Shawn M. Perry,
CFP®, CPWA®
CFP®, CPWA®
Financial Advisor | Branch Manager
As the leader of The Perry Group at Baird, Shawn is passionate about helping clients achieve clarity and confidence in their financial and personal lives. With multiple industry-recognized certifications and nearly a quarter-century of experience, he is specially trained to help clients simplify even the most complex financial decisions. Above all, Shawn delivers exceptional service by guiding individuals and families with wisdom, humility, care, and hospitality.
Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Western Kentucky University and is deeply committed to forming authentic connections with clients, ensuring each one feels genuinely valued and supported. Family and faith are the foundation of Shawn’s life. Outside the office, he is an avid golfer, outdoorsman, and reader, but his greatest joy comes from spending time with loved ones. He is actively involved in his church, where he continues his passion for service and community. This grounding in faith and family shapes the way he leads, advises, and lives.
J. Brooke Cassady,
CFP®, AFC®, CPWA®
CFP®, AFC®, CPWA®
Financial Advisor
Brooke Cassady is an Associate Financial Advisor at The Perry Group, having joined the team in 2022. Since then, she has brought valuable expertise in advanced financial and tax planning. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are and creating a path to get them where they want to go.
Brooke earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and finance and her master’s degree in applied economics from Western Kentucky University. Before joining Baird, she spent over ten years in the industry, including a few years as an instructor at multiple universities in their personal financial planning and personal finance departments. Her teaching history lends itself to a talent for helping clients make informed decisions about their finances.
In her free time, Brooke enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and playing sports. She is also very family-oriented and loves spending time with her husband and their two children.
Jake Gaebler,
QPFC
QPFC
Associate Financial Advisor
Jake is an Associate Financial Advisor at The Perry Group, having joined the team in 2024. He is driven by a passion to serve others and make a difference in individuals’ and families’ lives.
Jake earned his bachelor’s degree in financial management and his master’s degree in business administration from Western Kentucky University, where he also played football. After a successful ten-year career in sales and marketing, Jake transitioned into financial advising in 2021.
Mitchell Harralson
Associate Financial Advisor
Mitchell is an Associate Financial Advisor at The Perry Group, passionate about helping individuals and families gain confidence and clarity in their financial futures. He joined the industry in 2023 and is driven by a genuine desire to serve others, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact in the lives of his clients.
Mitchell grew up in Princeton, Kentucky before moving to Bowling Green shortly after graduation. Before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Murray State University in 2022, Mitchell played football at Western Kentucky University - an experience that strengthened his work ethic, discipline, and commitment to teamwork, qualities he applies daily in his financial advising career.
Faith and family are at the center of Mitchell’s life. Outside the office, he treasures time with his fiancée, Annee, and family. He enjoys cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats, spending time outdoors, and trying something new on the grill. Mitchell is an active Board Member of the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, where he donates his time and resources to help better the lives of children in the region. These passions keep him grounded and reflect the enthusiasm and care he brings to his clients and community.
Jacqueline H. Keltner,
CFP®, CPWA®
CFP®, CPWA®
Assistant Vice President | Branch Administrative Supervisor
Jacqueline Keltner serves as Branch Administrative Supervisor and has been a key member of The Perry Group since 2014. With a strong background in financial planning and wealth management, Jacqueline stands out for her ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
A Bowling Green native, Jacqueline earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Western Kentucky University. Prior to joining the team, she gained valuable experience in client service and operations through roles in banking and financial planning, which helped shape her practical, people-first approach to the wealth management experience.
Today, Jacqueline serves as a financial advocate for clients of The Perry Group, ensuring each interaction is marked by professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail. She also oversees the management of the service team, fostering a collaborative and client-centered culture.
Actively engaged in the community, Jacqueline has been a board member of the South Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross since 2015 and serves in the children’s ministry at her church. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, Pilates, and being on the go with her husband and two busy daughters.
Melissa Steele
Assistant Vice President | Senior Client Specialist
Melissa began her career in the financial services industry in 1989 at Hilliard Lyons, where she developed a strong foundation in client service and operations. She has been a valued member of what is now known as The Perry Group since 1994, when she joined financial advisor Mike Jennings (now retired), and later, Shawn Perry, in 1999.
With over 35 years of experience, Melissa brings a wealth of practical knowledge and insight to her role as Senior Client Specialist. Her career has been shaped by hands-on learning, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to serving clients with care and professionalism.
Melissa is known for her personalized approach, efficiently addressing client inquiries and building lasting relationships through trust and reliability. Her dedication and expertise make her an essential part of our team.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her daughter.
Michelle Humphrey
Marketing and Events Assistant
Michelle has been with The Perry Group since 2017, bringing over 30 years of client service experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in comprehensive interior design from Western Kentucky University, adding creativity and a fresh perspective to the team. Michelle plays a key role in elevating the client experience, while also managing scheduling, coordinating events, and leading the team’s marketing and social media efforts.
Michelle is married and the proud mother of three adult daughters. She’s passionate about cooking, spending time at the lake, and staying active through health and wellness pursuits. Whether she's hosting family gatherings or enjoying time with friends, Michelle brings warmth, energy, and a love for meaningful connection to everything she does.
Maddy Jones
Client Assistant
Maddy joined The Perry Group full-time in 2025 after beginning her career with the team as an intern. In her role as Client Assistant, Maddy is passionate about building strong relationships and creating a welcoming, supportive experience for every client. She serves as a dedicated financial advocate, ensuring clients feel heard, understood, and cared for in their financial journey.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in personal financial planning from Western Kentucky University. During her time at WKU, she cultivated a deep understanding of financial strategies, client relationship management, and ethical planning practices. Her academic background, combined with her hands-on experience, equips her to approach each day with care and attention to detail. Maddy enjoys being part of a collaborative team and contributing wherever she can to help things run smoothly. She is always looking for ways to support both clients and colleagues in a thoughtful way.
Outside of the office, Maddy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, going on walks, playing pickleball, and exploring new places through travel.
Because There’s Nothing Like the Power of Teamwork
At The Perry Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re passionate about serving each other, our clients, and our community with excellence every single day. By embracing a culture of growth and innovation, we’re always looking for ways to enhance your experience and deliver even greater value.
Our core values—Humility, Wisdom, Hospitality, and Care—aren’t just words; they’re the foundation of who we are and how we operate. These values guide every decision we make, ensuring that we show up authentically and with purpose. When you work with us, you’re not just a client—you are part of a team that truly cares.
Our experienced advisors, including three Certified Financial Planner™ professionals (one of the most respected credentials in the industry), are here to provide guidance you can trust.
Let’s make your plan—and your future—everything it should be. Ready to get started?