SD WEALTH MANAGEMENT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Fiduciary Solutions
A Pittsburgh native and self-proclaimed ‘foodie', Alex enjoys eating out and exploring the city with his wife, Emily, and daughter, Georgia Ann. The Papson's reside in the North Hills of Pittsburgh near their extended families.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Manager & Communications Manager
Alissa began her career in the financial services industry in 2015 and has developed and maintained relationships with high-net-worth individuals, as well as non-profit organizations. Prior to entering the financial services industry, her career experience included national, state, and local political campaigns, and issue advocacy organizations. On the surface, it is difficult to see how those two career paths could intersect, but she has combined her natural and developed skills into a three-pronged position at Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors.
As a problem solver, Alissa is heavily involved in the financial planning process and is responsible for advising her own clients. Recently, Alissa has redesigned the SDWMA website and has developed a marketing management role, building and implementing a marketing plan from the ground up.
Alissa lives in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs, Willie, Stella, and Rooster. She enjoys hiking and outdoor activities, traveling and experiencing new cultures and adventures with her family, and trying new restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Compliance Services
Anthony joined Schneider Downs in July 2001 in the Retirement Plan Services department. Throughout his career at Schneider Downs, Anthony has worked tirelessly to establish trusting relationships with clients from a variety of industries in order to better serve plan sponsor needs.
He performs a variety of administrative work for 401(k), ESOP and welfare benefit plans, most notably annual discrimination testing, balance-forward plan valuations and tax form preparation. Anthony also performs plan document interpretation and compliance, annual employer contribution projections and ERISA audit assistance.
Anthony lives with his wife, Stephanie, and sons, Joseph and Dominic, in Monroeville, PA. He enjoys spending time reading and is an avid runner.
Education
B.S. in Business Administration with Finance Concentration, The Ohio State University
M.B.A. in Finance, Duquesne University
Job Titles:
- Client Service Specialist
Bernadette has been in the financial service industry since 2018 and serves as a Client Service Specialist on the operations team out of our Pittsburgh office. Bernadette works closely with our team of advisors and operations staff to provide efficient and timely assistance with day-to-day requests including opening new accounts, initiating transfers, fulfilling money movement requests and general account maintenance. She thoroughly enjoys building relationships with clients and finding ways to ease their service needs.
Bernadette lives in the North Hills area with what she lovingly calls her mini kitty zoo. She enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and volunteering with the Orchard Hill Church and Highmark Caring Place.
Job Titles:
- Associate Contribution Specialist
Brittany joined the Schneider Downs Retirement Solutions team in the fall of 2021, bringing several years of experience within various client service-oriented industries. Brittany's role as an Associate Contribution Specialist includes processing contributions, analyzing payrolls, and assisting plan sponsors with contribution and payroll needs. She strives to provide excellent attention to detail and client service.
Brittany lives in Seven Fields, PA. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as with her two dogs.
Education
A.A. in Criminology, Butler County Community College
Caleb began his career with Schneider Downs in the Retirement Solutions practice in 2016. Over the years he has helped administer many of the day-to-day aspects of employee retirement plans. His responsibilities include ensuring plan compliance with the IRS non-discrimination requirements, preparing annual returns and reports required by IRS and DOL, calculating employer contributions, preparing retirement plan documents, and making plan corrections.
Caleb lives in Oakmont, PA. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, fishing, and traveling.
Education
B.S. in Management Information Systems, Pennsylvania State University (Erie)
Christy serves as one of the Client Service Managers on our operations team and is based in the Columbus, OH office. Working in the financial services industry since 2012, Christy's expertise is in client service and onboarding practices. During her prior experience, Christy developed new operational procedures and best practices to drive efficiencies and now brings that same creativity to our firm. She also has experience as a junior advisor, where she created balance sheets, built financial plans, developed asset allocations, and was involved in trading.
Christy lives on the southwest side of Columbus with her husband, children, and five dogs. She enjoys spending time outside, traveling, and visiting her family in NC. She also enjoys working out with her husband at their gym.
Education
B.S in Business Administration, Franklin University
B.S. in Human Resources, Franklin University
Courtney entered the financial services industry in 2018 after graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in mathematics. Her career started at a large insurance company, working alongside sales and various broker/dealers to generate new business and managed accounts dealing with Corporate/Bank Owned Life Insurance. She moved within the company into the actuarial field and worked as a Support Analyst in the Property and Casualty sector. As an advocate of lifelong learning, Courtney went back to school in 2021 to pursue her MBA in Finance.
Although Courtney thoroughly enjoyed her time there, she craved a career that would challenge her professionally while maintaining a strong focus on personal connections. As a Wealth Analyst for Schneider Downs Wealth Management, Courtney works diligently with her team to ensure every client receives dedicated and personalized support while bringing her knowledge of investment management and financial planning.
Courtney lives in Columbus with her loveable golden retriever puppy, Gryffin. In her free time, she enjoys getting outside, whether biking or kayaking and loves to check out new restaurants around town!
Education
B.S. in Mathematics, The Ohio State University
M.B.A. in Finance, Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Fiduciary Services
Dan spends many of his days on-site with plan participants to assist with retirement plan portfolio construction, monitoring, and education. On an individual level, he is also available to help participants develop a financial plan to help meet their retirement needs and goals. At the plan sponsor level, Dan participates in client Investment Committee meetings. In these meetings, Dan provides an in-depth review and analysis of investments on the Plan's platform, benchmarking analysis of plan fees, and review of plan participant demographics.
Dan lives in New Kensington, PA with his wife, Lynda, his son, Owen, and their dog, Charlotte. When he's not attending a Pitt Panthers football game or cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins, you can find Dan out biking or reading.
Job Titles:
- CFP
- Partner and Senior Wealth Manager
David is a Partner and Senior Wealth Manager in our Columbus, OH office and has worked in the financial services industry since 2006. He predominantly works with high-net-worth individuals and families, and institutions advising on various topics including holistic financial planning, income tax optimization, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and estate planning strategies.
As the leader of business development efforts for the Personal Financial Services group, David and his team are responsible for the creation and distribution of advisor marketing content, client communication, and overall business development efforts.
David's well-rounded financial education and past experiences as a security analyst, as well as his time as a Big 4 auditor, provide him with a unique set of skills to specialize in working with business owners to develop a comprehensive plan for their business and personal finances.
David lives in Powell, OH with his wife, Holly, and his three children, Scarlett, Olive, and Crosby. When not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing golf.
Job Titles:
- CEO, SD Wealth Management Advisors / Shareholder, SD & Co., Inc
- Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors
Derek has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and joined our firm in 2015. Throughout his career, he has advised high-net-worth individuals, foundations, endowments, and retirement plans on a broad list of topics including asset allocation, investment policy design, portfolio management, investment manager due diligence and financial planning.
As an integral member of the leadership team, Derek serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors. Derek is also a Shareholder at Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. and a member of the Operating Committee, contributing to the growth and integration of SDWMA with the greater firm. Committed to seeking positive growth in all of his relationships, Derek is not only devoted to his clients, but also diligently mentors and guides the advisors and staff of SDWMA.
Derek resides in Wexford, PA with his wife, Barbara, and his three children, Dylan, Ava, and Ethan. He enjoys playing golf, watching movies, and spending time with his family and their two dogs, Lucy and Scout.
Matt began his career in the financial services industry in 2014. While he enjoyed his previous experience working as an advisor for a large bank, as well as a large brokerage firm, he wanted to be more than just a transactional advisor which led him to our Schneider Downs Wealth Management team.
As a Wealth Manager out of our Columbus office, Matt works with high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners. He enjoys building long-lasting relationships with each of his clients, advising them on a variety of areas including financial planning, tax-efficient investing, and portfolio construction.
Matt lives in Hilliard, OH with his wife, Katie, and their two sons, Charlie, and Owen. When Matt is not servicing clients, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and being outside.
James has been in the financial services industry since 2013. Prior to joining our team, James was an Investment Advisor with a large trust bank, where he developed the skills required to advise the clientele of Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors. As a former member of the Air National Guard (USAF), James brings a high level of determination and commitment that is proven through how he assists his clients in achieving their financial goals and growing their net worth. Specializing in asset allocation, portfolio construction, and financial planning, his well-rounded capabilities provide him the ability to assist clients in creating investment strategies customized to their specific goals and objectives.
James lives south of Pittsburgh with his wife, Nichole, daughter, Mila, two sons, Camden and Trenton, and his dog, Sophie. When he is not tending to the never-ending needs of a toddler, James enjoys golfing and football.
Job Titles:
- Shareholder, SD & Co., Inc
Jason has more than 24 years of qualified retirement plan experience, primarily serving middle market, closely held businesses. His background includes plan design, documentation reporting, participant education, and ongoing administration for defined contribution plans, including employee stock ownership plans.
Jason joined Schneider Downs in the Retirement Solutions practice in January 2000. He currently serves as a Practice Unit Leader for SDAdvantage Retirement Solutions, LP (SDARS) and his duties include client relations, new business conversion, the management of the SDARS recordkeeping platform, plan design and compliance consulting, and plan corrections.
He received his Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) credential from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) in 2011 and obtained his Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) certification in 2017. In 2012, Jason was awarded the Martin Rosenberg Academic Achievement Award by ASPPA. The Award annually recognizes top-performing ASPPA examination candidates on credentialed exams.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Chief Investment Officer ( PFS )
Jason has worked in the financial services industry since 2007 advising ultra-high net worth families and institutions. As Partner and Chief Investment Officer of the Personal Financial Services group, Jason leads the Schneider Downs Wealth Management Investment Committee and is entrusted with sources of new investment strategy opportunities and the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the SDWMA Investment Platform.
While Jason's vast investment knowledge certainly qualifies him to advise the high-net-worth individuals and families, endowments, and foundations at Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, his commitment to the clients' best interests and to their needs and goals are truly what sets him apart. For this reason, he has additional responsibilities advising the clients of the Schneider Downs Private Family Office. Specializing in asset allocation and portfolio construction, Jason assists clients in creating investment strategies customized to meet their specific goals and objectives.
Jason lives in Mt. Lebanon, PA with his wife, Britt, and his daughters, Caroline and Claire. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading political biographies and history books, watching football, and taking spinning classes.
Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell is deciding when they will begin to cut interest rates and how many cuts there will be. It will be determined by the remainder of the first quarter. ...
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
Jess lives in Columbus, OH and is passionate about being involved in the community. She is currently a brand ambassador for Yes! Columbus and actively volunteers with the Columbus chapter of Dress for Success. Jess enjoys spending time outdoors, especially kayaking and canoeing, and loves to unwind after work with a yoga class or by watching her latest Hulu obsession.
Education
B.A. in Psychology, Otterbein University
During her more than 30 years in the financial services industry, Karen has held positions across many departments including marketing, compliance, operations and client service. She even spent two years as a personal chef before joining Schneider Downs Wealth Management in 2005. Karen's current position as one of our Client Service Managers gives her the opportunity to do what she loves most, talk to our clients and offer her assistance with their day-to-day needs. She also works with our custodians and provides support to the group's investment professionals.
Karen is the proud mom of two adult children, a son and a daughter, and happy grandmother (known as O.G. - Original Grandma) of two rambunctious grandsons and one precious granddaughter. She and her husband, Scot, spend their spring, summer and early fall weekends sailing one-design sailboats on the Pymatuning Reservoir. She still loves to cook, often volunteering her skills for group events.
Job Titles:
- Senior Contribution Specialist
Kayla joined the Schneider Downs Retirement Solutions team in 2021, bringing several years of experience in customer service and an eagerness to lend a helping hand. Kayla's role includes processing contributions in a timely manner with a strong attention to detail and offering assistance to the team where needed.
When Kayla isn't working, she enjoys painting, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and her dog.
Kelly joined Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors with nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. During Kelly's tenure in financial services, she has created and maintained relationships with high-net-worth individuals, as well as defined contribution plans. She enjoys the facilitation of being a "quarterback" to an individual's wealth planning, as well as the coordination of the many aspects involved, such as educational expense savings, estate planning, and charitable gift planning. Kelly is excited to join the SDWMA team to continue to develop established, trusted relationships, and help to create new opportunities.
Kelly lives in Columbus, Ohio and in her free time enjoys volunteering with local charities. She also enjoys attending concerts and traveling with friends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Fiduciary Services
Kyle works out of our Columbus, OH office and is the primary fiduciary manager for many of the Corporate retirement plans at Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, providing fiduciary guidance to plan sponsors and committees. Beginning his career in the brokerage world, Kyle's dedication to acting in the client's best interest led him to SDWMA. Kyle plays a key role with plan sponsors in terms of investment menu oversight, plan design, fiduciary governance and participant metric reviews. He also works with participants and individual clients with a focus on retirement planning and asset allocation investment strategies.
Kyle lives in Dublin, OH with his wife, Beverly, his daughter, Reagan, and stepchildren, Haley and Colin. He enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and playing golf.
Job Titles:
- Associate Recordkeeping Specialist
Linda has worked in the financial services industry since 1983. Her prior experiences include Trust Operations and Retirement Services with other large firms. She joined SD Retirement Solutions in 2022 to handle trading and account reconciliations.
Linda lives in Little Hocking, OH, with her husband, Bill, and their dog, Rebel. She loves spending time with her husband and two grown sons, Will and James. She also spends time with her best friend, Diana, going to Broadway plays and supporting local theatres.
Megan began her career in the wealth management industry in 2021 and continues to emphasize learning and understanding of personal financial advisory services. As a Wealth Analyst, Megan is responsible for supporting Wealth Managers in our Pittsburgh office by preparing meeting materials, placing trades in client accounts, and drafting financial plans. Before making her way to Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, Megan gained some ancillary experiences in busy-season tax preparation, the real estate closing process, and worked for another RIA.
Megan's involvement in the Women's Leadership and Mentorship Program, Women in Business, and Strong Women Strong Girls at Robert Morris University spurred her commitment to advocate for women and underrepresented communities both personally and professionally. Megan is excited to continue learning alongside seasoned professionals while cultivating her own advisory style for future client relationships.
Megan lives in her hometown of McDonald, PA with her cat, Sonny. When Megan is not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, gardening, cooking, and taking long walks around her neighborhood.
Education
B.S. in Financial Planning, Robert Morris University
M.B.A in Finance, Robert Morris University
Job Titles:
- Manager of Research and Due Diligence
Michael has worked in the financial services industry since 2016 performing multiple roles in the various organizations he was employed. Prior to entering the financial services industry, he was a chemical engineer and capital projects engineer at different industrial firms. Michael uses his engineering education and skills to shape how he analyzes investments and interacts with clients. Michael also has extensive knowledge in operations and compliance functions that allow him to add value in other areas of the business besides investment research.
As Manager of Research and Due Diligence at SDWMA, Michael is responsible for reviewing investment strategies for clients, preparing/reviewing due diligence on existing and potential new investments, and managing asset allocation strategies.
Michael lives in Trafford, PA with his wife Rachel, and his daughters, Hannah and Aubrey. He enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his children in their various activities. He is an avid golfer and basketball player.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Director of Fiduciary Services
Mike joined Schneider Downs Wealth Management in 2009 and was named a Partner of the firm in 2022. He leads the Investment Advisory practice for the retirement plan services of the firm. With his experience and education, Mike's skills have led him to this role which includes designing the initial investment plan menu, building and maintaining the risk-based model portfolio construction, and continued manager due diligence while acting in either a 3(21) or 3(38) capacity. Additionally, Mike personally services plans from the Plan Sponsor level to establish governance and to maintain compliance with ERISA. Beyond traditional 404(c) advisory services, Mike plays a role in the overall operations, marketing, sales, and training for Retirement Solutions.
Job Titles:
- Associate Retirement Plan Advisor
Michael joined our Schneider Downs Retirement Solutions team in 2023 and brings prior experience in the investment advisory industry in which he provided solutions for managed products and guidance for trades to a variety of individual clientele. As one of our Associate Retirement Plan Advisors, Michael is entrusted with servicing retirement plan participants and providing on-site investment advice along with additional financial services.
Michael lives in Robinson, PA. He enjoys fitness, hiking with his dogs, playing lacrosse, and spending time with his family and friends.
Education
B.S. in Business Administration, Robert Morris University
Job Titles:
- Associate Retirement Plan Advisor
Through his experience in the financial services industry, Miles has developed his knowledge of assisting individual clients with setting financial retirement goals and creating actionable plans to reach them. As a Retirement Plan Advisor, Miles is entrusted with servicing retirement plan participants, as well as providing additional financial services. Prior to joining Schneider Downs, Miles served 3 years as an Intelligence Officer with the United States Marine Corps and remains in the Reserves.
Miles lives in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. He enjoys fitness, playing golf, and spending time with his family and friends.
Education
B.S. in Finance and Marketing, University of Pittsburgh
Job Titles:
- Associate Solutions Center Administrator
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Recordkeeping Services
Job Titles:
- CFP
- Chief Compliance Officer, SD Wealth Management Advisors / Shareholder, SD & Co., Inc
Nancy has more than 30 years of experience providing financial consulting, investment management and tax planning services to corporate executives, high-net-worth individuals, foundations and pension plans. She joined Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors (SDWMA) in 2003 and became a partner in 2009. Nancy served as the Managing Director of the Personal Financial Services practice until she was named CEO of SDWMA in 2017. In 2018, she was asked to become a Shareholder of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. At the end of 2023, she decided to transfer the role of CEO to our Managing Partner, Derek Eichelberger so that she could focus on clients and mentoring her team of advisors.
As a Senior Wealth Advisor, Nancy is actively involved in her client relationships, investment strategies and is a voting member of the firm's Investment Committee. Nancy also oversees the development and training of the advisory team for the Personal Financial Services team. Additionally, she is the Chief Compliance Officer for SDWMA.
Prior to joining SDWMA, Nancy spent many years as an Investment and Tax Advisor to high-net-worth individuals in a private firm in the Pittsburgh area. She began her career in finance and accounting at Deloitte & Touche after separating from the United States Air Force at the rank of Captain.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Recordkeeping Services
Rhonda joined Schneider Downs in January 2023 with 7 years of experience as a Compliance Specialist in the retirement services industry. Her duties include compliance testing services, trust reconciliation, and preparation of tax forms associated with qualified retirement plans for SD Retirement Solutions clients. Her 12-year background in banking and billing has strengthened her research skills, attention to detail, and love for numbers, which she uses to provide quality customer service to all clients.
A native of Mobile, AL, Rhonda currently lives in Fort Worth, TX with her three young adults. She is also a full-time momager: chauffeuring and supporting her teen daughter Gabi with numerous dance performances, assisting her college student Jordyn with planning her professional career, and encouraging her adult son, Jamari, to pursue his passion/purpose. When she is not working for SD or managing her young adults' lives, she makes time to read, watch movies, or travel with friends and family. Her most memorable moments are swimming with dolphins in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, ATV driving in the Las Vegas mountains, and her extended family trip to Honolulu, HI.
Education
B.S. in Business, Bellevue University
Sean joined the Schneider Downs Wealth Management firm as an intern in the summer of 2019 and assisted in various portfolio administration and due diligence tasks. Upon graduation from Waynesburg, he worked at a large multinational bank as a portfolio accountant before rejoining the SDWMA team full-time in January 2021. As an Investment Analyst, his duties include investment research and due diligence, as well as acting as secondary support to advisors when necessary.
Sean lives in Ross Township, PA with his wife Beth. He enjoys spending time with his friends and family, watching soccer, and partaking in high-energy outdoor hobbies like skiing and skydiving.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Retirement Solutions
Shad is an attorney with more than 20 years of experience as an employee benefits specialist. He helps employers design and administer their employee benefit plans, including qualified retirement plans (such as 401(k) plans and ESOPs), health and welfare plans and non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements.
Prior to joining Schneider Downs, Shad served for three years in the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, where he drafted guidance on issues impacting employee benefit plan sponsors. His published guidance spans topics such as health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs); health savings accounts (HSAs); tax treatment of same-sex spouses; and employer reporting of offers of health coverage on IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.
Shad advises employers on qualified plan compliance issues and executive compensation plan design, including particular expertise in the design and operation of phantom stock plans, stock appreciation rights (SARs), long-term incentive plans, and other nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.
Susan has more than 16 years of qualified retirement plan experience and is responsible for managing operations for SD Advantage Retirement Solutions, LP. She works directly with plan participants, plan sponsors and multiple custodians to ensure open and accurate communication as it pertains to timely and accurate day-to-day functions of retirement plan operations. In addition, Susan coordinates the quarterly invoicing for all administrative, recordkeeping, investment advisory, and custody retirement plan fees.
Susan has been with Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. for over 16 years and received her Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF) credential from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) in 2018.
Susan lives in Berthoud, Colorado with her husband, Mike. She enjoys spending time with her two grown children, traveling, reading, and bike riding.
Tyler has been in the financial services industry since 2015. His experience in asset allocation and portfolio construction made him an excellent candidate for the Schneider Downs Wealth Management Retirement Solutions Team. Tyler is one of our Retirement Plan Managers and he brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to guiding retirement plan participants toward a secure and prosperous retirement.
When Tyler is providing on-site investment advice, education, and on-going service to retirement plan participants, he focuses on explaining the importance of retirement planning and investment allocation to meet your financial goals. In tandem, he collaborates closely with plan sponsors offering strategic insights in plan design, investment strategies, and ensuring plan compliance. Tyler's comprehensive approach ensures both individuals and organizations are on the path to financial well-being. Behind the scenes, he also assists the team with investment research and manages due diligence.
Tyler lives in Shadyside (east end of Pittsburgh) with his wife, Haley. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing golf, trying new restaurants, and engaging in outdoor activities.