Mark Stephen  is an authentic and strategic leader with a proven background in growing successful integrated advice businesses incorporating wealth management, financial planning, business advisory, SMSF’s, tax, and accounting. He is an accomplished CEO and business development executive with over 30+ years of experience in Financial Services that is highlighted by leading high-performing advice teams and communities by focusing on strategic growth and strong business development & improvement. He is a leadership professional and strives to attain a high-performance culture as well as creating stakeholder wealth.
Prior to joining Civitas Services Mark was the CEO of Lonsdale Financial Group (Lonsdale) from 2010 to 2020; before Lonsdale over six years as National Practice Development Manager with Bridges Financial Services & Australian Wealth Management. He also spent over fourteen years in various senior executive roles with AMP in Melbourne and Sydney.
Mark played a critical leadership role in stabilising and retaining the Lonsdale adviser network after acquisition by IOOF in 2011. He developed a high-performance management and leadership team that not only instilled a high-performance culture but re-focused and achieved significant growth, expansion, and industry recognition as a highly regarded integrated advice network across Australia. He was responsible for growing and maintaining a strong community of advice businesses and professionals under the principle of “strength in partnership” and “one community – one journey – with a common purpose”.
He has a successful track record in strategic planning and execution within the wealth management industry and is a well-regarded thought leader in industry direction. He is a passionate consumer advocate with a “client first” approach. He assists with facilitation and strategic planning with some of Australia’s leading Industry bodies (SMSF Association, FPA) and other funds management and financial services firms.
Mark has excellent interpersonal, leadership, change management, team building, and motivation skills and takes great pride in “making others better” through his stewardship.

Murray Swilks is driven by seeing small businesses succeed and is passionate about contributing to a business structure that provides superior outcomes for clients and advice businesses alike. Beginning his career in the accounting space for a mid-tier accounting firm in the 90’s, he has built up his expertise in understanding the small business landscape, the intricacies of financial services, and key drivers of success and profit. His work ethic and dedication have seen his business clients excel in this space and continue, with momentum, towards their ultimate measure of success. His forensic ability to expose the inhibitors of success and his genuine care lays the groundwork for business to reach their full potential

Morgan Guerra (née Hickey) is the Operations Manager at Civitas Services, bringing nearly 17 years’ experience across operational management and professional services. Based in Victoria, she oversees member onboarding, events and training delivery, working closely with the Civitas Executive team and building strong relationships with member firms.

Morgan previously spent nine years with Lonsdale Financial Group and IOOF, along with seven years in regional financial planning and accounting practices across Colac and Corowa. She has developed extensive expertise in financial services operations, project coordination, stakeholder engagement and client relationship management.

Morgan holds a Diploma of Financial Planning and a Certificate III in Business Administration. She is also actively involved in her local community, having served as Secretary of the Wahgunyah Football Netball Club and currently as a committee member of Echuca South Kindergarten.

Jaime is an experienced professional who has dedicated over two decades to collaborating within financial services. Having led a Licensee and Private Wealth businesses she brings experience across advice, governance, research, portfolio construction, product development, and distribution.

Her focus is now providing consulting services to groups of many different sizes, an experienced responsible manager, serving on advisory boards and as a non-executive director of Mason Steven. Jaime has developed a reputation for her ability to support businesses to grow, navigate complex challenges and make sound judgments.

As a sought-after thought leader in her field, Jaime frequently speaks at industry conferences and events, sharing her insights and expertise.

Brendan Prowse is an industry specialist with over 38 years of experience across stockbroking, financial planning, practice development, and business development. His expertise and proven track record position him strongly to perform his role as Regional Business Partner.

Brendan has an impressive career in financial services, holding senior positions with AMPFP, Zurich Investments, Vanguard, and BetaShares.  

Originally from Melbourne, Brendan has called Perth home for over 12 years. Outside work, he volunteers weekly as a crisis supporter for Lifeline and enjoys time with his three sons and two grandsons.

Brendan’s role as Regional Business Partner at Civitas will see him working with new AFSL businesses and being the local contact for our Corporate Education Partners who are based in Perth and Western Australia (or service this region).