Who We Are
Investment Advisor Representatives
Robert J. Morella, CPA/PFS
Robert is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and partner in the accounting firm, Morella & Morella, LLC. Robert is an Investment Advisor Representative and managing partner of Apex Capital Management, LLC. In 1980 he graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a BS degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Robert is licensed as a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and holds the series 66 license. He is a member of the tax and personal financial planning division of the AICPA and a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.
When not working, Robert enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, tennis, exercising, traveling and visiting art museums.
Jo Ellen Kearny, CPA/PFS
Jo Ellen has been a CPA for over 40 years, mostly in the tax planning and preparation area. She graduated LSA in 1971 with a BS degree. In 1996, earned the AICPA designation of Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) demonstrating expertise in all aspects of wealth management, and is series 66 licensed. In 1999, she expanded her CPA practice to include investment advisory, financial planning, and insurance under the company name of Kearny Financial Planning Services, Inc. She is currently a practicing CPA with Daigrepont & Brian, APAC in Baton Rouge.
Jo Ellen has served the Baton Rouge community as President and Treasurer of Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, Treasurer and Board member of the City Club of Baton Rouge, President and Treasurer of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Chair of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Academy and of the SJA Foundation. She is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Baton Rouge class of 1991. In 2012, she was selected by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report as one of the 2012 Influential Women in Business.
When not working, she enjoys traveling having visited more than 55 countries. Saltwater fishing and her dachshunds are some of her favorite things to do.
Charles J. Duchamp, CPA 
Chuck a series 65 Investment Advisor Representative with Apex Capital Management, LLC., graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now referred to as University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant and President of Charles J. Duchamp, Ltd. (A Professional Accounting Corporation), which he founded in 1981.
Stephen J. Morella, CPA/PFS, CFP®
As a financial advisor with Apex Capital Management, LLC, Stephen is continuously working towards advancing his financial planning and investment advisory knowledge to help his clients achieve their personal financial goals. On top of being a CPA, Stephen is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation issued through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. With a passion for financial planning, what motivates Stephen is providing clients with peace of mind by giving them a roadmap to financial success through comprehensive financial planning.
In addition to being a financial advisor with Apex Capital Management, Stephen is a partner and founding member of Morella & Morella, LLC. Stephen and his father, Robert, formed Morella & Morella in 2024. Stephen has been practicing since 2019.
Stephen graduated from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), where he was a long snapper for the Ragin Cajun football team for five years and graduated with a BS in accounting. When he is not advising, Stephen enjoys spending his time exercising in the gym, reading, hunting, and fishing in Louisiana’s great outdoors.
Administrative
Tammy Duhon
A Wyoming native, Tammy relocated to Louisiana in 2008, she joined Apex Capital Management, LLC that year. She's worked 26 years in the financial services industry. In her role as the St. Compliance Officer/Client Services, Tammy handles the firm compliance and operations. Tammy enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her dogs, traveling, playing in the great outdoors, woodworking, reading, cooking, and new experiences.
Julie Luke Brown
Julie has worked in the financial industry since 1995 and with Kearny Financial Services since 2004. Julie handles all aspects of opening client investment accounts as well as maintaining transfers, withdrawals, and investment changes within the accounts. A graduate of LSU, she was a business education teacher early in her career. She enjoys visiting and traveling with her two children and 4 grandchildren.
Principals/Tax Advisory Board
The following are principals of Apex Capital Management, although they offer tax Advisory Services, they are not registered as Investment Advisor Representatives and DO NOT provide investment advice.
Christopher C. Arsement, CPA, CMA, CVA
Chris is a partner of Apex Capital Management, LLC. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and serves as a partner in the accounting firm of Arsement, Redd, Gardner & Benoit, LLC. Chris is a 1980 graduate from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Chris has earned the designations of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).
John R. Redd, III, CPA
John is a partner of Apex Capital Management, LLC. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and serves as a partner in the accounting firm of Arsement, Redd, Gardner & Benoit, LLC. John is a 1978 graduate of the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
Stephen J. Arsement, CPA
Stephen is a partner of Apex Capital Management, LLC. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and sis a partner in the accounting firm of Arsement, Redd, Gardner & Benoit, LLC. Stephen is a 1988 graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting.
Kimberly B. Gardner, CPA, CVA
Kim is a partner of Apex Capital Management, L.L.C. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and serves as a partner in the accounting firm of Arsement, Redd, Gardner & Benoit, LLC. Kim is a 1989 graduate from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Kim has earned the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).
Eric J. Benoit, CPA
Eric is a 1999 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting. He is a partner of both Apex Capital management, L.L.C. and the accounting firm of Arsement, Redd, Gardner & Benoit, LLC Eric is a member of the Louisiana State Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.