Kevin J. Lilly was a Founding Partner at Avalon Advisors, the largest privately owned wealth management firm in Texas. In 2023, Avalon merged with CI Financial, the nation’s largest independent wealth advisory firm. Prior to founding Avalon in 2001, Kevin spent five years in Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Division, assisting the company in starting its first Private Wealth office in Texas. From 1989 to 1996, he was with Goldman Sachs’ Private Wealth Management Division, first in New York and then in Houston. Kevin was commissioned as a Lieutenant (Cavalry) in the United States Army via ROTC at The University of Texas at Austin. He served as a tank platoon leader, tank battalion staff officer, and had one overseas deployment.

Kevin left federal service as a Captain. He was appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry in 2009 to serve as a Regent of the Texas State University System, serving on the Finance and Audit Committee, as well as serving as Chairman of the Texas State University System Foundation Board until 2015. Kevin has published articles on Project Finance and Military Tactics. In addition, Kevin has served as a board member or trustee for several organizations, to include the Houston Symphony, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Houston Methodist Hospital Academic Institute, and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. Kevin currently serves as a Colonel in the Texas State Guard and commanded the 8th Regiment during Hurricane Harvey. In 2017, Kevin was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as Chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees at Southwestern University, he has also been a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization since 2004. 

Kevin received his M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University and his BBA, from The University of Texas at Austin. He resides in Houston and is married with three children.

Location: Houston