Our Team
The Legacy Group is an ensemble multi-generational financial planning firm. We act as an Advocate, Educator, and Guide for our clients as they work toward their financial goals.
Jeffrey H. Black
Founder
Jeff began his career in financial services in 1987. He founded The Legacy Group in 1994 as a way to provide independent advice to both individuals and businesses. Over his 30-year career Jeff worked closely with clients and now serves in an administrative capacity to continue to support our mission. Jeff enjoys spending time with his 5 grandsons, traveling, and working in his woodshop.
Craig R. Lestner
President
Craig joined Legacy in 2005 and focuses on working with our clients to build and protect their wealth while preparing for and in retirement. Craig is active on non-profit boards and enjoys riding to nowhere on his Peloton.
Neil Esterson, CFP®, CPFA
Financial Consultant
Neil joined The Legacy Group in 2015 and quickly became a student of the industry by earning both the Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisory designations in 2018. Neil focuses on working with businesses and educating employee groups on financial wellness. Neil is a die-hard Ravens and a patient Orioles fan.
Lauren Behrens
Director of Operations
Lauren joined Legacy in 2008. As Director of Operations, Lauren oversees the day to day actions of our Administrative team and office operations. When out of the office, Lauren enjoys the beach, hiking nature trails, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Lauren Novak
Financial Consultant
Lauren joined The Legacy Group in 2022 shortly after graduating from Towson University where she studied financial planning. Lauren is focusing on building relationships with individuals and businesses to help shape their financial future. Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys listening to classic rock music and traveling.
Austin T. Smith
Analyst
Austin joined The Legacy Group in 2017, two years after graduating from George Mason University with a degree in economics. Since joining, Austin has focused on investment research and portfolio construction. He works with the team to interpret market activity, and helps select investments and decide the proper asset allocation for client accounts.
Matthew White
Financial Consultant
Matthew joined us after graduating from the University of Maryland, earning his degree in Economics. Matthew has been interning for The Legacy Group between semesters for the past two years and is excited to begin his career as a valued member of our team. In his free time Matthew enjoys traveling, playing with his puppy, and watching sports.
Check the background of investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
The Legacy Group is an ensemble multi-generational financial planning firm. We act as an Advocate, Educator, and Guide for our clients as they work toward their financial goals.
Jeffrey H. Black, AIF®
Founder
Jeff began his career in financial services in 1987. He founded The Legacy Group in 1994 as a way to provide independent advice to both individuals and businesses. Over his 30-year career Jeff has worked closely with clients on estate planning and business succession planning. Jeff enjoys spending time with his 5 grandsons, traveling, and working in his woodshop.
Craig R. Lestner
President
Craig joined Legacy in 2005 and focuses on working with our clients to build and protect their wealth while preparing for and in retirement. Craig is active on non-profit boards and enjoys riding to nowhere on his Peloton.
Neil Esterson, CFP®, CPFA
Financial Consultant
Neil joined The Legacy Group in 2015 and quickly became a student of the industry by earning both the Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisory designations in 2018. Neil focuses on working with businesses and educating employee groups on financial wellness. Neil is a die-hard Ravens and a patient Orioles fan.
Lauren Behrens
Director of Operations
Lauren joined Legacy in 2008. As Director of Operations, Lauren oversees the day to day actions of our Administrative team and office operations. When out of the office, Lauren enjoys the beach, hiking nature trails, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Lauren Novak
Financial Consultant
Lauren joined The Legacy Group in 2022 shortly after graduating from Towson University where she studied financial planning. Lauren is focusing on building relationships with individuals and businesses to help shape their financial future. Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys listening to classic rock music and traveling.
Austin T. Smith
Analyst
Austin joined The Legacy Group in 2017, two years after graduating from George Mason University with a degree in economics. Since joining, Austin has focused on investment research and portfolio construction. He works with the team to interpret market activity, and helps select investments and decide the proper asset allocation for client accounts.
Matthew White
Financial Consultant
Matthew joined us after graduating from the University of Maryland, earning his degree in Economics. Matthew has been interning for The Legacy Group between semesters for the past two years and is excited to begin his career as a valued member of our team. In his free time Matthew enjoys traveling, playing with his puppy, and watching sports.
Check the background of investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.