Dynasty Financial Partners, a provider of technology-enabled wealth management solutions for independent financial advisors, announced the appointment of Shawn Shook as General Counsel. Mr. Shook will report to Dynasty CEO Shirl Penney and will be based at the firm’s headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Mr. Shook succeeds Jonathan Morris, who is transitioning to a new role as Executive in Residence after serving as General Counsel for over a decade. Mr. Morris will also continue to serve as counsel to the firm in his new capacity.
Shirl Penney, CEO of Dynasty, acknowledged Mr. Morris’s contributions, stating, “I’d like to thank Jon Morris for his incredible guidance and contribution as our general counsel over the past 12 years. Jon has been a remarkable friend, business partner, and trusted advisor to the firm and our entire network. I’m thrilled Jon is continuing on with Dynasty as counsel to the firm and as our newest Executive in Residence.”
Mr. Morris commented on his tenure, stating, “It’s been an honor to work at Dynasty from its early days to the present and to be part of all that we have accomplished in support of the independent movement. Dynasty’s leadership team, Board of Directors, client roster, institutional investors, and resource partners are some of the best in the RIA space. I am pleased to pass the reins to Shawn as the new General Counsel and look forward to working with Shirl, Shawn, and the rest of the Dynasty team in my new role as counsel to the firm.”
Mr. Shook brings over ten years of legal and regulatory experience within the financial services industry. His expertise includes advising registered investment advisors, broker-dealers, and professionals transitioning to independence. In his new role at Dynasty, he will oversee the firm’s legal strategy across corporate initiatives and support its 57 Network partner firms on regulatory, transactional, and compliance matters.
Prior to joining Dynasty, Mr. Shook served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel at Kestra Financial, where he managed legal due diligence and negotiated transaction documentation for acquisitions. He also advised on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and other strategic initiatives. Before Kestra, he held the role of Associate General Counsel at Edelman Financial Engines, focusing on matters related to M&A, commercial agreements, advisor onboarding, and risk management. He began his legal career at Levine, Daniels & Allnutt, specializing in employment law and commercial litigation.
Shirl Penney remarked on the new appointment, “Shawn brings valuable experience that strengthens our legal team as we continue to grow. His judgment and insight will help us continue to support independent advisors as they build their businesses.”
Mr. Shook commented on his new role, stating, “I’m excited to join a firm that’s clearly focused on helping advisors succeed. Dynasty offers the right mix of resources, expertise, and strategic vision to support advisors in today’s complex legal and regulatory environment.”
Mr. Shook holds a J.D. from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
