SIGNATURE SELECT WEALTH - Key Persons
Aaron A. Leaman - CFO, Chief Investment Officer
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Investment Officer
- Partner
- Principal
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Hillel JUC
- in 2005 As Chief Investment Officer
Aaron joined Signature Financial Planning in 2005 as Chief Investment Officer after spending 12 years at PNC Bank as a Project Manager for the Pittsburgh market. He became a principal in 2012 and is a licensed Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Analyst® charter holder. In his role with the firm, Aaron oversees all aspects of portfolio management and investment selections while creating customized strategies to suit each client's unique needs.
Aaron is a student of modern portfolio theory and a longtime proponent of working to match risk to reward for every investor. As such, Aaron maintains a day-to-day watch over the ever-changing conditions in the world economy and its various capital markets to ensure client portfolios are always properly tuned to their individual goals, investment plans, and risk tolerance. He diligently researches new and emerging companies, technologies, and trends to incorporate new ideas and investment opportunities (where appropriate) for the firm's clients.
Aaron attended Syracuse University and Duquesne University, winning a national championship in collegiate debate. He obtained his CFA® designation through the CFA Institute. Aaron is a Registered Representative of Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and Investment Advisor Representative of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), and is securities licensed.
Aaron is the current Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Hillel JUC, an organization that benefits Jewish college students on campuses across the Greater Pittsburgh area. He is also on the Executive Committee of Film Pittsburgh and serves on many other Finance and Endowment committees. In his leisure time, Aaron enjoys photography, writing and reading long-form articles about macroeconomics. He and his wife Amy live in Squirrel Hill with their son Ian and their dog Teddy Burr.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Operations Assistant
Amber joined the Signature Financial family in November of 2022 as an administrative assistant with a strong background in customer service. She is enthusiastic about the finance industry, previously holding a position at an insurance company.
Amber graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May 2021 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in economics.
When she isn't at work, Amber can be found hiking the local trails with her Australian Shepherd or cuddling up with a good book.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Client Services and Onboarding Specialist
Anthony joined the Signature Financial family in September of 2023 as a client services and onboarding specialist. The financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to pursue a career in the financial industry, and he is excited to learn and grow alongside the Signature team.
Anthony holds a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in political science. He is always looking for new opportunities to learn and has found that being willing to ask questions and accept new ideas is the key to continuous personal and professional growth.
Not one for sitting still, Anthony is nearly always busy when he isn't in the office-playing music, going to the gym, and exploring local breweries and trails.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Client Service Specialist
- Client Services and Onboarding Specialist
Brianna Mitchell joined Signature Financial Planning as a Client Service Specialist in August of 2021. A writer at heart with a background in service, Brianna brings a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and superb communication skills to her daily interaction with clients. She studied English Literature with a focus in Creative Writing and earned her degree from Columbus State University.
New to the financial services industry, Brianna developed an interest in the field through personal investing and research during the pandemic. She appreciates how helpful and welcoming the team at Signature Financial Planning has been and is looking forward to her future in the industry.
A self-proclaimed military brat for the first 10 years of her life, Brianna lived overseas during her formative years, which cultivated a strong desire to understand and welcome differences in people and cultures. While technically from Wales, UK, if we're talking birthplace, she considers her hometown to be Moon Township, PA, and currently resides in Lawrenceville with her boyfriend and their cat, Sarabi.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Client Services and Onboarding Specialist
Christopher joined the Signature Financial family in June of 2023 as a client services specialist.
He was drawn to this industry by his passion for helping others, whether it's as simple as gaining access to an account or as complex as handling executor duties when a loved one passes away. Chris holds a bachelor's degree in international relations with a minor in French from the University of Delaware and has plans to pursue an MBA in finance in the future.
After spending more than a decade in the banking world, Chris sought a position at Signature where he could be part of a smaller team and have a greater impact personally on his clients.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Associate Portfolio Manager
- Lead Portfolio Manager
Daniel O'Connor is an Associate Portfolio Manager at Signature Financial Planning. Prior to joining the firm in May of 2021, he worked in investment operations and accounting for 3 years. He has a passion for investment research and enjoys analyzing companies and providing clients with insights into exciting opportunities. Besides research, Daniel is involved with trading and due diligence in his day-to-day work.
Knowing the value of humility and the importance of being a good listener, he incorporates both to understand what motivates his clients and uses that to help them reach their investment goals. He also recognizes that not a day should go by without learning something new, which he pours into his investment research and pursuit of new opportunities for his clients.
Daniel earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from Saint Vincent College. He is originally from Fredericksburg, VA, and now resides in Pittsburgh.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Partner
- Certified Financial Planner
Debbie joined Signature Financial as a partner and financial advisor in February 2015. With over three decades of experience in financial planning and investment management, Debbie specializes in advanced planning strategies that help high net worth investors achieve financial security throughout their lifetime and leave a legacy. Her passion is educating and empowering women to make financial decisions that enhance their financial security.
Debbie is a Certified Financial Planner® professional, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and a Chartered Life Underwriter®. She holds an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. in Finance from Pennsylvania State University. She is a Registered Representative of Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and a registered Investment Advisor Representative of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS).
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Associate Advisor, Financial Planning Supervisor
- CFP®Associate Advisor, Financial Planning Supervisor
Garrett Frey joined the Signature Financial team as an Associate Advisor in January of 2022, bringing with him nearly a decade in the financial planning industry. In this role, Garrett works directly with our clients as an advisor to create unique solutions to their specific financial challenges as well as alongside the rest of the Signature team to support and add value to our client services.
His contagious enthusiasm and sharp mind have not gone unnoticed, and our clients have already seen the benefit of his dedication to finding creative approaches to customized financial plans.
A 2014 graduate of Princeton University, Garrett earned his Bachelor's Degree in Economics before entering the financial services industry. While at Princeton, he captained the varsity wrestling team - quite a personal and athletic accomplishment! When he's not working, you'll find Garrett immersed in the sports he loves, spending his time playing golf, spectating, mentoring/coaching (currently, he's an assistant wrestling coach for the 2022 WPIAL Champion Quaker Valley HS Wrestling Team!), and is a member of the Pittsburgh Field Club. Along with a naturally competitive nature, Garrett is an explorer at heart. You'll see this adventurous spirit in his love of traveling and trying new cuisines, along with his unbridled curiosity about pretty much anything and everything he encounters.
Born and raised in the Greater Pittsburgh area, Garrett currently resides in Sewickley, PA, with his wife, Taylor, and their two cats.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Lead Financial Planning Specialist
In August of 2021, Jackie transitioned from an accounting and wealth management firm to the Signature Financial family as a Financial Planning Specialist/Paraplanner. As a Paraplanner, she will be creating reports and reviews to support Advisors with client meeting preparation.
Jackie attended Seton Hill University and achieved two bachelor's degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. A big believer in education for the sake of education, she cherishes the time she spent at Seton Hill, continuing to try to live out the motto: "Hazard Yet Forward".
An avid music lover and appreciator of all kinds of people, Jackie loves to host events bringing people together - anything from brunches to bonfires to board game nights. She was also an active member of the choral music community here in Pittsburgh prior to Covid. In these current times, she finds joy in bike riding, baking, and reading.
Jackie hails from a small town in Mercer County, PA, and now lives in Millvale on the North side of Pittsburgh.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Financial Planning Specialist
- Senior Client Services Specialist
Jake joined the Signature Financial Planning team in July 2022 and leads the client services
team as Senior Client Service Specialist. Forging close relationships with the clients he serves
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Financial Planning Associate
Joining the Signature Financial family as an Assistant Portfolio Manager in September 2020, Jay Kamon brings with him a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience in finding creative solutions to complex situations. With a deeply analytical mind, Jay was drawn to the financial planning industry as a way to use those skills to make a difference in society.
Jay holds a Master of Investment Management and Financial Analysis degree from Creighton University. Originally from Pittsburgh, and after a 9-year hiatus on active duty, he was happy to return to the area and begin his career in the financial services industry.
Having come into the profession a little later in life, Jay understands what it is like to work with a financial planner and have apprehensions regarding investments as a client, a point of view which strengthens his ability to conceptualize and address client concerns.
His favorite part of the job next to the people - clients and co-workers alike - is the work's analytical nature. As someone who loves researching anything and everything, his days are spent knee-deep in thought-provoking endeavors.
Jay is married and has two wonderful dogs, and while he's still analyzing the question of what it is that makes him unique, it's already pretty clear to the rest of us.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- CP Lead Operations Specialist
- Lead Operations Specialist
Julia joined the Signature Financial family in August of 2021 as an administrative assistant, coming to us with a strong background in service and hospitality. In her role, she will primarily support the executive team with projects, correspondence, day-to-day activities, and whatever else may arise. She will also be handling HR tasks, assisting with employee appreciation and relations, and helping to organize volunteer and charity work programs. Luckily for us, she enjoys a fast-paced environment and helping out wherever she's needed. Seven years in the hospitality industry strengthened her ability to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities and tasks, creating a unique ability to anticipate needs and exceed expectations without compromising on routine projects.
She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management. Prior to that, she graduated from IUP's Academy of Culinary Arts program, where she earned certifications in Culinary Arts and Advanced Baking & Pastry Arts.
When she's not working, you'll likely find Julia in the kitchen cooking dinner or baking something new with music blaring in the background, or on a lake somewhere hanging out in her kayak, camping in a forest, or hiking in the woods.
Julia grew up north of Pittsburgh in Gibsonia and now resides in Kennedy Township (McKeesRocks) with her partner.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- CEPA Financial Behavior & Leadership Consultant
- FBS, CEPA
Julia serves as Financial Behavior and Leadership Consultant for Signature Financial, supporting both Signature's clients and team members in moving towards achieving their professional and financial goals. As a CPA, Certified Financial Therapist Level I, and Financial Behavior Specialist®, Julia brings a unique blend of training in the emerging field of Financial Psychology, traditional coaching techniques, and financial expertise to help clients and team members reach their full potential.
Julia began her career at one of the Big Four accounting firms in Chicago. She started a boutique accounting firm shortly after the birth of her first son in 1994, igniting her entrepreneurial spirit. Relocating from Cleveland to Pittsburgh in early 2000, Julia spent the next decade working inside her home until she stumbled upon the Financial Therapy Association, then in its infancy. The next eight years were spent jumping feet first into the emerging field, taking every training course available. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Financial Therapy Association where she enjoys collaborating with other passionate and curious colleagues.
Julia is devoted to helping create financial education programs that incorporate the missing ingredients in most such classes: financial psychology, cultural competency, and a deep understanding of trauma and human behavior. Her programs have been used by Circles Sharpsburg. She is also assisting the Women's Leadership Council of United Way whenever she can and is creating a program for a Lakota community in South Dakota.
She lives in Ohio Township with her husband Devitt and her cat Cersei. She has two wonderful adult sons, Ryan and Colin.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Administrative Assistant
Lisa joined the Signature Financial family in September of 2023 as an administrative assistant. Drawn in by the company's commitment to charitable giving and community service, Lisa brings with her a passion for helping others and is always looking for an opportunity to learn something new.
She holds a bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in marketing and management and is currently pursuing a graduate degree.
When she's not working, you'll likely find Lisa with her family, a book, or doing something creative. She's also an avid volunteer and spent two years working with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She even hopes to become a foster parent in the future.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Senior Advisor
- CFP®Senior Advisor
Denise joined Signature Financial Planning as a Partner in January 2021, having been a Principal with Marbury Wealth since 2008. With 35 years of experience in financial services, Denise is a natural problem solver and enjoys the process of learning all about her clients and their unique circumstances before using her extensive experience to help them achieve their financial goals.
A Pittsburgher since birth, Denise grew up in Squirrel Hill and currently resides in Allison Park.
She graduated from the Joseph M. Katz School of Business with a Masters in Business Administration and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. She is also a CFP® professional as well as
Entering the financial services industry over 30 years ago when female advisors were even more of a rarity, Denise has built a successful career helping clients and their families pursue their financial goals and build generational wealth.
In her spare time, Denise enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, cooking, Pilates and streaming shows on Netflix and Hulu.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Chief Executive Officer
- Partner
Marc currently serves as co-Chief Executive Officer of Signature Financial Planning. He provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management solutions to successful individuals, and investment advice and guidance to businesses, charitable foundations, and government institutions.
Marc studied at the University of Maryland and Duquesne University majoring in Psychology with a focus in Existential Phenomenology. He is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). Charter holders are qualified to provide comprehensive advanced financial planning, insurance and estate planning for individuals, professionals, and business owners. Marc has attained the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) credentialing, a graduate level specialization in estate planning. Marc has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation that signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care.
Marc is past President and still serves on the board of the Board for the Pittsburgh chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization. EO's mission is provide entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to achieve their potential through life-enhancing connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. Marc also serves on the Board of Directors, the finance committee, and investment committee for Community Day School in Pittsburgh.
Previously, Marc has served on the boards of the American Heart Association, Film Pittsburgh, Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, National Young Leadership Cabinet for the Jewish Federations of North America, the Growth & Transaction Committee for Blue Tree Allied Angels, and the Learning Chair for EO Pittsburgh. Marc has taught adult education classes through OSHER at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Marc is also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Pittsburgh. He enjoys investing with several real estate development and private equity groups and mentoring young entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. Along with the partners and employees of the firm, Marc volunteers with several organizations that reach out to individuals who find themselves in more challenging circumstances and are working hard to build better lives for their families.
Marc and his wife Lisa are originally from the suburb of Mt. Lebanon and currently reside in the city neighborhood of Squirrel Hill. Their two children, Justin and AJ, are both in college. Marc enjoys spending the summers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His outside interests include road and gravel cycling, high-performance driving, hiking out West, and traveling the world.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Partner
- Senior Advisor
Michael's financial planning career has led him on a unique path. His trajectory at Signature Financial Planning began with an internship in 1999. After serving as an intern for three years, Michael joined H &R Block and later Allegheny Financial as an advisor. He reunited with the Signature family in 2004 as Vice President of Operations.
Michael became a partner in the firm in 2014, overseeing strategic operations in addition to advising both individual clients and businesses. As a fully licensed financial advisor and CFP® professional, Michael helps position his clients for financial success by providing comprehensive wealth building and distribution strategies as they pursue their personal and financial goals.
Michael graduated magna cum laude from Grove City College, where he received a degree in business management. He is a Registered Representative of Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and a registered Investment Advisor Representative of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS).
Mike is passionate about leadership development and serves on the board of two organizations. He has been on the Greater Pittsburgh American Heart Association board since 2022 and is currently the Leadership Development Committee Chair. He has also been on the North Boroughs Rotary Club board since 2021, currently serving as the President. In the past, he has volunteered with Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. to help strengthen regional leadership through various programs and partnerships.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys golf and music of all kinds. Born and raised in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, Mr. Milarski currently resides in Ben Avon with his wife Carrie, daughter Jane, and stepsons Kian and Magnus.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Client Services Specialist Ll
Mitchell joined Signature Financial Planning as a Client Services Specialist in March of 2023. Fascinated by the financial services industry, Mitchell is passionate about not only learning about but spreading knowledge of the theories and strategies that help us build wealth.
A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Mitchell holds a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in management and aims to earn an MBA in the near future. He is a true team player who is always rooting for the success of those around him, making him a great asset for both his coworkers and our clients.
When he isn't at the office, Mitchell can be found traversing the globe or planning for future travel experiences.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- CFP®, CAP®Partner & Senior Advisor
Scott joined the Signature Financial family in early 2021 as a Partner through a merger with Marbury Wealth Management, a firm he established after leaving a senior position at Arthur Andersen in the Private Wealth Group in 2000.
During college, Scott gravitated to economics and finance and had several internships in the field of finance, earning his BS in Economics and Minor in Mathematics from Allegheny College. He earned the CFP® designation in 1993, and added the CAP® (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy) in 2015, intent on helping others ensure their legacy and maximizing the impact of philanthropy in his community to create a better place to live for generations to come.
Scott leverages 32 years of experience in the industry to help bring a sense of financial "peace" to his clients. After learning what concerns keep them up at night, he analyzes the issues, develops comprehensive strategies, and implements action items to set a course towards their goals. Having learned from great mentors and with decades of experience working with a diverse clientele of private business owners, physicians, corporate executives, charitable foundations, and many others, Scott is uniquely qualified to address a wide range of financial concerns and goals.
Working with a holistic approach to wealth management, Scott takes on the role of "quarterback" and works closely with other advisors, CPAs, Attorneys, Private Banking Representatives, and more.
While Scott was born in Seattle, WA, he's been a Pittsburgher since the age of 2, where he currently resides with his wife Maureen and their college-bound twins, Aidan and Sophia.
Scott plays the piano, trombone and has sung in many choirs over the years. He once performed with his church handbell team at the White House for President Reagan.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Chief Executive Officer
- Partner
Scott serves as Chief Executive Officer of Signature Financial, directing the vision of the firm and coordinating the overall efforts of the team. As a licensed financial advisor and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Scott utilizes his experience, knowledge, and education to provide comprehensive wealth management solutions and design charitable giving strategies for high-net-worth individuals.
Scott began working in the financial planning industry as a mutual fund wholesale representative with Eaton Vance and Putnam Investments. He returned to Pittsburgh in 2002 to manage Signature Financial Planning with Stephen Tobe, his father, and the founder of the firm.
Scott graduated from Indiana University with a degree in communications. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Kestra Representative Council, assisting with strategic business improvements for Kestra Financial. Scott was recently recognized by REP. magazine (now WealthManagement) as one of the top 20 financial advisors in the country under the age of 40. Scott is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), and is licensed in securities and insurance.
Community involvement holds a great deal of importance to Scott. He serves on the executive board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, where he helps direct millions of dollars per year to worthwhile causes both at home and across the world. Scott is an active member of the Entrepreneurs Organization here in Pittsburgh. He is also a board member for Penn Future, an environmental advocacy organization. Because philanthropy is one of his great passions, in 2014 Scott created a venture fund designed to provide grant money for innovative ideas that help 22-45 year-olds find meaning and participation in Jewish life. Known as the SteelTree venture philanthropy fund, they have given away hundreds of thousands of dollars to date through the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
Scott enjoys investing with real estate development and private equity groups as well as mentoring young entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. Along with the partners and employees of the firm, Scott volunteers with several organizations that support individuals who find themselves in financially challenging circumstances. One such organization is the Circles Program through Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg, PA. Circles is a national program that has had a lot of success at lifting people out of poverty for good.
As a successful young professional, Scott was named one of Pittsburgh Magazine's 40 Under 40 and honored by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as one of Pittsburgh's Fifty Finest.
Scott is a Pittsburgh native and avid outdoorsman. He lives in Fox Chapel with his wife, Becca, daughter Laila, son, Asher, and dog, Kona.
Job Titles:
- Admin
- Chief Operating Officer
- Partner
- President
Serina currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Signature Financial Planning. She provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that the firm has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and systems in place to effectively grow as an organization. Serina's top priority is that Signature is providing world-class service to our clientele.
Serina served as Director of Strategic Growth & Operations prior to becoming a principal shareholder in 2020. She began with Signature in 2013 as a Client Service Specialist, and progressed through most of the administrative, operations, and strategic growth roles over the years.
Serina currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Sojourner House, an organization dedicated to compassionate recovery services for families. Her involvement in the United Way's Women's Leadership Council (WLC) and mentorship of young professionals through its TOGETHER program have been a staple of Serina's community involvement for many years.
In addition, Serina is a Junior Achievement Inspiring Success Award Finalist and the founder of several women-focused networking groups.
Serina earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Instructional Technology at Robert Morris University. She is a graduate of the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) program through Leadership Pittsburgh. Serina maintains the Series 6 and 63 FINRA securities licenses and is a notary public.
In her spare time, Serina enjoys true crime mysteries, beef jerky, and high-performance driving events. She is a Pittsburgh native and resides on Mt. Washington because we won't let her actually live in the office.
Seth leverages his multifaceted expertise serving as the Chief Counsel of Signature Financial. He joined the firm in March 2011 after earning his law degree and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Not only is Seth a licensed attorney in the state of Pennsylvania, he is also a CFP® professional. Seth's diversified educational background makes him uniquely qualified and well equipped to advise clients through various transition stages in life, such as divorce, retirement, or career changes. In addition to these credentials, he is also a Registered Rep of Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and Investment Advisor Rep of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS).
Seth's perspective and approach is particularly valuable in high-net worth divorce situations. He is an active member of the Collaborative Law Association of Southwest Pennsylvania, which specializes in alternative divorce resolutions. A member of the Estate Planning Council, Seth also specializes in estate planning.
In recent years, Pittsburgh has been reinventing itself as a hub for technology. To better serve Signature's clients, Seth has become an expert in navigating the unique challenges technology professionals face with their various compensation structures and packages.
A firm believer in giving back to the community, Seth teaches financial planning courses for CMU and Pitt adult education programs. He also serves on several nonprofit boards and directorships, currently as the Vice Chair of FamilyLinks and the President of the Associate Board of Ambassadors for the American Cancer Society.
In his spare time, Seth performs standup comedy at local clubs and won Gilda's Great Comic Search in 2009. Seth is a local through and through, currently living in Shadyside after growing up in Squirrel Hill.