Our History
Patten & Patten has been serving clients for more than 45 years. Since our founding in 1976, Patten & Patten has remained independent and dedicated to offering clients customized investment strategies. We serve individuals and families, trusts, endowments, foundations and profit-sharing plans, as well as other institutional investment accounts. Since our founding, we’ve also been an independent investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Our Investment Philosophy
Investment strategies are highly effective when customized.
Independent firms are well positioned to represent their client’s interests.
INVESTMENT TEAM
PRESIDENT, CEO, PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Mr. Ryan is a Principal, President, CEO and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Prior to joining the Firm in 1999, he worked in several areas of the capital markets, including investment banking for SunTrust Equitable Securities Corporation in Nashville, TN. Prior to his tenure with SunTrust Equitable, Mr. Ryan worked in capital markets, including institutional fixed-income sales and trading, for Lehman Brothers. He is a CFA Charter holder and has served as an instructor with a leading CFA preparatory organization. He is a member of the American Economic Association and is a past President of the CFA Society of East Tennessee. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Advisory Board for the UT Chattanooga College of Business and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance. Mr. Ryan is a Board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and serves as the Chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee. Mr. Ryan graduated from Princeton University, A.B. Economics, in 1989. He earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2002.
PRINCIPAL, PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Mr. Fleck is a Principal and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Prior to joining the Firm in 2008, he worked as a Senior Portfolio Manager for Highland Capital Management in Memphis, Tennessee. At Highland Capital, he was a member of the Equity Investment Selection Committee and also managed all municipal bond holdings for the firm. Mr. Fleck has worked as a Portfolio Manager for the State of Kentucky managing an investment portfolio of the state’s operating funds. He has also served as the Investment Officer for the city of Columbus, Georgia, where he managed the city’s investment portfolio and advised the city’s Pension Board. Mr. Fleck serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at UT Chattanooga’s College of Business. He is a past Board Member and a past President of the CFA Society of East Tennessee. Mr. Fleck has served on the School Advisory Board for Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (“OLPH”). He is a past member of the Board of United Cerebral Palsy in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Fleck graduated from Christian Brothers University in 1992, with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He earned an M.B.A. degree from the University of Memphis in 1993. Mr. Fleck earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2000.
PRINCIPAL, PORTFOLIO MANAGER
William F. A. Decosimo, CFA joined Patten and Patten in 2011 and is a Principal and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Mr. Decosimo is a CFA Charter Holder and is active in the Chattanooga community. He is currently the President of the CFA Society of East Tennessee and serves on several other Boards, including the Chattanooga Zoo, Chambliss Center for Children, and the Alpha Sigma Educational Foundation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to assuming his current role at the Firm, Mr. Decosimo worked as a Research Analyst with a primary focus on fundamental equity analysis. Mr. Decosimo attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and English.
Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Phil U. Payne, CFA, CAIA joined Patten and Patten in 2024 and is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Mr. Payne is both a CFA Charterholder and a CAIA Charterholder, and is an active member of the CFA Society of East Tennessee and the CAIA Atlanta chapter. Prior to assuming his current role at the firm, Mr. Payne worked as an investment manager for Truist Wealth’s sports & entertainment specialty group in Atlanta, GA. In this role, Mr. Payne took a holistic approach to understanding his client’s financial objectives and constructed investment portfolios to match each client’s unique situation. Prior to his tenure with Truist, Mr. Payne worked as a Research Associate covering the restaurant industry for Telsey Advisory Group in Nashville, TN. Mr. Payne attended the University of Tennessee where he graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and master’s in business administration. Mr. Payne earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2018 and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation in 2020.
PRESIDENT, CEO, PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Mr. Ryan is a Principal, President, CEO and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Prior to joining the Firm in 1999, he worked in several areas of the capital markets, including investment banking for SunTrust Equitable Securities Corporation in Nashville, TN. Prior to his tenure with SunTrust Equitable, Mr. Ryan worked in capital markets, including institutional fixed-income sales and trading, for Lehman Brothers. He is a CFA Charter holder and has served as an instructor with a leading CFA preparatory organization. He is a member of the American Economic Association and is a past President of the CFA Society of East Tennessee. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Advisory Board for the UT Chattanooga College of Business and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance. Mr. Ryan is a Board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and serves as the Chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee. Mr. Ryan graduated from Princeton University, A.B. Economics, in 1989. He earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2002.
PRINCIPAL, PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Mr. Fleck is a Principal and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Prior to joining the Firm in 2008, he worked as a Senior Portfolio Manager for Highland Capital Management in Memphis, Tennessee. At Highland Capital, he was a member of the Equity Investment Selection Committee and also managed all municipal bond holdings for the firm. Mr. Fleck has worked as a Portfolio Manager for the State of Kentucky managing an investment portfolio of the state’s operating funds. He has also served as the Investment Officer for the city of Columbus, Georgia, where he managed the city’s investment portfolio and advised the city’s Pension Board. Mr. Fleck serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at UT Chattanooga’s College of Business. He is a past Board Member and a past President of the CFA Society of East Tennessee. Mr. Fleck has served on the School Advisory Board for Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (“OLPH”). He is a past member of the Board of United Cerebral Palsy in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Fleck graduated from Christian Brothers University in 1992, with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He earned an M.B.A. degree from the University of Memphis in 1993. Mr. Fleck earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2000.
PRINCIPAL, PORTFOLIO MANAGER
William F. A. Decosimo, CFA joined Patten and Patten in 2011 and is a Principal and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Mr. Decosimo is a CFA Charter Holder and is active in the Chattanooga community. He is currently the President of the CFA Society of East Tennessee and serves on several other Boards, including the Chattanooga Zoo, Chambliss Center for Children, and the Alpha Sigma Educational Foundation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to assuming his current role at the Firm, Mr. Decosimo worked as a Research Analyst with a primary focus on fundamental equity analysis. Mr. Decosimo attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and English.
Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Phil U. Payne, CFA, CAIA joined Patten and Patten in 2024 and is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the Firm. Mr. Payne is both a CFA Charterholder and a CAIA Charterholder, and is an active member of the CFA Society of East Tennessee and the CAIA Atlanta chapter. Prior to assuming his current role at the firm, Mr. Payne worked as an investment manager for Truist Wealth’s sports & entertainment specialty group in Atlanta, GA. In this role, Mr. Payne took a holistic approach to understanding his client’s financial objectives and constructed investment portfolios to match each client’s unique situation. Prior to his tenure with Truist, Mr. Payne worked as a Research Associate covering the restaurant industry for Telsey Advisory Group in Nashville, TN. Mr. Payne attended the University of Tennessee where he graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and master’s in business administration. Mr. Payne earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2018 and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation in 2020.
Administrative and Operations TEAM
PRINCIPAL, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Mrs. Graham joined Patten & Patten as the Controller in September 2011 and became CFO in November 2014. Before joining Patten and Patten, Stephanie spent 14 years with Ernst & Young, one of the Big 4 accounting firms, and 4 years with Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough, a local accounting firm. While with Ernst & Young, Stephanie served Fortune 100 companies as well as large private companies, and managed the implementation of audit standards, debt and equity filings, due diligence procedures related to acquisitions and divestitures, and a variety of other projects. At Henderson, Hutcherson and McCullough, Stephanie worked extensively with non-profit and governmental organizations in a variety of capacities including audits, agreed upon procedures, and fraud investigations. Stephanie is very involved in the community and serves on the board of several organizations including the Chattanooga chapters of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance. Stephanie also served on the Finance Committee for the Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga. Additionally, Stephanie is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute.
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR, IT MANAGER
Mrs. Lawrence joined Patten and Patten in 1982. Her responsibilities are divided between a Portfolio Administrator, IT Systems Manager, and the Investment Performance Manager. Prior to joining Patten and Patten, she worked at McKesson Drug Company. She is a member of East Ridge Baptist Church.
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Ms. Kramer joined Patten & Patten as a Portfolio Administrator in the Spring of 2015. Prior, she lived in Indiana and worked as a Human Resources specialist for Heritage Federal Credit Union. Betsy serves as a member of the board for the Chattanooga Ballet and Chattanooga Young Life.
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. Bird joined Patten & Patten as a Portfolio Administrator in May 2018. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance & Investments.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Angela joined Patten & Patten in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant. Since joining Patten and Patten, Inc. she has earned her MBA in Human Resource Management. She previously worked as a kindergarten teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District and as a Center Director for the Head Start Program both in Tennessee and in California. She currently attends Silverdale Baptist Church.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jamie Barfoot has been with Patten & Patten as an Administrative Assistant since 2022. At Patten & Patten Jamie works to support clients, portfolio administrators and portfolio managers. She enjoys the positive work environment and getting to know Patten & Patten’s clients. Previously, Jamie worked in marketing for four years. She attended Berry College and earned a degree in Communications: Public Relations. Jamie is a member of Sojourn Community Church.
PART-TIME STUDENT EMPLOYEE
Charlie Austin is a part-time student employee at Patten & Patten Inc. Charlie has been with Patten & Patten since 2022 and uses his skills to help team members with a variety of tasks. By focusing on the clients’ needs, Charlie has been able to put his business administration degree he earned at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to good use. Previously, Charlie worked in the golf industry as a shop assistant at Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club. When he’s not at Patten & Patten Inc., Charlie is an avid golfer who loves spending time outside and among others.
PRINCIPAL, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Mrs. Graham joined Patten & Patten as the Controller in September 2011 and became CFO in November 2014. Before joining Patten and Patten, Stephanie spent 14 years with Ernst & Young, one of the Big 4 accounting firms, and 4 years with Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough, a local accounting firm. While with Ernst & Young, Stephanie served Fortune 100 companies as well as large private companies, and managed the implementation of audit standards, debt and equity filings, due diligence procedures related to acquisitions and divestitures, and a variety of other projects. At Henderson, Hutcherson and McCullough, Stephanie worked extensively with non-profit and governmental organizations in a variety of capacities including audits, agreed upon procedures, and fraud investigations. Stephanie is very involved in the community and serves on the board of several organizations including the Chattanooga chapters of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance. Stephanie also served on the Finance Committee for the Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga. Additionally, Stephanie is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute.
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR, IT MANAGER
Mrs. Lawrence joined Patten and Patten in 1982. Her responsibilities are divided between a Portfolio Administrator, IT Systems Manager, and the Investment Performance Manager. Prior to joining Patten and Patten, she worked at McKesson Drug Company. She is a member of East Ridge Baptist Church.
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Ms. Kramer joined Patten & Patten as a Portfolio Administrator in the Spring of 2015. Prior, she lived in Indiana and worked as a Human Resources specialist for Heritage Federal Credit Union. Betsy serves as a member of the board for the Chattanooga Ballet and Chattanooga Young Life.
PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. Bird joined Patten & Patten as a Portfolio Administrator in May 2018. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance & Investments.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Angela joined Patten & Patten in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant. Since joining Patten and Patten, Inc. she has earned her MBA in Human Resource Management. She previously worked as a kindergarten teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District and as a Center Director for the Head Start Program both in Tennessee and in California. She currently attends Silverdale Baptist Church.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jamie Barfoot has been with Patten & Patten as an Administrative Assistant since 2022. At Patten & Patten Jamie works to support clients, portfolio administrators and portfolio managers. She enjoys the positive work environment and getting to know Patten & Patten’s clients. Previously, Jamie worked in marketing for four years. She attended Berry College and earned a degree in Communications: Public Relations. Jamie is a member of Sojourn Community Church.
PART-TIME STUDENT EMPLOYEE
Charlie Austin is a part-time student employee at Patten & Patten Inc. Charlie has been with Patten & Patten since 2022 and uses his skills to help team members with a variety of tasks. By focusing on the clients’ needs, Charlie has been able to put his business administration degree he earned at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to good use. Previously, Charlie worked in the golf industry as a shop assistant at Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club. When he’s not at Patten & Patten Inc., Charlie is an avid golfer who loves spending time outside and among others.
