Our Team

Cottonwood Capital Advisors is an independent financial advisory and wealth management practice founded on three core values: candor, wisdom, and stewardship.

Candor
Candid, honest conversations are the foundation of every relationship at Cottonwood.

Wisdom
We leverage years of big firm experience to create personal care around thoughtful wealth management.

Stewardship
We strive to conduct our business and manage our client’s assets in a careful and responsible manner, applying the highest standards of diligence to the relationships and assets under our care.

*Artwork by Treslyn Shipley

Stephen Shipley

Managing Partner

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A co-founder of Cottonwood Capital Advisors, Stephen began his career as a financial advisor in 1993. During his 20 years with Morgan Stanley, Stephen earned the designations of first vice president and senior portfolio manager. He focuses on asset allocation, portfolio construction, and fixed income portfolio management at Cottonwood Capital. Stephen derives tremendous satisfaction from building lasting relationships with clients as he takes them through the process of preparing for a secure future.

Stephen was born and raised in Duncanville, Texas, and he earned a BS in construction management from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, daughter, and two sons have called the Arlington area home since 1993. Stephen is active in his community, donating his time by mentoring young families and serving on the Pastoral Board for Pais Movement, a global Christian ministry. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kara, and their three adult kids in the mountains, on the beach or road tripping to enjoy live music.

Jay Rubottom

Managing Partner

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A co-founder of Cottonwood Capital Advisors, Jay began his career in the financial services industry in 2002 with Morgan Stanley. While working at Morgan Stanley, Jay became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in 2008. At Cottonwood Capital, Jay focuses on financial planning, enhancing the client experience, and business development. Jay prides himself on an upfront, direct communication style that allows clients to know exactly what he is thinking and what to expect from every aspect of their investment portfolio.

A native Texan, Jay was raised in Dallas and Wichita Falls. He earned his BS in finance with a concentration in real estate from Texas Christian University. Outside of work, he is active with Bible Study Fellowship and Park Cities Presbyterian Church. An avid outdoorsman, Jay is passionate about all types of hunting and fishing but generally just enjoys being outdoors. He also enjoys hiking, golf, jogging, and, when he absolutely has to be inside, racquetball. He and his wife, Suzanna, and their three sons currently live in Dallas.

Kristen Holt

Client Relationship Manager

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Kristen began her career in financial services with Morgan Stanley in 2007 as a client service associate and branch manager assistant. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor's degree in business management and, while in college, held various positions within BBVA Compass Bank. During her time at Morgan Stanley, Kristen earned her FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities registrations (currently held through Commonwealth Financial Network^®) and was repeatedly recognized for her exemplary client service abilities. Kristen’s primary responsibilities at Cottonwood Capital are to facilitate day-to-day client service and operational offerings as well as oversee the management of the office.

Kristen was born in Wimbledon, England, and raised in Sugar Land, Texas. She currently lives in Flower Mound, Texas, with her husband, Tony, her two sons and their Labrador retriever. When not in the office, Kristen enjoys spending time with family, playing with her dog, and doing all types of outdoor exercise.