Devaron Yates, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEPA®

Devaron M. Yates is President and Chief Executive Officer of Wealth Development Strategies, LLC, one of
Houston’s longest-standing comprehensive financial planning firms, originally established in 1969. A 21-year
industry veteran, Mr. Yates is leading the firm’s evolution from a founder-dependent boutique practice into a
modern, scalable wealth management platform built for long-term sustainability, depth of leadership, and
institutional strength.

Since assuming executive leadership, he has focused on strengthening operational infrastructure, integrating
technology, formalizing core processes, and building a culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and
continuous improvement. His leadership philosophy centers on transforming organizations into “multiplier”
enterprises that empower autonomous leaders, leverage systems for efficiency, and create enduring value beyond any single individual. Under his direction, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC continues to expand its advanced planning capabilities, deepen recurring revenue strategies, and serve business owners, executives, and multigenerational families with integrated, concierge-level advice.

Mr. Yates’ entrepreneurial mindset has been shaped by both experience and intentional executive development. He is an Executive MBA candidate at Rice University, where he is refining his focus on governance, strategic growth, and enterprise value creation. He is also a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Finance. His commitment to lifelong learning includes participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and multiple Founder’s First CDC accelerator initiatives, experiences that strengthened his approach to scalable growth, operational discipline, and strategic leadership.

He holds numerous advanced industry credentials, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified
Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter®
(CLU®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®). He maintains Series 7, 6, 24, and 26 securities
registrations, as well as life and health insurance licenses. His professional excellence has earned him recognition as a Top of the Table member of the Million Dollar Round Table and an Elite Member of the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Mr. Yates is deeply committed to civic engagement and community stewardship. He serves on the board of the American Leadership Forum’s Houston Chapter and is President Emeritus of Project Row Houses, where he provided governance leadership during periods of organizational growth and financial transition. His community involvement reflects his belief that entrepreneurship extends beyond business; it is about strengthening institutions, empowering people, and contributing to the region's long-term vitality.

At the core of Mr. Yates’ leadership is a clear conviction: success is measured not only by financial growth, but by the durability of culture, the development of people, and the positive impact left behind. He is passionate about building an enduring Texas-based enterprise that develops future leaders, supports clients across generations, and contributes meaningfully to the state's economic and civic landscape.

Above all, he is devoted to his wife and four children and believes that legacy begins at home. His personal and professional mission remains aligned to build something that lasts, multiplies opportunity, and serves others withintegrity and excellence.