Built for Credit Union Leadership.
An integrated advisory council bringing legal, financial, cybersecurity, and marketing expertise together under one roof.
Our Story
Vantage Core Advisors was formed to solve a problem Credit Union leaders know well. Critical decisions were being shaped by multiple advisory firms operating independently, often resulting in conflicting guidance, duplicated effort, and fragmented strategy. Leadership teams were left to connect the dots on their own while managing increasing regulatory pressure, cybersecurity risk, financial complexity, and member expectations.
Vantage Core was built to change that experience. By uniting legal and compliance, financial strategy, cybersecurity and IT, and marketing and member growth into one coordinated advisory council, we created a model designed for alignment from the start. Our advisors collaborate internally before advising clients, ensuring leadership receives clear, cohesive perspective rather than siloed recommendations.
When decisions are aligned across disciplines, organizations operate with greater confidence, stronger governance, and long-term stability. That clarity is the foundation Vantage Core Advisors was built on.
Meet the Advisors
Ben Brady
Ben Brady is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity professional with more than three decades of experience supporting complex, regulated environments. His career began in accounting before quickly shifting into network administration and information systems, a transition that shaped his practical, systems-driven approach to technology. Ben spent nearly 20 years working with Internet Service Providers in Tennessee, where he advised healthcare and financial institutions on network infrastructure, connectivity, and security.
Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Tennessee Technological University and multiple industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). He has extensive experience in audit, compliance, risk management, and security policy for regulated organizations and also teaches networking and security courses in the Nashville market. Through his work with Vantage Core Advisors, Ben helps leadership teams strengthen cybersecurity posture, manage risk responsibly, and align technology decisions with regulatory and operational requirements.
Cybersecurity & IT Risk Advisor
James Scarlett
Financial Strategy & Accounting Advisor
James Scarlett is a seasoned financial strategist, business advisor, and co-founder of Vantage Core Advisors. With more than 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant, he brings deep expertise in tax strategy, financial reporting, and long-term financial planning. James works closely with leadership teams to bring clarity to complex financial decisions and to build strong, sustainable foundations for growth.
Throughout his career, James has advised hundreds of organizations across a wide range of industries, supporting everything from startup structuring and financial system implementation to cash-flow optimization, advanced tax planning, and merger and acquisition due diligence. He also plays a key role in shaping Vantage Core Advisors’ integrated advisory model, helping ensure financial insight is aligned with legal, technology, and growth strategy. Known for his integrity and practical approach, James helps leaders make informed decisions with confidence and precision.
Jodi Pitts
Marketing & Growth Strategy Advisor
Jodi Pitts is a strategic marketing advisor and the founder and CEO of Magnolia Marketing, where she helps leadership teams align marketing, sales, and customer experience to drive measurable, long-term growth. With a background spanning brand strategy, messaging, digital systems, and organizational positioning, Jodi brings a holistic perspective to growth that goes beyond tactics. Her work focuses on helping organizations clarify who they serve, articulate their value, and build marketing systems that support business goals at the leadership level.
Through her role with Vantage Core Advisors, Jodi provides Credit Union leaders with strategic insight into member growth, communication strategy, and market positioning within regulated environments. She is known for translating complex business objectives into clear, executable strategies that support trust, consistency, and sustainable growth. Jodi’s approach emphasizes alignment across departments, disciplined execution, and building marketing foundations that strengthen the organization over time rather than chasing short-term wins.
Daryl Colson
Legal & Compliance Advisor
Daryl Colson is an attorney and senior partner at Colson, Maxwell, Smith and Grelle, with nearly 30 years of legal experience. Licensed in 1996, he brings deep expertise in governmental law, corporate governance, and business formation and management. Daryl has advised organizations across a wide range of legal matters, helping leadership teams navigate compliance, risk, and operational decision-making with confidence.
In addition to his private practice, Daryl has served as county attorney, General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge of Overton County, and founder of one of Tennessee’s most successful Recovery Courts. He currently serves on multiple nonprofit and corporate boards, giving him firsthand insight into governance, efficiency, and long-term organizational health. Through his work with Vantage Core Advisors, Daryl provides practical legal perspective that supports sound governance, regulatory alignment, and sustainable growth.
Our Mission
To empower Credit Union leaders with integrated expertise that drives clarity, stability, and sustainable growth.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted multi-disciplinary advisory firm for Credit Unions seeking confident leadership and long-term resilience.
Our Values
Let’s Start with Perspective
Every effective advisory relationship begins with understanding your organization, your risks, and your goals. Our assessment process is designed to provide clarity, alignment, and a clear path forward before any engagement begins.