Desert Sky Advisors at Steward Partners

Matt Clay brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience with a career in financial services spanning over 30 years. Immediately prior to joining Steward Partners, Matt worked for Ameriprise Financial from October 2023 to June 2025 as a Managing Director/Private Wealth advisor. He also earned the accredited portfolio manager advisor (APMA) designation. Matt was the lead advisor for Desert Sky Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial.

Prior to his time with Ameriprise Financial, starting in September 2016, Matt decided to bring his extensive investment background and experience from the institutional side of the industry to working with individual investors. He was an owner/partner at Jackson/Roskelley Wealth Advisors (JRWA), an independent firm affiliated with Raymond James. He was one of the owners and Managing Directors of Jackson/Roskelley Wealth Advisors. While at JRWA, Matt was a Managing Director and in addition to being a Senior Wealth Advisor and managing a practice of individuals, families, retirees, and business owners, Matt was also the Senior Investment Executive, acting as the chairman and leading the firm’s investment committee until the entire JRWA team transitioned to Ameriprise Financial in October 2023.

He takes a calm and consultative approach to comprehensive wealth planning, which includes tax and estate planning, retirement cash flow planning, investment strategy and risk management. “My primary objective is to be a trusted advocate for my clients, helping them achieve important life goals,” he says.

He joined the retail investment advisory industry in 2016, drawn by the opportunity to work with individual clients and have an ownership stake in the practice. Before that, he served as senior portfolio manager of overlay services at Russell Investments. He was also head of fund solutions for Clearwater Analytics, and previously in senior investment strategy and business development roles for Russell Investments. He has managed multibillion-dollar portfolios for corporate and public pension funds, endowments, foundations, and other large institutional investors, with extensive experience in managing equity, fixed income, currency, and derivative portfolio structures including futures, options, swaps, foreign currency and other complex investment strategies.

He is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned an MBA, with an emphasis on investments. He was also named as MBA student of the year for his efforts in co-founding Portage Bay capital management, one the earliest student run investment funds, and helping develop a graduate business school course in portfolio management. He earned a B.A. in finance from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Originally from Utah, he has spent most of his professional career in Seattle, Washington, and moved to Gilbert, Arizona, in 2015. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snow skiing, golfing, and spending time with his family. You might also find him playing the piano, reading a good book or listening to audiobooks and music.

Helping clients make better everyday financial decisions in pursuit of a balanced life is what drives Joseph. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional, he empowers clients to maximize their finances in ways that are easy to understand and become habitual in nature. He works diligently to break down barriers to meaningful conversation about clients’ goals and aspirations. Though he counsels clients of different walks of life, he specializes in helping pre-retirees and new retirees.

His candid and transparent communication style helps clients perceive the big picture of their financial planning. The planning process includes guidance on their portfolio construction and asset allocation, cash flow analysis, retirement income planning, and proactive tax management strategies. Additionally, he works with clients’ tax and estate planning professionals to ensure a holistic approach. Using terms that are easy to understand, he helps guide clients in making educated decisions. “I enjoy dissecting problems and discovering the best strategies to provide to clients,” he says.

Seeing an opportunity to apply his financial talent, Joseph joined the team in 2017. He first earned a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation, then obtained his Series 7, 66 and life insurance licenses to become an advisor. After completing coursework at Bryant University in 2019, he earned the CFP^® designation. He has also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University, where he graduated summa cum laude. “I have always been interested in the concept of maximizing life, using money as a tool,” Joseph says. “I strive to help my clients use their resources in an optimal way.”

He is a native of Arizona where he currently lives out of Scottsdale with his wife Meg (and baby on the way!). In his free time, you’ll find him exploring, traveling, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and working out.

After earning his degree in Finance and Personal Financial Planning at Utah State University, Jackson built on his educational foundation as he began his career as a Financial Planning Associate at a Registered Investment Advisory firm in Salt Lake City. This role gave him meaningful experience working directly with clients and showed him how a sound financial plan can provide clarity, confidence, and peace as they take on life’s challenges. Jackson holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® designation, reflecting his commitment to providing exceptional personalized service and thorough financial planning.

As a Registered Client Administrative Manager, Jackson assists with everything from client support, helping the advisors create and update financial plans for their client meetings, and carrying out operational tasks. Jackson has a passion for helping clients make their goals a reality through investment management, tax planning, and retirement planning. He takes pride in bringing a client-focused and comprehensive approach to every aspect of the planning process. With several years of experience under his belt, Jackson is committed to continuing to develop long-term, trusted relationships with clients in the coming years.

In his spare time, Jackson values staying active and spending quality time with his family. He enjoys golfing, going on walks with his wife and dog, and everything the outdoors has to offer. His life outside of work inspires the work he does every day and reminds him of the importance of planning for the future.

Italia is an intern who supports Matthew Clay's financial advising team.

Italia Peck is a recent graduate with an Associate's degree in Business from Chandler Gilbert Community College. She is currently pursuing a degree in accounting at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. She is expected to graduate in May 2027.

Italia is eager to gain hands-on experience in the financial sector and contribute to the team effort to ensure clients reach their financial goals.

Outside of work, Italia enjoys spending time with her fiancé and family, playing board games, and crocheting.