David A. Hjorth, AEP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Partner*
California Insurance License #0435847

Client Adviser*
Develops plans for clients that help crystallize their objectives and provide a long-term vision matching their life's passions, priorities, and purpose.

David is Founder and Executive Director of D.H. Financial Consulting. Since 1972, David has built a distinguished career working primarily with owners of privately held and family owned businesses in the areas of estate distribution, business succession, investment planning, charitable and various tax reduction strategies.

David is certified as a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant from the American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. As well, he holds the designation of AEP, which reflects advanced estate planning training and experience, and belongs to several professional organizations. As well, he is a Life and Qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (as measured by life insurance sales production), and a lifetime member of Top of the Table (This represents ½ of 1% of the financial professionals worldwide).

David has spoken to many public and professional groups on different aspects of financial, business, charitable and estate planning, most notably.

David has also written and published several articles on financial, business, charitable and estate planning. Dave recently co-wrote an article with Attorney, Jon Gallo which was published in Estate Planning Magazine in the April 2006 issue titled "Why Part of Your Estate Plan Ought to be Crummey and Defective."

David is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University of Pomona, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science.

David has been a member of the San Antonio Community Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. He was previously the Chairman of the Planned Giving Committee and a member of the San Antonio Community Hospital Finance Committee. He and his family have established the David and Mary Hjorth Family Endowment Fund, with one of its main functions being the granting of scholarships for graduating seniors as they enter college.

Nicholas D. Hjorth, CPA, CLTC Partner*
California Insurance License #0E08770

Client Adviser
Develops plans for clients that help crystallize their objectives and provide a long-term vision matching their life's passions, priorities, and purpose.

Nicholas is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics/Accounting and additional studies in the Leadership Sequence. Prior to joining DH Financial, Nick worked as an Auditor and Senior Auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in New York, New York. He primarily focused on auditing and financial statement analysis for Fortune 500 Companies, large nonprofits, and initial public stock offerings. He has since become a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California and also holds the Series 7 and 66 security licenses. He spends a great deal of time each year in continuing education endeavors to stay abreast of trends in the financial marketplace.

Since joining DH Financial Consulting Services, Inc. in 2002, Nick has specialized in working with successful individuals and business owners to make smart, strategic financial decisions in the areas of lifestyle and family protection, estate and legacy planning, continuity and business exit planning, as well as, charitable giving. Nick has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table in 2004 - 2010.

Nick enjoys being a mentor each year for graduating students at CMC. He is also charitably involved in various organizations and is currently a Board of Trustees Member for "In the City," located in Los Angeles, CA.

Nicholas, his wife, Anna, and children Noah and Mia are active members of St. Philip’s The Apostle in Pasadena, California where they currently reside. He is an active traveler and avid bicyclist.  

Joanna L. Denny, CLTC
California Insurance License #0E14779
CA Notary Public, Commission #1722309

Director of Operations
A Licensed Service Assistant responsible for the development and management of the company's high quality service operation and client experience, including accounting, compliance, and human resources; manages all aspects of a plan assuring every detail is completed in a satisfactory manner, and on a timeframe acceptable to the client.

As a second-generation family member, Joanna joined DH Financial Consulting Services, Inc. in January 2006. As Director of Operations, she concentrates her expertise on assuring continuous efficiency in the firm. As a significant relationship manager in the operation, Joanna works closely with staff to assure that our commitment to continuous first class service to our clients is consistently realized.

Joanna graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a minor in Leadership Studies. In 2007, Joanna obtained both her CA Notary License and her CLTC Designation.

One of Joanna’s passions is singing and she is able to pursue this talent as the Cantor for her local church. Also, Joanna and her husband, Chris, lovingly welcomed the arrival of their first daughter, Abigail Grace, in September 2010.

Maria Viviana Oropeza, MBA
California Insurance License #0G26843

Business Processing Associate
A Licensed Service Assistant that provides administrative support in underwriting, compilation and analysis, and business processing.

Viviana joined DH Financial Consulting Services, Inc. in June of 2009. As a Business Processing Associate and Licensed Service Assistant, Viviana ensures the timely processing of applications and underwriting requirements for our insurance and investment clients.

She graduated with her B.A. in Political Science from CSU San Bernardino in 2006, and received her M.B.A. from University of Redlands in 2010.

Viviana and her husband Cesar welcomed their baby girl Sarah in August of 2010. She enjoys running marathons, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Renée S. Carr

Executive Administrative Associate
Manages all client communications and provides administrative support including scheduling and maintaining appointments, work flow organization, travel arrangements, and meeting coordination. 

Renée joined DH Financial Consulting Services, Inc. in November 2010. As the Executive Administrative Associate for Dave and Nick she manages the work flow organization, travel arrangements and appointment setting. 

Renée received her Associates of Arts degree from Chaffey College and plans to continue her studies at the University of Redlands.

Renée enjoys spending time with her husband, Derrell and their dog, Lola Bean. She also dedicates much of her time to tutoring her 4-year old niece and 2-year old nephew.      

DeDe Dowens
California Insurance License #0H07487  

Project and Marketing Associate
Assists in the creation and management of long-term consulting and marketing plans.  Provides up-to-date information to clients' consulting and portfolio plans and excels in building business relationships.

DeDe began at DH Financial Consulting Services, Inc. in June 2010.  In her role as Project & Marketing Associate, she is responsible for assisting in the creation and management of long-term consulting and marketing plans. She also provides up-to-date information for our clients’ consulting and portfolio plans and excels in building business relationships.

DeDe was raised in the Inland Empire area of Rancho Cucamonga. She graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1986 with a B.S. in Business Administration.  She has one daughter and enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening and doing volunteer projects with her church in the areas of Outreach and Education.

Gina Imel

Client Service Associate
Provides expertise to support and manage a client's service experience assuring every detail is completed in a satisfactory manner and within a timeframe acceptable to the client.

Gina joined DH Financial in October of 2010. As a Client Service Associate she provides expertise to support and manage a client's service experience assuring every detail is completed in a satisfactory manner and within a timeframe acceptable to the client.

Gina graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

She has two passions in life: one being her family (husband James and two children) and second is volleyball. Gina has coached for 8 years for girls ranging in age from 10 to 18 and also continues to play as much as she can.