Al Ryerson, CPA, ASA, CDFA®

Al is a Principal in the West Des Moines, Iowa office. With more than four decades of experience, he brings a uniquely deep and sophisticated perspective to helping clients navigate complex financial situations.

Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Al served as a Lead Strategist at Gilbert & Cook, where he focused on the intersection of business, tax, and personal financial planning — helping clients make informed decisions where multiple moving parts must work together seamlessly.

Al’s career spans roles as a Certified Public Accountant, tax advisor, Chief Financial Officer, and business valuation and financial litigation consultant. This breadth of experience allows him to approach client situations with both technical precision and practical insight. He is particularly skilled at analyzing complex business structures, valuation scenarios, and financial relationships — helping clients and their advisory teams move forward with clarity and confidence.

Joining Gilbert & Cook in 2019, Al played an important role in supporting clients with sophisticated planning needs, including business owners, individuals navigating divorce, and families with complex financial structures. His ability to connect the dots across disciplines — tax, valuation, planning, and strategy — makes him a valuable resource for clients facing high-stakes decisions.

Al is passionate about thoughtful problem-solving and takes pride in helping clients simplify complexity. His approach is grounded in experience, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering well-reasoned strategies that align with each client’s long-term objectives.

Al and his wife, Annette, live in Des Moines and enjoy traveling, exploring fine wine, and entertaining family and friends. Outside of work, Al enjoys a bit of friendly competition — whether at the poker table, on the golf course, or cheering on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs.

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