OUR FIRM
About Us
Our Firm
Smith Thornton Advisors has been a trusted advisory and consulting partner in Huntsville, Alabama, for almost 15 years. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we design, construct, and carefully maintain financial strategies with a deep, heartfelt commitment to our clients’ success.
We serve clients who value structure, strategy, and stewardship. From personalized retirement portfolios to workplace retirement strategies, we offer high-level consulting tailored to your goals. We emphasize understanding your vision first. We then assist you in matching your needs and desires with the opportunities in the market.
It’s about you and the markets.
Mission Statement
To elevate our clients’ lives through sound investment management, meaningful and objective guidance, and exceptional service — today and tomorrow.
Our Approach is Grounded In:
Honesty
Candid conversations and transparent design processes.
Integrity
Strategies built to serve your best interests—always.
Knowledge
Industry insights and technical expertise help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Our Team
Our Story
Built on decades of experience, Smith Thornton Advisors works to be a trusted partner, dedicated to serving clients and the communities they call home.
The Beginning of a Partnership
Rick Smith and Steve Thornton, who met in the Trust department at AmSouth Bank, began their partnership at Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. in 1989. Their practice has always focused on creating successful retirements for individuals and their families through personalized retirement portfolios and workplace retirement plans.
Rick, Steve, and colleagues Donna Ryberg, Dixie Gossett, and Stacy Drummond had successful careers at Morgan Keegan prior to the founding of Smith Thornton Advisors. Their time working for a large national firm galvanized their resolve to establish Smith Thornton with a personalized, client-first approach, serving the needs of clients as one team.
Founded in 2011
Smith Thornton Advisors, LLC was founded in 2011 in Huntsville, Alabama, by Rick Smith and Steve Thornton as an independent financial advisory firm specializing in investment management and consulting services for individuals, families, and businesses.
A Growing Advisory Business
Will Smith joined the firm in 2012. The firm continued to grow its advisory practice as an independent advisor. Personal and family Wealth Management and Workplace Retirement Solutions for businesses continued to distinguish themselves as core competencies for the group. In 2019, Donna Ryberg became the firm’s Branch Manager, and Will Smith, CFA became a Partner.
RIA Business Launch
Smith Thornton Advisors became an SEC Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in 2021 with Rick, Steve, and Will as the Principals of the firm, Donna Ryberg as the Chief Compliance Officer, and Dixie and Stacy as Client Relationship Specialists.
A Growing Team
The business has continued to grow, and the team has added two more people. Jessica Kanser joined in mid-2022 as Director of Workplace Retirement Solutions. Kane Davenport joined the firm in July of 2024 to serve as Wealth Advisor. Today, the firm continues to work as one team for their clients with a core focus on Wealth Management and Workplace Retirement Solutions.
Community
Our Commitment
Smith Thornton Advisors has deep roots in the Huntsville community, and our giving is aligned with the community we serve. We believe in not only supporting our clients but also making a meaningful impact in the places where we live and work. Our commitment to philanthropy reflects our values of service and stewardship, as we direct our resources toward causes that benefit local organizations, families, and individuals in need. Whether through charitable donations or active involvement in community initiatives, we strive to foster positive change where it matters most.