Veteran Financial Advisor Ogard Joins Baird

Firm Continues Colorado Expansion

Veteran Denver area financial advisor Karen Ogard, CFP, CIMA, has joined Baird as a Senior Vice President in the firm’s Private Wealth Management business. Ogard and her team of two additional professionals, Kim Church, AAMS, and Veronica Manary, both Registered Client Relationship Associates, are working from Baird’s new Denver wealth management office in Cherry Creek at 100 Fillmore Street, 5th Floor.

The addition of Ogard and her team demonstrates Baird’s continued expansion in and commitment to the Colorado market. The international, employee-owned wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm opened a public finance office in Denver in April. Baird also operates a wealth management office in Boulder and has an equity research presence in Denver.

“We are very pleased to welcome Karen and her team to Baird and continue our expansion in Colorado,” said Michael J. Schroeder, Director of Private Wealth Management. “This strategic addition of talent, combined with our new wealth management presence in the Denver area, will complement Baird’s current operations in the region.”

A 26-year industry professional, Ogard previously worked as a Managing Director and Investment Officer for Wells Fargo Advisors and its legacy firm AG Edwards. She has been recognized by Barron’s as one of the “Top 100 Women Financial Advisers.”

“Karen is a vetera¬n when it comes to serving the financial needs of high-net-worth families and individuals,” said Steve Binder, Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Management Director of the Colorado Market. “Karen and her team are a tremendous asset for Baird as we grow our wealth management business in Denver, build on our commitment to the region and enhance our ability to offer the most comprehensive financial advice and service to our clients.”

Baird’s Private Wealth Management business continues to grow around the country. The firm has added nearly 100 Financial Advisors since the beginning of 2009. Beyond adding talent, Baird’s Private Wealth Management business has also opened new offices in other key markets including Sacramento, Calif., Baltimore and Easton, Md., Minnetonka, Minn., and Philadelphia, and announced plans to open offices in San Francisco and Nevada.

Baird uses a comprehensive, team-based approach to financial planning and wealth management, supported by world-class research and technology. Baird Financial Advisors serve as personal wealth managers, developing customized financial strategies that address key concerns such as financial planning, asset allocation, tax management and wealth transfer. They are supported by nearly 60 in-house specialists in areas including estate planning, tax planning, investment research, and specialized services for business owners and corporate executives.

In addition to an average of 17 years of industry experience, nearly half of Baird’s Financial Advisors hold at least one professional designation or have qualified as a Senior Investment Consultant through Baird’s program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Baird’s ongoing investment in sophisticated tools helps Financial Advisors achieve a clear view of their clients’ goals, assets and strategies, and enables them to implement a broader array of investment solutions.

About Baird Private Wealth Management
Using a consultative approach, Baird’s more than 600 Financial Advisors deliver comprehensive wealth management solutions to clients nationwide. They have the resources to oversee the complete financial picture for high-net-worth families and individuals with complex financial needs. Baird Financial Advisors managed and oversaw $48 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2009.

Leveraging a network of specialists, Baird Financial Advisors also work closely with business owners and corporate clients to address the specific needs of corporate executives, benefit coordinators and those in need of business transition planning.

About Baird
Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has more than 2,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of more than $66 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked number 14 on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2009 – its sixth consecutive year on the list. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird’s private equity operations. For more information, please visit Baird’s Web site at www.rwbaird.com.