Top CFOs is pleased to announce The Top 50 Financial Advisors of New York for 2022. Finance, technology, real estate, insurance, and health care all form the basis of New York’s economy. This year’s awardees are guiding and driving growth for individuals and families, business owners, entrepreneurs, as well as foundations in the state and beyond. Their expertise and insight into wealth management is invaluable and their dedication is prodigious.
Among this year’s awardees are Richard Salvino, Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director for Moeder Salvino & Associates, who uses his extensive experience to enact long-term legacies for some of the world's wealthiest families; Susan Bennett, Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor for Wells Fargo, who directs teams of specialists, often working alongside estate-planning attorneys, accountants, and local centers of influence; and Bill Marco, Founder, President, and Wealth Advisor of Marco Wealth Strategies Group of First Allied Securities Inc., who works predominantly with business owners and regularly shares his knowledge through financial radio shows.
We applaud these individuals for their achievements and contribution to the practice of financial planning. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Financial Advisors of New York for 2022.
1. Serge Permyakoff
VP & Senior Wealth Management Lending Officer, Bank of America
Serge Permyakoff is a Vice President and Senior Wealth Management Lending Officer of Bank of America. He first joined the company in 2018. With over 15 years of experience in the private wealth management lending industry, Permyakoff is known for his highly disciplined approach to fostering multifaceted client relationships and coordinating execution of timely solutions with key stakeholders.
Previously, Permyakoff was the founder and principal consultant at Bebald Consulting. Earlier in his career he worked with Merrill Lynch as a vice president where he sourced complex banking and lending deals. After earning his MBA, he gained experience consulting at Google and working in data analytics. Permyakoff graduated from the NYU Stern School of Business.
2. Susan Bennett
Senior Vice President & Wealth Advisor, Wells Fargo
As a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor for Wells Fargo, Susan Bennett provides comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to her clients’ specific needs. These strategies encompass investment management, private banking, trust and estate services, and wealth planning. Bennett takes the time to understand her clients’ unique needs, and she directs teams of specialists, often working closely with estate-planning attorneys, accountants, and local centers of influence.
Bennett has worked in the financial services industry since 1986. Prior to joining U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, she served as a senior fiduciary advisory specialist and senior vice president at Wells Fargo Private Bank in New York and before that role, she was a wealth advisor for the bank for several years. She previously held the role of VP and relationship manager for BNY Mellon Wealth Management. Bennett first got her start with JP Morgan Chase as a relationship manager and senior trust manager.
3. Anthony Cristiano
First VP of Wealth Management & Senior Retirement Plan Consultant, UBS
Anthony Cristiano began his professional career over 31 years ago. Today, he is a First Vice President of Wealth Management and Senior Retirement Plan Consultant at The Cristiano Wealth Management & Plan Consulting Group, a UBS Financial Services Team. Cristiano and his team are a select, experienced group of advisors at UBS Financial Services Inc. relies on to provide objective investment consulting and fiduciary services to its corporate and retirement plan clients.
Cristiano joined UBS Financial Services Inc. in 2013 after working at Morgan Stanley for 19 years where he held the title of Wealth Advisor and Corporate Retirement Plan Director. He was a founding member of Morgan Stanley’s PEN Network and served on Morgan Stanley Asset Management’s Advisory Board. Cristiano has been nominated as “Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year” each year from 2008 to 2014. In 2012 he was also named as one of the “Top 100 Plan Advisors.” In 2008, he was included in the list of “Most Success Advisors” by PLANSPONSOR magazine, and in 2013, 401kWire named him one of the 300 “Most Influential in the Industry.” Cristiano is frequently asked to speak publicly on various financial topics and is involved with and serves on several charitable and community boards and organizations. Cristiano is also very involved in Veterans’ issues and was the writer of the financial column “VUE on Fortune” in the quarterly publication of VUE Magazine.
4. Richard Salvino
Private Wealth Advisor & Managing Director of Wealth Management, Merrill Private Wealth Management
Richard Salvino began his professional career over 18 years ago. Today, he a leader of Moeder Salvino & Associates, a team of seven professionals within the Private Banking and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch. They develop tailored financial strategies for family offices, business owners, senior executives, and their family members. Salvino serves clients throughout the United States and abroad who value the experience, honesty, and thoughtfulness that the company brings to relationships.
Clients have entrusted their team with over $6 billion of their wealth. Their team has garnered a number of national honors. The Financial Times recognized Salvino as "Top 400 Financial Advisors." His extensive experience working with some of the world's wealthiest families provides clients with the insight and knowledge they need to advance their financial goals, enact long-term legacies, and understand the risks and rewards of various investments, philanthropic offerings, and family wealth issues. Salvino graduated from the University of Miami with a master’s degree and from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree.
5. Bill Marco
Founder, President & Wealth Advisor, First Allied Securities Inc
Bill Marco is the Founder of Marco Wealth Strategies Group of First Allied Securities Inc. He works predominantly with business owners and individuals on their unique financial planning needs and has been dedicated to financial services for over 20 years. His focus is on assisting clients in creating, preserving, and transferring assets while minimizing taxes, and implementing strategies to mitigate risk. Marco holds a Certified Wealth Strategist ® (CWS) designation from Cannon Financial Institute, an Accredited Asset Management Specialist ® (AAMS) designation from the College of Financial Planning, and is also designated as a Certified Retirement Counselor ® (CRC) from The International Foundation for Retirement Education®.
He has been a participant on Fox Business Charles Payne’s “Invested In You”, a frequent guest on financial radio shows such as 970AM The Answer, and WCTC 1450, as well as a panel guest on local cable SICTV show. He was featured in an InvestmentNews article by Mary Beth Franklin “Future retirees focus on reducing taxes''. Marco was also the 2018 Kings of Staten Island recipient, an award which recognizes special service to the Staten Island community as well as, the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Marco graduated from SUNY Empire State College with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
6. Brent T. Barnhart
SVP & Private Wealth Advisor, UBS
Brent Barnhart is a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor at UBS. As a Private Wealth Advisor, Barnhart is part of an exclusive division within UBS Wealth Management, Barnhart provides a distinctive level of sophisticated advice to UHNW clients including high-profile entrepreneurs, hedge fund managers, real estate developers, and family offices in New York, Michigan, California, and Florida. With $4bn+ in team assets under management, Barnhart is routinely recognized as an industry leader.
Prior to joining UBS, Barnhart worked at a multi-family office and hedge fund of funds. Barnhart resides in New York City and holds a B.S.B.A. in Finance from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.
7. Brian Doughney
VP & Wealth Planner, Fidelity Investments
Brian Doughney is a Vice President and Wealth Planner with Fidelity Personal And Workplace Advisors of Fidelity Investments. He first joined the company in 2015 as director and wealth strategist. Fidelity Personal And Workplace Advisors is an advisory business headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm has offices in 3,180 locations and a total of 11,220 advisors. It handles $727 billion in assets under management between its 1,509,611 customer accounts, making it one of the biggest firms in the United States by assets under management. The firm advises nine charities and foundations. Of its 1,509,611 customer accounts, 34% are held by high-net-worth individuals who have greater than $1 million in investable assets. Doughney is a certified financial planner who has been in the industry for 23 years. He maintains Series 66 and Series 63 licenses, certifying them as a securities broker, and is able to serve investors in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.
Previously, Doughney was a senior wealth manager at MMBB Financial Services and before that a senior financial planner at Ernst and Young. Earlier in his career he worked with Citicorp Investment Services as a financial executive. Doughney earned an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Phoenix.
8. Bob Lilley
Wealth Management Advisor & SVP, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Bob Lilley is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President with the O'Toole, Lilley, Gross Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. The O'Toole, Lilley, Gross Group was founded in 1975, to specifically work with families looking to build lifetime income plans. With their combination of wealth advisory capabilities and WEALTHCARE® process, more than 150 families have trusted them to create a personal plan and have entrusted them with over $362 million of their hard-earned wealth as of May 15, 2022. Through a guided process, Lilley helps clients consider all of the key areas of life by maintaining a strategic plan to live life on their own terms.
Lilley joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1996. He earned an undergraduate degree in business and finance from The State University of NY. He is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner, and Personal Investment Advisor.
9. Amy Amarante
VP & Wealth Financial Advisor, M&T Bank
Amy Amarante is a Vice President and Wealth Financial Advisor of M&T Bank, a multi-state community-focused bank serving New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC. Founded in 1856, the company provides banking, investment, insurance and mortgage financial services to more than 3.6 million consumer, business and government clients. As an advisor at M&T Securities, Amarante provides complimentary investment and insurance solutions to Wilmington Trust’s clients, including individuals and families, business owners, entrepreneurs, as well as foundations and endowments. Their focus is to help guide clients as they journey down the path toward achieving their current and long-term goals, while being flexible and thoughtful to changing needs. Amarante has 24 years of experience. She began her career in 1998.
Before joining M&T Bank, Amarante was a sales manager at M&T Securities, Inc. She graduated from the State University of New York College at Buffalo with an undergraduate degree in economics.
10. Samantha Leventhal
Managing Director & Chief Risk Officer, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Samantha Leventhal began her professional career over 25 years ago. Today, she is the Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Leventhal is newly designated to her role and responsible for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Merrill Edge and the GWIM Investment Solutions Group. Leventhal oversees risks across the various businesses and provides a holistic and strategic view of the retail broker-dealer and its product offerings.
Leventhal first got her start in 1997 as an associate at Law Offices of Edward M. Shaw and Michael G. Dowd. From there, she went on to Stillman & Friedman, before eventually rising to become an SVP at Bank of America. Leventhal graduated from Cardozo School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree in diplomatic history.
11. Michael Paolucci
Private Wealth Advisor & President, Ameriprise Financial Services
Michael Paolucci is a Private Wealth Advisor and President of Paolucci Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services. He first joined the company in 1990. Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisors have extensive experience in helping affluent clients preserve and grow their wealth. They possess the capabilities and resources to provide customized recommendations and support for tax, estate, and retirement planning strategies. They help clients step back and explore the full range of opportunities their wealth can bring. With years of experience and an established network of expert resources, Private Wealth Advisors are among the most qualified and credentialed advisors in the industry. Ameriprise Financial gives this elite group the highest priority and quality of service and resources available to help ensure their clients receive the best possible client experience.
Previously, Paolucci was a senior tax accountant at American Express where he produced tax preparation and analysis for state, local, and international areas. He earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance, both from Pace University.
12. Michael McGuire
Senior Wealth Management Advisor, TIAA
Michael Mcguire is a Senior Wealth Management Advisor based in Ithaca, New York, with a total of 13 years of experience as a financial advisor. Mcguire works at TIAA-Cref Individual & Institutional Services, LLC. Over the course of his career, Mcguire has held roles at TIAA and TIAA-Cref Individual & Institutional Services, LLC. He has Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 licenses, qualifying him as both a securities agent and an investment advisor representative, and is approved to serve investors in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.
Before joining TIAA, McGuire was a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch and before that, a VP at Fisher Investments. Earlier in his career he worked with Legg Mason Wood Walker as a financial advisor. McGuire graduated from Ithaca College with an undergraduate degree in business management.
13. Josette Egan
Global Wealth Management Advisor & Managing Director, Jefferies
Josette Egan began her professional career over 25 years ago. Today, she is the Global Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director of Jefferies, a major global securities and investment banking group that has served companies and investors for nearly 50 years and operates in more than 25 cities around the world. It provides world-class investment banking, sales and trading, research, and asset management to a diverse range of corporate clients, institutional investors, and high net worth individuals. Jefferies provides research and execution services in equity, fixed income, and foreign exchange markets, as well as a full range of investment banking services including underwriting, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and recapitalization, and other advisory services, with all businesses operating in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
In 1997 Egan served as a VP at Citigroup. She graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree.
14. Laurie Davis
SVP & Wealth Advisor, Neuberger Berman
Laurie Davis is the Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor of Neuberger Berman. She first joined the company in 1988. Neuberger Berman is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategies including equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity, real estate, and hedge funds on behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally.
Before becoming a Wealth Advisor in 2004, Davis held positions at Neuberger Berman as a research associate and portfolio assistant. In her current role she works with her Wealth Management team in formulating comprehensive wealth plans custom-tailored to the clients' individual situations. This wealth planning process begins with new business proposals and includes an in-depth wealth assessment, asset allocation and investment strategy recommendations. Davis received an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Fordham University, Graduate School of Business.
15. Seth Yerk
Wealth Advisor & SVP, Neuberger Berman
Seth Yerk, Senior Vice President, joined Neuberger Berman in 2004. He is an Investment Strategist in the Hahn Group, which provides wealth advisory services. The Hahn Group oversees approximately $2.5 billion of assets for entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate executives, and their related charitable endeavors. Yerk is responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring of customized investment solutions for these clients.
Prior to this role, Yerk held positions within the firm’s Investment Strategy Group and the Neuberger Berman Trust Company. In these roles he was involved in helping solve for a wide variety of investment management, trust and estate planning and taxation needs. He was also a member of the Neuberger Berman Trust Company Investment Committee. Yerk is a member of the CFA Institute, CFP Board, Investment Management Consultants Association, and the New York Society of Security Analysts. He earned an undergraduate degree in finance and accounting from Lehigh University. In 2008 he was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
16. Deirdre Hoebich
Managing Director & Wealth Strategist Advisor, Bank of America Private Bank
Deirdre Hoebich is a Managing Director and Wealth Strategies Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in New York, New York. Hoebich works closely with high-net-worth individuals and families to address their financial, charitable, trust and estate, and tax-planning needs. With more than two decades of experience, she offers in-depth insight and experience. She works in conjunction with other members of a client’s advisory team to develop customized strategies relating to cash flow, income, gifting, and tax-planning, as well as wealth transfer and multi-generational planning. Hoebich also assists clients in weighing significant decisions in managing their wealth, such as liquidity events, concentrated stock positions, stock options, restricted stock, and deferred compensation. Mindful of the distinct priorities of different generations, Hoebich supports families in delineating their long-term legacies and developing cohesive philanthropic strategies.
Hoebich joined Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust) in 1997. Previously, she served as deputy chief of staff and counsel for Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey Ross of New York State. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from New York University and her JD from St. John’s University School of Law.
17. David Degraff
SVP & Financial Advisor, Janney Montgomery Scott
David Degraff has a long and established history of providing clients with personalized investment strategies for diverse financial needs. Currently, he serves as Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor in the Hauppauge, NY, office of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, one of the nation's oldest and largest, full-service, regional financial services firms.
Degraff earned an undergraduate degree in finance and marketing from Syracuse University. After working for several years with two money management firms in Boston, he joined Janney for the opportunity to work alongside his father, David DeGraff Sr. For 14 years, he gained invaluable experience working with his father, a successful and well-respected financial consultant who spent nearly 50 years in the industry before retiring in 2004, and it was under his guidance that he realized the founding principles of his practice. In 2006, Degraff completed the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor program, a Wealth Management Certification Program offered by the Firm's internal educational division, Janney University, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and now holds the AWMA® designation.
18. Shannon Saltos
Wealth Advisor Team Leader & SVP, Wilmington Trust
Shannon Saltos is the Wealth Advisor Team Leader and SVP of Wilmington Trust. She first joined the company in 2015 as senior private banker VP. Wilmington Trust is a financial institution that has built deep and lasting relationships with its clients and provided innovative advice for complex situations. Its guidance has helped generations of families and businesses thrive, backed by the sound experience of our professionals and a forward-looking mindset. Trust and understanding serve as the foundation of Saltos’ relationships as a private banker. She helps individuals and families achieve their financial goals, from short-term, day-to-day cash management to long-term wealth management plans that address the challenges families and businesses experience as they grow and change.
Previously, Saltos was a P and relationship manager at BHI and before that a VP and relationship manager at HSBC Commercial Banking. Earlier in her career she worked with M&T Bank as a human resources generalist. Saltos earned an MBA in finance from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business and an undergraduate degree in communication and English from the University of Delaware.
19. John Ruggiero
SVP of Wealth Management, Janney Montgomery Scott
John Ruggiero is a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management of Heritage Group at Janney Montgomery Scott. He first joined the company in 2009. The Heritage Group specializes in comprehensive wealth management, which includes financial, retirement, insurance, and educational planning. They work together with clients to develop a life cycle planning strategy which is designed to create, protect, and distribute wealth. By establishing a risk tolerance and investment goal with each client, they determine the investments best suited to help clients towards achieving those objectives.
Previously, Ruggiero was a wealth manager at Smith Barney and before that, an investment consultant at David Lerner Associates, Inc. Ruggiero graduated from Iona University.
20. Shiraz Zaidi
Partner & Financial Advisor, Coastline Wealth Management
Shiraz Zaidi is a Partner and Financial Advisor of Coastline Wealth Management. He first joined the company in 2015. Coastline Wealth Management is a full-service wealth management and financial planning firm in Port Jefferson, NY. It creates individual financial solutions designed to help "Secure Life Against the Current." As independent advisers it has choices that many other companies don't have. It has the ability to choose how to serve, which investment products to use, and what business relationships to develop. As an advisor, Shiraz takes a client-centric approach and specializes in creating customized financial plans. A graduate of Stony Brook University, he observes a well-rounded attitude and believes in implementing comprehensive strategies.
Prior to joining the firm, Shiraz spent seven years with JPMorgan Chase managing four locations on Long Island and a team of over thirty individuals. Taking that knowledge and experience through today, he proves to be a valuable resource to his clients and to the firm. In addition to his work within the firm, he is a strong advocate of helping those in need and spends much of his time volunteering, raising awareness, and giving back to his community.
21. Gregory Leo
Chief Investment Officer & Global Wealth Manager, IDB Bank
Gregory Leo began his professional career over 32 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Investment Officer and Global Wealth Manager of IDB Bank, a full-service private and commercial bank licensed by the State of New York and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. It is a fully owned subsidiary of Discount Bank, one of Israel’s leading banks. For more than 70 years, IDB has strived to be the best bank for its clients by putting their needs first, offering unwavering personal service, trusted relationships, and the expertise of its people.
Leo first got his start in 1990 as a portfolio manager at Mellon Bank. From there, he went on to Waypoint Bank, before eventually rising to become a chief investment officer at Sovereign Bank, his most recent position before joining IDB Bank. Leo graduated from Penn State University.
22. Jim Shields
SVP & Wealth Management Consultant, Cohen & Steers
Jim Shields is the Senior Vice President & Wealth Management Consultant of Cohen & Steers. He first joined the company in 2017. Founded in 1986, Cohen & Steers is a global investment manager specializing in liquid real assets, including real estate securities, listed infrastructure, and natural resource equities, as well as preferred securities and other income solutions. Shields is a purpose driven leader with a commitment to building and maintaining a client focused team culture of performance excellence, individual responsibility, and respect across all stakeholders.
Shields has over 30 years of industry experience, collaborating with financial intermediaries across a broad range of platforms including private wealth, wirehouse firms, RIAs, independent firms, bank trust departments, and family offices. He graduated from the University of Dayton.
23. Natalia Tchetchoulina
Partner & Wealth Advisor, Cerity Partners
Natalia Tchetchoulina is the Partner and Wealth Advisor of Cerity Partners, a financial services company specializing in banking, finance and personal loan. Its mission is to positively impact the financial well-being of clients by delivering objective financial advice. Cerity serves high-net-worth individuals and their families, businesses and their employees, and nonprofit organizations. Its advice, comprehensive oversight, and fiduciary duties extend well beyond investments. It brings together all the experts necessary to address the various facets of a client’s financial life, including attorneys, tax advisors, financial planners, and investment professionals. Tchetchoulina has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.
Before joining Cerity, Tchetchoulina was a VP and investment advisor at Barclays Wealth Management and before that a senior relationship manager and VP of the Family Office Group at BNY Mellon Wealth Management. Earlier in her career she worked with Citi as a VP. Tchetchoulina graduated from Darla Moore School of Business with an IMBA in international business and from Moscow Pedagogical State University with an undergraduate degree in sociology.
24. Stephen Perl
VP & Senior Wealth Advisor, Calamos Wealth Management
Stephen Perl is a Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor of Calamos Wealth Management. He first joined the company in 2008. Calamos Wealth Management helps individuals, families and foundations meet their current financial management needs, while assisting them to achieve long-term goals and build a cohesive legacy that reflects personal values and objectives. Its approach addresses more than asset allocation. It is also about navigating the issues associated with the accumulation and preservation of wealth. In addition to a dedicated wealth advisor, Calamos’ team includes wealth strategists, service professionals, and a chief investment officer who combine experience and knowledge to solve clients' most complex needs.
Previously, Perl was a VP of business development at Fidelity Family Office Services and before that a VP of business development at Checkfree. Earlier in his career he worked with VISONIC LIMITED as a business developer. Perl earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Vermont.
25. Joel Zbar
Partner of the Personal Wealth Advisors Practice, EisnerAmper
Joel Zbar is a Partner of the Personal Wealth Advisors Practice of EisnerAmper. He has extensive hands-on experience having served as a CFO for both a public and private company for over 25 years prior to joining the firm. He provides CFO-related services to existing clients of the firm including managing the entire accounting department, cash management, and monthly reporting.
Zbar formerly served as an officer of a real estate investment trust with a portfolio of more than 200 properties and tenants that included department stores, pharmacies, and manufacturers. His responsibilities included overseeing all the accounting and financial aspects of the Real Estate Investment Trust, the principal management company and approximately 150 individual partnerships. In addition, Zbar was the CFO and COO of a growing, family-owned real estate company with residential, industrial, commercial and office properties. In this position, he also handled the personal finances of the family members, including family office work, tax projections, cash flow projections, and consolidated financial statements for the various real estate holdings. Zbar earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Brooklyn College. He serves as a board member and was a former President of the JCC of Rockland County.
26. Matthew Rapoport
Principal & Senior Wealth Advisor, The Colony Group
Matthew Rapoport is a Principal and Senior Wealth Advisor with The Colony Group, providing financial counseling and analysis to high-net-worth individuals and families. Previously, Rapoport worked as a director with Joel Isaacson & Co., LLC advising clients in the areas of income tax, investments, estate planning, corporate benefits, and retirement.
Prior to joining The Colony Group, Rapoport worked with BNY Mellon Wealth Management and The Ayco Company. At BNY Mellon, he authored white papers and spoke nationally on topics including wealth transfer, Roth IRA conversions, and concentrated wealth strategies. Before joining BNY Mellon, Rapoport worked as a senior financial planner with The Ayco Company, a Goldman Sachs subsidiary. Ayco’s core competency is providing sophisticated financial counseling to corporate executives. Rapoport received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and MBA in finance from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and an MS in taxation from the Zicklin School of Business in New York City.
27. Brian Hopper
VP of Wealth Management & Financial Advisor, CUNA Brokerage Services
Brian Hopper is a Financial Advisor and Vice President of Wealth Management at CUNA Brokerage Services. He assists individuals and families at The Summit Retirement & Investment Services program located at The Summit Federal Credit Union reach their financial goals by helping develop a customized plan that addresses personal wants and needs.
Previously, Hopper was a personal financial associate at First Niagara Bank and before that a internet sales manager at Bill Cram Chevrolet. Earlier in his career he worked with Friendly Dodge Chrysler Jeep as a finance and sales manager. Hopper earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from the State University of New York College at Oswego.
28. Jean Stapf
Vice President, Wealth Manager and Trust Administrative Coordinator, Salisbury Bank
Jean Stapf is a Vice President, Wealth Manager and Trust Administrative Coordinator with Salisbury Bank, a full-service bank dedicated to meeting the financial needs of the people who live and work in the community. It operates as the holding company for Salisbury Bank and Trust Company that provides commercial banking, consumer financing, retail banking, and trust and wealth advisory services. The company offers various retail and commercial deposit products. Salisbury also provides a range of fiduciary and trust services, including general investment management and wealth advisory services to individuals, families, and institutions, as well as estate administration and settlement services. Stapf has 12 years of experience. She began her career in 2010. Stapf graduated from Marist College.
29. Rachel Melroy
SVP & Private Wealth Advisor, Capital Group Private Client Services
Rachel Melroy is the Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor of Capital Group Private Client Services. She first joined the company in 2016. As an investment counselor, Melroy advises high net worth individuals and tax-exempt organizations on their planning and investments, creating customized plans to protect and grow their wealth. She has particular expertise in providing financial education to clients of all ages and ranges of sophistication. Melroy also has significant experience advising clients on the most effective and tax efficient ways to achieve their philanthropic goals.
Previously, Melroy was a VP at JP Morgan Private Bank. She earned an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree in history from Haverford College.
30. David Edwards
Wealth Advisor, President & Founder, Heron Wealth
David Edwards provides financial planning, investment advice, and tax and estate planning services to individuals and families across the United States and in Europe.
Prior to founding Heron Wealth, Edwards was associated with Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Nomura Securities developing investment products and quantitative trading models. He graduated from Hamilton College with a concentration in history and mathematics and holds an MBA in general management from Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. Edwards competes in sailing regattas from New England to the Caribbean and coaches a hometown team in New York Harbor.
31. Angela Raitzin
Managing Director & Wealth Manager, First Republic Bank
Angela Raitzin is a Managing Director and Wealth Manager for First Republic Bank. First Republic Bank and its subsidiaries provide private banking, business banking, and private wealth management. Founded in 1985, First Republic is a $62 billion bank that specializes in exceptional, relationship-based service offered through preferred banking or wealth management offices. Raitzin is responsible for providing advice and planning services for privately held and multi-generational family-owned businesses ranging from $25 million to $250 million in enterprise value. With almost two decades of experience working with decision makers, she has been able to help business owners and executives coordinate the gaps in their businesses and personal finances.
Before joining First Republic Bank, Raitzin was a principal at Constellation Wealth Advisors and before that a managing principal at Morton Capital Management. Earlier in her career she worked with Credit Suisse as a VP. Raitzin graduated from Southern Methodist University - Cox School of Business with an MBA in finance and from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in humanities.
32. Keith Dowling
Senior Wealth Advisor, Mariner Wealth Advisors
Keith Dowling is the Senior Wealth Advisor of Mariner Wealth Advisors. He first joined the company in 2014. Mariner Wealth Advisors is a leading national wealth advisory firm. Its wealth advisory teams help clients achieve and maintain financial peace of mind, preserving the wealth they have created and building a legacy for future generations of family and business leaders. Dowling specializes in providing individuals and families with comprehensive wealth management including integrated financial planning and investment strategies for growing and protecting wealth. He and his team provide holistic, innovative, and client-focused solutions. They bring together talented resources, innovative offerings, and proactive advice. Their clients include individuals, families, businesses, and institutions.
Previously, Dowling was a wealth advisory associate at Morgan Stanley and before that, a wealth planning sales and consulting director at UBS Wealth Management. Dowling earned an undergraduate degree in finance from Questrom School of Business, Boston University.
33. Angela Vahue
Wealth Management Advisor & Financial Specialist, Alliance Advisory Group
Angela Vahue is a Wealth Management Advisor and Financial Specialist with the Alliance Advisory Group, Inc. (AAG). She joined the firm in 2011 after eight successful years in the financial services industry between M&T Bank and HSBC. Now in her third decade in the industry, Vahue is passionate about inspiring and motivating like-minded professionals and families to achieve financial freedom through life-centered financial planning. By doing this, she can help her clients live a life filled with happiness and meaning. Success to her is when a client leaves the meeting saying that they feel so much better having met and can sleep better at night. She saves people from financial distress by teaching and educating them on how to create a balanced and fulfilling life.
Vahue has been a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) since 2013 and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors since 2011. She sat on the board for The Bristol Valley Theater from 2021-2022 and Make a Wish Foundation board from 2019-2021. She has also been very involved with the Genesee Country Village & Museum planning various fundraising events. Her honors include the 2017 Alliance Advisory Group Chairman’s Cup Winner; 2021 Alliance Advisory Group Chairman’s Cup Winner; and 2021 Court of the Table MDRT Qualifier. She was also very humbled to be honored as a 2022 Financial Leader by the Rochester Business Journal. Vahue did not come from money and was determined at a young age to always figure out a way. It wasn't a matter of IF something could be done it was a matter of HOW to get it done. Now having a daughter of her own, Vahue is fortunate to be able to teach her daughter the same values and determination that has blessed her in so many ways.
34. Bill Murphy
VP & Senior Wealth Advisor, Tompkins Financial Advisors
Bill Murphy began his professional career over 33 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor of Tompkins Financial Advisors, an independent, fee-based, wealth management firm with offices throughout New York and southeastern Pennsylvania. In his role with Tompkins Financial Advisors, Murphy provides guidance on appropriate investment strategies to address each client's specific needs. This includes working toward building, protecting, and preserving wealth throughout a client's lifetime. Murphy work closely with an internal investment committee and external professionals, such as attorneys and accountants, to provide a holistic approach for clients.
Murphy first got his start in 1989 as a personal banker and branch manager at First Federal. From there, he went on to HSBC, before eventually rising to program manager of CFCU Wealth Management at CFCU Community Credit Union, his most recent position before joining Tompkins Financial Advisors. Murphy graduated from Wilkes University with an MBA and from State University of New York College at Oswego with an undergraduate degree in business.
35. Christian Hakim
VP & Private Wealth Advisor, Goldman Sachs
Christian Hakim began his professional career over 15 years ago. Today, he is a Private Wealth Advisor and Vice President at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm. In his roles, Hakim’s primary responsibility is assisting foundations, endowments, and high net worth families in making asset allocation and investment decisions.
Prior to his time at Goldman, Hakim was an analyst in the corporate finance group at CIT Group where he helped underwrite credit facilities in the communications and technology industries. Hakim was raised in Westchester County and studied at the Villanova School of Business, earning an undergraduate degree in both finance and accounting and a master’s degree in finance.
36. Justin Towey
Managing Director & Private Wealth Advisor, Hightower Advisors
Justin Towey began his professional career over 25 years ago. Today, he is a Managing Director and Partner in the Morse, Towey & White Group at HighTower Advisors. Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial, and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations, and family offices, as well as 401K consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower’s capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow businesses and help clients achieve their vision. Towey is responsible for managing the team’s proprietary investment portfolio and overseeing the firm’s daily operations.
Towey first got his start in 1997 as a financial consultant at Salomon Smith Barney before eventually rising to VP of investments at UBS Wealth Management, his most recent position before joining Hightower Advisors. Towey graduated from Coker University with an undergraduate degree in sociology.
37. Daniel O'Connell
Wealth Management Advisor & Managing Director, The O’Connell Group
Daniel O'Connell is the Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director of The O’Connell Group. He enjoys taking on the challenges of "fixing" damaged portfolios or constructing new ones. The O’Connell Group combines the attentive, personalized, and professional service of a small group with access to the intellectual capital, top-quality research, and technology of one of the largest global financial services companies. With more than 30 years as a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management team, they have helped guide individuals, families, and privately held companies through the complex issues of managing substantial wealth. Some of their clients have inherited wealth while others have used their entrepreneurial and executive skills to achieve it. Throughout their relationships, they design customized strategies to help them pursue the specific, individual financial goals that are most meaningful to them as their needs evolve.
Through the years, O'Connell has built enduring, multigenerational relationships with clients and their families. Many of the clients who were with him from the beginning continue to turn to The O'Connell Group for financial insights and guidance. Now, much of his work is with many of their children and grandchildren. Some of the most vital work O'Connell does involves helping clients transmit their values about wealth to the next generation. O'Connell graduated from Villanova University with an undergraduate degree.
38. Michael Fleming
SVP, Wealth Manager & Trust Officer, Halliday Financial
Michael Fleming is the Senior Vice President, Wealth Manager and Trust Officer of Halliday Financial. He first joined the company in 2009. Since 1982, Halliday Financial has dedicated itself to energetically applying creative strategies to the diverse financial objectives of their clients. It is an independent financial services firm with access to a wide variety of capital markets and investment types without the trappings and restraints of a massive bank, insurance company or wire house. Each of the financial advisors located in their regional offices is proud to serve the group of clients most in need of assistance. From college educator to institutional accounts; from business owners to wealthy families; from retirement plans to retirees' Halliday Financial brings solutions to financial problems and thoughtful strategies to financial opportunities.
Previously, Fleming was a VP and portfolio manager at Furgueson Capital Management and before that, a VP at The Bank of New York. Earlier in his career he worked with the U.S. Trust as a VP. Fleming earned a JD in law from Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and an undergraduate degree in economics from American University.
39. Bruce Resnik
Senior Wealth Advisor, Summit Financial
Bruce Resnik began his professional career over 48 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Summit Financial, one of the Northeast's premier, independently owned financial planning and investment advisory organizations. Working at Summit allows Resnik to develop sophisticated financial strategies and financial plan designs for clients free of interference from any sales pressures.
Resnik first got his start in 1974 as an auditor at PwC. From there, he went on to Marshall Bratter Greene Allison and Tucker before eventually moving on to become a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services, his most recent position before joining Summit Financial. Resnik graduated from Columbia Law School with a JD, from Columbia Business School with an MBA and from The Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in German literature.
40. Craig Rojek
VP & Wealth Management Lending Officer, Bank of America
Craig Rojek is a Vice President and Wealth Management Lending Officer at Bank of America. He first joined the company in 2015. He is dedicated to helping people find the home loan that comfortably fits their needs in the New York area. As a President's Club member and a trusted partner to many people in the community, Rojek guides his clients through every step of their home loan process.
Rojek has worked in the financial services industry since graduating from Marist College with a finance degree in 1999. He has worked at Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, privately held Associated Mortgage/Calcon Mutual, EverBank, and now Bank of America. Prior to joining the NYC Private Lending community, Rojek managed over $300 million in assets for his clients in the NYC Private Wealth arena at JP Morgan, while he maintained his Series 7, 63, 65, and life and health insurance licenses.
41. Robert Hayden
Managing Member & Chief Wealth Advisor, Total Alignment Wealth Advisors
Robert Hayden is Total Alignment’s Managing Member and Chief Wealth Advisor. In this role, Hayden oversees Total Alignment’s fee-only financial planning and private family office platforms which are designed for busy individuals who seek independent financial oversight, objective research, hypothetical scenario analyses, proactive project and coordination assistance, and unbiased advice concerning all areas of their financial lives.
Prior to Total Alignment, Mr. Hayden gained experience in the estates group of a law firm, the family office division of a bank, and the financial planning division of a wealth management firm. In addition to teaching the Financial Planning Capstone course at NYU, Hayden served as one of fourteen board of directors for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which is the authoritative standards-setting organization for financial planning and one of the largest financial planning organizations in the United States. He is licensed to practice law in NY, NJ and DC, is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional, studied International Business Law at the Queen Mary School of Law at the University of London, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, and has an MBA in tax and finance from the Stern School of Business at NYU.
42. Jessica Brendell
Wealth Management Advisor & VP of Client Development, Schneider Financial
Jessica Brendell is a Wealth Management Advisor and VP of Client Development at Schneider Financial. Schneider Financial Management provides comprehensive financial services, including accounting, tax advisory, and wealth management services to successful individuals and growing businesses. Brendell has 11 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.
Before joining Schneider Financial, Brendell was a finance associate at Deutsche Bank. She graduated from Lehigh University College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
43. Lauren Sparrow
Executive Director & Private Wealth Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Lauren Sparrow is a Partner of the Blue Rider Group at Morgan Stanley, focusing on investments. She helps clients express their financial objectives through appropriate asset allocations and also helps generate opportunistic trade ideas. While a generalist in her role, she is a director in two areas of focus: Alternative Investments as well as Investing with Impact. As part of these select committees, she provides specialized knowledge to our clients and delivers feedback to enhance the firm’s platform. The Blue Rider Group provides financial services to families, foundations, and non-profit organizations, with a special focus on the cultural community.
Sparrow’s background is in Fixed Income, she previously worked on the Credit Sales & Trading desk at Lehman Brothers and Barclays, and at JP Morgan Private Bank. Sparrow earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College. She has volunteered and worked with organizations like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Ronald McDonald House, and Lwala Community Alliance in Kenya. Sparrow is on the Alumni Athletic Board of Princeton Day School, in Princeton, NJ and the Friends of Dartmouth Field Hockey Advisory Board.
44. Jeff Blick
Senior Wealth Advisor, Fusion Family Wealth
Jeff Blick began his professional career over 26 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Wealth Advisor of Fusion Family Wealth. Founded in November, 2013, Fusion Family Wealth is a fee-only, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) overseeing over $1 billion in assets under management and advisement. As a "fee-only" advisor, it is proud to be held to the highest legal fiduciary standard of care, always acting in the best interests of its clients.
Blick first got his start in 1996 as a staff accountant at Arthur Andersen and Co. From there, he went on to Merill Lynch, before eventually rising to become a VP UBS, his most recent position before joining Fusion Family Wealth. Blick graduated from Hofstra University with a JD and from The State University of New York with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
45. Matthew Pitti
SVP & Wealth Advisor, The Pitti Group Wealth Management
Matthew Pitti is the Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor of The Pitti Group Wealth Management. The Pitti Group Wealth Management is a boutique financial services practice with a deep breadth of capabilities and resources for affluent, high net worth, ultra-high net worth and corporate clients through its association with several prominent financial institutions. Its core belief is that clients wish to be served by professionals and specialists with no hidden agenda and the resources to provide them unbiased solutions and advice. By providing investment advice, 401k advisory services, estate planning strategies, and life and long-term care insurance, Pitti seeks to help create and build upon the foundation for financial success.
Previously, Pitti was an associate vice president and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. He earned an undergraduate degree in economics from the State University of New York College at Cortland.
46. Emily Swann
VP & Senior Manager of Private Wealth Management, AB Bernstein
Emily Swann is a Vice President and Senior Manager of Private Wealth Management at AB Bernstein. AB Bernstein is widely recognized as Wall Street's premier sell-side research and brokerage firm, with a global equity trading platform that spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It was founded in the U.S. in 1967 and in the U.K. in 1999. Its research and trading capabilities are sought out by leading investment managers around the world and are annually ranked at the top of their industry by acknowledged arbiters. Swann has 8 years of experience. She began her career in 2014. Swann graduated from Wake Forest University with an undergraduate degree in business and enterprise management.
47. Mit Lockrow
Wealth Strategist & Founder, Cambridge Wealth Management
Mit Lockrow is a Wealth Strategist and Founder of Cambridge Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission focused on helping individuals, families, and institutions solve complex financial matters, invest strategically, and pursue long-term goals. Its mission is to help clients prosper by creating clarity and harmony in their financial lives. Lockrow decided to form Cambridge Wealth Management in 2014 and execute on his vision to create a better wealth management experience by integrating the values of simplicity, clarity, and harmony into the traditional wealth management paradigm. Lockrow has over 26 years in the financial services industry. He began his career in 1996.
Before founding Cambridge Wealth Management, Lockrow was a wealth strategist at
KPMG and before that a VP at UBS. Earlier in his career he worked with Merrill Lynch as a senior financial advisor. Lockrow graduated from The University of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in political economy.
48. Bradford Pine
President & Wealth Advisor, Bradford Pine Wealth Group
Bradford Pine began his professional career over 25 years ago. Today, he is the President and Wealth Advisor of Bradford Pine Wealth Group, a financial solutions firm that provides wealth management, asset allocation, and risk management services. It has built its reputation on one core philosophy: clients investment goals are the most important priority. It builds a customized wealth plan to take the mystery out of investing, manage risk, prepare for retirement, and preserve client’s wealth.
Pine first got his start in 2007 as a TV finance respondent at Live It Up!. He graduated from LIU Post.
49. John Diaz
CEO & Senior Wealth Strategist, Premier Wealth Advisors
John Diaz is a Chief Executive Officer and Senior Wealth Strategist of Premier Wealth Advisors. He first joined the company in 1992. Premier Wealth Advisors is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. The firm was founded in 1992 and guides a broad range of clients, such as high net worth families, business owners, corporate executives, foundations, and nonprofits, through life's important financial decisions. It proudly adheres to the "fiduciary standard". Its services include wealth management. Diaz takes a comprehensive approach to wealth management, ensuring that its recommended strategies are in sync with clients' unique objectives. Diaz graduated from Hofstra University.
50. Nicholas Tuck
Senior Wealth Advisor, QFS Quest Financial Services
Nicholas Tuck is the Senior Wealth Advisor of QFS Quest Financial Services. Through a storied career spanning over 25 years, Tuck championed the effort to create, develop, and grow Quest Financial Services. He is a founding partner and advisor with an unbridled determination to provide comprehensive wealth management and world class service. Tuckdeveloped his skill for careful planning through a prominent Wall Street firm. With a solid foundation beneath him, he decided to return to his roots in Orange County, NY. He had always held a strong desire to service the people of the community he admired throughout his childhood.
Tuck holds licenses in Series 7, Series 63, and life insurance. Nick is dedicated to the community and highly involved with local foundations. He is a long-term resident of Orange County with his wife Adrienne and two daughters.
