Leadership Team
Cory S. Krebs, CFA
President and Chief Executive Officer
- csk@cooksonpeirce.com
- LinkedIn
As president and chief executive officer for CooksonPeirce, Cory Krebs is tasked with defining corporate strategy and executing the firm’s business plan. Cory is also a member of the firm’s portfolio management team tasked with the administration of all CooksonPeirce investment strategies, including the Catalyst Dynamic Alpha Fund.
Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2003, Cory spent five years with Laurel Capital Advisors, an investment subsidiary of Mellon Financial, where he was responsible for all aspects of block order trading, participated in new product development and assisted in the investment manager due diligence process. Before that, he served in a variety of positions at Federated Investors and American Express Financial Advisors.
Cory earned a B.A. in economics and an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. He also attained the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst from the CFA Institute. He is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Pittsburgh. He is also a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Investment Professionals, where he has served on the board of directors and as president of the organization.
A proud honors grad, Cory is a lifetime member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association and the Panther Club. He lives in the South Hills with his wife and three school-aged children.
Cory S. Krebs, CFA
President and Chief Executive Officer
Robin Miller
Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer
CooksonPeirce runs on efficiency, and Robin Miller is tasked with ensuring the firm stays true to their commitment to provide unbiased advice to clients based on hard numbers.
As chief compliance officer and chief financial officer at CooksonPeirce, Robin is responsible for the control and planning of firm finances. She also revises and evaluates compliance issues and concerns within the organization as an independent and objective source.
Robin joined CooksonPeirce in 2010 and has 31 years of experience in capital and investments. She spent 16 years at Allegheny Investments in a range of positions, ending her tenure there with the title of chief compliance officer. Prior to that, Robin served as the chief compliance officer for Fort Pitt Capital Group.
Robin received a B.A. in leadership and business from Duquesne University. She holds the Series 7 and 24 licenses with FINRA.
In 2004, Robin helped to start the Greater Pittsburgh Compliance Roundtable, which now counts more than 60 members and meets quarterly.
Friends and family turn to Robin first when they are in need, knowing that she’s always willing to help as much as she can. She lives in Wexford with her son.
- Inspiring Quote: “Compliance is everyone’s responsibility.”
- On Robin’s bucket list: To travel as much as possible.
- Fun to know: Robin loves Pittsburgh sports.
Robin Miller
Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Daniel S. Henderson
Co-Chairman
- dsh@cooksonpeirce.com
- LinkedIn
The mission statement of CooksonPeirce guides the counsel Dan delivers to clients. Over the course of his 35-year career he has guided hundreds of clients through a successful retirement.
A principal of CooksonPeirce, Dan serves as the firm’s chairman. He joined the firm in 2002 after a 10-year career in the investment advisory business. He worked in various positions with Ameriprise, Fragasso Financial Advisors and as the director of wealth planning at PNC prior to CooksonPeirce. He is responsible for key client relationships and oversees the Naples office.
Dan received a B.S. in business with a concentration in finance from Boston University, which he attended on a full Navy ROTC scholarship. After graduating, Dan served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his four years of active duty, he served in combat and was decorated during Operation Desert Storm. He received an honorable discharge in 1992 with the rank of captain. He continued his education with courses from The American College, where he earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation.
Dan and his wife, Barb, reside in Naples, Florida. They make regular trips back to Pittsburgh to see family and clients throughout the year. When not spending time with his family or at work, Dan’s interests are traveling, tennis, riding his Harley-Davidson, and going to live music concerts. He also recently started oil painting again. He serves as the chairman of the board of St. Barnabas Health System in Pittsburgh. He is also a director on the national board of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Each year he chairs the Steel City Awards Dinner in Pittsburgh for the Foundation.
- Inspiring Quote: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” – Ronald Reagan
- Favorite Poem: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Daniel S. Henderson
Co-Chairman
portfolio management team
Bruce W. Miller, CFA
Co-Chairman
The future lies in breaking ground and growing business.
Bruce W. Miller’s eye on the future is grounded in his 30-plus years of experience at CooksonPeirce and his formative years learning about stocks and investments in high school and college. He embraces the competition and challenges inherent in the markets and brings that passion to his role as chief investment officer of CooksonPeirce, where he researches the stock selection system, individual securities and model portfolios.
In his role managing stock and bond portfolios, Bruce says he truly enjoys making picks for the firm’s portfolios. He believes in owning and investing in growing businesses, especially those doing groundbreaking research and meeting the needs of a growing population.
Bruce joined CooksonPeirce in 1987 and has amassed more than 30 years of financial experience with the firm, including making improvements to the stock selection system and developing model portfolios.
Bruce received a B.S./B.A. in finance from Slippery Rock University and his M.B.A. from Kent State University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst certification.
- Inspiring Quote: “What if I fall?” “Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”
- On Bruce’s bucket list: To travel, including the pyramids of Egypt.
- Fun to know: Bruce is an accomplished silversmith.
Bruce W. Miller, CFA
Co-Chairman
Luke J. O’Neill, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
Average is not an option never the goal.
Luke J. O’Neill never wants to do anything average. As Director of Investments Chief Investment Officer and a portfolio manager at CooksonPeirce, Luke is committed to doing what’s best for the firm’s clients and setting a culture that seeks to consistently achieve the desired outcomes.
Luke oversees all aspects of the investment management activities at CooksonPeirce. the portfolio management staff in the day-to-day management of all CooksonPeirce investment strategies. He is also responsible for portfolio management of all investment strategies, ongoing investment research, both for existing strategies and new strategy development.
Luke joined CooksonPeirce in 2018 and has over 25 years of experience in the investment business. Most recently He previously served as a director on the investment strategy team and head of product development at Mellon Capital Management, a large institutional investment manager within BNY Mellon, he served as a director on its investment strategy team and head of product development and management. Before that, he served as executive director and head of manager research at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and as vice president and head of manager research at Wilshire Associates.
Luke received a B.S. in applied mathematics and an M.S. in organizational leadership from Geneva College and his M.B.A. in finance from Carnegie Mellon University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Active in his community, Luke serves as an elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North Hills. He is proud to coach youth basketball and cheer enjoys cheering on the Pittsburgh sports teams and his beloved Indiana Hoosiers and Indiana Pacers.
- Inspiring Quote: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley
- On Luke’s bucket list: To take his wife to Hawaii.
- Hobby: Utilizing research nerd skills to plan family vacations
- Luke is 6’8” and once scored 47 points in a state playoff basketball game in front of 7,000 people.
Luke J. O’Neill, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
Sean Volk, CFA
Associate Portfolio Manager
Sean Volk has a passion for investment and financial markets. Ever since opening his first trading account as a teenager, he knew it was something he loved and wanted to spend his time pursuing. Influenced by his master’s degree in Financial Mathematics, Sean believes in a data-first approach to investing and frequently looks to numbers to tell a story.
As an Associate Portfolio Manager for CooksonPeirce, Sean is responsible for assisting the Investment Management staff with all duties related to the management of CooksonPeirce portfolios. This includes portfolio operations, trading, and rebalancing as well as investment research. Sean believes in giving strict attention to detail in order to perform at a high level and provide results for clients.
Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2021, Sean spent 4 years with Western Asset Management in Pasadena, California, where he dealt with mortgage-backed securities. Before that, he worked in fintech at TriOptima in New York City. These experiences inform Sean’s drive to put clients first by always striving for excellence in his work.
Sean earned a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and later an M.S. in Financial Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a CFA charterholder.
Growing up in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and attending Thomas Jefferson High School, Sean is very excited to be returning home with his wife, along with being able to attend Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates games!
- Inspiring quote: “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain
- Bucket list: See the northern lights
- Fun to know: Sean enjoys the outdoors and is an avid skier and mountain biker
Sean Volk, CFA
Portfolio Manager
Private Client Team
Edward Beighey
Head of Private Client Services
Adding value to a client’s life begins with listening, deepens with understanding, and
endures through trust.
For more than two decades, Edward Beighey has been the definition of enhanced client
care through his work as a Senior Vice President at PNC Private Bank. He has brought
that professional and trustworthy support to CooksonPeirce as the Head of Private
Client Services.
At CooksonPeirce, Edward’s focus is executing the strategic vision on overseeing the Private Client business. He works closely with the firm's advisors, supporting them in delivering solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of clients, including investments, estate, and tax planning, while delivering an elevated level of client experience and engagement. He believes that all advice should be anchored in the client’s personal goals – whether those goals are focused on legacy, family harmony, philanthropy, or lifestyle.
Edward received his B.A. in Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson
College and his MBA from the University of Phoenix in Global Management and
Healthcare Management. Edward serves on the board of the United Way of Washington
County.
- Something you might not know about Edward: He is an avid F1 and NASCAR race
fan.” - Edward’s favorite quote: “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize
we only have one.” - Edward’s top “Bucket List” item: Be the type of father that makes my father proud.
Edward Beighey
Head of Private Client Services
Daniel Meyers, CFP®
Director of Private Client Group
Each client gets treated like a family member.
Dan Meyers provides his clients with the same level of advice and planning that he gives his own parents. In addition to managing the overall growth and direction of CooksonPeirce’s Private Client Group, Dan provides service and comprehensive financial planning to the firm’s clients, encompassing investment, retirement, tax, insurance and estate planning strategies.
A big fan of individual and small business success stories, Dan feeds off the passion that highly motivated business owners bring to their trades. He thrives on their positive outlook on life, even as they head into their retirement years. As director of the firm’s Private Client Group, Dan invests time and resources in helping clients navigate around unforeseen pitfalls.
Dan counts 15 years of experience in very large retail firms as well as the current specialized boutique culture of CooksonPeirce, which he joined in 2013. Prior to that, he spent time as a relationship manager at PNC Private Client Group, where he was responsible for private banking cashflow management and small business succession planning. Previously, Dan served as a financial advisor at BMO Harris Premier Services Group, where he worked in holistic wealth planning, retirement income planning and Monte Carlo analysis.
Dan received a B.S. in business administration from Duquesne University and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.
- Inspiring Quote: “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” – Dan Gable
- Fun to know: Daniel is a nationally ranked judo player and won the 2019 U.S. Open.
Daniel Meyers, CFP®
Director of Private Client Group
Janelle M. Woods, CFP®, MBA
Regional Managing Director
In her heart, Janelle M. Woods is a problem solver who likes nothing more than digging deep into a complex situation and discovering an optimal solution. As lead advisor, Janelle manages private client relationships and provides the full complement of financial planning services, including investment, retirement, tax, risk and estate planning.
Janelle has worked with clients from many walks of life – from individuals with ultra-high net worth to those in the accumulation phase to those with financial windfalls new to managing wealth. Regardless of their experiences, her clients’ needs always come first. Janelle works to fully understand their goals and concerns so that her recommended strategy will address every area of consideration.
In 2015, Janelle joined CooksonPeirce as a client advisor and has been instrumental in the development and growth of our office in Akron, OH. As a Regional Managing Director at CooksonPeirce, Janelle continues to spend time developing other areas where CooksonPeirce has larger concentrations of clients, in addition to her work with private client relationships. Her more than 20 years in the financial industry include her role as the executive vice president at JFS Wealth Advisors, managing its personal financial planning and asset management departments and its business development team. While there, she also served as the primary advisor for some of the firm’s largest client relationships.
Janelle received a B.A. in business management from Hiram College and her M.B.A. from Youngstown State University. She holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. A NAPFA registered financial advisor, Janelle has been the co-Chair of the NAPFA Women’s Initiative and currently serves on the Midwest Region Board. Janelle is also adjunct faculty at Youngstown State University where she teaches classes in the CFP® tract for the Williamson College of Business. Janelle also belongs to the Financial Planning Association of Northeast Ohio, Mahoning-Shenango Estate Planning Council, Akron Estate Planning Council, and was a Past President and Treasurer for the Youngstown Business & Professional Women’s Club.
- Inspiring Quote: “It’s never wrong to be overdressed.”
- On Janelle’s bucket list: To train for and run another marathon.
- Fun to know: Janelle has a twin brother.
Janelle M. Woods, CFP®, MBA
Regional Managing Director
Brian Cline CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Branch Manager / Client Advisor
A financial planner who believes in the power of honest and effective communication is how Brian would describe himself.
Brian P. Cline prioritizes listening to his clients, getting to know them on a personal level and then coaching them towards the results they desire. With a focus on long-term thinking, Brian tries to simplify the complexity of finance by creating a comprehensive plan that serves as a roadmap for financial success. Detours and surprises will always come in life, but he believes focusing on the roadmap or plan will keep you on track. Brian concentrates on retirement planning, income planning, social security optimization, wealth transfer strategies, estate planning and insurance reviews. Brian is dedicated to asking relevant questions throughout the planning relationship and solving problems to help clients achieve their financial goals with confidence.
Brian joined Cookson Peirce in 2024 where he helps manage the firm’s Northeast Ohio location and works with private clients of CooksonPeirce. Prior to coming to Cookson Peirce, he led and managed large territories of advisors in several states for fortune 100 companies where he managed, coached, developed, and mentored financial advisors with all levels of experience. During this time, he pushed for a culture focused on financial planning, a fiduciary viewpoint and developing partnerships with stakeholders.
Brian graduated from Franklin University, in Columbus Ohio, and has his Certified Financial Planner™️ designation, Chartered Financial Consultant designation (ChFC®), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation.
Brian enjoys time with his family, watching college and professional sports, fishing and barbecuing in his spare time.
- Inspiring Quote: “Always plan ahead: it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” ― Richard Cushing
Brian Cline CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Branch Manager / Client Advisor
Scott B. Oros, CFP®
Lead Advisor
Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
As a lead advisor and shareholder at CooksonPeirce, Scott B. Oros works closely with clients to ensure every piece of their financial picture is in place and aligned with their long-term goals. He’s responsible for managing private client relationships and providing the full complement of services to his clients – investment, retirement, tax, insurance and estate planning strategies.
Scott’s background at large financial firms led him to realize that a boutique firm like CooksonPeirce gives him the time and resources to truly deliver a client-focused experience and to build quality long-term relationships. Scott appreciates the opportunity to pass along his knowledge gained from years of experience to educate clients along the path to financial success and freedom.
Scott joined CooksonPeirce in 2017 and has over 15 years experience in financial and wealth management. Prior to that, he served as an investment advisor and assistant vice president at PNC Wealth Management, where he was responsible for the management of client portfolios. Previously, Scott served as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Scott received a B.S. in management and his M.B.A. from the Pennsylvania State University and completed the executive program in financial planning at the University of Georgia. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Scott resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Rachel.
- Inspiring Quote: “Leave this world a little better than you found it.”
- On Scott’s bucket list: To travel the world.
Scott B. Oros, CFP®
Lead Advisor
Joshua C. Beas, AWMATM, CDFA®
Lead Advisor
Every client deserves a methodical, easy-to-understand plan that’s personalized to their financial situation.
Joshua C. Beas strives to relieve clients of the burden of financial planning so that they can have the time and headspace to address their other obligations. As a lead advisor at CooksonPeirce, he is responsible for managing private client relationships and providing comprehensive financial planning services – investment, retirement, tax, insurance, divorce and estate planning strategies.
Josh has seen individuals polarized by money beliefs or paralyzed by the nuances of proper financial planning and money management. Acting in his clients’ best interests, Josh advocates for and educates his clients to help them avoid these common roadblocks.
Josh joined CooksonPeirce in 2012 where he currently manages over 150 households with a focus on multi-generational relationships. He also serves as a shareholder to help monitor the performance of the company and provide suggestions for strategic initiatives. He has over 25 years of financial experience, including his role as a portfolio manager and relationship manager at PNC Wealth Management. Prior to that, Josh served as a financial advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLP, where he guided clients through financial products to create portfolios and financial strategies to meet their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Josh received a B.A. in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and his executive certificate in financial planning from Duquesne University. He holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ and the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ designations.
Active in his community, Josh serves as the president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Hill School.
- Inspiring Quote: “Whatsoever things are true.”
- On Josh’s bucket list: To travel to the Isle of Man to watch the annual motorcycle races.
- Fun to know: Josh is a car and motorcycle enthusiast.
Joshua C. Beas, AWMATM, CDFA®
Lead Advisor
Beth Williams CAP® BFA TM
Client Advisor
Start at the finish line.
Beth Williams’ strategy in serving her clients is to find out what their goals are and then create a plan to get them there. By beginning with an end in mind, Beth works with each client to put together a financial plan that bolsters their confidence about their ability to achieve their goals throughout their retirement.
As a client advisor at CooksonPeirce, Beth’s background in education gives her the ability to explain unfamiliar concepts to clients in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Her patient and nurturing personality contribute to her skilled service in retirement planning and maintaining client relationships.
Beth joined CooksonPeirce in 2015 and has over 12 years of experience with financial clients. Previously, she worked as a client associate at Wells Fargo Advisors, assisting multiple financial advisors with client maintenance and relationships.
Beth received a B.S. in early childhood and elementary education from Clarion University. She holds the Series 65 certification, and the Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy, CAP® and the Behavioral Financial Advisor, BFATM designations.
- Inspiring Quote: “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, never give up.”
- On Beth’s bucket list: To travel. First stop, Greece.
- Fun to know: Beth has always wanted a pet monkey.
Beth Williams CAP® BFA TM
Client Advisor
Aaron C. Gates, CFP®
Client Advisor & Financial Planning Specialist
Aaron is committed to providing clients with as much information as possible to empower them to make the best choices to plan for their financial future. As a client advisor and financial planning specialist, he manages private client relationships and provides financial planning services for clients of the entire firm.
Extensive and continuous financial planning ensures that clients can see the bigger picture. Nothing brings Aaron greater satisfaction than helping clients to achieve their financial goals. To Aaron, making a positive difference in clients’ lives is what truly matters.
Aaron began his career in the financial services industry in 2015 with internships at Capital Advisors, Ltd and SS&G Wealth Management. He then served as a client relationship manager at Springside Partners before joining the CooksonPeirce team in 2019.
Aaron received a B.B.A. in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning from the University of Akron. He holds the Series 65, Notary Public and Certified Financial Planner™ designations. Aaron has a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning, as well as Graduate Certificates in Financial Therapy and Advanced Financial Planning from Kansas State University.
Aaron lives in Cleveland, Ohio and works in the CooksonPeirce PGH office. In his free time, Aaron likes to cheer on the sports teams as well as attend live music performances. As a musician himself, Aaron plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, and other percussion instruments.
- Inspiring Quote: “I shall either find a way or make one.” – Hannibal
- Bucket list: To visit all 50 states.
Aaron C. Gates, CFP®
Client Advisor & Financial Planning Specialist
Michael P. Doyle, CFA, CFP®
Client Advisor
Mike believes true wealth can be achieved by mastering one’s finances in order to unlock precious time and energy to pursue family, friends, and experiences.
As a client advisor, Mike focuses on the “why” of financial planning, helping clients uncover and articulate the underlying goals that motivate their personal financial journeys. Through wholistic planning in the areas of investing, tax planning, social security, insurance, estate planning, and charitable giving, Mike helps his clients chart a course for success that can be measured and refined over time. Mike develops close, trusting, relationships with his clients and thrives on being a catalyst for positive change in their financial lives. He believes that education and understanding are key elements to any successful plan and is devoted to imparting financial knowledge to his clients.
Mike joined CooksonPeirce in 2022 and has over 10 years of experience in financial services and wealth management. His previous industry experience includes portfolio management and advisory roles at multi-family offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that catered to high-net worth individuals, families, and charitable organizations. Throughout his career Mike has specialized in white-glove, service-oriented relationships and is always happy to speak with his clients about whatever is on their mind.
Mike received a B.S. in Accounting from West Chester University. He is a CFA charter holder and a practicing CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM.
Mike has deep family ties in Pittsburgh and spends much (i.e. all) of his free time raising his young children. When the opportunity presents, Mike also enjoys spending time with relatives, and hiking local nature trails. He is a lover of music and a lifelong student of the guitar.
Bucket List: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with his wife.
Favorite Quote: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
Michael P. Doyle, CFA, CFP®
Client Advisor
Christian Papazian, CFA, CFP®
Client Advisor
Christian believes that having a disciplined, long-term, and diversified investment strategy is essential when establishing and maintaining successful financial plans. As a Client Advisor, Christian dedicates his time and energy to understanding his clients’ needs and values to help them achieve their long-term financial goals.
Christian joined CooksonPeirce in 2024, bringing experience from both the institutional and retail sides of the financial industry. Before joining CooksonPeirce, he worked as a Client Portfolio Analyst for an institutional fixed income firm in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to that, he served in the wealth management space at Fidelity Investments for several years as a Planning Consultant, Relationship Manager, and Financial Representative.
Christian received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, majoring in biology. He holds both the CFA designation and CFP® certification.
Christian resides in Naples, Florida with his wife, Tess. They have deep family ties in both Massachusetts and Florida and enjoy spending time with them. In his spare time, Christian enjoys golfing, watching college and professional sports, and traveling with his wife.
- Inspiring Quote – “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” –Henry David Thoreau
Christian Papazian, CFA, CFP®
Client Advisor
Nicole White
Client Advisor
Investing has much to do with our values
Nicole believes that the way we grew up and our feelings about money shape how we make decisions about saving, investing, and retiring.
As a client advisor associate at CooksonPeirce, Nicole works with clients to uncover why they have made the decisions they have made thus far, what they want their financial lives to look like, and then helps to craft a plan for achieving success that aligns with their values. She takes a systematic approach to understanding her clients’ financial positions. Nicole is passionate about helping clients identify what is most important to them and achieving financial goals that suit their individual needs by developing deep relationships with clients and their families.
Nicole joined CooksonPeirce in 2025 and has over 19 years of experience as an advisor and director in wealth management and financial services. Nicole’s experience specializing in holistic planning for high-net worth families, foundations, and corporations at large firms and a small multi-family office helps her to deliver advice in the areas of legacy and succession planning, investment planning, tax planning, social security, insurance and charitable giving.
Nicole received a B.S. in Business from Pennsylvania State University.
Nicole grew up in Pittsburgh and currently resides in the Fox Chapel area with her husband, Lute, and their children. Outside of the office, Nicole and her family enjoy volunteering throughout the community, hiking, and visiting national parks.
- Favorite Quote: “Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” – Colin Powell
- Bucket List: Search for the orangutans in Borneo.
Nicole White
Client Advisor
Institutional Team
Christian Brown, CFP®
Director of Institutional Group
Christian Brown is the Director of the Institutional Group at CooksonPeirce. He heads the firm’s sales and distribution efforts with large-scale corporate partnerships as well as the establishment of new relationships.
Christian is also Lead Advisor to a limited group of private client relationships.
Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2009, Christian worked as a Wealth Management Advisor at TIAA-CREF and has substantial prior experience in asset management with Federated Investors and Putnam Investments.
Christian earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from the University of New Mexico and is a Certified Financial Planner® professional.
Christian is an avid practitioner of primitive back country trekking, orienteering, and is a dedicated mountain biker.
- Inspiring Quote: “You cannot swim to new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” – William Faulkner
Christian Brown, CFP®
Director of Institutional Group
Timothy D. Johns
Business Development Officer
Tim Johns is the Business Development Officer in the Institutional Investments Group at CooksonPeirce. He contributes to the firm’s efforts in establishing and growing new large-scale partnerships with corporate entities and financial distribution firms as well as key accounts management. He also assists the firm’s ongoing due diligence efforts across the national platform of externally distributed CooksonPeirce strategies and acts as an extension of the portfolio management team in communicating investment strategy to partner firms.
Prior to joining CooksonPeirce, Tim was the Executive Vice President & Managing Director at Symons Capital Management. He was primarily responsible for Symons Capital’s business development while contributing to the strategic vision of the business and operations.
Tim began his career in the financial services industry in 1996. Throughout his professional career, he has delivered value-added ideas and helped clients accomplish their financial goals, while concentrating on identifying and reducing risk. Tim is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University and holds a Series 65 license. Tim currently serves on The Sonny Pugar Memorial Foundation’s Board of Directors, which is responsible for the Music Smiles program in various local hospitals. He is also a member of the Upper St. Clair- Bethel Park Rotary and the German Club of Pittsburgh (Teutonia Mannerchor).
Tim and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Pittsburgh for most of their lives and love raising their three children in the same community they grew up. Tim loves taking his kids camping, coaching them in sports, attending shows with his wife, and golfing.
- Inspiring Quote: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”— Malala Yousafzai
- Inspiring Fictional Character Quote: “As the man once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get.”— Ted Lasso
Timothy D. Johns
Business Development Officer
Operational Team
Gina Bouvy
Records and Reporting Administrator
When every number falls into place, it delivers clarity and purpose.
For a numbers person like Gina Bouvy, rules and order are everything. As the records and reporting administrator at CooksonPeirce, that kind of organization informs her work in daily database operations, account reconciliation and quarterly composite reporting. Gina also assists with compliance reporting.
Gina joined CooksonPeirce in 2012 and has an additional 11 years of experience from her time in the institutional fund valuation department at BNYMellon. Prior to CooksonPeirce, her positions at BNYMellon included fund accountant, operations specialist and fund accountant supervisor.
Gina received a B.S. from Slippery Rock University.
- On Gina’s bucket list: To travel to Europe.
- Fun to know: Gina loves to dance and takes an adult tap class.
Gina Bouvy
Records and Reporting Administrator
Linda M. Higdon
Compliance Associate
Treating people with respect goes a long way toward client satisfaction.
Linda M. Higdon derives satisfaction from being part of an organization where everyone cares about each individual client. Together as a team, CooksonPeirce strives to help all clients achieve their financial goals.
As a Compliance Associate at CooksonPeirce, Linda works closely with the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer in implementing the firm’s compliance program, corporate insurance, and the regulation of other departments within the organization.
Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2017, Linda spent more than 20 years in the legal field with roles of increasing responsibility ranging from secretary and paralegal to account administration and management. Linda had the privilege of working with both associates and shareholders and served as the executive legal assistant for the managing partner and general counsel of a national labor organization. Linda’s experience spans from a boutique litigation firm in Pittsburgh to one of the largest law firms in the northeastern United States.
Linda M. Higdon
Compliance Associate
Sandra Sikora FPQP®
Executive Assistant
Everyday is another opportunity to learn and grow.
For Sandie Sikora, understanding the inner workings of the organization is paramount to her success. Being equipped to provide clients with the best service possible and assist them in achieving their goals is what drives her passion in customer service. Sandie became part of the CooksonPeirce team in 2020 as one of the firm’s executive assistants. She works closely with the Director of Private Client Group and senior advisors within the wealth management group, overseeing the administration of client accounts, handling client requests, and schedules client review meetings
Prior to joining CooksonPeirce, Sandie worked for such companies as Oxford Development, UBS, Gateway Financial, and BPU handling payroll, accounts payables/receivables, complex travel arrangements, conferences, and all client service needs. She also spent time as a shipping expeditor for a large global company supplying parts for oil rigs in Africa.
In her spare time, Sandie loves to volunteer. Some of her favorite organizations have been Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, The Children’s Institute, and several Veteran’s organizations. In addition to coaching her son’s soccer, little league, and deck hockey teams, she managed to obtain her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation.
On Sandie’s bucket list: Learn to play guitar and drive a race car on an actual NASCAR track.
- Inspiring Quote: “There’s no such thing as a dumb question.”
Sandra Sikora FPQP®
Executive Assistant
Thomas Oakley
Portfolio Administrator
Thomas Oakley joined the CooksonPeirce team in April of 2023 as a Portfolio Administrator. Tom’s daily responsibilities are assisting in portfolio operations and supporting the team’s quantitative research and data analysis effort.
After graduating from school in 2020, Tom worked as a Healthcare Data Analyst in Amherst, NY. Wanting to change into more Financial Analytics, Tom accepted a position at CooksonPeirce in 2023. His experience in data analysis, problem-solving, and quantitative research made becoming a Portfolio Administrator for CooksonPeirce an easy choice.
Thomas received a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics from St. John Fisher University, while also receiving a master’s degree in Data Science from the New York Institute of Technology’s Manhattan Campus.
In his spare time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and watching sports.
- Inspiring quote: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell
- On Tom’s bucket list: To travel to Greece and Croatia.
- Fun to know: Tom had research published in a Medical Journal on how Brain Wave Activity can help in predicting the response to Depression Medications.
Thomas Oakley
Portfolio Administrator
Luke Saftner
Client Service Specialist
In 2021 Luke interned at CooksonPeirce before returning to the University of South Carolina, finishing his degree, and graduating in 2022. Driven by his love of connecting with people and desire to build something bigger than himself, he joined a startup where he learned countless lessons about business, people, and the critical importance of strategic, long-term planning.
After living in South Carolina for 5 years, Luke decided it was time to both move closer to home and make a career change where he can better help people on a personal level. Having interned at CooksonPeirce and knowing the quality of people and service they offer, it was an easy decision.
Having rejoined CooksonPeirce in April of 2024, Luke works closely with the advisors and their clients to provide a high level of service. Luke looks forward to continuing to build his knowledge and understanding of financial principles and planning strategies, as well as pursuing his CFP designation.
- Inspiring Quote: “Luck is the residue of design.” – John Milton
- Fun to know: Luke has a wide range of hobbies including chess, martial arts, line dancing, cooking and golfing.
Luke Saftner
Client Service Specialist
Cullen Richardson
Head of Marketing
For Cullen, it’s all about growth. The marketing is a means to the end and the end is helping CooksonPeirce to succeed. As Head of Marketing, Cullen Richardson is responsible for spreading the word about who we are, what we do, and why we’re different. He is instrumental in strategizing how to increase customers’ assets under management.
Joining CooksonPeirce in 2024, Cullen brings with him 15 years of experience in the Marketing arena. Most recently at AssetMark where he was the Senior Manager of Lifecycle Marketing. Currently, he is on a never-ending growth trajectory and enjoys watching his co-workers succeed through the marketing efforts he spearheads. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Cullen received a B.S., in Interdisciplinary Studies from The American University of Rome. Active in his community, Cullen mentored at SCORE from 2018 to 2020 and has provided pro-bono marketing advice to Pittsburgh-area small business owners through this program.
- Inspiring Quote: “It works if you work it”
- Fun to know: Cullen has traveled to around 65 countries and can comfortably speak 4 languages.
- On Cullen’s Bucket List: It’s either a heritage trip to the Scottish Highlands or Aitutaki in the Cook Islands – the new Bora Bora
Cullen Richardson
Head of Marketing
Dedication and Service
In 2021, Emily joined the CooksonPeirce team as an intern and spent her summer learning from the most senior advisors and planners. After graduating college in 2022, she joined the team as a full-time Paraplanner. In this role Emily works closely with the CooksonPeirce team to provide a high level of personalized wealth management services to the firm’s private clients.
Emily graduated from Youngstown State University with a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Finance: CFP® Track and a minor in Marketing. Emily brings with her experience in the leasing field having gone through hundreds of contracts with prospects and creating online and hard copy marketing materials. She also volunteers with the local chapters of her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, supporting philanthropies such as the Arthritis Foundation.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting and spending time with family and friends.
- Inspiring Quote: “Peace begins with a smile.” -Mother Theresa
- On Emily’s bucket list: Shopping trip in Milan
- Fun to know: Emily has traveled to Ireland, England, and France
Emily A. Fumerola
Paraplanner