Our Professionals | Who We Are | First Tryon Securities, LLC

The key to First Tryon’s success has been a client-centric service model built on four pillars: experience, expertise, accessibility, and enthusiasm. At First Tryon, we invest in hiring only highly reputable and talented professionals who are always accessible and provide unparalleled service, value, and insight to our clients.

Mr. Brunnemer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Davidson College and holds his General Securities Representative License (Series 7), Uniform Securities Agent License (Series 63), Municipal Securities Principal License (Series 53) and General Principals License (Series 24).

H. Keith Brunnemer III

CEO

Ms. Carpenter is the Chief Financial Officer of the firm.

Margaret Carpenter

Chief Financial Officer

Gary Galarpe is responsible for ensuring the firm adheres to industry-related laws, regulations, and internal policies

Gary Galarpe

Chief Compliance Officer

Mr. Wardlaw began his trading career in 1997, joining First Tryon in 2007 after trading bond options at NationsBank – CRT and equity options in London and Frankfurt with Bank of America.

Craig Wardlaw

Director

Ms. Howell has been with First Tryon Securities since 2003 and deals primarily with corporate bond sales and emerging markets.

Liz Howell

Director

Mr. Joseph has been with First Tryon since 2004 after stints with Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers.

Eric Joseph

Director

Mr. Kerr joined First Tryon Securities in 2020 as a municipal bond trader.

Ken Kerr

Director

Mr. Hess brings over 35 years of experience to First Tryon, concentrated in trading and underwriting GSE debt, as well as a background in financial futures and options. During his career, he has helped firms integrate electronic trading platforms into their business models.

Robert Hess

Director

Mr. Pensabene is First Tryon Securities’ Operations Manager with over 20 years of accounting, finance, and brokerage operations experience.

Dominick Pensabene

Vice President

Mrs. Holmes has a B.S. in Business Administration from Western Carolina University, holds her Operations Professional License (Series 99) and is a Notary Public.

Brianna Holmes

Accounting Analyst

Steven Hampton is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) industry.

Steven Hampton

Managing Director- MBS Trading