Alisa "Zay" Donovan

Howdy! I’m Zay Donovan, your client service ninja at SAS Financial Advisors, where I work behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly and thoughtfully. Whether I’m opening new accounts, processing client updates, managing our CRM, or supporting firm communications like our newsletter, I focus on the details that help create clarity, consistency, and ease for both clients and the team.

I was born in Belarus and moved to the Bay Area at a young age, where I grew up navigating the balance of cultures, languages, and perspectives, something that continues to shape my approach to service and connection. I later spent eight years in Grass Valley before settling in Oklahoma, where I live today.

My professional background is wide-ranging. I studied Art and began my career in hospitality, helping to design, open & operate two restaurant and bar concepts in California. I’ve also worked in real estate and previously held a California realtor license. Those experiences taught me the value of grit, clear communication, and the power of making people feel understood, all of which guide my work at SAS.

I first connected with Elizabeth during a college internship at HP, where she mentored me in the blooming of my career. Years later, after moving to Oklahoma, we reconnected, and I now work alongside her as part of the SAS operations team. I’m proud to be considered the firm’s go-to Schwab expert, handling custodial paperwork, account maintenance, and the background processes that allow our advisors to serve clients with focus and confidence.

Outside of work, I’m a mom, a former small homesteader, and someone who values country living, animal husbandry, and faith-centered living. I believe in doing quiet work with care and showing up consistently, because the little things add up to something lasting.

At SAS, we believe financial planning is about more than numbers, it’s about helping people live with greater clarity and confidence. I’m proud to support that mission, one detail at a time.