SANDRA MCNEELY, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, MBA, ACFWA
Sandra is the founder and managing director at Abbey Legacy. Sandra facilitates a process that has been linked to higher levels of multi-generational family business success. Key elements of her process include succession planning, owner and multi-generation family meeting facilitation, alignment of management’s strategy with family vision and values, and board effectiveness.
Her ability to engage owners, the family, management, and the board results in enhanced communication, strong family relationships and keen alignment of owners and management.
Her experience as a former CEO and certified financial planner along with her MBA in Finance round out the financial and management skills she brings to family businesses.
Sandra is particularly experienced in family business board development. According to her clients, an investment in independent advisors at the board level is one of the best decisions they have ever made relative to the performance of the businesses.
She is a member of the Private Directors Association and has served on various family business fiduciary and advisory boards as chair, compensation committee chair, and governance committee member. Abbey Legacy has been a long-time sponsor of Prairie Family Business Association where Sandra facilitates affinity peer groups and serves as Board School faculty. Sandra serves as Family Firm Institute (FFI) Treasurer, where she is honored as a Fellow and from which she earned both the Global Education Network (GEN) and Advanced Certificates in Family Business Advising. FFI is the leading global association for family enterprise advisors, researchers and educators.
She is an experienced peer group facilitator and an accomplished speaker.
Meet the Team
Director
Brannon McNeely
Brannon McNeely has been a dedicated member of the McNeely family’s business ventures for over a decade, contributing to both Abbey Group, a nonprofit fundraising consulting firm, and their property management business. His experience encompasses strategic planning, donor relations, and operational oversight, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the family's diverse business interests.
Now, Brannon is transitioning into a key role at Abbey Legacy, working alongside his mother, Sandra McNeely. He is currently enrolled in the Family Firm Institute's Global Education Network's family business and wealth advising courses. This move underscores his commitment to continuing the family legacy and supporting the firm's mission of guiding multi-generational businesses through successful transitions.
In his free time, Brannon enjoys working on his car, riding motorcycles and dirt bikes, and spending time with his wife, Rose, daughter, Isabella, and son, William.
Director
Gavin Martz
Gavin Martz brings a diverse background in management and communication, with experience in retail, recreation and manufacturing sectors. Since joining The Abbey Group in 2022, Gavin has played a key role in supporting Abbey Legacy, stepping into the role of Director in 2024. He contributes to a wide range of projects with creativity, precision, and a strong work ethic, always aligned with the shared vision of Sandra and Michael McNeely’s organizations.
With a background in management, communication, and photography from Black Hills State University, Gavin brings a collaborative spirit, strong work ethic, and eye for detail to every role. He is committed to making meaningful contributions both professionally and in his volunteer efforts.
Outside of work, Gavin is an active volunteer and was recently nominated as the President-elect for his local Rotary club. He enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking in the Black Hills with his wife, Nicole, and their two dogs, Nova and Blue.
Executive Assistant
Rose McNeely
Rose McNeely has served as assistant to Sandra McNeely at Abbey Legacy since May 2023. With a Business Management degree from Black Hills State University, Rose brings both professional skill and personal insight to her role. As Sandra’s daughter-in-law, she offers a unique perspective on family business dynamics and is dedicated to supporting the firm’s mission of guiding multi-generational enterprises through successful transitions.
In her free time, Rose enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time with her husband, Brannon, daughter, Isabella, and son, William.
Executive Assistant
Katty Noonan A.A.S.
Katty is an experienced professional with more than a decade of hands‑on work in project management and financial operations. She began her career supporting family‑owned businesses, where she developed a strong foundation in day‑to‑day operations, accounting and financial recordkeeping. For the past 10 years, she has worked as an Accounting Associate, supporting and managing client projects by helping organize information, track details, and support timelines, while also contributing expertise in account reconciliation, reporting, and process accuracy. She holds an A.A.S. degree in Accounting and brings a reliable, detail‑driven approach that elevates every organization she supports.