Meet Our Team
James Rukstalis
President
CERTIFICATIONS: CLU, ChFC, CFP®
CA Ins. License #0D71530
FINRA CRD #6736220
With over two decades of experience, James has built a successful retirement planning business with clients throughout the United States. He has worked with regular individuals from all types of professions including Federal Employees, Local Government Employees, Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Politicians, Attorneys, Tech Engineers, Executives, Artists, Football Coaches, and even some pro athletes and celebrities.
His specialties include primarily financial planning which includes: planning for retirement, setting up guaranteed retirement income, estate transfer planning, FERS & CERS Governmental retirement planning, and planning social security strategies.
He has helped advise the pension board for City of San Jose. He also holds a variety of licenses including Insurance (CA Ins # 0D71530), Real Estate, NMLS (Lending), Securities (FINRA CRD# 6736220) & Notary Public. He is licensed in multiple states and holds many designations including CFP®, CLU, ChFC, CAS & ChFEBC. He has obtained Certifications from Harvard University Extension School in both Principles of Finance as well as Corporate Finance.
Peter Bradshaw
Senior Advisor
CA Ins. License # 0M45617
FINRA CRD# 6997508
Peter was born and raised in Westport, Connecticut before moving across the country to Santa Clara, California to pursue his B.S. in Economics from Santa Clara University. While finishing his senior year, he joined the company as an intern where he was mentored by James and worked directly with him to help our clients. After graduating from SCU, he obtained his California Life Insurance License #0M45617 and is also licensed as an Investment Advisory Representative FINRA CRD# 6997508. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®).
With his knowledge and experience, he specializes in giving clients advice and recommendations on insurance and securities to formulate a comprehensive financial plan as the company’s Senior Agent.
Gage Campbell
Financial Advisor
CA Ins. License # 4386562
FINRA CRD# 7939683
Gage was raised in Vacaville, California, and recently moved back to the Bay Area after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno. During his time at UNR, he earned his degree in Finance with a minor in Economics. While in his senior year, he joined the company as the newest advisor where he was mentored by Peter Bradshaw, the firm’s senior advisor. Gage also obtained his Life Insurance License (#4386562) and Securities License (CRD# 7939683), demonstrating his expertise in the field of financial advising. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, whether that’s snowboarding near Lake Tahoe or backpacking through the Sierra Nevada.
Tim Hoffart
Chief Financial Officer
Tim graduated with an Accounting degree from UC Santa Barbara and began his career in the Bay Area, where he spent seven years at regional CPA firms specializing in high-net-worth individual and business taxation, as well as small business audits. He later transitioned into corporate accounting, compliance and financial reporting roles at MUFG Union Bank and Deutsche Bank, bringing both public accounting and large-institution experience to his work with clients.
Alma Portillo
Tax Professional
Alma was born and raised in Ensenada, Baja California, México and moved to the Bay Area in 2019 with no plans to leave. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Language Teaching, as well as an English - Spanish Translator and Interpreter Certificate. Today she serves as a Client Advocate and a Certified Tax Preparer at Altura Wealth Advisors.
Alma is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work for Altura Wealth Advisors and looks forward to learning everything the company has to offer. She loves helping people, and working for such an outstanding company allows her to stay closely connected with the community. She is ready to conquer her fears and grow into a highly successful professional.
In her free time, she enjoys a fulfilling side job as an ISSA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer at a local Santa Clara’s gym. She also serves as an assistant coach at Santa Clara Adult School and seasonal assists in tracking volleyball statistics in a local University. An avid sports enthusiast, Alma loves working out and playing both sand and indoor volleyball. Musically, she enjoys everything from classical to classic rock ‘n roll, describing herself as an “old soul”, who deeply appreciates both the arts and sports.
Maryann Castro
Executive Assistant to the CEO
CA Ins. License # 4384390
Maryann was born in Fresno, California and moved to the bay area when she was 10 years old. She brings 25+ years of administrative experience managing teams and bringing products to market. Her past experiences in the medical field, stemming from past start-ups and corporate companies, will help provide the support needed for our fast-growing company. Maryann hopes to continue to grow and develop with each coming opportunity.
Outside of the office, she volunteers at her church by teaching the youth. Maryann loves to play Pokémon Go, read and bake. Trying new recipes and sharing her creations with others brings her joy.
Andrew Christian
CMO and Vice President of Community Outreach
With a background in teaching and educational leadership, Andrew brings his perspective to educating our clients and the community about who we are here at Altura and how we work together in reaching your financial goals.
A Bay Area native, Andrew is from San Jose and believes that everyone in our community should have access to ethical financial advice that is in their best interest and empowers individuals to take ownership over their financial future. He is passionate about working with youth and partnering with organizations that inspire entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
When he’s not working, you can find him exploring local breweries and wineries, practicing his hopeless golf swing, or driving over the hill to the beach.
Samantha Aguirre
Marketing Manager
Samantha is a Bay Area native, raised in Los Altos, California, who is thrilled to be part of the Altura team. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Ursinus College, where she also competed as an NCAA gymnast.
With over seven years of experience in marketing and social media strategy, Samantha supports Altura's marketing initiatives - helping execute digital campaigns, social media, community outreach, and client communications with a focus on meaningful connection.
In her free time she enjoys skiing, fitness, and seeking out new adventures — having traveled to over 30 countries around the world.
Cassidy Gilmore
Marketing Specialist
Cassidy is excited to bring her background in marketing, event management, community outreach, and project management to the Altura team. She earned her MBA with a focus in Marketing Analytics, along with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, HR Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Cassidy is passionate about bringing together the analytical and creative sides of marketing, using data and insights to inform strategy while turning those insights into engaging experiences and meaningful connections. At Altura, she supports marketing initiatives through strategic project management, events, communications, and community engagement.
Cassidy is a Bay Area native, but loves exploring all that the world has to offer. She loves traveling the world and exploring new cultures, crocheting, playing ice hockey, and cheering on the San Jose Sharks.
Kamryn Sutton
Director of First Impressions
Kamryn was born in Salinas, CA and moved to the Bay Area last year. She earned her degree in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara and brings experience in office administration, legal administrative support, customer service, and hospitality. Her diverse professional background has helped her develop strong communication and organizational skills, allowing her to thrive in fast-paced, client-focused environments while supporting both clients and her team.
Outside of the office, she enjoys taking her dogs to the dog park, spending time with family and friends, and discovering new books to read.
Andrea Lopez
Tax Professional
Andrea is a Bay Area native, born and raised in San Jose. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and Business Economics from UC Merced and hopes to gain more experience to become a CPA. Her passion for helping others and attention to detail led her to a career in tax services, where she is dedicated to providing reliable support and creating a positive experience for clients.
Outside of the office, she enjoys going to concerts, spending time with friends, playing video games, and going to the beach.
