Who We Are
Your Personal Board of Directors
At Forethought, we believe your financial life should be as dynamic and intentional as you are. That’s why we surround you with a team that knows how to work hard, challenge with love, and lead with depth, while keeping it real and keeping it fun. You’ll feel both seen and supported as we bring clarity, strategy, and confidence to your financial decisions.
Think of us as your personal board of directors. As your life and wealth grow more complex, we expand right alongside you, integrating your financial planning, insurance, and investing with the other essential professionals you need on your team. We tailor the experience to you, your story, and the future you’re building.
You’re not just hiring an advisor. You’re surrounding yourself with experts who believe strategy starts with understanding your life, your transitions, your values, and the behaviors that shape your decisions. From there, we design a plan that doesn’t just manage money, it empowers you to build, maintain, and pass on meaningful wealth and legacy.
Shannon Foreman
Forethought CEO | Founder | Senior Financial Advisor
Shannon founded Forethought after two decades in financial services with a clear belief: wealth should support who you are and the life you want to live. Her planning-first approach integrates strategy, investing, and behavioral finance to help modern individuals and families make confident decisions in every season, especially during change. Having navigated major life transitions herself, Shannon brings empathy and steadiness to the moments when money feels especially heavy.
She’s passionate about equity, community impact, and expanding opportunity through ongoing board service and civic involvement. At home, Shannon’s all about living authentically, being silly with her partner, Jamie, and creating a house full of kids, friends, and real life. She loves cooking, bonfires, long walks with Louie and Buster, lifting heavy, yoga, and cheering way too loudly at gymnastics, soccer, and softball.
Kristi Hicks
Forethought Experience Architect
At the intersection of vision and execution, Kristi brings Forethought’s brand to life through strategy, storytelling, and meaningful experiences. Working closely with Shannon, she translates big ideas into actionable plans—connecting purpose to process in every detail.
Known for her thoughtful questions and steady presence, Kristi helps ideas take root and move forward with intention. She combines a background in sales, marketing, and community engagement with a deep understanding of people and patterns, guiding both brand and team with clarity and care.
Outside of work, Kristi loves exploring new places, spending time with her family, and creating memorable moments—whether she’s planning an event, curating a space, or sharing a great cup of coffee with friends.
Padao Vang
Forethought Director of Operations & Client Experience
Padao ensures every client interaction is seamless, personal, and aligned with their life story. A Hmong American woman and first-generation immigrant, she brings a deep commitment to representation and inclusion in the financial industry.
With a decade in healthcare before transitioning into finance, Padao blends operational precision with genuine care for people’s journeys. Outside the office, she’s a mom to three kids and one dog, celebrates 16 years of marriage, and she’s always ready for her next adventure—whether it’s on a trail, across the globe, or around the dinner table with loved ones.
Fun fact: Shannon and Padao have been friends for over 30 years!
Claire Stumbras
Forethought Financial Advisor
Claire brings a values-driven approach to financial advising, shaped by her background as an educator, administrator, and nonprofit leader. She helps clients align their money with what matters most—whether that’s justice work, ethical consumption, or long-term stability—while supporting them through life’s transitions with care and strategy.
At Forethought, she is building expertise in long-term care, disability, and life insurance to guide clients through every stage of life. Outside of work, Claire enjoys camping in the wilderness, baking vegan treats, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends, her dog Winston, and cat Gracie.
Ready to take the next step in your wealth journey?
You’ve met our team. Now it’s your turn to share your story.
Our complimentary 30-minute introduction call is a chance to connect, not commit. We’ll learn what’s important to you, explore your goals, and see if our team and services align with your needs.
You deserve a plan and a partnership that sees the whole you.