LPL Financial today that a former Voya Financial Advisors’ woman duo with about $210 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, corporate registered investment advisor and custodial platforms in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Managing partners and financial advisors Kristi Turchan and Debbie Verker aligned with The Financial Services Network, an existing firm supporting LPL-affiliated advisors. They operate Ascend Wealth Management. Joining them is operations associate Kassandra McGee. The team serves a client base of individuals, families, business owners and those in the healthcare industry, the release said.

“By aligning with LPL and The Network, we’re well positioned to help our clients preserve and enjoy their wealth for generations to come,” said Turchan in a statement. She had been with Voya for 11 years and prior to that, she spent another 11 years at ING Financial Advisers. She began her career at Dean Witter Reynolds in 1996, according to BrokerCheck.

“We always want to be able to say, ‘whatever you need, we can help support your interests.’ That was a driving part of our decision to make this move, and it’s clear that LPL and The Network are making the right investments and putting their people first,” she added.

Verker, who began her career in 2003 at ING, also was with Voya for 11 years. “By joining LPL and The Network, we’re aligned with people who share our commitment to providing clients with differentiated service,” she said. “Kristi and I are natural partners, and our experience with LPL and The Network has felt the same; we found a home that truly supports the independent advisor.”

Christopher Mercado, managing partner and chief investment strategist with The Financial Services Network, said, "Kristi and Debbie bring with them over 50 years of combined financial services experience. The Network is proud to partner with their team, and we forward to supporting them for many years to come.”

LPL executive vice president, business development, Scott Posner added, “I’m inspired by this woman-owned team and their commitment to investing in their community through both their time and resources. We’re honored that the Ascend team recognized our capabilities and chose us to help them reach their goals."