With more than 25 years in the financial industry, Dan specializes in wealth accumulation, distribution, retirement, and tax planning. Dan works with individuals and families to help them create and pursue their financial goals. He advises clients who have significant assets to invest and appreciate a high level of client service – something he delivers with his unique ability to talk honestly and directly while focusing on the bigger financial pictures. He also works with small businesses to help them navigate their employer-sponsored retirement plans and understand their succession options and insurance needs.
Dan joined VLP more than two decades ago, learning the business from founder, Bruce Vaughn. Dan has embraced the idea of giving back to the industry with his involvement in the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area, as a former board member and past president. His leadership tenure with the FPANCA spans from 2009 to present. He is also extremely dedicated to his alma mater, George Mason University, as is evident by his work on the GMU FPWM Program Advisory board the past several years, helping to build the CFP certificate program. He also previously sat on the GMU CHSS Alumni Association as President, and was a speaker at their 2022 commencement ceremony.
Dan has been featured in national and local news outlets, sharing his insights with InvestmentNews, CNBC, and DC Magazine. He has been recognized for his continued success in the field with awards from Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine, and InvestmentNews (Top Financial Advisor, Hot List 2023*)
In 2022, Dan celebrated 25 years of marriage to Lorelei, with whom he shares two kids, a dog, two cats and a love of all Washington DC, sports teams! Living greater for him means spending time with friends and family, volunteering at his Alma Mater George Mason University and developing and growing the Financial Planning and Wealth Management degree program at GMU. He also loves eating out and traveling.
Certifications Held:
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)
Licensed for Life, Disability, and Health Insurance
Advisory Relationship Minimum: $2 Million
*Investment News invited wealth professionals from across the country to nominate their most exceptional leaders for the Hot List. Investment News narrowed the list down to 100 whose contributions have helped shape the wealth industry and who support underserved groups and the next generation of wealth professionals over the past 12 months. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
InvestmentNews Top Advisors 2025. Individuals are ranked based on assets under management, AUM growth, and organic client growth introduced to the business over the last 12 months. All figures submitted are subject to a verification process through the submitter's compliance department. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial professional by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation in or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award. Additional fees may apply to purchase marketing material.
Washington, DC's Best Financial Advisers issued by Washingtonian. To arrive at the names of the area's 375 top financial advisers - the fee-only financial planners, fee-based advisers, estate attorneys, tax accountants, and insurance advisers marked with a "Top Financial Adviser" tag - we distributed surveys to hundreds of people who work in the local financial industry. We asked them whom they would trust with their own money. We also did our own research, consulting industry experts and publications. The "Top Financial Adviser" names on this list are the people who received the strongest recommendations. This award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
Northern Virginia Magazine Top Financial Professional. To compile the Top Financial Professionals listing, a survey is sent to all Northern Virginia financial professionals, asking them to recommend other financial professionals whom they would refer to friends and family. The nominations are vetted by consulting various publications to determine the list of winners. This award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
