The MS Insentra LLC team consists of seasoned professionals averaging over 20 years of financial industry experience. Our vast knowledge and access to investment resources enables us to offer a unique advantage to independent registered investment advisors and the broker-dealer community. We encourage you to get to know us to learn more about how we can assist in helping you reach your goals.
Our Team
Mark S. Howells, Executive Chairman
Mark is the Executive Chairman and Founder of M.S. Howells & Co. which he launched in 2000.
Mark has extensive knowledge of the high net-worth client, market making, corporate finance, options, and the municipal and corporate bond market.
Mark’s journey began at the family's grocery business in Cleveland, Ohio, where he acquired valuable traits and characteristics to guide him through life and aid in his success. Not far from the family grocery store was the local police department where he would watch the officers with great admiration and respect. Intrigued by their bravery and commitment to public service he worked towards a degree in criminal justice and began a decade-long career as a police officer. While working nights on the Phoenix PD and helping raise his three children, he was introduced to the securities industry. In 1981, he began a day-shift in the back office of a NYSE member firm. There he learned the intricacies of the securities industry while working his way into sales, and then management before forming his own firm in 1987 which he sold in 2000 before starting M.S. Howells & Co.
In 2008, Mark recognized a need within the industry for quality accounting and administrative services for hedge fund managers. With that, he established PartnersAdmin, LLC, to provide comprehensive back-office support to hedge fund managers as well as private equity, real estate, and venture capital funds.
In addition, Mark spent fifteen years as a member of the board of directors at Inventure Foods, Inc. and is responsible for taking them public. He loves to spend time in Telluride, Co., and recently became a certified ski instructor. Mark holds Series 7, 24, 53, 79, and 63 securities license.
Through his various successes in life he still has the desire to provide for the public through his businesses and philanthropy, where he supports various charities through his foundation.
Katrina Santa Maria, Chief Executive Officer
Katrina Santa Maria is the Chief Executive Officer for MS Insentra LLC and M.S. Howells & Co.
As CEO, Katrina is responsible for overseeing all aspects of MS Insentra LLC. Under her leadership, she will ensure the firm reaches its stated goals for growth and excellence. She began her securities career as a retail sales broker and became an institutional salesperson upon joining the firm in 2001. Katrina spearheaded M.S. Howells & Co’s prime brokerage business, building out a prime brokerage platform, portfolio reporting services, soft dollar arrangements, and operational support. She was responsible for marketing, sales, service, and driving trading revenue. Before being promoted to CEO, Katrina was most recently the COO and was responsible for the day-to-day operations along with overseeing new business initiatives, technology solutions, and operational efficiency.
Prior to working in the securities industry, Katrina had a twenty-year career in the hospitality industry. She held several senior management positions, including General Manager of a 10,000 square foot restaurant/bar with over 100 employees and gross revenue of $3.5 million per year.
Katrina holds a series 6, 7, 24, and 63 securities license.
Tara Kreizenbeck, Chief Operating Officer
Tara Kreizenbeck is the Chief Operating Officer for MS Insentra LLC and M.S. Howells & Co.
Tara started her career in public accounting in 1995 working for PwC, primarily in the financial services industry, and is a formerly designated CPA. After leaving public accounting she continued her career specializing in SEC reporting for publicly traded consumer products companies. Tara most recently spent nearly ten years at Inventure Foods, Inc., a publicly traded snack and frozen foods company, as the VP Corporate Controller. Tara has a wide range of accounting and finance experience including financial reporting, treasury management, internal controls, financial analysis and forecasting, investor relations, risk management, and acquisitions and dispositions.
Tara joined MS Insentra LLC and M.S. Howells & Co. in April 2019. She graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from The College of William & Mary. For the past 5 years she has served as a state board member of HopeKids, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition.
Tara holds Series 7, 24, and 66 securities licenses.
Mike Feeney, AAMS®, Executive Vice President
Mike Feeney is the Executive Vice President for MS Insentra LLC.
Mike’s career began in 2000 as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. In 2006, he joined Edward Jones, helping clients achieve their financial goals in a wide range of economic and market conditions. Mike has always performed on a service-based business model with customized solutions for each client, including managed account programs, education savings, estate and trust services, insurance, and business retirement services.
Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Mike holds Series 7 and 66, disability, life, long-term care, and variable licenses and AAMS®* designation.
*The Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®) is a professional designation awarded by the College of Financial Planning® (CFP®). Individuals who hold the designation have completed a course of study encompassing investments, insurance, tax, retirement, and estate planning issues. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct outlined by the CFP® and are subject to a disciplinary process. Designees renew their designation every two-years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct, and complying with self-disclosure requirements.
Marcy Crites, Chief Financial Officer
Marcy Crites is the Chief Financial Officer for MS Insentra LLC and M.S. Howells & Co.
Prior to joining M.S. Howells & Co. in 2014, Marcy spent ten years in foreign currency and derivatives markets. She managed an accounting team at Global Forex Trading in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently, Marcy heads the finance department where her responsibilities include financial reporting, human resources, commissions, and advisory fees. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master’s in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.
Marcy holds a FINRA Series 27 Finance and Operations Principal (FINOP) license.
Stephen M. Howells, Chief Technology Officer
Stephen Howells is the Chief Technology Officer for MS Insentra LLC and M.S. Howells & Co.
As CTO he guides the firm in evolving and maintaining the technical infrastructure. His responsibilities include Microsoft Windows network administration, Linux server administration, Cybersecurity planning and implementation, software development, and user support. He works with other officers of the firm to fine-tune critical workflows and maximize efficiency.
Stephen graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix.
Yolanda Evans, Director of Operations
Yolanda Evans is the Director of Operations for MS Insentra LLC.
Yolanda began her career in the insurance industry in 2005 as an Operations Manager for The Strategic Alliance Inc., developing skill sets that made her invaluable to the firm’s success. Yolanda directly improved customer relations and service, problem-solving client issues and enhancing internal processes, making her an asset to both clients and colleagues. Yolanda moved into a new position as a Client Service Manager for Deschutes Investment Consulting for the next four years, enhancing clients’ individual investment and insurance portfolios. Her direction, knowledge and leadership eventually led her to manage cross-functional teams as a Client Experience Director for Kimsa Total Wealth. Yolanda joined MS Insentra in January 2023.
Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tarakanita College in Jakarta, Indonesia. She was born and raised in Jakarta until she moved to the USA in 2001. Yolanda has a strong passion for traveling, experiencing new cultures and adventures, and spending time with her family.
Yolanda holds Life & Health Insurance Licenses in Arizona and Oregon.
Chez Santa Maria, Relationship Manager
Chez Santa Maria is a Relationship Manager for MS Insentra LLC.
Chez started his career working for Northstar, where he efficiently trained and led a team of sales representatives. He continued his career specializing in sales and customer service as a Senior Banker with Quicken Loans. Chez joined the MS Insentra LLC team in August 2019.
Chez is currently working to obtain his second-degree black belt in Kensho Do, a martial arts style rooted in old Okinawan and Chinese karate. Kensho Do is a life-long journey for Chez as he is a true mixed martial artist. His journey extends over 23 years of studying and 14 years instructing at the Way of the Dragon dojo in Phoenix, Arizona.
Chez is insurance licensed in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington.
Nicole Howley, Operations Administrator
Nicole Howley is an Operations Administrator for MS Insentra LLC and M.S. Howells & Co.
She began her career in 2016 as an Office Manager with Sagemark Consulting, a Lincoln Financial Advisors company, where she provided office support and managed compliance records. In January 2016 her family relocated from Ventura, CA to Phoenix, AZ where she worked as a Client Service Manager with another Lincoln Financial firm. Over the following year, she assisted multiple Representatives in servicing a variety of different retirement needs. In January 2017, she joined M.S. Howells & Co.’s Operations Department where she specializes in the hybrid RIA space.
Nicole graduated from Ventura College with an Associates of Science degree and holds a Series 7 and 99 securities license.
Lisa Morse, Operations Associate
Lisa Morse is an Operations Associate for MS Insentra LLC.
She began her career in 2004 as a Public Relations and Community Outreach Manager with the Humane Society of New Hampshire, where she led a team charged with making strategic financial and mission statement decisions. In January 2008, Lisa began working at People’s Securities as a Senior Assistant, where she assisted top-producing advisors and their clients with a variety of needs. Most recently, Lisa was with Edward Jones as a Branch Office Administrator, where she handled a multitude of client requests as the primary contact for the branch.
Lisa graduated from Castleton University (Presidential scholarship) in Castleton, Vermont, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Annabelle Puglisi, Receptionist
Annabelle Puglisi is a Receptionist for M.S. Howells & Co., MSH Capital Advisors LLC, and MS Insentra LLC.
Before joining M.S. Howells & Co., Annabelle worked as an office administrator where she assisted executive management with administrative duties, marketing, and product development.
Annabelle graduated from the Master Make-Up Artistry Program, in New York and utilized her skills by creating special effect make-up for student films at the New York Film Academy. She also volunteers for the Students Saving Lives Program, where they train and socialize dogs to increase their chances of adoption.