Kansas-based Mariner Wealth Advisors has partnered with Cincinnati's RiverPoint Capital Management, an independent advisory firm with over $1.3 billion in client assets under management.

With the agreement Mariner is adding a team of 17 wealth management professionals, including eight advisors. The firm's chief executive, Martin Bicknell, said the move puts his firm a step closer to its goal of building a national team of advisors.

Meanwhile, RiverPoint chief investment strategist Leon Loewenstine said the partnership will provide access to Mariner's investment resources as RiverPoint bolsters its own research and investment capabilities.

RiverPoint said its strategy will remain the same, with no personnel changes as a result of the partnership; Valerie Newell will continue to lead the firm as its chairman, while Loewenstine continues to oversee the investment team. The firm has, however, promoted senior portfolio managers Pamela Schmitt, Tony Roberts and Ryan Brown to managing directors.

Schmitt has 20 years of experience in banking, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and investment analysis. The firm said she remains focused on helping clients transition to financial independence following a divorce or the death of a spouse.

Roberts has 10 years of investment management experience and specializes in portfolio construction and investment strategy design/implementation, while Brown has 12 years of experience and a background in asset allocation and portfolio customization. He works primarily with retirees and second-generation clients.

RiverPoint Capital Management manages wealth for individuals, families, endowments and foundations, while Mariner provides wealth planning, asset management and family office management.