Meet Our Dedicated Team
Name: Richard Kesner
Position: Chief Executive Officer, Business Development
Bio:
Kesner is a Founder and CEO of The Commonwealth Group LLC and also serves as the company’s Business Development Officer.
In 1983 Kesner founded Benefit Consultants, a Third-Party Pension Administration firm that provided qualified plan administration to over 500 clients. In 1987 the Company was sold and Kesner remained as director of the office for three years.
In 1991 Kesner founded The Commonwealth Group, inc. an independent investment advisory firm. When the firm was sold in 2014 Commonwealth had placed over $500 million in assets under management with independent money managers.
Kesner has provided consulting to Retirement Plans, Foundations and High Net Worth Families. He is also Chairman of The Family CEO, which provides concierge services to Family Offices and Multi-Family Offices.
Name: John Byrne
Position: Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Investment Officer
Bio:
John Byrne graduated with a BSBA, in Finance & Banking, from the University of Nebraska in 1986.  John is a talented and experienced Investment Advisor Representative. In January 2024 John became Co- Owner, Chief Investment Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer of the firm. John handles client investment portfolios for The Commonwealth Group, and overseas all issues related to compliance for the firm. John has proudly served in our industry for several decades in a mentoring capacity for younger advisors and in helping clients manage their money and attain their financial goals.
Prior to The Commonwealth Group John worked as a Registered Representative with Pruco Securities and as a Financial Professional with The Prudential Life Insurance Company of America. John also served as a Regional Vice President and Investment Advisor Representative with Adaptation Financial Advisors Inc.  John previously owned and managed his own Advisory Firm, Byrne Wealth Management LLC, for many years. In his early years after graduating, John worked as a Registered Representative for American Express Financial Advisors, Inc.
John immerses himself in his client’s situation, and enjoys helping his clients, families and small businesses strive to succeed in meeting their financial goals and objectives.
Name: Leslie Byrne
Position: Social Media Strategist
Bio:
Leslie Byrne is the Director of Marketing and Social Media at The Commonwealth Group. She is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience in the financial and healthcare sectors. Leslie is an expert in digital marketing, focusing on social media. Leslie graduated from Creighton University with a BA in Journalism. She is a fourth-generation Nebraskan who enjoys traveling and spending time with family.