From Financial Uncertainty to Confidence: A Wealth Planning Journey 

Financial uncertainty to confidence: What does it take to balance leadership, family and long‑term financial planning? Dr. Marc Barnes and Dr. Kiki Baker‑Barnes share how intentional planning helped them create clarity and confidence for the future. 
 
With dynamic careers, hectic schedules, a love for family and a passion for traveling, life in New Orleans keeps Marc and Kiki very busy. 
 
Marc and Kiki first met on the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans. Marc noticed Kiki right away, and it wasn’t long before he asked her out for lunch. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2025. 
 
A lot has changed in 20 years. Kiki now serves as the commissioner for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities athletic conference. Marc is the senior vice president for principal gifts and strategic impact fundraising at the United Negro College Fund. 
 
With these leadership roles came increased financial complexity and the realization that they needed a more intentional plan for the future. 

Planning with purpose 

Kiki was first introduced to Ameritas while attending the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics conference, where she learned about GamePlan by AmeritasSM. Ameritas connected Kiki with Chris Pirtle, managing director of Peake Financial Wealth Management. 
 
For Kiki and Marc, the conversations with Chris clarified their priorities. They wanted to prepare for long term retirement, maximize the resources they had built and invest in a way that allowed them to enjoy life today, while planning responsibly for the future. Now, they have a plan and an advocate they can call anytime. 
 
Ameritas is proud to support customers like Kiki and Marc as they plan for a future built on purpose, balance and trust. For Kiki and Marc, that trust has created clarity, confidence and the freedom to pursue both their professional missions and personal dreams.