Career moves

Walrath will support BAM's underwriting and credit departments in executing every credit BAM insures and advise the bond insurer on other legal matters.

The Dallas-based firm, which was acquired last year by Texas Regional Bank, is expanding its underwriting reach in Texas and other states aided by new hires.

Sycamore Advisors adds two quantitative experts, PFM boosts its workforce consulting team and more talent shifts in December.

"Stan, as a former CFO and controller within the school system, has considerable insight into the needs of our education clients, and can leverage the full breadth of Stephens' resources to help them realize their goals," Stephens' Leigh Ann Biernat said in a statement.

Tom Greene is retiring after 10 years at Wintrust Wealth Management. He left retirement to work for Wintrust; he also spent 40 years at William Blair and Co.

Wiles retired from Los Angeles County at year-end but will still influence the industry as a member of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.

Pressing issues like the shifts in banking teams at various firms following Citi's exit from the business to major ratings changes make the ranking.

Indianapolis-based Sycamore Advisors is building its quantitative muscle with two new experienced municipal finance hires in New York: Peter Orr and Ching Yin.

Robert McDermott has joined the firm as a director.

Firms including PNC, FHN and Texas Capital are hiring to build their public finance teams and increase their presence across the country.