CALIFORNIA CONSUMER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Financial Consultant
- Registered Investment Advisor
Deborah Kirste began working in the investments industry as a research analyst in 1997 and became a financial consultant in 2000, after being inspired by a finance professor while studying for her MBA. Prior to that, she was a systems and software engineer in the aerospace industry. She received her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2002 and enjoys using her analytical skills to develop portfolio strategies designed to work toward meeting the individual needs of her clients.
Deborah's primary objective is to help her clients pursue their financial and personal goals through education, planning, wise decision making, and attention to their portfolio's asset allocation. She says, "Determining an appropriate asset allocation based on clients' investment objectives and risk tolerance is one of the keys to helping ensure they are on track with their long term goals and don't sell during down markets. To that end, a top priority is placed on working toward managing downside risk."
After working for a large mutual fund company and a boutique Registered Investment Advisor, Deborah became part of the UNIFY Investment Solutions team because it combines the strength of a large institution with the personal level of service typically offered only by smaller companies.
Deborah has been married for over 30 years and has two children in college. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, volunteering, and attending Crimson Tide football games. She was born and raised in California and resides in Laguna Niguel.
As a financial consultant for over 25 years, Hansen Champlin has spent the past 20 years helping UNIFY Financial Federal Credit Union members. Hansen is committed to the credit union philosophy of always putting credit union members' needs first.
He enjoys close relationships with clients as he helps them choose the most suitable financial strategies to work towards meeting their individual goals. Hansen believes that each client has the ability to make their own financial decisions; they just need guidance and reliable information to make informed decisions. "It is my responsibility to offer support and be a trusted resource."
Hansen has been located at the credit union since 2002 and also serves as the department Program Manager.
As a financial consultant for over eleven years, Lawrence Rocha has worked to resolve client concerns related to retirement, wealth transfer, and lifetime income. He takes pride in providing the best financial planning possible and is driven by his strong desire to serve his clients. As a financial consultant, his goals include listening effectively and addressing financial problems by creating options that aim to meet his clients' needs. He was especially drawn to UNIFY by the culture of putting client needs first.
Lawrence completed the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®) designation from the College for Financial Planning, the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies, and a certificate in Personal Financial Planning from UCLA. Lawrence is currently completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from California State University, Monterey Bay.
A Northern California native, Lawrence currently resides in Southern California with his wife Vanessa and two stepchildren. He is a music enthusiast who has played drums and guitar since age twelve. He enjoys traveling and has even backpacked throughout South America. An avid football, soccer, and baseball sports fan, you can find him at a live music or sporting event in his free time.
A Financial Consultant since 1995, Sami Farag enjoys building close relationships with his clients. He helps them choose the most
appropriate financial strategies that work toward their goals. In 2006, Sami first became part of the UNIFY Investment Solutions team because it gave him the opportunity to offer clients access to competitive products and services, and because of UNIFY Investment Solutions' commitment to providing unparalleled support to credit union members.
"Establishing trust is the first and most essential component in creating a working relationship, and is developed through listening, caring and being there for the long run. Most importantly, I believe in giving every client the same level of service, time, and attention; no matter the investment size." Sami has developed his experience to encompass a broad base of knowledge in financial planning and truly enjoys the ability to be able to share this knowledge with his clients. "Once I saw the benefits an investment plan can have, I became determined to help others learn to invest as well."
Outside of his work at UNIFY Investment Solutions, Sami lives in Westchester and enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with his wife and two children.