WHO WE ARE
Our Team

Bradley E. Dugdale
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager
Brad has been with D.A. Davidson since 1982. His primary areas of emphasis include research, security selection, portfolio construction and a deep understanding of the way investment management needs to be flexible and adaptive as life changes occur. With a client base that now includes the third generation of many families, he has helped guide investors through a variety of different market cycles and life events. This experience is especially useful as clients move from the accumulation to distribution phase because strategies must often be modified to meet goals as market conditions continually change. Brad is a graduate of the University of Montana and continues to be heavily involved in the community. His currently serves on the North Idaho College Foundation board and formerly been on the boards of the Idaho Youth Ranch, Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Council on Economic Education, Kootenai County Airport Advisory Board and the Coeur d'Alene Community Theatre. He has two sons and resides in Hayden Lake with his wife, Shariae.
Licenses
- Series 7
- Series 63
- Series 65
- Series 4
- Series 24

Darin Hayes, CPFA, CWS
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager
Darin has been with D.A. Davidson since 2005. His primary responsibilities with the team are portfolio management, financial planning, researching and reviewing strategies, and oversight of company sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k) plans. He holds the Certified Wealth Strategist® designation which is granted to professionals, like Darin, who have demonstrated an advanced understanding of wealth management and the knowledge to work effectively for clients with more complex wealth issues. Darin is a graduate of the University of Idaho and devotes a considerable amount of time to community organizations. He currently serves on the Kootenai Health Foundation board and formerly served on the boards of the EXCEL Foundation, LAM Christian Academy and the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce where he served as Chairman. He has one daughter and lives in Coeur d'Alene with his wife, Monique.
Certificates
CPFA, CWS
Licenses
- Series 7
- Series 66
- Series 9
- Series 10
- ID Health, Life, Variable Life & Variable Annuity

Kate Absec, FPQP
Senior Registered Associate
Kate has been with D.A. Davidson since 1995. Her primary areas of expertise are in client communication and service. She is often the first person contacted by clients with inquiries and serves as a bridge between the advisors and clients if they are not immediately available. Kate is an expert in the technology and systems utilized for all administrative responsibilities associated with portfolio management and keeps a watchful eye on cash distributions, incoming assets, required minimum distributions, and account titling and estate settlement. Kate is accessible and is often called upon by the company to provide input when new initiatives or technology are being considered. She holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation which has an emphasis on financial planning. Kate has three daughters and lives in Kellogg with her husband, Terry.
Certificates
FPQP
Licenses
- Series 7
- Series 63
- Series 65

Stephanie Brunner
Registered Client Associate
Steph joined the Dugdale | Hayes Investment Group and D.A. Davidson in 2020 and has grown into a key member of the team. Known for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and thoughtful approach, she is committed to providing exceptional service while helping clients feel informed and well cared for. Steph takes great pride in her role as a Registered Client Associate, including involvement in planning meaningful client appreciation events that help foster lasting relationships.
Originally from Frenchtown, Montana, Steph has proudly called North Idaho home since 2007. Before entering the financial services industry, she spent eight years as an estimator and drafter for high-end custom homes, where she developed the precision and problem-solving skills she brings to her work today. Outside the office, Steph enjoys snowboarding, biking, swimming, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband, daughter, and their beloved German Shepherd.
Licenses
- Series 7
- Series 66

Nate M. Whalen
Registered Client Associate
Nate joined the team in March of 2026 bringing six years of experience in the financial services industry, with a background spanning both operations and client-facing roles. During his time in college, he played baseball, an experience that helped shape his ability to overcome adversity, value teamwork, and develop trust and accountability within a team environment. After college, Nate spent the first 5 years of his career with Charles Schwab, where he developed extensive knowledge in estate distributions, trusts, and powers of attorney, while maintaining a broad working knowledge of the financial markets and the financial services industry. Nate is highly committed to client service and is dedicated to helping individuals and families feel confident in the quality, responsiveness, and care they receive on a day-to-day basis in regards to their finances. He is always eager to continue learning and growing within the industry to better serve his clients.
Outside of work, Nate is actively involved in serving others in both his community and his church, with a focus on building meaningful relationships and discipleship. An avid outdoorsman, Nate enjoys hunting, fishing, and powersports—anything that allows him to spend time outdoors. He also maintains a strong interest in fitness and overall wellness.
Licenses
- Series 7
- Series 63
- Series 66
- ID Health, Life, Variable Life & Variable Annuity
- WA Life & Disability