A Wealth of Experience

Meet our advisors and investment professionals

Leadership Team

Cory S. Krebs, CFA®

President and Chief Executive Officer

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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.
Robin Miller

Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer

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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.
Daniel S. Henderson

Co-Chairman

dsh@cooksonpeirce.com LinkedIn

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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.

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.
Luke J. O’Neill, CFA®

Chief Investment Officer

ljo@cooksonpeirce.com LinkedIn

Average is not an option never the goal.

Luke J. O’Neill never wants to do anything average. As 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.
Sean Volk, CFA®

Portfolio Manager

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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 a 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!
Jake Symoniak

Senior Research Analyst

As a Senior Research Analyst at CooksonPeirce, Jake Symoniak is guided by the belief that being entrusted to manage money for another individual is one of the greatest responsibilities that can be bestowed upon someone. With a focus on global macro trends and the thematic drivers of equity markets, Jake brings over a decade of investment experience to help position portfolios where the opportunities are strongest and avoid segments that may face headwinds.

What draws Jake to this work is simple: he loves it. No two days are the same, and he gets to spend his time thinking critically about what's happening in the world and what it means for financial markets. He takes great pride in the trust that clients have placed in the firm and enjoys discussing and debating ideas with intelligent colleagues.

Jake joined CooksonPeirce in 2026 and brings 13 years of experience in investment research and analysis. Prior to joining CooksonPeirce, he served as a Senior Global Equity Strategist at Manning & Napier Advisors, where he worked with asset allocators, portfolio managers, and sector teams to identify risks and opportunities and position portfolios for positive client outcomes. He also collaborated with sales and marketing teams to provide insights for clients.

Private Client Team

Edward Beighey

Head of Wealth Management

epb@cooksonpeirce.com

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 Wealth Management.

At CooksonPeirce, my focus is executing the strategic vision for the Private Client business and aligning solutions with the evolving needs of clients, including investments, estate, and tax planning, to support a high standard of client experience and engagement. I believe that our 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.
Daniel Meyers, CFP®

Wealth Director

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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 Wealth Director, 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.
Janelle M. Woods, CFP®, MBA

Wealth Director

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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 Wealth Director, 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.
Scott B. Oros, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

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Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.

As a wealth 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.
Joshua C. Beas, CDFA®, AWMA®

Wealth Advisor

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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 wealth 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.
Beth Williams CAP® BFATM

Client Advisor

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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.
Aaron C. Gates, CFP®

Financial Planning Specialist

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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 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 and Certified Financial Planner™ designations. Aaron also earned a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning, along with Graduate Certificates in Financial Therapy and Advanced Financial Planning from Kansas State University.

Aaron lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife, Abby, and works in the CooksonPeirce PGH office. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, films, and live musical and theatrical performances. As a musician, Aaron plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, and other percussion instruments.
Christian Papazian, CFA®, CFP®

Client Advisor

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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.
Nicole White

Client Advisor

nlw@cooksonpeirce.com

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. Her background in holistic planning for high-net worth families, foundations, and corporations at both large firms and a small multi-family office allows her to deliver thoughtful guidance in areas such as 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.
Cory A. Sweitzer

Private Client Associate

cas@cooksonpeirce.com

As a Private Client Associate at CooksonPeirce, Cory works closely with advisors to help service client needs, bringing a detailed analytical approach coupled with an empathetic understanding of what clients need to succeed.

Cory is driven by a desire to provide education surrounding financial literacy and the positive impacts of having a personalized strategy for you and your family. He believes that financial planning is about more than numbers—it's about understanding each client's unique needs, and helping them gain the confidence to achieve their lifelong goals.

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce, Cory served as a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, where he focused on insurance planning, retirement planning, investment strategies, and estate planning considerations.

Cory earned his B.S. in Finance with a concentration in Financial Planning from Southern New Hampshire University in 2025, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Active in his community, Cory serves on the Board of Directors for Coventry Youth Baseball as Assistant Commissioner and is a Youth Baseball Coach.
Gregory Liro

Client Advisor

gml@cooksonpeirce.com

Greg is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their personal definition of financial success. With a focus on simplifying complex topics, he tailors his approach to each client's unique needs and circumstances.

He values open and honest communication, challenging clients to stay focused on their long-term goals. Greg believes that building strong, trust-based relationships helps clients manage their finances and emotions, particularly during uncertain times. He views a comprehensive financial plan as a "living, breathing document" that requires regular attention and adjustment to ensure it remains aligned with his client’s evolving goals.

Greg joined CooksonPeirce in 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in wealth management. Prior to joining, he held advisory roles at Morgan Stanley, UBS Financial, and Fidelity Investments, where he supported individual clients in constructing their portfolios and financial plans.

Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Drew University. He lives in Greenville, SC, with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Emory. Outside of work, Greg enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring all the natural beauty the Upstate of South Carolina has to offer.

Something you might not know about Greg: He is a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.
Luke Saftner CFP®

Client Advisor

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Luke Saftner believes that financial confidence isn't found — it's built, together. As a private client advisor at CooksonPeirce, Luke works closely with individuals, families, and organizations to design comprehensive financial plans rooted in what matters most to each client: their goals, their timeline, their peace of mind.

His approach is straightforward: begin with the end in mind. Luke works with his clients to build a comprehensive plan that reflects their vision, then stress-tests it against real-world variables to determine its probability of success. Luke understands that his clients’ financial plans are ever evolving, so naturally, as is Luke's engagement with the people behind it.

What Luke brings above all else is clarity. Finances are complex, and the options available to clients grow by the day. When there often isn't a clear right answer, there are important factors to account for with each decision. Luke helps guide clients through the trade-offs involved in each decision and helps them move forward with confidence, knowing every decision is made with the big picture in mind.

Luke joined CooksonPeirce in 2024 and holds the CFP® designation and Series 65 license. Outside the office, he’s a modern-day renaissance man; enjoying chess, martial arts, line dancing, cooking, and golf.

Inspiring Quote: “Luck is the residue of design.” – John Milton
Preston Ptak, CFP®, CPFA™

Private Client Advisor

Preston Ptak is dedicated to building close, trusting relationships with each client to gain a thorough understanding of their unique financial situation. Recognizing that no two clients are alike, he emphasizes active communication to identify what matters most to them and develop strategies to help achieve their goals. Preston believes that everyone can benefit from a comprehensive retirement plan and is passionate about helping clients pursue financial confidence and long-term success.

Preston began his career in financial services in 2018 and has served as both an investment analyst and financial advisor. Most recently, he worked as a financial advisor for 4 years with Merrill Lynch, where he specialized in retirement planning, estate planning, and client engagement.

He earned his MBA from Cleveland State University in 2018 and is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. He also holds the NAPA Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® credential.

Preston lives in Akron with his wife and two children. Outside of work, he is an avid fan of the Cleveland sports teams and enjoys traveling with his family and spending time outdoors.

Inspiring Quote: “The secret to success is to do the common things uncommonly well” – John D. Rockefeller
Jacob Imling

Private Client Associate

Jacob joined the CooksonPeirce team in 2026 as a Private Client Associate, where he works closely with advisors to support client relationships and deliver personalized wealth management services. He enjoys contributing to a collaborative environment that helps clients move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Jacob believes that strong relationships are built on trust, communication, and consistency.

Jacob earned a BSBA in Finance and Business Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh, and holds the series 65.

Outside the office, Jacob enjoys watching sports, playing golf, and spending time with friends and family.

Bucket list item: Attend The Master’s golf tournament in Augusta, GA

Institutional Team

Christian Brown, CFP®

Director of Institutional Group

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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.
Timothy D. Johns

Business Development Officer

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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.
Heath Black

Regional Advisor Consultant

CooksonPeirce is fortunate to welcome Heath Black as the Regional Advisor Consultant, where his 25 years of experience will be beneficial to both advisor and client. Throughout the course of his career at AllianceBernstein, Prudential Financial and Voya Financial, Heath was a valuable member in generating new assets for the firms. At CP he will be responsible for driving new assets and growth by servicing broker-dealer and registered investment advisory firms. Heath prides himself on building and nurturing relationships with financial professionals and driving sales of financial products and services by becoming a trusted and valuable resource. He is enthusiastic and driven to cultivate relationships with financial advisors to support them in their efforts to help clients reach investment and retirement goals.

Health understands that engaging in face-to-face interaction and building trust and credibility is key to his success. He plans to consistently provide long-term perspective, relevant commentary, practice management tools, and investment strategies to those he supports.

Heath received his B.A. from Manhattan College and currently works with 4 Kids Foster Care in his free time. He currently holds the Series 65 securities license and his Life and Annuities license. He has also held the Series 7, 66, and 63 security licenses.

Operational Team

Gina Bouvy

Records and Reporting Administrator

glb@cooksonpeirce.com LinkedIn

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.
Linda M. Higdon

Compliance Associate

lmh@cooksonpeirce.com

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.
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.
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.
Emily A. Taylor

Paraplanner

eaf@cooksonpeirce.com LinkedIn

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.
Elissa Briley

Office Administrator

With 15 years of experience in high-level client services and relationship management, Elissa Briley excels at providing a welcoming and efficient experience for clients and executive teams alike. Having honed skills in luxury hospitality at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and in wealth management at PNC Bank, Elissa offers a unique blend of exceptional client service and administrative expertise. A former small business owner, she brings a proactive, detail-oriented approach to supporting well-being and growth for both clients and the organization.

Elissa received a B.A. in Literature with High Honors from Eckerd College.

In her spare time, Elissa enjoys volunteering with the children’s and youth group ministries at her church.
Brian A. Schiebel

Client Services Associate

Dependable service is never accidental—it’s built through trust, consistency, and follow-through.

Brian A. Schiebel is a Client Service Associate at CooksonPeirce, where he joined the firm in 2026. With more than a decade of industry experience, Brian provides white-glove service to clients while serving as a trusted extension of the advisory team. He supports advisors through meeting preparation, transaction processing, and follow-up, ensuring client needs are addressed efficiently and thoughtfully.

Brian believes that strong, cohesive teamwork is essential to building lasting client trust. When clients experience consistency and collaboration across their advisory relationships, it creates the foundation for rewarding, long-term partnerships—relationships Brian views as central to a successful firm.

In his role, Brian acts as a reliable point of contact and resource for both clients and advisors. He takes pride in being someone others can depend on to move items forward, solve problems, and manage details with care and precision. His approach is grounded in responsiveness, accountability, and a genuine commitment to service.

Brian is motivated by the collaborative nature of wealth management, where advisors, clients, and service professionals work together toward shared goals. He finds particular satisfaction in helping clients progress toward retirement objectives and in supporting advisor-client relationships that drive long-term success.

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce, Brian served as a Client Service Manager at Ameriprise Financial Services, where his responsibilities included financial planning support, data gathering, meeting preparation, transaction execution, and ongoing client service.

Brian earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Business (Finance) and Sports Management from California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest California).

Outside the office, Brian is an avid animal lover—especially dogs.
Amber M. D'Orazio

Client Services Associate

Putting the 'human' element first by combining compassion with service.

For Amber D'Orazio, financial services is about more than transactions—it's about ensuring clients always feel confident and cared for on their financial journey. As a Client Services Associate at CooksonPeirce, Amber serves as a point of contact for day-to-day client requests, managing operational tasks like account openings, asset transfers, and money movements while assisting the Advisory team with servicing client needs.

Clients often reach out during major life transitions—both exciting and challenging. Amber provides value by offering a calm, supportive presence and handling their requests quickly and accurately when they need it most. Her greatest satisfaction comes from knowing she has made a client's day a little easier or less stressful.

Amber has always been driven by a genuine desire to help others, and working in wealth management allows her to do that in a highly impactful way. She understands that people trust CooksonPeirce with their life's work and their future, and she takes that responsibility seriously.

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2026, Amber served as a Client Services Specialist at Signature Wealth, and before that, as a Senior Administrative & Wealth Management Assistant at Exler & Company, Inc., where she also coordinated building management and assisted accounting professionals with processing tax filings.

Something you might not know about Amber: When she is not in the office, she is usually covered in dirt or sawdust. Most of her free time is spent in the garden or DIYing the house.

Favorite Quote: "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure." – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Carley Benavage

Client Services Associate

Exceptional service built on a foundation of respect, familiarity, and trust.

As a Client Service Associate at CooksonPeirce, Carley Benavage provides the highest level of client service through administrative management, serving as a trusted resource and primary point of contact for both clients and advisors. She takes pride in managing every detail with care and precision, ensuring each client enjoys a seamless, responsive, and personalized experience.

Carley is inspired by CooksonPeirce's collaborative culture and commitment to always putting clients first. She enjoys working alongside a team dedicated to helping individuals and families make informed financial decisions while building lasting relationships rooted in trust. By supporting advisors and responding promptly to client needs, she helps ensure every interaction reflects the firm's high standard of service.

Carley believes meaningful relationships are built by getting to know clients beyond their financial goals. She enjoys learning about their families, interests, and life milestones, creating a welcoming environment where clients feel valued and understood. Her thoughtful, relationship-focused approach helps foster the familiarity and confidence that define the CooksonPeirce experience.

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2026, Carley worked at Merrill Lynch, where she developed her expertise in client service and administrative support. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from Duquesne University.

Something you might not know about Carley: She enjoys spending time on the water with her fiancé and puppy, volunteers with the Great Canoe Races of Naples, and is an active member of the Young Professionals of Naples.

Favorite Quote: "Success is best when it's shared." – Howard Schultz

Bucket List: Traveling to Japan with her fiancé.
Conor T. Craig

Director of Compliance

ctc@cooksonpeirce.com

Compliance is the foundation clients never see, but every one of them benefits from it. That conviction guides Conor Craig's work at CooksonPeirce, where he assists the firm's Chief Compliance Officer in ensuring every corner of the business operates within the letter and spirit of the rules that govern it.

For Conor, compliance isn't a back-office formality. It's the mechanism that lets CooksonPeirce deliver a fair, accurate and consistently high-quality experience to every client the firm serves.

He finds real satisfaction in that connection. Helping the firm stay compliant, as he puts it, is ultimately how he helps clients: one step removed from the advisory relationship, but no less essential to it. It's a perspective he brings to every review, policy update and regulatory matter that crosses his desk.

Conor joined CooksonPeirce in 2026, bringing eight years of compliance experience with him. He spent much of that career at ACA Group, where he supported clients across a range of financial compliance matters, supervised staff, led client accounts and projects, and helped run division-wide initiatives aimed at improving the firm's products and services.

Conor earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from Ohio University and holds a J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law. Outside the office, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.

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