Richmond, VA

After graduating from James Madison University in 2025, I joined Financial Growth Partners in July with a simple belief: financial strategies should help you live well now and still be proud of where you’re headed. I spent my early childhood in Wiesbaden, Germany, and that background shaped how I connect with people by staying grounded, open-minded, and focused on what truly matters.

Today, I work primarily with young families and small consulting and private business owners. My goal is to help you build a plan that supports the life you want in the short term while creating real stability and momentum for the long term, so you do not have to choose between enjoying today and being set up for tomorrow.

I have been passionate about finance for as long as I can remember. Even in elementary school, while other kids dreamed of being firefighters or superheroes, I wanted to be an entrepreneur and build something meaningful. That same drive still fuels me, but what fulfills me most now is helping others. I am known for being relentlessly driven, highly relatable, and a natural mentor, and I take pride in making complex financial decisions feel clear, practical, and achievable.

Outside of work, I volunteer as a local soccer coach and genuinely love the kids I coach. I also enjoy weightlifting and stay active through a local running club.

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Brittany Manna is a financial professional with Financial Growth Partners, serving clients from Richmond, Virginia. A former elementary school teacher of 11 years, she brings the same patience, clarity, and heart she had in the classroom to the families and small business owners she works with today. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!), Brittany is known for creating a judgment-free space where you can ask real questions and make confident, informed decisions about your money.

Brittany’s own story is what drew her into this work. A few years ago, she found herself looking for someone at FGP who could guide her family through important financial decisions. That experience opened her eyes to how powerful the right guidance can be, and it ultimately inspired her to help others turn their financial and personal dreams into reality. She loves getting to know each client’s unique circumstances and tailoring strategies that support both their current life and long-term vision.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Brittany crocheting or spending quality time with her husband, Michael, and their two children, Saverio and Giavanna. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to bring more intention and structure to your financial world, Brittany is passionate about walking alongside you, step by step.

I’m proud to call Richmond, VA, my home, where I’m committed to making a difference in my community. My journey into the financial industry has been shaped by a passion for learning, teaching, and applying financial knowledge in ways that can benefit others. My hands-on experience in the financial sector has been invaluable, providing me with the skills and insights necessary to empower those around me.

My goal is to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions, creating lasting impact and confidence. I specialize in building connections and tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

I joined FGP because of its commitment to integrity and client-centered service, which aligns with my own values of education and empowerment.

Devon Cury is the Director of Advanced Planning for FGP/SASTA Financial Group, with more than 25 years of experience in wealth management, investment management, and risk management.

He specializes in working with business owners and executives on strategies to reward, retain, and recruit top talent. Strategies for executive benefits include:

• executive bonuses 
• retention bonuses 
• supplemental executive retirement plans
• non-qualified deferred compensation 
• phantom stocks
• salary deferrals
• supplemental multi-life plans

Devon aligns with leading financial professionals within FGP's business strategies group.

He has held executive leadership roles at Advancement Concepts and AXA Advisors. 

Devon has completed the Retirement Specialist Certification from the Wharton Business School and holds the Certified Advisor of Philanthropy designation. He has served as on the Executive Advisory Council of the Robins Business School at the University of Richmond and as chairman of the Catholic Diocese Planned Giving Council.

Additionally, he has the series 6, 7, 24, 53, 63 and 65 securities designations as well as his Life, Health and Annuity licenses. 

Financial Growth Partners and SASTA Financial Group is a financial services firm in the Mid-Atlantic region with offices in Delaware, Baltimore, Annapolis, Bethesda, Reston, and Virginia Beach. It offers comprehensive advisory services, retirement plans, consulting services, and group benefits.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian.

Graham Emison is a Managing Director at Financial Growth Partners, based in Richmond, VA, where he leverages his eight years of industry experience to help individuals and businesses plan for a financially confident future. With a background in Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Graham specializes in guiding small businesses, young families, and professionals in the medical field toward long-term financial stability.

Passionate about the power of saving early, preparing for unexpected challenges, and navigating life’s financial complexities, Graham is driven to help his clients take control of their financial futures. He believes that everyone deserves a roadmap for financial success, and that’s what motivates his work every day. Beyond his professional pursuits, Graham enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with his dog, and is dedicated to growing the Richmond office at FGP by expanding its reach and impact within the local community.

Graham joined FGP because of the firm’s strong values and its commitment to making a real difference in the lives of its clients. With a focus on clear communication and building strong relationships, he’s eager to continue impacting the financial well-being of the Richmond area while growing professionally alongside a supportive and dynamic team.

John 'Graham' Emison is a Financial Representative of Guardian.

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Financial Representative of Guardian. CA Insurance License #4322747.

My goal is to change the landscape of my community in the greater Richmond area by making sure everyone has the information they need to make solid decisions that will build financial wealth for years to come. I want everyone to get the equal opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their desired goals.

When I was young, I lost my father and our family’s financial representative demonstrated to me how to be a good financial professional and how important it was for our family to have one. The things he helped my family put in place were lifesaving. I want to help others protect their family and grow wealth.

When I’m not working with clients to help build their wealth, I enjoy playing golf. I also am a certified business coach and teacher and a motivational speaker¹. 

 Financial Representative of Guardian^{® 1}Guardian and its subsidiaries do not endorse or have any direct or indirect responsibility with respect to this activity.

Kevin's business philosophy is to provide families and business owners with assistance in building their financial confidence, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.  His personal goal is to be a lifelong resource for every client, guiding them financially, spiritually, and emotionally through the many challenges we face at some point in our lives.

Professionally, Kevin is experienced in fixed and variable products and holds his life, health, and annuity licenses, as well as FINRA Series 6 and 63.   He has helped Pastors, churches, business owners, and families achieve financial success by focusing on many areas of this industry.  These areas include Clergy compensation strategies, charitable giving strategies, and providing overall value to businesses and individuals.  He is known for his empowering workshops that cover ways to find financial success.

Kevin Ridley works to become a lifetime resource for each and every client. Kevin's areas of focus include: Charitable Giving Strategies, Clergy Compensation Strategies, Estate Conservation Strategies, Education Funding Strategies, 401(k)/Rollovers, Long-Term Care Insurance, Mortgage Protection, Pension Payout Alternatives, Pension Transfer/Rollovers, Mutual Funds, Tax Sheltered Annuities, 403(b) Plans, Term Insurance, Variable Universal Life Insurance, Whole Life Insurance, Universal Life
Insurance. Kevin is licensed to sell Life & Health Insurance and registered to offer securities products in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Texas. He is also a Co-founder of the Lion’s Judah mentoring program at St. Paul’s Baptist Church and a Board member for The PICF Unique Resource Center and the ECPI Advisory. In his free time, Kevin enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, and traveling

Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian.

Matt Miller is a Financial Representative who brings a deep background in accounting, financial analysis, and business management to the people he serves. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a Master of Science in Accounting, and an MBA in Executive Leadership from James Madison University. His professional experience includes public accounting, auditing, tax preparation, cost and manufacturing accounting, and serving in controller and management accounting roles.

Matt works primarily with business owners and established professionals, helping them bring greater intention and clarity to their financial lives. Drawing on his experience in budgeting and forecasting, he helps clients better understand how today’s decisions can support their long-term goals, including the transition from accumulating wealth to creating a thoughtful distribution strategy. He became a financial professional to build meaningful relationships, help people move forward with confidence, and create an independent, entrepreneurial practice centered on service.

A lifelong resident of Bridgewater, Virginia, Matt joined Financial Growth Partners because its values closely reflect his own and because the support within the firm felt genuine. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and, most importantly, striving to be the best dad he can be.

Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. FINANCIAL GROWTH PARTNERS is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Guardian.

Originally from Mississippi, I come from a family with a deep-rooted history in financial services. My career began in 1990 with a focus on employee benefits before evolving into a broader practice centered on holistic financial planning and wealth management. Throughout my journey, I have held various management roles in both internal and external corporate environments before transitioning into a client-facing position, where I can help impact the financial well-being of individuals and families.

In my current role, I work closely with clients and prospective clients, guiding them through key areas such as worksite financial education, retirement distribution planning, tax planning, investment strategies, and financial protection planning. I hold multiple industry licenses, including the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 securities registrations, allowing me to provide comprehensive financial solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

I earned my degree in Political Science from Mississippi State University, with minors in History and Marketing. Outside of my professional life, I have a passion for competitive BBQ competitions and college football. Most importantly, I cherish time spent with my family—my wife, Eliane who is studying to become a large animal Veterinarian; and two children: a 19-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter with special needs.

Who Robert Works With

Robert Penn works with pre-retirees, retirees, families, and young professionals throughout Lynchburg, Roanoke, and surrounding Virginia communities who are looking to create greater clarity and confidence around their financial future. He is passionate about helping clients establish strong financial foundations while developing long-term strategies focused on retirement income, tax-efficient planning, estate strategies, and wealth preservation.

Areas of Focus

Robert specializes in fee-based financial planning, retirement income strategies, tax and estate planning strategies, and permanent life insurance plan design focused on maximizing long-term cash value potential. He works closely with individuals and families preparing for retirement who want a more personalized approach to creating sustainable income, protecting what they have built, and planning for future generations.

Whether clients are just beginning their financial journey or preparing for the transition into retirement, Robert focuses on creating thoughtful strategies designed around each person’s goals, lifestyle, and long-term vision for the future.

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Currently a part of the military. Air National Guard. I'm originally from East Orange, New Jersey. Live in Orange, Virginia now. I became a Relationship Development Associate to help others turn financial talk into an easy topic. Because when I was 24, I knew what it felt like to work on my finances alone, even though I knew nothing about it. And then meeting an advisor who helped me turn my finances into an easy topic showed me that someone out there, who may or may not know you, cares enough to help you get your money under control. I joined FGP because adding value to people's financial lives is great, but doing it with an organization that treats its clients like family is even better.

My niche revealed itself in the people I kept meeting—the parent racing home for family dinner, the veteran with quiet strength, the entrepreneur building something from nothing, the gamer who sees life as strategy, and the medical professional holding chaos together.

Different lives, same mission: to build a future without losing the moments that matter. So I stepped in—helping them turn rewards into real value, tighten up insurance, and invest with intention.

And outside the work? I’m living the same values—traveling with my family, exploring new places, and gaming when the world finally quiets down.

My mission stays simple: deliver clear, veteran‑honed strategies rooted in integrity, empathy, and results, so you can move toward your goals with confidence—and still have time for the life you’re building.

Steve Atkinson is the Director of Talent Acquisition, Charlottesville | College Recruiting Director at FGP. With a background in college football coaching, athletic administration, and leadership development, he brings a relationship-driven approach to recruiting and mentoring future leaders in financial services.

Steve earned a BS in Business Administration and an MS in Sport Administration. He was also part of the Richmond Spiders Division I National Championship program, which helped shape his team-first mindset and leadership style.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Steve now resides in Charlottesville with his wife Pam and their English Labs, Ozzy and Angus. He is also the proud father of two young adult children, Tori and Zak. Family is the foundation of everything he does.

Driven by a “give first” mentality, Steve is passionate about helping others grow through leadership, accountability, and personal development. His passion is helping, coaching, and teaching others to become strong, independent, and productive leaders.

Outside of work, he enjoys Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, motorcycles, weightlifting, and golf.

What drew Steve to FGP was the firm’s relationship-first culture and leadership built on integrity and accountability, where the mission and values are lived out daily through service to both the team and clients.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian.  CA Insurance License Number 4076505