National Advisors Trust, Overland Park, Kan., hired Steve Ippolito as vice president, business development. Responsible for expanding the company's new business growth in the Western region, Ippolito previously held relationship management and business development positions with Schwab and Fidelity.

Convergent Wealth Advisors, Washington, D.C., named David Zier its new chief executive officer. Zier's primary focus will be on sales and client service, as well as employee communication and development. Recognized by Barron's as a top advisor for the past three years, Zier previously served as executive vice president of Convergent.

Brown Advisory has appointed Dune Thorne as partner, serving as a senior investment and strategic advisor to families, family offices and foundations in the firm's Boston office. Thorne previously served as managing director and principal at Silver Bridge Advisors. Thorne also served as director of investments for Circle Financial Group, an investment and wealth management think tank for ultra-high-net-worth women, and in 2011, AdvisorOne recognized Thorne as one of the Top 50 Women in Wealth.

-Kathy Lynch