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Cresta Advisors Public Funds

Strengthening Communities, One Investment At A Time

At Cresta Advisors Public Funds, we are dedicated to Strengthening Communities, One Investment At A Time.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a proven track record of success, we proudly serve as your trusted partner in the realm of public funds management. * 

* Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.

Our Mission is clear: to place your interests and the interests of your community at the forefront as we collaborate with you to foster the growth and prosperity of your community.

About Cresta Advisors Public Funds

Leveraging Our Expertise in Financial Markets, Compliance, Public Funds Investing, and Reporting.

At Cresta Advisors Public Funds, we are passionate about empowering public entities to make informed and strategic financial decisions. Our team of seasoned experts is deeply committed to the financial well-being of our clients and the communities they serve.

The Cresta Advisors Public Funds Team specializes in the management and oversight of funds held by governmental entities, ensuring their optimal allocation in alignment with public interests and regulatory guidelines. Drawing from a deep understanding of the financial markets, economic indicators, industry experience, and government policies, we will work with you to create strategic investment portfolios. Our primary aim is to safeguard public assets, maximize returns, and support the fiscal stability of public institutions. We are committed to strict adherence to transparency and ethical standards, as it involves the stewardship of taxpayer money.  Our team has over 50 years of combined investment management experience and a disciplined investment methodology and process to help our institutions invest through all market cycles.

Our Services

At Cresta Advisors Public Funds, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to cater to the unique financial management needs of various public entities, including School Districts, Higher Education Institutions, Utility Districts, Cities, and Counties. Our services include:

Investment Advisory

Strategic Planning

Financial Consulting

The Cresta Advisors Public Funds team will work with you in reviewing or implementing a Customized Investment Policy specifically designed to meet the investment needs of your public entity. 

Our team will work with you to review current financial holdings at all institutions and help formulate an appropriate distribution of financial funds based on Cash Flow Needs, Economic Outlook, and specific entity requirements.

As a Fiduciary Advisor, we will provide ongoing Financial Consulting on topics such as Economic Outlook, Investment Outlook, and Portfolio Recommendations to ensure we are aligned to meet your entities’ financial objectives.

Customized Investment Policy

Our seasoned experts work closely with you to craft a Customized Investment Policy tailored to your entity’s specific needs. We ensure compliance with the Texas Public Funds Investment Act.

Wide range of allowable investments:

  • U.S. Treasury Securities
  • Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
  • Municipal Bonds
  • Corporate Bonds
  • Money Market Funds **
  • Government Agency Securities

Our investment strategies encompass:

  • Diversification for risk management ***
  • Yield optimization while maintaining safety
  • Liquidity management
  • Compliance with PFIA & local investment policies

** A money market fund has limited potential for income production. You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.

*** Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. It is a method used to help manage investment risk.

Fiduciary Commitment & Compliance Adherence

Trust and transparency are the cornerstones of our client relationships. As your fiduciary, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of trustworthiness and integrity. At Cresta Advisors Public Funds, we consistently act in your best interests, guided by our Core Values of Transparency, Respect, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement.

We prioritize your financial health and well-being, offering a commitment to compliance and adherence to regulations. Our fiduciary duty is unwavering, ensuring your best interests are our top priority.

Our commitment to transparency, respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement extends to the following:
  • Collaborating with your legal, finance or audit team
  • Coordinating flow of information to facilitate compliance audits
  • Monitoring and reporting on the performance of your investments

Reporting & Financial Management Support

We understand that effective financial management requires timely, accurate, and actionable information. The Cresta Advisors Public Funds team provides comprehensive and up-to-date reports on your current investment holdings and the prevailing financial market conditions. Our commitment to streamlining the investment process and ensuring the seamless flow of information among stakeholders within your organization is designed to empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions.

We provide you with timely, detailed reports that empower you to make informed decisions.

Our reporting services include:
  • Monthly, quarterly, and annual investment performance reports
  • Cash flow analysis to maintain liquidity
  • Comprehensive risk assessments

Serving School Districts, Higher Education, Utility Districts, Cities, & Counties

Cresta Advisors Public Funds takes pride in serving a wide spectrum of public entities. 

Our Clients Include:

  • Counties: Counties rely on us to safeguard public funds, making investments that contribute to the well-being of residents while staying within the Texas Public Funds Investment Act.
  • School Districts: We assist in the prudent management of your educational funds, helping you invest in ways that maximize resources for the benefit of students and staff.
  • Higher Education: Whether you manage an endowment, operating funds, or research grants, we provide expert guidance for optimizing financial assets.
  • Utility Districts: We help you navigate the intricacies of utility finances, ensuring that your funds are managed efficiently and in compliance with the law.
  • Cities: Our financial strategies support municipalities in their growth and development, enhancing local infrastructure and public services.

Cresta Advisors Public Funds stands as your trusted partner, committed to fortifying your financial future and enhancing the communities you serve. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your public entity’s financial management needs.

Cresta Public Funds Team

Jeronimo A. Martinez

Director of Public Funds

See Profile

Manuel E. Garza

Founding Partner
CEO – Cresta Advisors

See Profile

Mark Deutsch

Founding Partner
CIO – Cresta Advisors

See Profile

Luis Emmanuel Guajardo

Partner | Wealth Advisor

See Profile

Johana Soldevilla

Client Service Associate

See Profile

Discover how our expertise and commitment to your success can benefit your public entity. Get in touch with us today, and let’s work together to secure a prosperous future for your community.

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Reasons to work with a Fiduciary Investment Advisor

  • Transparency
  • Advice
  • Predictable Costs
  • Credibility
  • Enhanced Trust
  • Comprehensive Services

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Disclosure

Investment Advisory services offered through Cresta Advisors, Ltd., a Registered Investment Adviser.

Cresta Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.

Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from the Fund Company or your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.

A money market fund has limited potential for income production. You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Investment Advisor Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every advisor listed.

For additional information, please contact Cresta Advisors Public Funds at info@crestaadvisors.com

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Jeronimo A. Martinez

Director of Public Funds

Jeronimo brings a wealth of expertise garnered from over a decade of experience, including significant highlights in public funds management.

Jeronimo holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Economics, a Certificate in Latin American Studies from Texas A&M International University as well as a Certificate from the County Investment Academy from the McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University.

Having recently served as the Chief Deputy County Treasurer, Jeronimo expertly assisted in managing a substantial investment portfolio exceeding $280 million. His deep knowledge and proficiency in the Texas Public Funds Investment Act were instrumental in enabling the county to diversify its portfolio effectively.

His previous decade of experience with a private consulting firm was equally significant, as he played a vital role in raising millions in investment capital for South Texas economic development projects, specializing in areas such as business consulting, strategic planning, public/private partnerships, and market/economic research.

Jeronimo Martinez’s career journey and achievements serve as a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to his clients and community.

Manuel E. Garza

Founding Partner | CEO – Cresta Advisors

Manuel is a founding partner of Cresta Advisors and has over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry. His professional experience advising individuals and institutions serves as the cornerstone for guiding Cresta Advisors clients through their financial plans. Manuel is responsible for implementing and executing the strategic vision of Cresta Advisors.

Manuel earned a BA in Economics with a minor in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin.
He also recently completed The Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification (CPWA®) at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The CPWA® certification is developed by the Investment Management Consultants Association® (IMCA®) and focuses on providing financial advisors the education to recognize challenges high net worth individuals encounter, and implement strategies to minimize taxes, protect and grow assets, and transfer wealth.

Manuel is on the advisory board at the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at Texas A&M International University. He works closely with the faculty at the university to help students prepare for the financial services industry.

Mark Deutsch

Founding Partner | Chief Investment Officer – Cresta Advisors

Mark is a founding partner of Cresta Advisors and has over thirty years of experience in the financial services industry.

Mark leverages his experience in asset management and portfolio construction to function as Chief Investment Officer for the firm.  He is responsible for implementing the investment philosophy at Cresta Advisors and overseeing the execution of Cresta Advisors’ proprietary portfolios.

Prior to founding Cresta Advisors, Mark began his investment management career as a registered options trader at the American Stock Exchange. He then managed the institutional bond portfolio of The Laredo National Bank, until he joined Merrill Lynch and functioned as Portfolio Manager and financial advisor.  Mark continues guiding Cresta Advisors growth, direction, and recognition as Laredo’s first independent Registered Investment Advisory firm.

In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time outdoors in South Texas with his family and dog.

Luis Emmanuel Guajardo

Partner | Wealth Advisor

Emmanuel, a dedicated Laredo native, leverages his expertise as a financial planner to empower the local community in identifying, establishing, and attaining their financial goals. With a focus on financial planning, investment management, estate planning, and philanthropic giving strategies, he brings comprehensive financial guidance to Cresta Advisors’ clients.

Emmanuel’s journey led him to Cresta Advisors, following the attainment of his BBA and MBA degrees from the University of the Incarnate Word’s H-E-B School of Business. To enhance his ability to serve the Laredo community, he pursued and obtained the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Estate and Trust Specialist designations.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Emmanuel actively engages with the Laredo community, holding positions on the boards of The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA), Ruthe B Cowl Rehabilitation Center, and The Boys and Girls Club of Laredo. He also contributes his time as a volunteer with the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, further reinforcing his commitment to the city’s growth and development.

During his free time, Emmanuel finds enjoyment in the game of golf and cherishes quality time spent with loved ones.

Johana Soldevilla

Client Service Associate

Johana is a graduate of Texas A&M International University.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and management.

Johana has extensive experience in the financial services industry.  Her previous professional responsibilities included personal banking and small business banking for over ten years.

At Cresta Advisors, Johana is part of the Client Service Team where she applies her exceptional customer service experience to help clients reach their financial goals.

Johana is also an avid support of Pillar, an organization that supports individuals that have been impacted by mental health and addiction.