Customized solutions for complex needs.

At Klingenstein Fields Advisors (KF Advisors), we are the stewards of our clients’ assets. We provide customized financial and investment counsel, delivered with integrity, trust and high-touch personal service. Our goal is to become your trusted partner, now and for the future.

We have a passion for what we do. Our heritage of working with wealthy individuals, families and non-profit institutions has instilled us with insight into the complexities that arise from managing substantial assets. An in-depth understanding of what you are trying to accomplish with your portfolio is our foundation for developing tailored solutions. As an independently owned, private Registered Investment Adviser since 1989, we remain objective, helping to ensure that we act in your best interests. We strive to continuously improve and enhance the way in which we serve our clients. As part of our efforts, in 2019, the professionals from Solaris Advisors, LLC, sharing the same client-centric approach to relationship management and stewardship of client assets, joined KF Advisors. With the transaction, KF Advisors also added significant experience in the creation of multi-manager asset allocation portfolios.

Your situation and goals are unique. Our solutions are customized to meet them.

Delivering customized solutions to meet our clients’ needs is our sole objective.
Team Members
Laurence E. Ach CFA, CIC
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Larry began his career with analytical and portfolio management responsibilities at Bankers Trust, General Reinsurance and NSR Asset Management. He was then a Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager at Lazard Freres Asset Management. At Lynch and Mayer, Larry headed the firm’s Private Asset Management Division. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., he was a Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, and Chief Investment Officer at First Republic Investment Management. Larry holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Counselor designations and has served on various CFA Society New York committees. He currently serves as Chairman and head of the Investment Committee of Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, an organization dedicated to training and employing individuals with barriers to employment. Additionally, Larry served for many years on the Executive Committee of Temple Israel of the City of New York, where he is presently a member of the Investment Committee. He graduated from Trinity College with a B.A. in History and received an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School.

Albert C. Bellas
Senior Managing Director

Albert began his career as an associate at Dillon Read & Co. Inc., then was a Vice President at Goldman, Sachs & Company, and subsequently a General Partner at Loeb Rhoades & Company. At Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. he was a Senior Executive Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors of Lehman Brothers. Following that, Albert was the Chairman and CEO of Neuberger Berman Trust Company, N.A. and was a Managing Director and member of the Management Committee of OFFITBANK. Albert co-founded The Solaris Group, LLC in 2003, with involvement in all aspects of client relationships and marketing. Albert’s outside affiliations include serving as Chairman of the Board and Investment Committee of the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation, a member of the Board of Regents and Chairman of the Finance Committee of The Mercersburg Academy, Director and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Guild Hall of East Hampton, Director of the American Friends of the Royal Ballet School (London), and a member of the Pilgrim Society of the US. He is Chairman Emeritus of the School of American Ballet and a former Director of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., among other non-profit boards and investment committees. Albert graduated from Yale University with a B.A., received a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and an M.B.A. from the Columbia Graduate School of Business, where he was elected a McKinsey Scholar.

Jackson Lowell Camps
Senior Analyst,
Manager Research

Jackson began his career as an intern on the China energy derivatives desk with Newedge USA.  He then joined The Solaris Group, LLC as Junior Wealth Management Advisor and transitioned into the role of Head Portfolio and Performance Analyst.  Jackson was later appointed Senior Analyst, Manager Research tasked with sourcing, analyzing, and monitoring both traditional and alternative investments across asset classes and fund structures for Client portfolios.  Jackson is a Level II CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Candidate.  Jackson graduated from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business with a BSBA with concentrations in Finance and Mandarin Chinese.  

 

Maria Chambers, IACCP
Chief Compliance Officer
Vice President

Maria began her career in the Corporate Legal Department at Cravath, Swaine & Moore where she supported the Corporate Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions and International Groups. She then joined Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., where responsibilities included overseeing the compliance program for the firm’s ultra high-net-worth custom separately managed account and wrap account platforms, representing compliance in the strategic acquisitions of advisers and managing a team responsible for the North American compliance risk assessment and testing program and sub-adviser oversight. Most recently, Maria was a Vice President and Senior Compliance Officer at Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Inc. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as Deputy Chief Compliance Officer and then became Chief Compliance Officer. Maria holds the Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP) designation. She graduated cum laude from Fordham University with a B.A. in Economics, a minor in Philosophy and a Certificate in Business Administration. Maria was also inducted into Fordham’s Beta Rho Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Michael J. Champness, CFA
Director of Research
Partner

Mike began his career with Glenmede Trust Company as a Performance Measurement Analyst. He then joined U.S. Trust Company, working first in Institutional Sales, and later as an Assistant Vice President and Associate Portfolio Manager performing fundamental equity research and portfolio management. Mike joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a research analyst. He holds the CFA designation, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. Additionally, Mike is on the Board of the HERE Arts Center. He graduated from Georgetown University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. with honors in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton School.

Allen Ci
Research Analyst

Lun (Allen) Ci began his career as an equity investment intern with Kunlun Health Insurance, a professional health insurance company.  Following that, he served as an equity research intern at Guodu Securities, a provider of institutional brokerage services. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a research intern, then moved to a full-time position as a research analyst, where he conducts research and analysis on sectors and individual equities. Allen graduated from Beijing Technology and Business University with a Bachelor of Economics in Commercial Economics and received a Master of Science in Finance from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. He is a CFA Level II candidate.

Tina Cinelli
Client Services
Assistant Vice President

Tina has been with Klingenstein, Fields & Co. for over 25 years, starting as a receptionist. Following that she became a portfolio assistant and then moved into her current role in client services. Tina attended Baruch College.

Andrew Crofton
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Andy began his career as a fixed income trader at PaineWebber. He acquired capital markets expertise as a proprietary equity trader at First New York Securities and Caracastle Partners. Andy then worked at J.P. Morgan where he covered hedge funds, providing investment and trading strategies to institutional clients. Following that, he was a private client advisor at U.S. Trust. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., Andy served as a Senior Wealth Director at BNY Mellon. Andy serves on the University of Pennsylvania Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Board, where he co-chairs the mentoring committee. Andy is involved in the First Tee program and the Evans Scholarship. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Emmett Cruet
Client Services & Operations
Vice President

Emmett began his career in financial services at GeoCapital, working as a trader and in the reconciliation department. He then moved to KLS Advisors, where he worked in operations, becoming a portfolio administrator and working in client service. Emmett joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. and provides operational and service support to clients. He has a B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago.

Susan H. Curry
Chief Operating Officer
Partner

Susan started her career in the Private Investors department at Wertheim & Co., moving in the next year to Individual Capital Management as a portfolio assistant. She worked closely with the firm’s investment clients, reporting on the progress of their portfolios, making suggestions on their personal financial plans, and ensuring the accuracy of the custodial and reporting functions. Susan became a Vice President of Wertheim Schroder & Co. and then a Senior Vice President of Klingenstein, Fields & Co. She graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a B.A. in Business Economics and Literature.

Camilla Dawkins
Office Manager

Camilla began her career as a Database Manager for Lipper TASS Hedge Fund Database and Tremont Group Holdings, Inc. Then she was at Greenwich Associates as an Operational Data Analyst Manager prior to joining The Solaris Group, LLC as the Administrative Services Manager, working on the daily administration of our office, with experience in operational procedures, report development, data and project management. Camilla graduated from Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y. with a degree in Computer Science.

Stephen J. Denery
Head Trader
Partner

Stephen started his career as a portfolio assistant at Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He moved into the cash management area where he traded fixed income instruments. Stephen then took on trading responsibilities for both equities and fixed income securities as the head trader of the firm. He graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in Finance.

George Diaz
Senior Administrator
Portfolio Accounting

George began his career as an Assistant Treasurer within the Credit Services Division of The Bank of New York. He was then at OFFITBANK/Wachovia Corp where he was a Custody Manager. He then joined The Solaris Group, working with all aspects of operations and reconciliation, account administration and client servicing. George has taken financial accounting and psychology classes at Pace University in New York.

Giovannia Esquivel
Portfolio Accounting
Assistant Vice President

Giovannia began her career as an investor relations representative within the shareholder services division of The Bank of New York. She then moved to Woodford Gayed Management and Valenzuela Capital Partners, where she was responsible for client portfolio management and trading support. After that, Giovannia moved to Lazard Asset Management as a portfolio accountant. She then took on a role with New York Life Investment Management Group, working in daily reconciliation of investments. Giovannia joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. in the portfolio accounting department. She graduated from Baruch College with a B.B.A. in Finance and a minor in Accounting.

James W. Fields
President & Co-CEO
Partner

James began his career at J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. in the leveraged finance department structuring deals and analyzing capital structures for domestic and international clients. He later joined The National Football League as a Senior Strategic Analyst and subsequently joined the N.Y. Jets / The Johnson Company as the Strategic and Financial Advisor to the winning bidder for $635 million purchase of the N.Y. Jets franchise. James then joined the private equity group within Citigroup Alternative Investments where he was an investment officer and Chief Financial Officer. Joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a partner and CFO, he then became President of the firm and currently manages client accounts as well as oversees KFA’s alternative investment efforts. James is a director of Viagogo (Pugnacious Endeavors, Inc.) and has served on the boards of a number of private companies. He is also an advisory board Member of KBW Capital Partners I, L.P. and is a Member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and on the Board of the Westchester Children’s Museum. James graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. with honors in Entrepreneurial Management and Finance from the Wharton School.

Kenneth H. Fields
Executive Chairman
Partner

Ken began as a Portfolio Manager at Wertheim & Co., managing partners’ personal assets. He became head of the Individual Capital Management department, and he was a Director of Wertheim Asset Management Services, as well as a Managing Director of the parent company. Ken graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from Fordham University and received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Katie FitzGerald
Client Services & Operations
Vice President

Katie began her career with OFFITBANK (later Wachovia), where she began as a Marketing Assistant and later became involved with the firm’s website and client portal as the Director of Online Client Service. She then joined The Solaris Group, assisting clients with the opening and maintenance of their accounts. She is Vice President of the Board of Directors and a Finance Committee member of the West Village Chorale. Katie graduated from Binghamton University with a B.A.

Alyssa Gelper
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Alyssa began her career as a Trust and Estates attorney at the law firm of Fried, Frank. She then gained significant experience in private wealth management at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management and Citi Private Bank, where she developed and implemented comprehensive estate and philanthropic plans for individuals and families. After Citi Private Bank, Alyssa moved to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where she led efforts to deliver private wealth management services to corporate and investment banking clients. Most recently before joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., L.P., she held senior business development and relationship management roles at HSBC Private Bank, spearheading cross-divisional business development efforts for HSBC Private Bank in the US, as well as building an effort dedicated to serving women’s unique wealth management needs. Alyssa graduated from The Wharton School of  University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. cum laude in Economics and earned her J.D. cum laude from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, where she was an editor of the Cardozo Law Review.

Shomari Gilyard, CFP
Director Wealth Planning
Partner

Mari initiated his career as an Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Then, he joined Ayco, a Goldman Sachs Company, as a financial planner, where he provided comprehensive planning services for corporate executives and high-net-worth private clients. Mari subsequently was in Private Wealth Management at U.S. Trust, developing and presenting customized recommendations to clients across financial planning, tax, insurance, investment, estate planning, and philanthropic topics. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as Director of Wealth Planning. Mari remains attuned to current legislation and strategies within the private banking industry through membership with local estate planning councils and frequent attendance at conferences within the wealth planning field. He is certified by the CFP board as a CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He graduated with a B.S. from Rutgers. He also received an M.B.A. from Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware with a concentration in Finance.

Gregory W. Golinski, CFA
Director of Analytics
Partner

Greg began his career with the Naval Surface Warfare Center as an electronics engineer, building leading-edge computing systems for the US Navy. He took a position at Knight-Ridder Financial designing software that provided real-time market data and analytics to the trading floors of large financial institutions. Greg joined Sanford Bernstein in the equity research department with responsibility for the quantitative and technology systems that were the underpinning of the firm’s investment process. He then moved into equity fundamental research at Bernstein, while also gaining experience in fixed income research. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as an equity research analyst, subsequently adding responsibility in portfolio management and most recently has been tasked with leading the firm’s investment analytics effort. Greg holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. He graduated from Catholic University with a B.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and received an M.B.A. in Finance with distinction from New York University Stern School of Business.

Colleen Jones
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Colleen began her investment career at Warburg Pincus Asset Management, where she was responsible for managing equity and fixed income portfolios for high-net-worth individuals and affiliated institutions. Colleen continued her career at that organization, which was acquired by Credit Suisse, until joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co. She currently manages portfolios for wealthy families and individuals. Colleen is a Member of the Financial Women’s Association of New York and The New York Public Library’s Planned Giving Advisory Board. She also sits on the Fordham University President’s Council. Colleen graduated cum laude from Fairfield University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University.

Lisa C. Karmen
Director of Human Resources

Lisa started her career in financial services at Optima Fund Management in the Research and Marketing Department. She then moved to Allen & Company Inc., to become the Investor Relations Administrator for the Allen Arbitrage Fund as well as the Executive Assistant to a Managing Partner. After that, Lisa moved to Trafelet Delta Funds where she was the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Human Resources. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as the Director of Human Resources and Office Manager. Lisa graduated with a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College.

Katia Kushnir
Client Service Administrator

Katia began her career in education as an education associate with the International Center of Photography, ICP, in New York. She then moved into the investment business, joining Yerba Buena Financial Partners, LLC as an operations associate. After that, Katia moved onto Vista Wealth Management, LLC as a client service associate, serving high-net-worth clients. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. in client services administration. Katia holds a B.A. and B.F.A. from the University of Colorado, Denver.

Timothy J. Lindsay, CFA
Director of Manager Research
Senior Advisor

Timothy began his career at Neuberger Berman as a performance analyst. He then held a similar position at Lehman Trust Company prior to joining The Solaris Group, LLC., where he was the Director of Research and a Senior Advisor, covering manager research and due diligence, market analytics, and asset allocation analysis. Tim also works with non-profit organizations, individuals, and families to create and implement customized investment programs. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts. Tim sits on the Investment Committee for the Dominican Sisters of Amityville and the Daughters of Wisdom and is President of the St. Agnes Cathedral School Fathers Club. Tim graduated from Fordham University with a B.S.

Michael P. O'Keefe
Wealth Advisory Associate

Michael began his career with NEXT Financial Group Inc. as an associate portfolio advisor primarily involved in business development. He then joined Merrill Lynch. Prior to joining KF Advisors, Michael was with First Republic Bank as an associate director within the Private Wealth Management division of the bank, supporting client needs with trade executions, portfolio performance reporting and investment portfolio construction. He is a current candidate for the CFP® designation. Michael graduated from Assumption University with a BA in Sociology, with a minor in Business Management.

Mildred Palo
Investor Relations
Vice President

Mildred began her career at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the retirement plan division. She then joined Chase Manhattan Bank as an assistant treasurer. After that, Mildred moved to Furman Selz Capital Management as an associate director. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a vice president in the marketing department and now holds the position of vice president of investor relations. Mildred graduated with a B.A. from Douglass College, a school part of Rutgers University.

John A. Pavela, CFA
Managing Director

John started his career in the Institutional Asset Management Group at LaSalle National Bank & Trust in Chicago. He then relocated to Florida where he joined First Union National Bank (later known as Wachovia National Bank) as a Portfolio Manager serving institutional clients throughout the state. During his career at First Union/Wachovia, John transitioned into the Wealth Management Group where he held various leadership positions in Investment Management, Wealth Management and Trust Administration. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co, he was the Regional Director of Investments for BMO Wealth Management’s Sunbelt-Central Region. John is a Board member of Caring Fields Felines, an organization with which he has been involved with for almost ten years. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society of South Florida. John earned a B.S. in Finance degree from Florida State University and received an M.B.A. in Finance from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University.

Kenneth D. Pollinger
Chairman & Co-CEO
Partner

Ken began his career at E.F. Hutton & Company as an internal auditor. He became an Assistant Vice President at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, responsible for accounting and auditing in the trading area. Ken was invited to join Wertheim Schroder & Co. as a Vice President in Asset Management Services, and was appointed Senior Vice President of Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He is a former trustee of Ithaca College, a director of Brandywine Trust Company and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Windward School. Ken graduated cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Finance and received an M.B.A. from Fordham University.

Matthew J. Pollinger, CFA
Research Analyst, Trading
Partner

Matt began his career as a sell-side analyst at Cowen and Company covering Health Care, Shopping Center, and Triple Net REITs. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. Matt graduated cum laude from Ithaca College where he double majored in Applied Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He graduated from the University of Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business receiving both a Master of Science in Finance and an M.B.A. in Finance & Corporate Accounting.

Jonathan B. Roberts, CFA, CIC
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Jon began his career as an Associate of The Diebold Group, Inc., Prescott Investors, Inc. and Wertheim & Co., Inc. and joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. at its formation. Combining investment research and portfolio management with direct client relationships, he also served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer from 2004-2016 and represents KF investors as an observer on the boards of several private venture companies. Jon holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Counselor designations, served ten years as a Member and two years as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Investment Adviser Association, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Brown University with an A.B. in Psychology, attended L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and received an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University Stern School of Business.

Michael S. Schiff, J.D., AEP, TEP
Managing Director

Michael began his financial services career at Prudential Securities. He then held leadership roles in business development and relationship management with several other organizations, including Glenmede Trust, Amicorp Services, PNC Wealth Management, BNY Mellon, and US Trust. Before entering wealth management, Michael was in private practice as an attorney working in large NYC and Philadelphia law firms, specializing in estate planning, family law, and complex commercial transactions. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., he was at Fiduciary Trust Company International, where he was responsible for business growth and relationship management for individuals, families, and philanthropic institutions, domestically and internationally.  Michael is the immediate past President of the East Coast Estate Planning Council, Chair of the Society of Trusts and Estate Planning (STEP) Gold Coast Florida Chapter, and serves on the board of STEP USA and the Greater Boca Raton Estate Planning Council. He is a founding member of the South Florida Chapter of the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) and on the Professional Advisors Committee of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Michael holds the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation conferred by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils (NAEPC), is a Registered Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP), and is a full member of STEP. He earned his J.D. from the Cardozo School of Law, where he was an editor of the Cardozo International Law Journal, and holds a B.A. in History with a minor in Business from the University at Albany, SUNY. 

Susan R. Schwortz
Portfolio Administrator
Client Services

Susan started her financial career at Lynch & Mayer, Inc. Following that, she moved to First Republic Investment Management as a portfolio administrator. Susan joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co., where she manages account administration and client services. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A. and M.S. in Education.

Brian Serzan
Manager Research, Associate

Brian began his career as an intern at XShares Advisors LLC, working in exchange-traded fund (ETF) creation and fund management. He also interned at VERO Capital Management LLC and worked at Parkway Capital Investors LLC, conducting in-depth industry and company research. After graduating from college, Brian joined Teach for America, where he taught in a low-income public school in Jackson, Mississippi. He continued his career in education, serving in varying roles from master teacher to assistant principal in the communities of Newark, Harlem, and Washington Heights. Brian received a CFA Institute Scholarship and completed Level 1 of the CFA program. He graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education. 

Ralph D. Sinsheimer
Senior Managing Director

Ralph began his career at American Express, then moved into investment management at Loomis, Sayles & Company where he was Director of Funds. Following that, he was a General Partner of Eureka Capital Management, a specialized long/short equity hedge fund and then was a Managing Director and member of the Management Committee at OFFITBANK, where he was involved in developing the firm’s alternative investment activities. He held a similar position as Senior Vice-President and Head of Wealth Management for Neuberger Berman Trust Company. Ralph co-founded The Solaris Group, LLC in 2003, with a focus on strategic asset allocation, manager selection and ongoing due diligence.

Ralph is currently active as a Trustee and Investment Committee Member of the AccessLex Institute, the American Friends of Hebrew University, the Reform Pension Board, and the Union for Reform Judaism, where he is Chairman of the Investment Committee. Ralph graduated from Trinity College with a B.A. and received an M.B.A. from New York University.

Jaime S. Steers
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Jaime started her career as a litigation paralegal with Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. She moved into the investment business, joining Willett Advisors, a single-family office managing the philanthropic assets of Michael R. Bloomberg, as a Portfolio Support Analyst. Most recently, Jaime was an Associate Director on the Client Team at Truvvo Partners (f/k/a Roundtable Investment Partners), an outsourced investment office for large, complex ultra-high-net-worth families. Jaime is on the Board of Trustees for the Westchester Children’s Museum. She holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University Graduate School of Business.

Jennifer Lee Swei
Chief Financial Officer
Partner

Jenn started her career at Entex Information Services as an Accounting Associate in the management program. She moved into public accounting as an accountant at Tanton and Company, LLP and later became a senior auditor. Jenn joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as Controller, and she now is the Chief Financial Officer. She graduated from New York University Stern School of Business with a B.S. in Accounting.

Douglas T. VanNostrand
Chief Information Officer
Vice President

Doug started his career in the private investors department at Wertheim Schroder, then moved to Valenzuela Capital Partners as a senior portfolio administrator. Doug joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co., where he is involved in operations and technology implementation and integration. He graduated from Lake Erie College with a B.S. in Business Administration.

Stephen Brent Wells
Senior Managing Director

Steve began his career as a Trust and Estate lawyer at Davidson, Dawson & Clark and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. Then, Steve also served as Fiduciary Trust and Investment Counsel for a major New York money center bank. He was employed by Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Gabelli Asset Management divisions where he ran wealth management-related business units and was General Counsel. He was the President and/or Director and legal counsel of a variety of domestic and international mutual funds and fund complexes, including the Malaysia, Thai Funds (US & UK), and Turkey country funds and domestic and international fund groups (Morgan Stanley), the Institutional Liquid Assets (Goldman Sachs), Centerland (Centerre Trust) and Benchmark (Northern Trust) and the Gabelli fund groups. Steve served as a Managing Director, counsel and member of the Management Committee of OFFITBANK, a New York chartered trust bank and was the President of Neuberger Berman Trust Companies. Steve co-founded The Solaris Group, LLC in 2003, with involvement in client relationships, compliance, operations and marketing. Steve sits on several non-profit boards and is the Co-Chairman of the Board of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s and its Foundation’s Board. He is a former governor of The Investment Company Institute, a director and President of the Winant and Clayton Volunteers and a Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association and other non-profit boards and investment committees. Steve graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, graduated with a B.A. from Princeton University and a J.D. from New York University.

Scott A. Wilson
Chief Administrative Officer

Scott held senior operations and technology positions at several international banks prior to his role as Vice President of Operations and Technology for State Bank of Victoria (Australia)/Commonwealth Bank. He was then with OFFITBANK and its successor, Wachovia Corporation as Chief Technology Officer and later Senior Vice President & Managing Director and a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He was responsible for firm wide technology implementation and coordinating platform integration during mergers with Wachovia and later First Union. Scott was with The Solaris Group, LLC from its founding in 2003 and served as its Chief Administrative Officer. Scott holds a B.S. in Finance from City University of New York, College of Staten Island.

Owen Wimmer
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Owen began his career at KBC Financial Products in New York City as a derivatives operations analyst. He then joined The Solaris Group, LLC., with a focus on all aspects of client relationships including asset allocation, manager selection and due diligence. Owen graduated from Loyola University in Maryland, Sellinger School of Business with a BBA in Finance.

Garrett I. Zendman, CFA
Research Analyst

Garrett began his career as a summer intern in the research department before joining full-time as a research analyst with Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Accounting and received a Master of Science in Finance and an M.B.A. in Finance and Corporate Accounting from the University of Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business. Garrett holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York.

Susan H. Curry
Chief Operating Officer
Partner

Susan started her career in the Private Investors department at Wertheim & Co., moving in the next year to Individual Capital Management as a portfolio assistant. She worked closely with the firm’s investment clients, reporting on the progress of their portfolios, making suggestions on their personal financial plans, and ensuring the accuracy of the custodial and reporting functions. Susan became a Vice President of Wertheim Schroder & Co. and then a Senior Vice President of Klingenstein, Fields & Co. She graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a B.A. in Business Economics and Literature.

James W. Fields
President & Co-CEO
Partner

James began his career at J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. in the leveraged finance department structuring deals and analyzing capital structures for domestic and international clients. He later joined The National Football League as a Senior Strategic Analyst and subsequently joined the N.Y. Jets / The Johnson Company as the Strategic and Financial Advisor to the winning bidder for $635 million purchase of the N.Y. Jets franchise. James then joined the private equity group within Citigroup Alternative Investments where he was an investment officer and Chief Financial Officer. Joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a partner and CFO, he then became President of the firm and currently manages client accounts as well as oversees KFA’s alternative investment efforts. James is a director of Viagogo (Pugnacious Endeavors, Inc.) and has served on the boards of a number of private companies. He is also an advisory board Member of KBW Capital Partners I, L.P. and is a Member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and on the Board of the Westchester Children’s Museum. James graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. with honors in Entrepreneurial Management and Finance from the Wharton School.

Kenneth H. Fields
Executive Chairman
Partner

Ken began as a Portfolio Manager at Wertheim & Co., managing partners’ personal assets. He became head of the Individual Capital Management department, and he was a Director of Wertheim Asset Management Services, as well as a Managing Director of the parent company. Ken graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from Fordham University and received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Kenneth D. Pollinger
Chairman & Co-CEO
Partner

Ken began his career at E.F. Hutton & Company as an internal auditor. He became an Assistant Vice President at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, responsible for accounting and auditing in the trading area. Ken was invited to join Wertheim Schroder & Co. as a Vice President in Asset Management Services, and was appointed Senior Vice President of Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He is a former trustee of Ithaca College, a director of Brandywine Trust Company and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Windward School. Ken graduated cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Finance and received an M.B.A. from Fordham University.

Jonathan B. Roberts, CFA, CIC
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Jon began his career as an Associate of The Diebold Group, Inc., Prescott Investors, Inc. and Wertheim & Co., Inc. and joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. at its formation. Combining investment research and portfolio management with direct client relationships, he also served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer from 2004-2016 and represents KF investors as an observer on the boards of several private venture companies. Jon holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Counselor designations, served ten years as a Member and two years as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Investment Adviser Association, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Brown University with an A.B. in Psychology, attended L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and received an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University Stern School of Business.

Laurence E. Ach CFA, CIC
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Larry began his career with analytical and portfolio management responsibilities at Bankers Trust, General Reinsurance and NSR Asset Management. He was then a Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager at Lazard Freres Asset Management. At Lynch and Mayer, Larry headed the firm’s Private Asset Management Division. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., he was a Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, and Chief Investment Officer at First Republic Investment Management. Larry holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Counselor designations and has served on various CFA Society New York committees. He currently serves as Chairman and head of the Investment Committee of Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, an organization dedicated to training and employing individuals with barriers to employment. Additionally, Larry served for many years on the Executive Committee of Temple Israel of the City of New York, where he is presently a member of the Investment Committee. He graduated from Trinity College with a B.A. in History and received an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School.

Albert C. Bellas
Senior Managing Director

Albert began his career as an associate at Dillon Read & Co. Inc., then was a Vice President at Goldman, Sachs & Company, and subsequently a General Partner at Loeb Rhoades & Company. At Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. he was a Senior Executive Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors of Lehman Brothers. Following that, Albert was the Chairman and CEO of Neuberger Berman Trust Company, N.A. and was a Managing Director and member of the Management Committee of OFFITBANK. Albert co-founded The Solaris Group, LLC in 2003, with involvement in all aspects of client relationships and marketing. Albert’s outside affiliations include serving as Chairman of the Board and Investment Committee of the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation, a member of the Board of Regents and Chairman of the Finance Committee of The Mercersburg Academy, Director and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Guild Hall of East Hampton, Director of the American Friends of the Royal Ballet School (London), and a member of the Pilgrim Society of the US. He is Chairman Emeritus of the School of American Ballet and a former Director of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., among other non-profit boards and investment committees. Albert graduated from Yale University with a B.A., received a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and an M.B.A. from the Columbia Graduate School of Business, where he was elected a McKinsey Scholar.

James W. Fields
President & Co-CEO
Partner

James began his career at J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. in the leveraged finance department structuring deals and analyzing capital structures for domestic and international clients. He later joined The National Football League as a Senior Strategic Analyst and subsequently joined the N.Y. Jets / The Johnson Company as the Strategic and Financial Advisor to the winning bidder for $635 million purchase of the N.Y. Jets franchise. James then joined the private equity group within Citigroup Alternative Investments where he was an investment officer and Chief Financial Officer. Joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a partner and CFO, he then became President of the firm and currently manages client accounts as well as oversees KFA’s alternative investment efforts. James is a director of Viagogo (Pugnacious Endeavors, Inc.) and has served on the boards of a number of private companies. He is also an advisory board Member of KBW Capital Partners I, L.P. and is a Member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and on the Board of the Westchester Children’s Museum. James graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. with honors in Entrepreneurial Management and Finance from the Wharton School.

Kenneth H. Fields
Executive Chairman
Partner

Ken began as a Portfolio Manager at Wertheim & Co., managing partners’ personal assets. He became head of the Individual Capital Management department, and he was a Director of Wertheim Asset Management Services, as well as a Managing Director of the parent company. Ken graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from Fordham University and received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Gregory W. Golinski, CFA
Director of Analytics
Partner

Greg began his career with the Naval Surface Warfare Center as an electronics engineer, building leading-edge computing systems for the US Navy. He took a position at Knight-Ridder Financial designing software that provided real-time market data and analytics to the trading floors of large financial institutions. Greg joined Sanford Bernstein in the equity research department with responsibility for the quantitative and technology systems that were the underpinning of the firm’s investment process. He then moved into equity fundamental research at Bernstein, while also gaining experience in fixed income research. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as an equity research analyst, subsequently adding responsibility in portfolio management and most recently has been tasked with leading the firm’s investment analytics effort. Greg holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. He graduated from Catholic University with a B.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and received an M.B.A. in Finance with distinction from New York University Stern School of Business.

Colleen Jones
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Colleen began her investment career at Warburg Pincus Asset Management, where she was responsible for managing equity and fixed income portfolios for high-net-worth individuals and affiliated institutions. Colleen continued her career at that organization, which was acquired by Credit Suisse, until joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co. She currently manages portfolios for wealthy families and individuals. Colleen is a Member of the Financial Women’s Association of New York and The New York Public Library’s Planned Giving Advisory Board. She also sits on the Fordham University President’s Council. Colleen graduated cum laude from Fairfield University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University.

Kenneth D. Pollinger
Chairman & Co-CEO
Partner

Ken began his career at E.F. Hutton & Company as an internal auditor. He became an Assistant Vice President at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, responsible for accounting and auditing in the trading area. Ken was invited to join Wertheim Schroder & Co. as a Vice President in Asset Management Services, and was appointed Senior Vice President of Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He is a former trustee of Ithaca College, a director of Brandywine Trust Company and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Windward School. Ken graduated cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Finance and received an M.B.A. from Fordham University.

Jonathan B. Roberts, CFA, CIC
Portfolio Manager
Partner

Jon began his career as an Associate of The Diebold Group, Inc., Prescott Investors, Inc. and Wertheim & Co., Inc. and joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. at its formation. Combining investment research and portfolio management with direct client relationships, he also served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer from 2004-2016 and represents KF investors as an observer on the boards of several private venture companies. Jon holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Counselor designations, served ten years as a Member and two years as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Investment Adviser Association, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Brown University with an A.B. in Psychology, attended L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and received an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University Stern School of Business.

Ralph D. Sinsheimer
Senior Managing Director

Ralph began his career at American Express, then moved into investment management at Loomis, Sayles & Company where he was Director of Funds. Following that, he was a General Partner of Eureka Capital Management, a specialized long/short equity hedge fund and then was a Managing Director and member of the Management Committee at OFFITBANK, where he was involved in developing the firm’s alternative investment activities. He held a similar position as Senior Vice-President and Head of Wealth Management for Neuberger Berman Trust Company. Ralph co-founded The Solaris Group, LLC in 2003, with a focus on strategic asset allocation, manager selection and ongoing due diligence.

Ralph is currently active as a Trustee and Investment Committee Member of the AccessLex Institute, the American Friends of Hebrew University, the Reform Pension Board, and the Union for Reform Judaism, where he is Chairman of the Investment Committee. Ralph graduated from Trinity College with a B.A. and received an M.B.A. from New York University.

Stephen Brent Wells
Senior Managing Director

Steve began his career as a Trust and Estate lawyer at Davidson, Dawson & Clark and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. Then, Steve also served as Fiduciary Trust and Investment Counsel for a major New York money center bank. He was employed by Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Gabelli Asset Management divisions where he ran wealth management-related business units and was General Counsel. He was the President and/or Director and legal counsel of a variety of domestic and international mutual funds and fund complexes, including the Malaysia, Thai Funds (US & UK), and Turkey country funds and domestic and international fund groups (Morgan Stanley), the Institutional Liquid Assets (Goldman Sachs), Centerland (Centerre Trust) and Benchmark (Northern Trust) and the Gabelli fund groups. Steve served as a Managing Director, counsel and member of the Management Committee of OFFITBANK, a New York chartered trust bank and was the President of Neuberger Berman Trust Companies. Steve co-founded The Solaris Group, LLC in 2003, with involvement in client relationships, compliance, operations and marketing. Steve sits on several non-profit boards and is the Co-Chairman of the Board of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s and its Foundation’s Board. He is a former governor of The Investment Company Institute, a director and President of the Winant and Clayton Volunteers and a Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association and other non-profit boards and investment committees. Steve graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, graduated with a B.A. from Princeton University and a J.D. from New York University.

Jackson Lowell Camps
Senior Analyst,
Manager Research

Jackson began his career as an intern on the China energy derivatives desk with Newedge USA.  He then joined The Solaris Group, LLC as Junior Wealth Management Advisor and transitioned into the role of Head Portfolio and Performance Analyst.  Jackson was later appointed Senior Analyst, Manager Research tasked with sourcing, analyzing, and monitoring both traditional and alternative investments across asset classes and fund structures for Client portfolios.  Jackson is a Level II CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Candidate.  Jackson graduated from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business with a BSBA with concentrations in Finance and Mandarin Chinese.  

 

Michael J. Champness, CFA
Director of Research
Partner

Mike began his career with Glenmede Trust Company as a Performance Measurement Analyst. He then joined U.S. Trust Company, working first in Institutional Sales, and later as an Assistant Vice President and Associate Portfolio Manager performing fundamental equity research and portfolio management. Mike joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a research analyst. He holds the CFA designation, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. Additionally, Mike is on the Board of the HERE Arts Center. He graduated from Georgetown University with a B.A. in Economics and received an M.B.A. with honors in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton School.

Allen Ci
Research Analyst

Lun (Allen) Ci began his career as an equity investment intern with Kunlun Health Insurance, a professional health insurance company.  Following that, he served as an equity research intern at Guodu Securities, a provider of institutional brokerage services. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a research intern, then moved to a full-time position as a research analyst, where he conducts research and analysis on sectors and individual equities. Allen graduated from Beijing Technology and Business University with a Bachelor of Economics in Commercial Economics and received a Master of Science in Finance from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. He is a CFA Level II candidate.

Gregory W. Golinski, CFA
Director of Analytics
Partner

Greg began his career with the Naval Surface Warfare Center as an electronics engineer, building leading-edge computing systems for the US Navy. He took a position at Knight-Ridder Financial designing software that provided real-time market data and analytics to the trading floors of large financial institutions. Greg joined Sanford Bernstein in the equity research department with responsibility for the quantitative and technology systems that were the underpinning of the firm’s investment process. He then moved into equity fundamental research at Bernstein, while also gaining experience in fixed income research. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as an equity research analyst, subsequently adding responsibility in portfolio management and most recently has been tasked with leading the firm’s investment analytics effort. Greg holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. He graduated from Catholic University with a B.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and received an M.B.A. in Finance with distinction from New York University Stern School of Business.

Timothy J. Lindsay, CFA
Director of Manager Research
Senior Advisor

Timothy began his career at Neuberger Berman as a performance analyst. He then held a similar position at Lehman Trust Company prior to joining The Solaris Group, LLC., where he was the Director of Research and a Senior Advisor, covering manager research and due diligence, market analytics, and asset allocation analysis. Tim also works with non-profit organizations, individuals, and families to create and implement customized investment programs. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts. Tim sits on the Investment Committee for the Dominican Sisters of Amityville and the Daughters of Wisdom and is President of the St. Agnes Cathedral School Fathers Club. Tim graduated from Fordham University with a B.S.

Matthew J. Pollinger, CFA
Research Analyst, Trading
Partner

Matt began his career as a sell-side analyst at Cowen and Company covering Health Care, Shopping Center, and Triple Net REITs. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. Matt graduated cum laude from Ithaca College where he double majored in Applied Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He graduated from the University of Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business receiving both a Master of Science in Finance and an M.B.A. in Finance & Corporate Accounting.

Brian Serzan
Manager Research, Associate

Brian began his career as an intern at XShares Advisors LLC, working in exchange-traded fund (ETF) creation and fund management. He also interned at VERO Capital Management LLC and worked at Parkway Capital Investors LLC, conducting in-depth industry and company research. After graduating from college, Brian joined Teach for America, where he taught in a low-income public school in Jackson, Mississippi. He continued his career in education, serving in varying roles from master teacher to assistant principal in the communities of Newark, Harlem, and Washington Heights. Brian received a CFA Institute Scholarship and completed Level 1 of the CFA program. He graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education. 

Owen Wimmer
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Owen began his career at KBC Financial Products in New York City as a derivatives operations analyst. He then joined The Solaris Group, LLC., with a focus on all aspects of client relationships including asset allocation, manager selection and due diligence. Owen graduated from Loyola University in Maryland, Sellinger School of Business with a BBA in Finance.

Garrett I. Zendman, CFA
Research Analyst

Garrett began his career as a summer intern in the research department before joining full-time as a research analyst with Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Accounting and received a Master of Science in Finance and an M.B.A. in Finance and Corporate Accounting from the University of Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business. Garrett holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a Member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York.

Jackson Lowell Camps
Senior Analyst,
Manager Research

Jackson began his career as an intern on the China energy derivatives desk with Newedge USA.  He then joined The Solaris Group, LLC as Junior Wealth Management Advisor and transitioned into the role of Head Portfolio and Performance Analyst.  Jackson was later appointed Senior Analyst, Manager Research tasked with sourcing, analyzing, and monitoring both traditional and alternative investments across asset classes and fund structures for Client portfolios.  Jackson is a Level II CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Candidate.  Jackson graduated from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business with a BSBA with concentrations in Finance and Mandarin Chinese.  

 

Maria Chambers, IACCP
Chief Compliance Officer
Vice President

Maria began her career in the Corporate Legal Department at Cravath, Swaine & Moore where she supported the Corporate Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions and International Groups. She then joined Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., where responsibilities included overseeing the compliance program for the firm’s ultra high-net-worth custom separately managed account and wrap account platforms, representing compliance in the strategic acquisitions of advisers and managing a team responsible for the North American compliance risk assessment and testing program and sub-adviser oversight. Most recently, Maria was a Vice President and Senior Compliance Officer at Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Inc. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as Deputy Chief Compliance Officer and then became Chief Compliance Officer. Maria holds the Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP) designation. She graduated cum laude from Fordham University with a B.A. in Economics, a minor in Philosophy and a Certificate in Business Administration. Maria was also inducted into Fordham’s Beta Rho Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Tina Cinelli
Client Services
Assistant Vice President

Tina has been with Klingenstein, Fields & Co. for over 25 years, starting as a receptionist. Following that she became a portfolio assistant and then moved into her current role in client services. Tina attended Baruch College.

Andrew Crofton
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Andy began his career as a fixed income trader at PaineWebber. He acquired capital markets expertise as a proprietary equity trader at First New York Securities and Caracastle Partners. Andy then worked at J.P. Morgan where he covered hedge funds, providing investment and trading strategies to institutional clients. Following that, he was a private client advisor at U.S. Trust. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., Andy served as a Senior Wealth Director at BNY Mellon. Andy serves on the University of Pennsylvania Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Board, where he co-chairs the mentoring committee. Andy is involved in the First Tee program and the Evans Scholarship. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Emmett Cruet
Client Services & Operations
Vice President

Emmett began his career in financial services at GeoCapital, working as a trader and in the reconciliation department. He then moved to KLS Advisors, where he worked in operations, becoming a portfolio administrator and working in client service. Emmett joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. and provides operational and service support to clients. He has a B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago.

Susan H. Curry
Chief Operating Officer
Partner

Susan started her career in the Private Investors department at Wertheim & Co., moving in the next year to Individual Capital Management as a portfolio assistant. She worked closely with the firm’s investment clients, reporting on the progress of their portfolios, making suggestions on their personal financial plans, and ensuring the accuracy of the custodial and reporting functions. Susan became a Vice President of Wertheim Schroder & Co. and then a Senior Vice President of Klingenstein, Fields & Co. She graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a B.A. in Business Economics and Literature.

Camilla Dawkins
Office Manager

Camilla began her career as a Database Manager for Lipper TASS Hedge Fund Database and Tremont Group Holdings, Inc. Then she was at Greenwich Associates as an Operational Data Analyst Manager prior to joining The Solaris Group, LLC as the Administrative Services Manager, working on the daily administration of our office, with experience in operational procedures, report development, data and project management. Camilla graduated from Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y. with a degree in Computer Science.

Stephen J. Denery
Head Trader
Partner

Stephen started his career as a portfolio assistant at Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He moved into the cash management area where he traded fixed income instruments. Stephen then took on trading responsibilities for both equities and fixed income securities as the head trader of the firm. He graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in Finance.

George Diaz
Senior Administrator
Portfolio Accounting

George began his career as an Assistant Treasurer within the Credit Services Division of The Bank of New York. He was then at OFFITBANK/Wachovia Corp where he was a Custody Manager. He then joined The Solaris Group, working with all aspects of operations and reconciliation, account administration and client servicing. George has taken financial accounting and psychology classes at Pace University in New York.

Giovannia Esquivel
Portfolio Accounting
Assistant Vice President

Giovannia began her career as an investor relations representative within the shareholder services division of The Bank of New York. She then moved to Woodford Gayed Management and Valenzuela Capital Partners, where she was responsible for client portfolio management and trading support. After that, Giovannia moved to Lazard Asset Management as a portfolio accountant. She then took on a role with New York Life Investment Management Group, working in daily reconciliation of investments. Giovannia joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. in the portfolio accounting department. She graduated from Baruch College with a B.B.A. in Finance and a minor in Accounting.

Katie FitzGerald
Client Services & Operations
Vice President

Katie began her career with OFFITBANK (later Wachovia), where she began as a Marketing Assistant and later became involved with the firm’s website and client portal as the Director of Online Client Service. She then joined The Solaris Group, assisting clients with the opening and maintenance of their accounts. She is Vice President of the Board of Directors and a Finance Committee member of the West Village Chorale. Katie graduated from Binghamton University with a B.A.

Alyssa Gelper
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Alyssa began her career as a Trust and Estates attorney at the law firm of Fried, Frank. She then gained significant experience in private wealth management at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management and Citi Private Bank, where she developed and implemented comprehensive estate and philanthropic plans for individuals and families. After Citi Private Bank, Alyssa moved to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where she led efforts to deliver private wealth management services to corporate and investment banking clients. Most recently before joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., L.P., she held senior business development and relationship management roles at HSBC Private Bank, spearheading cross-divisional business development efforts for HSBC Private Bank in the US, as well as building an effort dedicated to serving women’s unique wealth management needs. Alyssa graduated from The Wharton School of  University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. cum laude in Economics and earned her J.D. cum laude from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, where she was an editor of the Cardozo Law Review.

Shomari Gilyard, CFP
Director Wealth Planning
Partner

Mari initiated his career as an Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Then, he joined Ayco, a Goldman Sachs Company, as a financial planner, where he provided comprehensive planning services for corporate executives and high-net-worth private clients. Mari subsequently was in Private Wealth Management at U.S. Trust, developing and presenting customized recommendations to clients across financial planning, tax, insurance, investment, estate planning, and philanthropic topics. He joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as Director of Wealth Planning. Mari remains attuned to current legislation and strategies within the private banking industry through membership with local estate planning councils and frequent attendance at conferences within the wealth planning field. He is certified by the CFP board as a CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He graduated with a B.S. from Rutgers. He also received an M.B.A. from Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware with a concentration in Finance.

Lisa C. Karmen
Director of Human Resources

Lisa started her career in financial services at Optima Fund Management in the Research and Marketing Department. She then moved to Allen & Company Inc., to become the Investor Relations Administrator for the Allen Arbitrage Fund as well as the Executive Assistant to a Managing Partner. After that, Lisa moved to Trafelet Delta Funds where she was the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Human Resources. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as the Director of Human Resources and Office Manager. Lisa graduated with a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College.

Katia Kushnir
Client Service Administrator

Katia began her career in education as an education associate with the International Center of Photography, ICP, in New York. She then moved into the investment business, joining Yerba Buena Financial Partners, LLC as an operations associate. After that, Katia moved onto Vista Wealth Management, LLC as a client service associate, serving high-net-worth clients. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. in client services administration. Katia holds a B.A. and B.F.A. from the University of Colorado, Denver.

Timothy J. Lindsay, CFA
Director of Manager Research
Senior Advisor

Timothy began his career at Neuberger Berman as a performance analyst. He then held a similar position at Lehman Trust Company prior to joining The Solaris Group, LLC., where he was the Director of Research and a Senior Advisor, covering manager research and due diligence, market analytics, and asset allocation analysis. Tim also works with non-profit organizations, individuals, and families to create and implement customized investment programs. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts. Tim sits on the Investment Committee for the Dominican Sisters of Amityville and the Daughters of Wisdom and is President of the St. Agnes Cathedral School Fathers Club. Tim graduated from Fordham University with a B.S.

Mildred Palo
Investor Relations
Vice President

Mildred began her career at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the retirement plan division. She then joined Chase Manhattan Bank as an assistant treasurer. After that, Mildred moved to Furman Selz Capital Management as an associate director. She joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as a vice president in the marketing department and now holds the position of vice president of investor relations. Mildred graduated with a B.A. from Douglass College, a school part of Rutgers University.

John A. Pavela, CFA
Managing Director

John started his career in the Institutional Asset Management Group at LaSalle National Bank & Trust in Chicago. He then relocated to Florida where he joined First Union National Bank (later known as Wachovia National Bank) as a Portfolio Manager serving institutional clients throughout the state. During his career at First Union/Wachovia, John transitioned into the Wealth Management Group where he held various leadership positions in Investment Management, Wealth Management and Trust Administration. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co, he was the Regional Director of Investments for BMO Wealth Management’s Sunbelt-Central Region. John is a Board member of Caring Fields Felines, an organization with which he has been involved with for almost ten years. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society of South Florida. John earned a B.S. in Finance degree from Florida State University and received an M.B.A. in Finance from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University.

Michael S. Schiff, J.D., AEP, TEP
Managing Director

Michael began his financial services career at Prudential Securities. He then held leadership roles in business development and relationship management with several other organizations, including Glenmede Trust, Amicorp Services, PNC Wealth Management, BNY Mellon, and US Trust. Before entering wealth management, Michael was in private practice as an attorney working in large NYC and Philadelphia law firms, specializing in estate planning, family law, and complex commercial transactions. Prior to joining Klingenstein, Fields & Co., he was at Fiduciary Trust Company International, where he was responsible for business growth and relationship management for individuals, families, and philanthropic institutions, domestically and internationally.  Michael is the immediate past President of the East Coast Estate Planning Council, Chair of the Society of Trusts and Estate Planning (STEP) Gold Coast Florida Chapter, and serves on the board of STEP USA and the Greater Boca Raton Estate Planning Council. He is a founding member of the South Florida Chapter of the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) and on the Professional Advisors Committee of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Michael holds the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation conferred by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils (NAEPC), is a Registered Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP), and is a full member of STEP. He earned his J.D. from the Cardozo School of Law, where he was an editor of the Cardozo International Law Journal, and holds a B.A. in History with a minor in Business from the University at Albany, SUNY. 

Susan R. Schwortz
Portfolio Administrator
Client Services

Susan started her financial career at Lynch & Mayer, Inc. Following that, she moved to First Republic Investment Management as a portfolio administrator. Susan joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co., where she manages account administration and client services. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A. and M.S. in Education.

Jaime S. Steers
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Jaime started her career as a litigation paralegal with Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. She moved into the investment business, joining Willett Advisors, a single-family office managing the philanthropic assets of Michael R. Bloomberg, as a Portfolio Support Analyst. Most recently, Jaime was an Associate Director on the Client Team at Truvvo Partners (f/k/a Roundtable Investment Partners), an outsourced investment office for large, complex ultra-high-net-worth families. Jaime is on the Board of Trustees for the Westchester Children’s Museum. She holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University Graduate School of Business.

Jennifer Lee Swei
Chief Financial Officer
Partner

Jenn started her career at Entex Information Services as an Accounting Associate in the management program. She moved into public accounting as an accountant at Tanton and Company, LLP and later became a senior auditor. Jenn joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co. as Controller, and she now is the Chief Financial Officer. She graduated from New York University Stern School of Business with a B.S. in Accounting.

Douglas T. VanNostrand
Chief Information Officer
Vice President

Doug started his career in the private investors department at Wertheim Schroder, then moved to Valenzuela Capital Partners as a senior portfolio administrator. Doug joined Klingenstein, Fields & Co., where he is involved in operations and technology implementation and integration. He graduated from Lake Erie College with a B.S. in Business Administration.

Scott A. Wilson
Chief Administrative Officer

Scott held senior operations and technology positions at several international banks prior to his role as Vice President of Operations and Technology for State Bank of Victoria (Australia)/Commonwealth Bank. He was then with OFFITBANK and its successor, Wachovia Corporation as Chief Technology Officer and later Senior Vice President & Managing Director and a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He was responsible for firm wide technology implementation and coordinating platform integration during mergers with Wachovia and later First Union. Scott was with The Solaris Group, LLC from its founding in 2003 and served as its Chief Administrative Officer. Scott holds a B.S. in Finance from City University of New York, College of Staten Island.

Owen Wimmer
Managing Director
Senior Advisor

Owen began his career at KBC Financial Products in New York City as a derivatives operations analyst. He then joined The Solaris Group, LLC., with a focus on all aspects of client relationships including asset allocation, manager selection and due diligence. Owen graduated from Loyola University in Maryland, Sellinger School of Business with a BBA in Finance.

Joseph Klingenstein
1891-1976
Frederick A. Klingenstein
1931-2019

Mr. Klingenstein joined Wertheim & Co. and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, until he effected the sale of the firm to Schroders plc. He then served as Co-Chairman of Wertheim Schroder & Co., until he established Klingenstein, Fields & Co. While at Wertheim, he started and led that firm’s asset management service and expanded its corporate finance activities. Mr. Klingenstein served as Director of a number of investment funds and publicly held companies. He was a Member and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, and was a Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American Museum of Natural History and former Chairman of its Investments Committee. Mr. Klingenstein graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Yale University.

John Klingenstein
1929 – 2018

Mr. Klingenstein joined Wertheim & Co. where he was a partner until he, his brother, Mr. Frederick A. Klingenstein, and their colleague at Wertheim, Mr. Kenneth H. Fields, founded Klingenstein, Fields & Co. He also served as the President of The Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund for over forty years. Mr. Klingenstein had a lifelong interest in education and was Trustee Emeritus of Teachers College, Columbia University and The Rensselaerville Institute. His other not-for-profit affiliations included the Executive Committee of the Rockefeller University Council. Mr. Klingenstein graduated from Yale University with a B.E. in Engineering and received an M.S.E. from the University of Michigan.

The legacy of Klingenstein Fields Advisors dates back to 1927, when Joseph Klingenstein and Maurice Wertheim founded Wertheim & Company, a premier merchant bank. Upon the death of Maurice Wertheim in 1950, control of the firm passed to Joseph, who was instrumental in expanding the firm, especially its underwriting capabilities, and creating one of the first professional research departments.

Under the subsequent leadership of Frederick A. Klingenstein, the firm continued to grow significantly. In 1986, the Klingenstein family sold its interest in Wertheim to Schroders PLC. Fred served as co-Chairman of the combined entity, Wertheim Schroder & Co., Inc. until 1989, when he, his brother John, and their colleague, Kenneth H. Fields, formed Klingenstein, Fields & Co., LP, now doing business as Klingenstein Fields Advisors, to provide investment advice and guidance to high-net-worth individuals and families.

Every day, we strive to stay true to our heritage by seeking to put clients’ needs first, provide customized wealth planning and investment management, and deliver exceptional personal service.