i3 Strengthens Leadership Team with Cristen Farrell as Director of Tax & Finance
Lexington, S.C. — Cristen Farrell, a Charleston-based certified public accountant with more than 15 years of experience across public accounting and private industry, has joined i3 Global Enterprises, a leading firm in family governance and private asset management.
Given how critical proactive tax strategy is to effective governance and informed decision making, Farrell’s leadership and specialized expertise is a timely addition to the firm. Farrell comes to i3 by way of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).
“Our growth as a firm is a credit to the success of our client families and their own growth; and the addition of Cristen is a consequence of that growth and its resulting complexities,” said Kevin Heaton, i3’s founder and principal.
Farrell offers a well-rounded perspective on tax planning, compliance and advisory services for complex organizations. Her career has been shaped by roles at nationally recognized accounting firms and a leading real estate organization, giving her a deep understanding of how tax considerations intersect with business operations, ownership structures and long-term planning.
“With this important hire, we’ve bolstered the scope of what we can do to help family enterprises foster long-term wealth preservation and growth,” said Heaton. “Thoughtful tax strategy plays a critical role in shaping many of the decisions a family will make and absolutely affects the bottom line of any business.”
Farrell’s experience in PwC’s Asset & Wealth Management Real Estate practice, combined with her work in private industry at Greystar Real Estate Partners, has positioned her to support clients navigating multifaceted tax environments. Across these roles, she has worked closely with internal teams, investors and external advisors, developing a collaborative and solution-oriented approach that helps clients anticipate risk and make informed decisions.
Earlier in her career at Dixon Hughes Goodman (now Forvis Mazars), Farrell built a strong technical foundation and developed leadership experience managing client relationships across various industries. This blend of public accounting rigor and practical, industry‑based insight allows her to deliver thoughtful, proactive guidance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
“What attracted me to this role is the opportunity to work at the intersection of tax and broader business considerations,” said Farrell. “The position allows me to collaborate closely with i3’s internal team and its client families, while also working alongside a trusted network of external advisors. Drawing on both my professional experience and the relationships I’ve built throughout my career, I’m excited about the opportunity to help strengthen the firm and contribute meaningfully to its long‑term success.”
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Farrell has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community engagement and leadership. She has contributed her time and expertise to civic and nonprofit organizations, including service in financial governance and leadership roles. This dedication reflects her belief in stewardship, collaboration and service — values that closely align with the firm’s work supporting families across generations.
While Farrell has long been committed to community outreach and civic leadership, her husband Jack Farrell serves his community as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Town of Mount Pleasant, SC. They’re parents to two young children — a four-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter.
About i3 Global i3 Global Enterprises, LLC, a private asset management and family CFO office, helps families in business navigate the unique financial challenges and interpersonal conflicts that threaten long-term wealth preservation and growth. Our families reach positive outcomes through nuanced i3 processes and operational systems that align four key areas: succession planning, wealth analysis and forecasting, private asset management and financial infrastructure. By creating durable systems within a financial ecosystem that’s tailored to each family’s needs, i3 Global helps families in business foster financial and relational harmony and grow wealth over generations. To learn more about i3 Global Enterprises and its services, visit i3resources.com or email us at info@i3resources.com.