About KNN Public Finance

Our Focus

KNN Public Finance is an Independent Registered Municipal Advisor—we do not underwrite securities or serve in any other roles which may conflict with our fiduciary duty to clients.  Furthermore, we are 100% employee owned and operated, reflecting our unwavering commitment to independence and conflict free advice.   Our focus is providing public agency clients with independent, objective analysis and advice to support them in making responsible decisions about their debt and capital programs.  Our advisors are experienced addressing financing needs for a wide range of core public agency functions, including: criminal justice, economic development, health care, higher education, flood control, human services, infrastructure, land use, public safety, renewable energy, schools, solid waste, transportation, water and wastewater.

Our History

KNN Public Finance, LLC was established as a registered municipal advisor in February, 2016, after a group of employees purchased the assets of the company from Zions Bank. However, we trace our roots to a company first established in 1982. At that time, Bob Kelling established Kelling & Co. Incorporated, which initially provided deal structuring broker dealer services to municipalities. In 1986, the company changed its name to Kelling, Northcross & Nobriga, Inc., with the addition of new principals, and began providing Financial Advisor services exclusively. In 1997, Kelling, Northcross & Nobriga became a division of Zions First National Bank and the name was subsequently changed to KNN Public Finance, a division of Zions First National Bank.  Later, the company became a division of Zions Public Finance, Inc. On February 19, 2016, a group of employees purchased the assets of the company from Zions Bank and Zions Public Finance, Inc., and formed KNN Public Finance, LLC, a California limited liability company. Members of the LLC include David Leifer, Manager, as well as David Brodsly, Joanna Bowes, Mark Young, Blake Boehm, and Bobby Cheung.

Our Organization

KNN Public Finance has a large California-based staff with deep quantitative and market resources. We're a vibrant, interactive organization that's committed to diversity, collaboration, and the education and success of our advisors.  We live and work in the communities we serve and care deeply about public service. We are registered as a municipal advisor with the SEC and MSRB and are held to the highest standard of care, a fiduciary duty.  Our duties of care and loyalty are our foremost guiding principles as municipal advisors. Meet the KNN Senior Advisory Team »