Who we are

CARY STREET PARTNERS

Cary Street Partners is a leading independent financial services firm offering comprehensive wealth management services including investments, planning and financial advice. Cary Street Partners financial advisors serve individuals, families, and institutions with customized strategies tailored to fit each client's objectives.

CHRISTIAN D. SEARCY JR., AIF®, CFP®, CPWA®, MBA

CHRISTIAN D. SEARCY JR., AIF®, CFP®, CPWA®, MBA

FINANCIAL ADVISOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Christian believes that comprehensive, holistic financial planning is the foundation for helping clients achieve their long-term wealth management goals. He began his career in the financial services industry in 1999 and spent more than two decades with UBS Financial Services before co-founding Pursuit Wealth Management in 2019. In 2026, Pursuit Wealth Management merged with Cary Street Partners, expanding the firm's capabilities while maintaining its client-focused approach.


Christian earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Virginia in 2002. After five years as a financial advisor, he returned to Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, where he earned his MBA in 2009. He also holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations.


A strong believer in giving back to the community, Christian has dedicated significant time to serving a variety of charitable and civic organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Finance Committee for The Lord's Place. His previous leadership roles include serving as President and a Board Member of the University of Virginia Alumni Club, as well as serving on the Audit Committees for the Village of North Palm Beach and St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.


Christian lives in North Palm Beach with his wife and their two children. Outside the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, and traveling with his family.

Email
christian.searcy@carystreetpartners.com
Phone
561.437.4770
MELANIE M. MCDONALD, CEPA®, CFP®

MELANIE M. MCDONALD, CEPA®, CFP®

FINANCIAL ADVISOR, VICE PRESIDENT

For nearly 20 years, Melanie McDonald has helped individuals, families, and business owners navigate life's most important financial decisions with clarity and confidence. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), she develops comprehensive wealth strategies that help clients build, preserve, and transition wealth through every stage of life.


Melanie began her career in financial services in 2007 and, after more than a decade with a large wealth management firm, co-founded Pursuit Wealth Management in 2019. Following the firm's successful growth, Pursuit Wealth Management joined Cary Street Partners in 2026, allowing Melanie to continue delivering highly personalized advice while leveraging the expanded capabilities and resources of a national wealth management firm.


While Melanie serves a diverse range of clients, she has developed particular knowledge in working with business owners. By combining comprehensive financial planning with specialized exit planning strategies, she helps entrepreneurs maximize the value of their businesses, prepare for successful ownership transitions, and integrate those decisions into their broader personal wealth plans. She believes that the most effective financial strategies are built around each client's unique goals, values, and vision for the future.


Melanie earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami and also holds life, health, and variable annuities insurance licenses.

Outside the office, Melanie enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, exploring the outdoors, and creating meaningful family adventures.

Email
melanie.mcdonald@carystreetpartners.com
Phone
561.437.4772
VINCENT F. CUOMO

VINCENT F. CUOMO

FINANCIAL ADVISOR, VICE PRESIDENT

Vincent is a financial advisor with more than 25 years of experience serving high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and corporate clients. His knowledge spans comprehensive financial planning, private banking, strategic lending, and corporate finance, with a career dedicated to helping clients navigate complex financial decisions through customized solutions and trusted advice.


He began his career with one of the world's largest financial advisory firms, specializing in Comprehensive Financial Planning for clients of Merrill Lynch's Private Bank Division. He later joined the Private Client Group at City National Bank, where he led the Strategic Lending Division, delivering sophisticated financing solutions for affluent individuals and closely held businesses.


Beyond his professional career, Vincent is actively involved in the community. He founded a South Florida networking organization with a charitable mission that has raised more than $1,000,000 for nonprofit organizations. He also serves on the Standing Committee on Advertising for The Florida Bar, the Florida Bar Foundation, the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, and the Board of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.


Vincent lives in Palm Beach Gardens with his family and enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in sports, and supporting the community he serves.

Email
vincent.cuomo@carystreetpartners.com
Phone
561.437.4774
ELIZABETH THOMAS, CRPC®

ELIZABETH THOMAS, CRPC®

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Beth Thomas, CRPC®, is a Senior Client Relationship Manager with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Known for her attentive service and commitment to client care, she works closely with clients and advisors to deliver a seamless, responsive client experience.


Beth earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®) designation and holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, along with Life and Variable Annuities insurance licenses. Her extensive industry knowledge and dedication to service help clients feel supported and confident throughout their financial journey.


Originally from Monmouth County, New Jersey, Beth has called Florida home since 1999 and currently resides in Palm City with her husband. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, painting, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Email
beth.thomas@carystreetpartners.com
Phone
561.437.4770