Kristin V Dunlevy, CPFA, AIF
Kristin V. Dunlevy, CPFA, AIF®, is a seasoned institutional investment advisor and the founder of DC Institutional, operating within the Savvy Wealth network. With more than 25 years of experience in retirement-plan advising, Kristin has dedicated her career to helping employees take control of their financial futures through fiduciary investment guidance and participant education. Her mission is to simplify the complexities of 401(k) and retirement plans while ensuring that organizations and employees are supported with accessible, evidence-based financial education.
Kristin began her career at an actuarial firm after earning a mathematics degree, quickly realizing her passion for institutional retirement-plan advising rather than individual wealth management. This path allowed her to reach a broader population of workers, helping them build long-term financial security. Over the years, she has served as a Senior Investment Advisor at PNC Institutional Asset Management and as a Retirement Plan Advisor at ProCourse Fiduciary Advisors, gaining deep expertise in retirement-plan law, investments, and participant-focused outcomes. She has also contributed to thought leadership in the field, including co-authoring Rethinking Human Resources, focusing on financial wellness at work.
As Managing Director of DC Institutional, Kristin combines strategy with empathy, advocating for plan sponsors and guiding employees to financial independence. She actively participates in professional organizations like the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) and the Louisville Employee Benefits Council, contributing to policy initiatives such as the passage of Secure 2.0. Her work emphasizes trust, human connection, and long-term relationships, and she is particularly focused on helping women navigate wealth and financial empowerment, especially during life transitions such as divorce. Through her career, Kristin has built a reputation as a proactive, client-centered advisor committed to making financial literacy and fiduciary stewardship accessible to all.
• CPFA
• AIF
• QPFC
• University of Louisville- B.S.
• University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education- C.I.M.A.
• National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA)
• American Retirement Association (ARA) - Government Affairs Committee
• Louisville Employee Benefits Council
• American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries
• Supplies Over Seas - Delivering a World of Health and Hope
• Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
• Our Lady of Lourdes
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying humble and not making things too difficult. The basics will always be a sound foundation - that's something I've learned throughout my 25-year career. I also think about gaining trust, especially in such a fluid period of our democracy and with all the technological changes happening. When you can gain trust in this environment, particularly with AI coming out and people not trusting what they're seeing or hearing, that becomes your biggest opportunity. Connecting on the human level is the largest opportunity right now, because after COVID and with AI, people have to know that they've got a human on the other side. I've also been fortunate to have mentors - local businesswomen who served as a sounding board when I was ready to jump off the edge. I think of them as my advisory board, and they love helping.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from mentors in the finance and business community: surround yourself with trusted advisors who challenge you, guide your decisions, and support your growth. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me develop as a leader and as a founder.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say stay humble. Don't make it too difficult. The basics will always be a sound foundation. I learned this early in my career when I started at an actuarial firm fresh out of college with my mathematics degree. I knew I wanted to be an investment advisor for institutions rather than individuals, and that focus on the fundamentals - understanding the laws of retirement plans, the investments, and the participants - gave me the very specific knowledge I needed. My advice is to build that strong technical foundation, but approach it with humility and remember that sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is gaining trust in such a fluid period of our democracy and with all the technological changes we're experiencing. But that's also the biggest opportunity. When you can gain trust in this environment, especially with AI coming out and people not trusting what they're seeing or hearing, you create something powerful. The largest opportunity right now is connecting on the human level, because after COVID and with AI, people have to know that they've got a human on the other side. We do use today's technology, but the human connection is what sets you apart. It's about being that trusted advisor who can help people navigate this complex body of law and remove barriers for them, especially when there's so much uncertainty about what's real and what's not.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I value being an advocate and educator - helping people navigate complexity and removing barriers so they can become the boss of their own money. I've always focused on reaching as many people as possible in the most effective way, not just serving the wealthy but helping all individuals build their wealth. Trust and human connection are essential to me, especially in today's environment. Personally, I absolutely love being outside. I live in Kentucky and I'm an equestrian - I ride horses and have my own horse. At this stage, it's not about competition, it's about restoration and repurposing. I bought a horse to restore and repurpose, and I work with her every day just to make her better. I love hiking and cycling - my husband and I actually met in a hiking group and we're also in a cycling group. We live in the city but have an acre with two Australian Shepherd dogs and 10 chickens and a garden. Another passion is not only gardening but teaching everyone that they can garden no matter how much space they have - teaching them how to fish rather than going fishing with them for a day. Being outdoors and connected to nature is central to who I am.