CFA INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Adnan Brkic, CFA / Director
Adnan brings over 10 years of investment consulting experience as a Regional Director at CIBC Asset Management & Renaissance Investments. He graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2018.
Adnan is passionate about all things related to finance, consulting, and technology.
Adnan is an avid traveller and is always in search of new and interesting cuisine. When he's not sailing or windsurfing, Adnan can be found most weekends taking his dog, Choi, for a local hike or a walk by the river valley.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Senior Analyst at Investment Risk
Amir Sajedian is a Senior Analyst at Investment Risk and Analytics department of Alberta Investment Management Corporation, which is responsible for managing more than 100 billion dollars of assets of provincial pension plans, endowments and foundations across Alberta. Amir is actively involved with measuring and estimating risk metrics of matrix-type structure of more than 50 portfolios and policy benchmarks of different strategies. He previously used to work at Performance analytics department of Aimco, and taught Finance and Statistics at MacEwan University of Edmonton.
Amir joined the CFA Society Edmonton Board of Directors in July 2015 as the Director of Candidate Relation and university outreach, and has served the society as secretary since July 2016, where he has supported verities of events across universities in Edmonton.
Amir has a masters in Finance and a bachelors in Management and has been awarded the CFA Charter in November 2014 and CIPM in May 2017.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Society Leadership Team
- Treasurer
- AIMCo in 2021 As a Director of Client Relations
Mr. Davis joined AIMCo in 2021 as a Director of Client Relations, bringing 10 years of experience across institutional and private client markets. Prior to joining AIMCO, he served as a Director, Investment Services, with a $20Bn investment management firm, Letko Brosseau (2018-2020), where he oversaw more than 75 client relationships. He has also held investment management roles at Canadian Pacific Railway Company (2017-2018) and Nunavut Trust (2014-2017). He is a graduate of the University of Ottawa (B.Com., Specialization in Accounting), and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and a CFA charterholder.
Candice is responsible for managing and enhancing internal organizational processes, initiatives, projects, and infrastructure that will allow CFA Societies Canada to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. Candice contributes to the development and implementation of the strategic plan of the organization, while managing and executing initiatives and projects undertaken by the organization in pursuit of its shorter-term operational objectives. She also manages day-to-day business operations of the offices of CFA Societies Canada. Candice has a Diploma in Business Administration Management from George Brown College.
Carl Robert is Managing Director, Total Fund Investments at PSP Investments. Prior to joining PSP, Carl was Director and Portfolio Manager at Intact Investment Management; Carl has more than 19 years of experience in the capital markets working for asset management firms in Canada and the United States. He is combining a background in physics (Ph.D. University of Maryland, M.Sc. and B.Sc. Laval University), experience as a researcher and professor (University of California Santa Barbara, Reims University) as well as training in finance (CFA charterholder 2010, Financial Risk Manager 2007). He has volunteered with CFA Montréal since 2011, and was the President of the board from 2019 to 2021.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Portfolio Manager With the University of Alberta Investment Team
Chad is a Portfolio Manager with the University of Alberta investment team. He is responsible for all public market strategies in the University's $1.7 billion endowment consisting of a diversified external manager program as well as internally managed strategies. Prior to joining the team in 2009 he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Alberta School of Business, and also completed his MBA in 2019. Chad holds the CFA, CAIA, and CIPM designations and is a member of the CFA Society Edmonton Board of Directors responsible for University Outreach, and an alumnus of the Program for Research and Investment Management Excellence (PRIME).
Christina is responsible for supporting the Managing Director, senior management team, and volunteer leaders in their outreach to and engagement with regulators, member societies, and other stakeholders; supporting the Director of Operations in working with member societies, committees, the Board of CFA Societies Canada, and providing support on planning and implementation of initiatives and projects associated with the strategic objectives of the organization. Born and raised in Barbados, Christina came to Canada in 2004 where she later completed her undergraduate studies in Communications at York University and she also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Centennial College.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Education Committee
- Founder and Principal of Clear Focus Financial
Christophe Voegeli is the founder and principal of Clear Focus Financial. His boutique financial planning firm caters to business owners and professionals in the Edmonton and Calgary areas.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Financial Analyst
Coreen Sol is a Chartered Financial Analyst, managing private wealth and institutional assets for the last three decades. She has been involved in behavioural finance research both formally, as an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, and practically, as a discretionary portfolio manager during the Asian, Russian and Argentine economic crises of the 1990s, the 2001 terror attacks in New York, umpteen energy crises, the Great Recession, and the 2020 pandemic.
Coreen is the author of Practically Investing, Smart Investment Techniques Your Neighbour Doesn't Know (2014), and Unbiased Investors: Reduce Stress in Financial Decisions and Keep More of Your Money (Wiley, 2022).
Coreen is the mother of three adult children, each pursuing post-secondary education. She also sits on the board of directors for CFA Society Canada, an advocacy organization for investment integrity, and is a committed supporter of fine arts, especially dance.
Job Titles:
- Ian Quigley, CFA / Director
Ian founded the registered portfolio management firm, Qube Investments in 2011. Qube currently manages over $350M in private wealth, while employing a small team of local finance professionals and students. Qube passionately follows a valuation-based investment methodology.
Ian's academic training includes a graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA), as well as an undergraduate degree in research and analysis (Honors Program Physical Geography). Both from the University of Alberta. Prior to this, he attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) completing an honors diploma in Finance and has completed the study programs for the CFP, CIM, CLU, SIPC and CEA designations. Ian hopes to complete the MQE from the CBV program in Sept of 2022.
In his spare time, Ian loves to sport climb, bicycle and motorbike backroads in Canada and beyond. He has two daughters that greatly define his life and was lucky enough to have married the love of his life over 30 years ago. He also has a dog named Roary.
Job Titles:
- Director and Member of the Executive Committee of CFA Societies Canada
Jessie joined Burgundy Asset Management Ltd's new Vancouver office in March 2020 as an Investment Counsellor. Prior to joining Burgundy, Jessie was a Portfolio Manager with Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel where she spent 7 years managing relationships on a discretionary basis for families in Western Canada and led the firm's Associate Team. Prior to Dixon Mitchell, Jessie spent 5 years as an Investment Counsellor with MD Private Investment Counsel and 8 years with Phillips, Hager & North working with clients in a non-discretionary basis and as an Associate of the discretionary Private Client Department.
Jessie is a Director and member of the Executive Committee of CFA Societies Canada, Past President and Chair of CFA Society Vancouver and was the recipient of the CFA Society Vancouver 2018 Volunteer of the Year award. Jessie is a CFA charterholder and has obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Jonathan is an Associate Portfolio Manager in the Infrastructure and Renewable Resources group at Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), a global institutional investment firm with approximately C$100bn assets under management. In this capacity, he is involved with the management of current direct and fund investments and the analysis of new opportunities, specifically in the Timberland and Agriculture sectors. Prior to specializing in Timberland and Agriculture, Jonathan spent time working in AIMCo's Client Relations and Private Equity teams.
Jonathan is a member of the Board of Directors of CFA Society Edmonton and currently serves as Treasurer. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the AIMCo Foundation for Financial Education, an organization that was formed in 2018 to promote financial education.
Jonathan holds the CBV and CFA designations and graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Job Titles:
- Investment Specialist at Capital Group
Kathrin Forrest is an equity investment specialist at Capital Group, supporting both wealth management and institutional retirement with a dedicated focus on the Canadian market.
Prior to joining Capital Group, Kathrin spent 17 years in multiple senior roles across Sun Life Financial. She most recently served as vice-president and portfolio manager of Sun Life Global Investments, overseeing equity, fixed income and asset allocation solutions, and partnering with cross-functional peers to facilitate the evolution of the organization's product shelf. Prior to joining Sun Life Global Investments, Forrest was assistant vice-president, product and strategy at Sun Life Investment Management.
Kathrin holds a Master of Arts in Economics and is a CFA charterholder. She is an active member at the CFA Society Toronto, currently serving as Vice-Chair, Programming on the Society's Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Kathy Marshall, CFA / Secretary
Kathy is Director, Client Relations at the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), a global institutional investment firm with approximately (CAD) $110 billion in AUM. In this role she supports AIMCo's large clients and stakeholders advising on all aspects on institutional investments.
Prior to joining AIMCo, Kathy oversaw the large public equity manager program at BCI, anther global institutional investment firm.
Kathy has an undergraduate degree in International Relations from UBC, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Hartford and was awarded the CFA charter in 2011.
Job Titles:
- Treasury Analyst at the University of Victoria
Mark Stephenson is a treasury analyst at the University of Victoria. He received his BA in Economics with a Business minor from the University of Victoria, and is a CFA charterholder. Prior to working at UVic, Mark has worked in investment services at a private lending firm, as well as an analyst at a real estate development company. At UVic, Mark is responsible for managing the University's short term investment fund, forecasting operating cash flow requirements, as well as administering the Applied Portfolio Management Program. As Treasurer for CFA Society Victoria, his duties include drafting the budget for the year, ensuring invoices are paid, and providing monthly financial updates to the board. When Mark is not at work or working on the Society budget, he is likely out exploring Vancouver Island, or training for his next ultramarathon.
Mr. Burnyeat joined the Board of Directors of CFA Societies Canada in 2019.
Michael currently is a financial consultant. His most recent position was the Chief Financial Officer at Wayfinder Corp., a privately held company focused on the manufacture and transloading of specialty proppants used in the hydraulic fracturing sector. Prior positions include CFO at Redrock Camps and EVP and CFO at Black Diamond Group. Previous experience includes senior finance roles in Insurance, Technology, and the Oilfield Services sectors.
Michael graduated from the University of Alberta in 1990 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance). He is a Chartered Accountant (1992) and a CFA Charterholder (2003).
Michael Thom, CFA is the Managing Director for CFA Societies Canada. He leads the strategic direction of CFA Societies Canada and advocates the highest standards of integrity and ethics for the ultimate benefit of Canadian investors, while building brand awareness of the CFA designation. Michael comes to CFA Societies Canada with over 12 years of experience in a variety of capital markets positions. His most recent role was as an executive at a Toronto-based hedge fund manager. Previously his career was focused in equity trading and portfolio management at firms in Toronto and Vancouver. Michael brings many years of volunteer leadership experience in advocacy to this role. He has served as a director of CFA Society Toronto's board, has volunteered in multiple capacities for CFA Institute, and as a member and former chair of the Canadian Advocacy Council. Michael is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and is a CFA charterholder.
Job Titles:
- Nilesh Paray, CFA / President
- Pangman Development Corporation in 2018 As Director of Finance
Nilesh joined Pangman Development Corporation in 2018 as Director of Finance. After starting his career at Goldman Sachs in London, he transitioned to hedge fund investments and more recently to real estate investments.
In addition to his experience investing in real estate development opportunities, Nilesh brings an impressive breadth and depth of education to all his endeavors.
Fluent in four languages, he graduated first in his class with a Master of Engineering in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Birmingham and McGill University. He earned his MBA from the University of Alberta in 2015, and he received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2017. In 2019, Nilesh was admitted to the Harvard Business School Investment and Management Program.
Nilesh is a lifelong learner whose favourite pastimes include travelling, learning new languages, reading about history, coaching his son's soccer team and cheering for Manchester United.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Society Leadership Team
​Patrick brings broad and deep experience, and extensive credentials in financial management to the CFA Society Edmonton board. Prior to investment management industry, Patrick held progressively senior management roles in large public companies, for over 20 years including 15 years with ATCO Group of Companies. Patrick has led financial reporting, strategic planning and analysis, compliance, operational accounting and treasury functions. Patrick is currently Equity Markets Managing Director at Accountability Capital Management, responsible for developing and implementing active strategies including hedging and yield enhancement techniques, and risk management.
Patrick's credentials include BCom, MBA, CPA, CMA, CGA, CPA (U.S), CGMA (U.S). He is also a CFA charterholder.
Raymond joined the Board of CFA Society Edmonton in 2017 and currently serves as a Director.
Raymond currently holds the position of Senior Manager, Mid-Market Commercial Banking at CIBC manage and develop commercial banking relationships with both private enterprise and publicly listed companies. Prior to joining CIBC, Raymond worked in other financial institutions in the capacity of relationship management, underwriting, treasury management, and banking operations.
Raymond holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta with a major in Actuarial Science and also completed the FRM designation from GARP. Raymond is a CFA charterholder since 2016.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Assistant Vice President at CWB Financial Group
With over 22 years of experience in banking and risk management, Rex currently works as an Assistant Vice President at CWB Financial Group, providing risk management oversight against operational, fraud, technology and cyber security risks. Rex gained his risk management expertise working with various Canadian Schedule I and Schedule II Banks, Crown Corporations as well as International Financial Organizations. Rex also teaches at the Concordia University of Edmonton as a Sessional Instructor and is a member of the Program Review Committee at NAIT.
Rex Jo ined the CFA Society Edmonton Board of Directors in July 2015. He actively supports and mentors candidates focused on writing exams & obtaining the CFA Charter.
Rex has a Master's in Business Administration and Bachelors in Science degrees and was awarded his CFA Charter in 2013. He has also completed Executive level courses at Schulich Business School and New York Institute of Finance.
With over 20 years of experience in banking and risk management, Rex currently works as an Assistant Vice President managing Operational Risk at CWB Financial Group. Rex gained his risk management expertise working with various Canadian Schedule I and Schedule II Banks, Crown Corporations as well as International Financial Organizations. Rex also teaches undergraduate students various investment management and finance courses in his spare time.
Rex Joined the CFA Society Edmonton Board of Directors in July 2015. Currently he serves as the Chair of the Membership Committee focused on reviewing and approving membership applications, organizing events and delivering value to the Society members. He also actively supports and mentors candidates focused on writing exams & obtaining the CFA Charter.
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Leader at the City of Calgary
Rod joined the Board of CFA Society Edmonton in 2011 and is currently serving as Past President. He served in the role of President from 2016-2018 and previously served as Vice President and University Relations Chair.
Rod is currently the Senior Investment Leader at The City of Calgary where he oversees the $4 billion investment portfolio for The City. Prior to this role Rod worked with the Government of Alberta overseeing the Government's investment portfolios, including the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
Rod holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta and received his CFA designation in 2005.
Ron Schwarz, CFA is a corporate director and capital markets consultant with over 25 years of industry experience. He currently manages his own investments and provides corporate consulting services. From 2009 until 2012, he served as Executive Director of UBS Global Asset Management Canada where he was responsible for a $650MM Canadian Small Cap Equity fund and sat on the asset mix committee. Prior to that, he was Managing Director and Head of Canadian Cash Equities at CIBC Capital Markets where he was responsible for equity sales, trading, research and prime brokerage and electronic trading operations. Mr. Schwarz received his undergraduate degree in Finance at Concordia University in 1991 and earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1995. He is currently a director and Chair of the Board at CHC Student Housing, a TSX-V listed student housing real estate company where he additionally serves on the Audit Committee and Compensation and Governance committees. Ron is also a director on the private board of SideDrawer Inc, an estate planning document management application company. Ron previously served on the private board of Electric Sky Wine LLC, a joint venture between Interscope Records and Anheiser Busch. He also served on the board of directors of Noble Iron Inc., a TSX-V listed rental equipment and software company, where he chaired the Audit Committee and KGIC Inc., a TSX-V listed English as a second language education provider sitting on both the Audit and Compensation and Governance Committees. Mr. Schwarz also recently served as a director on the board of CFA Society Toronto where he chaired the Society's Communications Committee and is currently a member of the Governance and Nominations Committee. In addition, he was a two-term member of the Ontario Securities Commission's Small-Medium Enterprise Committee.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Associate Portfolio Manager at Alberta Investment Management Corporation
Sachi joined the Board of CFA Society Edmonton in 2018 and currently serves as a Director.
Sachi is an Associate Portfolio Manager at Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). In this capacity, she contributes to the management of the C$4.1 billion mortgage investments portfolio which is comprised of first mortgage investments in major Canadian markets as well as fund investments, bridge and mezzanine debt, and construction loans in non-domestic markets.
Sachi holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and completed the Diploma Program in Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia. She is a CFA charterholder and a CAIA charterholder.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Investments at Nunavut Trust
Sean is the Managing Director, Investments at Nunavut Trust, a $1.8B closed endowment based in Ottawa. Sean focuses on overall asset allocation, manager selection, risk management, and portfolio monitoring. Sean is the President of CFA Society Ottawa, the Chapter Executive for the Ottawa CAIA Canada Chapter, and he currently sits on the investment committee for the University of Ottawa Telfer Capital Fund, and the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library. Sean sits on the Canadian Investment Performance Council and also holds several roles at the Pension Investment Association of Canada (PIAC), as the Chair of the Asset & Return Survey Working Group and as a member of the Member Services Committee and Alternatives Working Group. Sean holds a BComm from the University of Ottawa, is a CFA charterholder, a CAIA Charterholder, and also a Chartered Accountant.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Financial Analyst
- President
- Executive Director of Capital Markets for the Government of Alberta
Stephen is the Executive Director of Capital Markets for the Government of Alberta leading the Capital Markets team responsible for the development and execution of the Province of Alberta's borrowing and debt management strategy, alternative finance projects and the development of investment strategy and investment policy for the Province's $18 billion Heritage Fund and other provincial endowments. He advises government on the use of the Provincial credit and relationships with the global capital markets and investor communities. Stephen travels extensively and calls on a global network of financial professionals to ensure that Alberta's multi-billion dollar funding requirements are met in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.
Prior to joining the Alberta team in 2013, Steve worked for 15 years at the Province of Nova Scotia where he was responsible for the Province's extensive derivative portfolio, debt issuance and fixed income asset management. Prior to joining government, Steve spent 10 years with the Bank of Nova Scotia in operations and commercial banking. Steve is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds degrees in Finance and Economics from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Steve is an active volunteer in the field of financial literacy and advocacy for professional standards. Steve has over ten years of experience as a volunteer with the CFA institute and as a guest lecturer for several non-profit organizations.
Stephen is the Executive Director of Capital Markets for the Government of Alberta and heads the Capital Markets Branch responsible for the development and execution of the Province of Alberta's Global Funding programme. Stephen oversees the development and execution of debt management strategies for the Province's $100 billion debt portfolio. Stephen also oversees development of investment strategy and investment policy for the Province's $18 billion Heritage Fund and other provincial endowments with AUM totaling over $28 billion. He advises government on the use of the Provincial credit and relationships with the global capital markets and investor communities.
Steve is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds degrees in Finance and Economics from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Steve has over 12 years of experience as a Board Member of several Canadian CFA Societies and with the CFA Institute.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Committee
- Vice President
Valerie brings more than ten years of experience in the finance industry to her role as an Investment Counsellor with RBC PH&N Investment Counsel. Supported by seasoned investment managers strategically located in key markets around the world, Valerie provides customized wealth management solutions to high net worth individuals, their families, businesses, foundations and not-for-profit organizations. She aims to provide peace of mind through prudent and responsible investment management.
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration specialized in Finance. She holds both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Valerie has also completed the Wealth Management Essentials course, certificate in Coaching through Erickson College and received a diploma in International Trade.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Chartered Financial Analyst ( CFA ), Master in Business Administration
- Member of the Argentinean Finance Executive Association
- Walter Viale, CFA / Director
Walter Viale is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Master in Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in Finance and Energy, Actuary, and Bachelor of Commerce majored in Finance with 22 years of treasury and corporate finance professional experience in the Oil, Natural Gas, LPG, Renewable Energy, Power Generation, Tobacco, Post-Secondary Education, and Government sectors.
Walter joined the Board of the CFA Society Edmonton in 2019 and currently serves as a Director.
Walter is a CFA, MBA, Actuary, and Bachelor of Commerce majored in finance with 18 years of treasury and corporate finance professional experience in the energy, power generation, post-secondary education, and government sectors. He has contracted for large publicly traded, privately owned, and governmental organizations. Walter enjoys working in the field and has worked on a number of remote sites in Canada and abroad in both intermediate and senior roles. He is currently working for the Government of Alberta, Energy Department as a Senior Project Evaluations Analyst.