the military, Ryan utilizes his experience in the Army to connect with retired military personnel and those who can relate to similar circumstances, such as university professionals. Because retirement is a personal decision, Ryan believes in helping clients understand what effect salary, length of service and university-sponsored benefit plans have on their specific goals. In both cases, academia and retired military, Ryan prioritizes cross-generational planning because he understands how things can go awry.

Professional Career & Education

Ryan began his financial planning career in 2004 and prior to joining Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group, LLC, he spent 10 years providing financial planning services for the military and their families at USAA. In 2019, Ryan moved from the broker-dealer side of the business to become an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) at Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group, LLC. Today, he leverages their resources to help his clients plan, build, protect and manage their financial security.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Ryan adheres to a professional code of ethics and fulfills annual continuing education requirements to remain aware of current planning strategies and financial trends. Additionally, he is a Certified Wealth Strategist® equipped with the competency to address the specific wealth management issues facing high-net-worth individuals. A graduate of the University of Maryland European Division, Ryan received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration in 2004. More recently, he received a Master of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

Personal Life

Ryan moved to San Antonio roughly 12 years ago and today, he and his wife of 20 years reside in Helotes with their two children. Ryan and his family love the local culture, traditions and family events that San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country have to offer. When they aren't enjoying these, they can be found basking in the great outdoors while biking, hiking, swimming or camping.

Kristin (Kay) A. Bernal

Client Associate

Kay began her career in the financial services industry in 2016 with Merrill Lynch. By the time she joined Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group, LLC, she was an experienced client associate able to provide quality customer service. As your primary contact on our team, she is responsible for processing requests and account administration.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Kay is proud to be part of a multi-generational San Antonio family. When she’s not taking great care of our clients, she enjoys traveling, hunting, golfing, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Juan Morales

Client Associate

Juan works with Kay to ensure that our clients receive excellent service. He helps with opening and servicing accounts and supports Kay on an as-needed basis.

Born and raised in Texas, Juan grew up in Odessa but recently moved to San Antonio to pursue a career in the financial services industry. He holds a BBA in marketing from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and has prior experience in fast-paced roles having worked for both a startup company in the tech industry and an internship in politics.

During his free time, Juan enjoys traveling, technology and sports, but most of all spending time with family and friends.

Staff Planning Department

Alongside the dedication of his staff, Ryan works closely with the staff planning department at Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group, LLC. In addition to helping their advisor create, monitor and maintain client financial plans, the staff planners are charged with maintaining the ever-changing financial planning environment.