ZIA TRUST - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Senior Trust Officer
- Trust Officer
Ben joined Zia Trust as a Senior Trust Officer in the Spring of 2022 and has over 20 years of experience in the wealth management arena. Having spent most of his career with large banking institutions, Ben brings with him in-depth knowledge and expertise in portfolio management, financial consulting, wealth planning, and trust administration. At one point in his career, Ben left the financial industry for the glamorous world of transportation, serving as Finance Manager for Swift Transportation where he consulted with senior executives to create efficiencies and improve financials for their dedicated line of business. Ben has a passion for serving his clients, and will work diligently with New Mexico and Arizona clients. Ben received his bachelor's degree in Finance from Arizona State University and his master's degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University. He also holds the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) and Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designations. Ben is a native of Phoenix and loves spending time with his wife and 5 children, is an avid road cyclist, and enjoys anything in the great outdoors. Ben is also a member of the Phoenix Zoo's Planned Giving Committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Administrator
Bernadette joined Zia Trust, Inc. in 2019, as a Trust Associate. She has 25 years of experience in the administrative and legal fields, working in both the corporate sectors and as a freelance paralegal. As a freelance paralegal, Bernadette drafted estate planning documents and settled small estates. In her free time, Bernadette enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, reading, and writing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
Donna has been with the company since November 2003. She attended the University of Albuquerque in 1977-1978. Her career in Trust operations began at First National Bank in Albuquerque in 1980. In 1982, she accepted a position at Security Trust Company (now Wells Fargo Bank) where she acquired valuable knowledge and experience in Trust Operations. Donna is responsible for the complex activities of Trust Accounting and the responsibility of Tax Coordinator during tax season. She also oversees Zia Trusts' Accounting software and the Business Intern program.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Senior Trust Officer
Elizabeth Medina joined Zia Trust in 2017 and serves as a Trust Officer in the Albuquerque office. Before joining Zia Trust, Elizabeth practiced law for sixteen years in New Mexico at both a large New Mexico firm and as a solo practitioner. During her years in private practice, she focused on estate planning, probate, corporate and employee benefits law. Elizabeth received her Bachelor's degree in Communication, summa cum laude, from the University of New Hampshire and her J.D., cum laude, from the University of New Mexico School of Law where, in addition to her traditional legal coursework, she received advanced training in mediation. She is currently a member of the State Bar of New Mexico, and recently earned both Certified Trust and Financial Adviser (CTFA®) and National Certified Guardian (NCG) designations. Elizabeth was born and raised in Massachusetts but has called New Mexico home for more than 20 years.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Officer
Gary has been managing the Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust Division since 2001. He also administers a number of personal trust accounts including several endowment funds for a large non-profit Christian Foundation. Prior to joining Zia Trust, Gary headed up his family's private business for over thirteen years. Gary is a graduate of Baylor University where he received a BBA degree with a concentration in Marketing/Management. He also has additional education in trust administration from a Cannon Financial Institute.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Officer
Hannah Malinski joined Zia Trust's Albuquerque office in 2019 and currently serves as a Trust Officer in the Phoenix office. Prior to joining Zia Trust, Hannah worked in an estate planning law office and in litigation support at a large firm before transitioning to trust administration. She spent the last two years working in Zia Trust's Albuquerque office before returning to Phoenix to continue her work there. Hannah received her Juris Doctorate from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminology from Northern Arizona University. While attending law school she was trained and served as a mediator for the Phoenix Justice Courts, assisting parties in resolving their disputes without having to proceed through court. Hannah enjoys reading, hiking, and camping, and prefers to spend most of her free time outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Tax & Real Estate Administrator
Ivy was introduced to the world of Trust through the Business Intern Program before beginning her career as the Tax & Real Estate Administrator. Before Zia, she worked at an international company as an onboarding coordinator that created and tracked metrics for her previous team. She is passionate about data and efficiency without sacrificing integrity. Her goal is to bring a modern twist to a traditional and integral practice. Ivy graduated the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Outside of work, you can find Ivy working on home projects, engaging in brainteasers, and reading a good book.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Administrator
Katherine began working at Zia Trust, Inc., in 2021 as a Trust Associate before moving into a Trust Administrator role in 2023. She has worked in the financial world since 2020, collaborating with accountants, auditors, and trust officers to provide exceptional service. What has remained true throughout her career has been a dedication to her clients' experience and well-being. Katherine graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico in 2018 with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Languages. She speaks Spanish and Russian. She is an alumni member of Sigma Tau Delta Honors Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. Outside of work, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, experimenting with new recipes, reading Stephen King novels, and dancing Lindy Hop.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Officer
Lindsey joined the Zia team as a Trust Officer in the Phoenix Office in June of 2023. Lindsey graduated from Campbell University, a private university in North Carolina, where she studied Trust and Wealth Management with a minor in Financial Planning. Campbell University is the only school in the nation with a Trust major and she is honored to be an Alumna of such an exclusive program. Lindsey has two beautiful daughters and a 120 lb. Mastiff with her boyfriend, Ty. Lindsey loves to travel to new places, enjoys being around family, and is very passionate about her job.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Officer
Logan joined the Zia team as a Trust Officer in July of 2023. Logan graduated from Campbell University, a private university in Buies Creek, North Carolina. She obtained a degree in Trust and Wealth Management with a minor in Financial Planning. Logan enjoys spending her free time outside where she can be active, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends. Her favorite part about her job is being able to work closely with families and foster genuine relationships with her clients.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Senior Trust Officer
- Vice President
Mary Ann Cuneo brings her extensive experience in the practice of estate planning law to her fiduciary role. Mary Ann has handled most types of trust and estate administration, from simple to highly complex. Her legal background continues to prove extremely valuable, especially in understanding sophisticated trust agreements and analyzing complicated fiduciary tax matters. Mary Ann earned a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and practiced law for over 15 years before joining Zia Trust. She is a member of the State Bars of New Mexico and Texas (inactive). In her free time, she enjoys cooking for her family, caring for their dog, and dabbling in numerous foreign language studies.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Trust Administrator
Michaelle joined Zia Trust, Inc. in 2005. She spent 11 years as a Trust Associate and 6 years as a Senior Trust Associate. During this time, Michaelle assisted in administering Estates, Special Needs Trusts, and Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts. Michaelle has extensive experience working with Clients, Investment Advisors, CPAs, and Attorneys. In her spare time, Michaelle enjoys going to the movie theater, knitting, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and working in her rose garden.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Zia
Paul has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Zia Trust, Inc. effective June 1, 2022. Paul has been a member of the Zia team since October 2019. In addition to the completion of the American Bankers Association Trust School program, Paul has been trained in New Mexico and Arizona Trust Code. Throughout several decades of business experience, Paul has held roles responsible for profitability, operations, customer service, order fulfillment, and more. His background in finance, accounting, and marketing makes him well equipped to lead the company, along with the Board of Directors, and to serve clients and beneficiaries in the Southwest and across the United States. Paul has called Albuquerque home for nearly 40 years, and enjoys cycling and ballooning.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Trust Officers Team
- Senior Trust Officer
Rachel Zaslow, J.D. joined Zia Trust in 2020 and has over 10 years of experience working in probate, estate planning, and trusts, first as an attorney and now as a trust officer. Rachel has a unique background with special needs trusts, elder law and public benefits. As a trust officer, Rachel administers trusts, reviews existing estate planning documents and offers recommendations to ensure estate plans meet clients' needs in light of their goals and wishes and also handles the estate settlement upon death. Rachel received her Juris Doctorate degree from Phoenix School of Law and her Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Puget Sound. She is a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona and the Central Arizona Estate Planning Counsel. Rachel loves dogs and when she is not in the office, Rachel donates her time as a volunteer at Home Fur Good animal rescue and placement.
Job Titles:
- Branch Manager
- Trust Officer & Las Cruces Manager
Suzy Fulton joined the Zia Trust, Inc. team in April 2021 as a Trust Officer and Branch Manager of the Las Cruces office. She will serve Southern New Mexico clients and beneficiaries with her extensive familiarity and connections to the region. Suzy brings plentiful experience in the financial services industry to Zia Trust. Prior to her position here, she worked as a Senior Account Administrator for an investment firm in Las Cruces. While employed there, Suzy engaged with clients, marketed the business, helped create client policy, and developed systems designed to increase efficientcy and productivity for employees of the firm. She is fluent in Spanish, and volunteers for several great causes in the community. She volunteers with CASA, advocating and mentoring children in foster care. Suzy also donates her time to work with Border Servant Corps, an organization trying to make a positive impact on the US/ Mexico border. Suzy loves the Southwest region and her leisure activities include hiking, kayaking, rafting, and running. She also loves to read and spending time with her husband.
Job Titles:
- Senior Trust Officer
- Trust Officer
- Vice President
Teresa is responsible for administering a wide variety of complex Trusts and Estates, and is a member of our Senior Management Team. She administers Trust Assets in New Mexico, Texas, Illinois and numerous other locations. Teresa is also a member of our New Business Development and Fiduciary Risk Evaluation Team. She is a graduate of ABA National Graduate Trust School and has 40 years combined banking and trust experience. Teresa has attended Central New Mexico Community College, The University of New Mexico and University of Phoenix with studies in Business Administration, Accounting, Business Information Systems and Business Law. Teresa is a member of the Catholic Foundation Board of Trustees, Archdiocese of Santa Fe.