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.

The future lies in breaking ground and growing business.

Bruce W. Miller’s eye on the future is grounded in his 30-plus years of experience at CooksonPeirce and his formative years learning about stocks and investments in high school and college. He embraces the competition and challenges inherent in the markets and brings that passion to his role as chief investment officer of CooksonPeirce, where he researches the stock selection system, individual securities and model portfolios.

In his role managing stock and bond portfolios, Bruce says he truly enjoys making picks for the firm’s portfolios. He believes in owning and investing in growing businesses, especially those doing groundbreaking research and meeting the needs of a growing population.

Bruce joined CooksonPeirce in 1987 and has amassed more than 30 years of financial experience with the firm, including making improvements to the stock selection system and developing model portfolios.

Bruce received a B.S./B.A. in finance from Slippery Rock University and his M.B.A. from Kent State University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst certification.

• Inspiring Quote: “What if I fall?” “Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”
• On Bruce’s bucket list: To travel, including the pyramids of Egypt.
• Fun to know: Bruce is an accomplished silversmith.

Each client gets treated like a family member for the highest quality guidance.

Dan Meyers provides his clients with the same level of advice and planning that he gives his own parents. In addition to managing the overall growth and direction of CooksonPeirce’s Private Client Group, Dan provides service and comprehensive financial planning to the firm’s clients, encompassing investment, retirement, tax, insurance and estate planning strategies.

A big fan of individual and small business success stories, Dan feeds off the passion that highly motivated business owners bring to their trades. He thrives on their positive outlook on life, even as they head into their retirement years. As director of the firm’s Private Client Group, Dan invests time and resources in helping clients navigate around unforeseen pitfalls.

Dan counts 15 years of experience in very large retail firms as well as the current specialized boutique culture of CooksonPeirce, which he joined in 2013. Prior to that, he spent time as a relationship manager at PNC Private Client Group, where he was responsible for private banking cashflow management and small business succession planning. Previously, Dan served as a financial advisor at BMO Harris Premier Services Group, where he worked in holistic wealth planning, retirement income planning and Monte Carlo analysis.

Dan received a B.S. in business administration from Duquesne University and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.

• Inspiring Quote: “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” – Dan Gable
• Fun to know: Daniel is a nationally ranked judo player and won the 2019 U.S. Open.

CooksonPeirce runs on efficiency, and Robin Miller is tasked with ensuring the firm stays true to their commitment to provide unbiased advice to clients based on hard numbers.

As chief compliance officer and chief financial officer at CooksonPeirce, Robin is responsible for the control and planning of firm finances. She also revises and evaluates compliance issues and concerns within the organization as an independent and objective source.

Robin joined CooksonPeirce in 2010 and has 31 years of experience in capital and investments. She spent 16 years at Allegheny Investments in a range of positions, ending her tenure there with the title of chief compliance officer. Prior to that, Robin served as the chief compliance officer for Fort Pitt Capital Group.

Robin received a B.A. in leadership and business from Duquesne University. She holds the Series 7 and 24 licenses with FINRA.

In 2004, Robin helped to start the Greater Pittsburgh Compliance Roundtable, which now counts more than 60 members and meets quarterly.

Friends and family turn to Robin first when they are in need, knowing that she’s always willing to help as much as she can. She lives in Wexford with her son.

• Inspiring Quote: “Compliance is everyone’s responsibility.”
• On Robin’s bucket list: To travel as much as possible.
• Fun to know: Robin loves Pittsburgh sports.

The mission statement of CooksonPeirce guides the counsel Dan delivers to clients, whose successful retirements number in the hundreds throughout the course of his 30 year career.

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 the firm’s strategic planning, including the overall marketing effort.

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, spend the majority of the year in Naples, Florida.  They make  regular trips back to Pittsburgh throughout the year. When not spending time with his family or at work, Dan’s interests are traveling, riding his bicycle or Harley-Davidson, and going to live music concerts.  He also recently started painting again. He serves as the chairman of the board of St. Barnabas Health System in Pittsburgh.  He is also a director on the national board of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.  Each year he chairs the Steel City Awards Dinner in Pittsburgh for the Foundation.

• Inspiring Quote: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” – Ronald Reagan
• Favorite Poem: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

Christian Brown is director of the Institutional Investments Group at CooksonPeirce. He heads 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 directs 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.

Christian is also responsible for the stewardship of a dedicated group of private client relationships, including a lead role in comprehensive financial planning services.

Prior to joining the firm in 2009, Christian worked as private client advisor and relationship manager for TIAA-CREF, providing financial advisory services to senior university-affiliated educators and medical professionals. During his 20-year career in the financial industry, Christian has developed expertise in providing holistic investment and retirement planning solutions to both individuals and institutional clients. His prior employment includes positions 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™ practitioner. He is a member of the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Society of Investment Professionals, belongs to the Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh and holds a Series 65 license.

In his spare time, Christian enjoys many outdoor pursuits. He is particularly fond of the Adirondack Mountains in New York, where he journeys whenever possible.

• Inspiring Quote: “You cannot swim to new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” – William Faulkner
• Fun to know: Christian is an avid practitioner of orienteering, back country exploration and winter sports.

Average is not an option.

Luke J. O’Neill never wants to do anything average. As a portfolio manager and member of the investment committee at CooksonPeirce, Luke’s commitment to doing what’s best for the firm’s clients certainly exceeds the average.

To Luke, allowing clients to more readily achieve their financial goals through strong investment performance is both significant and highly satisfying. Luke works with other portfolio management staff in the day-to-day management of all CooksonPeirce investment strategies. He is also responsible for ongoing investment research, both for existing strategies and new strategy development.

Luke joined CooksonPeirce in 2018 and has over 20 years of experience in the investment business. Most recently 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 on the Pittsburgh sports teams and his beloved Indiana Hoosiers.

• Inspiring Quote: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley
• On Luke’s bucket list: To take his wife to Hawaii.
• Fun to know: Luke once scored 47 points in a state playoff basketball game in front of 7,000 people.

Solution, found.

In her heart, Janelle M. Woods is a problem solver who likes nothing more than digging deep into a complex situation and discovering an optimal solution. As lead advisor responsible for managing CooksonPeirce’s office in Akron, Ohio, Janelle manages private client relationships and provides the full complement of 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, where she is responsible for managing the firm’s Akron, Ohio, location and developing client relationships in all of Ohio, southern Michigan and northwest Pennsylvania. 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 is the co-Chair of the NAPFA Women’s Initiative.  Janelle also belongs to the Financial Planning Association of Northeast Ohio, Mahoning-Shenango Estate Planning Council, Akron Estate Planning Council, and is a Past President and current Treasurer for the Youngstown Business & Professional Women’s Club.

• Inspiring Quote: “It’s never wrong to be overdressed.”
• On Janelle’s bucket list: To travel to Italy to experience its wineries and rich cultural history.
• Fun to know: Janelle has a twin brother.

Every client deserves a methodical, easy-to-understand plan that’s personalized to their financial situation.

Joshua C. Beas strives to relieve clients of the burden of financial planning so that they can have the time and headspace to address their other obligations. As a lead advisor at CooksonPeirce, he is responsible for managing private client relationships and providing comprehensive financial planning services – investment, retirement, tax, insurance, divorce and estate planning strategies.

Josh has seen individuals polarized by money beliefs or paralyzed by the nuances of proper financial planning and money management. Acting in his clients’ best interests, Josh advocates for and educates his clients to help them avoid these common roadblocks.

In 2012, Josh joined CooksonPeirce, where he currently manages over 100 households with a focus on multi-generational relationships and serves as a shareholder helping to monitor the performance of the company and provide suggestions for strategic initiatives. He has over 20 years of financial experience, including his role as a portfolio 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 Certified IRA Services Professional and the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ designations.

Active in his community, Josh serves as the president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Hill School.

• Inspiring Quote: “Whatsoever things are true.”
• On Josh’s bucket list: To travel to the Isle of Man to watch the annual motorcycle races.
• Fun to know: Josh is a car and motorcycle enthusiast.

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

As a lead advisor 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 10 years of 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.

Active in his community, Scott is a member of the Lions Club.

• Inspiring Quote: “Leave this world a little better than you found it.”
• On Scott’s bucket list: To travel the world.

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 8 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 is also a Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy – CAP designation.

• Inspiring Quote: “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, never give up.”
• On Beth’s bucket list: To travel. First stop, Greece.
• Fun to know: Beth has always wanted a pet monkey.

Knowledge is wealth.

The teachings of Socrates inspire Aaron’s philosophy of client service. He 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 an associate client advisor at CooksonPeirce, he manages private client relationships and offers comprehensive financial planning.

Extensive and continuous financial planning ensures that clients are always seeing the bigger picture. Nothing brings Aaron greater satisfaction than helping clients to achieve their financial goals. To Aaron, making a positive difference in clients’ lives is what truly matters.

Aaron began his career in the financial 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 finally joining the CooksonPeirce team in 2019.

Aaron received a B.B.A. in finance and financial planning from the University of Akron. He holds the Series 65, Notary Public and Certified Financial Planner™ designations.

• Inspiring Quote: “I shall either find a way or make one.” – Hannibal, circa 218 B.C.
• On Aaron’s bucket list: To visit all 50 states.
• Fun to know: A multi-talented musician, Aaron plays guitar, bass, drums and percussion.

When every number falls into place, it delivers clarity and purpose.

For a numbers person like Gina Bouvy, rules and order are everything. As the records and reporting administrator at CooksonPeirce, that kind of organization informs her work in daily database operations, account reconciliation and quarterly composite reporting. Gina also assists with compliance reporting.

Gina joined CooksonPeirce in 2012 and has an additional 11 years of experience from her time in the institutional fund valuation department at BNYMellon. Prior to CooksonPeirce, her positions at BNYMellon included fund accountant, operations specialist and fund accountant supervisor.

Gina received a B.S. from Slippery Rock University.

• On Gina’s bucket list: To travel to Europe.
• Fun to know: Gina loves to dance and takes an adult tap class.

For Patricia A. Mullen, strong organizational skills are a point of pride.

As an executive assistant at CooksonPeirce, Patty strives to deliver a level of service that leads to customer satisfaction. Maintaining those excellent relationships centers on the attention to detail she provides to each client.

Patty works closely with the CEO in overseeing the administration of client accounts. She is also responsible for handling client requests and scheduling client review meetings.

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2014, Patty was an executive administrative assistant at HJ Heinz World Headquarters, where she supported the office of risk management. While there, she coordinated and booked complex international travel itineraries, prepared presentation materials for the office of the chairman and board meetings and regularly assisted with global projects and assignments. Patty’s over 35 years of experience includes 12 years in the investment management industry at Allegiant Asset Management Group and administrative positions at both Deloitte and Ketchum Communications.

• On Patty’s bucket list: To travel to new destinations within the United States on an extended road trip.
• Inspiring Quote: “It doesn’t hurt to ask.”

Treating people with respect goes a long way toward client satisfaction.

For Linda M. Higdon, listening to clients’ needs is the ultimate form of respect. As the executive assistant at CooksonPeirce for the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Linda provides office support and administration for the wealth management and investment management teams and sees every employee playing a role in client satisfaction.

Linda 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.

Before joining CooksonPeirce in 2017, Linda spent more than 20 years in the legal field with roles of increasing responsibility ranging from secretary and paralegal to account administration and management. Linda had the privilege of working with both associates and shareholders and served as the executive legal assistant for the managing partner and general counsel of a national labor organization. Linda’s experience spans from a boutique litigation firm in Pittsburgh to one of the largest law firms in the northeastern United States.

Linda is also an active volunteer within her community.

• Inspiring Quote: “Be kind to one another and respect everyone’s differences.”

Everyday is another opportunity to learn and grow.

For Sandie Sikora, understanding the inner workings of the organization is paramount to her success.  Being equipped to provide clients with the best service possible and assist them in achieving their goals is what drives her passion in customer service.  Sandie became part of the CooksonPeirce team in 2020 as one of the firm’s executive assistants.  She works closely with the Director of Private Client Group and senior advisors within the wealth management group, overseeing the administration of client accounts, handling client requests, and schedules client review meetings

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce, Sandie worked for such companies as Oxford Development, UBS, Gateway Financial, and BPU handling payroll, accounts payables/receivables, complex travel arrangements, conferences, and all client service needs.  She also spent time as a shipping expeditor for a large global company supplying parts for oil rigs in Africa.

In her spare time, Sandie loves to volunteer. Some of her favorite organizations have been Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, The Children’s Institute, and several Veteran’s organizations.  In addition to coaching her son’s soccer, little league, and deck hockey teams, she managed to obtain her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation.

On Sandie’s bucket list:  Learn to play guitar and drive a race car on an actual NASCAR track.

Inspiring Quote:  “There’s no such thing as a dumb question.”

Give more than expected.

Alexis understands what it takes to provide outstanding client service.  Her passion for understanding the clientele, going above and beyond, and ensuring that each and every client is treated with great respect, is what drives Alexis.  Joining the CooksonPeirce team in 2021 as one of the firm’s executive assistants, she works closely with the senior lead advisors within the wealth management group, handling client requests, scheduling meetings, and all related administrative work for client accounts.

Alexis’s career began in the refinance business working for Fidelity National Financial, quickly advancing to a team leader position specific to Morgan Stanley. She then moved into real estate as a sales assistant for Heartland Homes and eventually a licensed salesperson for Howard Hanna.  While working in real estate, Alexis pursued an opportunity to own and operate a small fitness facility bringing her love for instructing classes and customer service together.   Looking to return to the world of finance, Alexis joined the firm of Hefren-Tillotson in 2015 as a Financial Assistant before arriving at CooksonPeirce.

Alexis earned her Associates Degree in Business Administration and will soon have her B.S. in Business Management from Slippery Rock University.  She enjoys traveling with her two daughters, creating family workout sessions, and cheers them on in their extra-curricular activities.

• On Alexis’s bucket List: Travel the world with my daughters.
• Quote: “Set impossible challenges, then catch up with them.”

Building a comprehensive plan and witnessing clients achieve their long-term financial goals is very gratifying to Scott Cooper.

Scott strives to guide his clients in simplifying their financial lives so they can focus on what is most important to them.  He works diligently in cultivating well-rounded and close relationships, always being available for whatever advice his clients are seeking.  As a holistic client advisor, Scott manages these relationships by assessing the present situation, creating a realistic path, and then building a comprehensive financial plan, encompassing investment, retirement, tax, risk and estate planning strategies.

In 2021, Scott joined CooksonPeirce, bringing 5 years of investment management and financial planning experience.  Previously, he was a Financial Advisor & Planner for CAPTRUST, providing focused solutions to help clients reach their financial goals.  Prior to this, Scott lived in Mansfield, Ohio and served as a Portfolio Manager for Richland Bank’s Investment & Trust Group offering asset management and allocation, financial planning, and trust services.

Scott received his B.S. in Social Studies Education from Ashland University and holds the Certified Financial Planner® designation from the College for Financial Planning.  He lives in Akron with his wife, Maribeth, and their two dogs, Ronald and Ginny.

• Inspirational Quote: “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground”, Theodore Roosevelt
• On Scott’s Bucket List: Attending the Masters Tournament with his dad

Sean Volk has a passion for investment and financial markets. Ever since opening his first trading account as a teenager, he knew it was something he loved and wanted to spend his time pursuing. Influenced by his master’s degree in Financial Mathematics, Sean believes in a data-first approach to investing and frequently looks to numbers to tell a story.

As an Associate Portfolio Manager for CooksonPeirce, Sean is responsible for assisting the Investment Management staff with all duties related to the management of CooksonPeirce portfolios. This includes portfolio operations, trading, and rebalancing as well as investment research. Sean believes in giving strict attention to detail in order to perform at a high level and provide results for clients.

Prior to joining CooksonPeirce in 2021, Sean spent 4 years with Western Asset Management in Pasadena, California, where he dealt with mortgage-backed securities. Before that, he worked in fintech at TriOptima in New York City. These experiences inform Sean’s drive to put clients first by always striving for excellence in his work.

Sean earned a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and later an M.S. in Financial Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a CFA charterholder.

Growing up in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and attending Thomas Jefferson High School, Sean is very excited to be returning home with his wife, along with being able to attend Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates games!

Inspiring quote: “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain

Bucket list: See the northern lights

Fun to know: Sean enjoys the outdoors and is an avid skier and mountain biker

Katharine is focused on working with clients to provide peace of mind about their financial future. From the first discovery meeting to fostering an ongoing, high-touch relationship, she helps individuals and families create a long-term blueprint for their money goals, no matter what stage of life they are in. Katharine helps to translate the often-confusing world of finance to manageable tasks and with utilizing goal setting she helps her clients to save for retirement, create a plan for the charitably inclined, assist those in job transitions and those who have a financial windfall who are seeking guidance and a plan. Katharine is passionate about building client relationships, helping professionals reach their financial goals and ultimately making their lives easier.

Katharine joined Cookson Peirce in January of 2022, and brought with her 9 years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner and Financial Advisor to clients of all levels of wealth and complexity with their situations. With a background in the social sciences, paired with financial training, Katharine is uniquely positioned to develop and manage client relationships, support client goals and problem solve.

Katharine has a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a Series 65 certification and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ designation since 2017.

Katharine is heavily involved in the community and enjoys spending her time volunteering for Junior Achievement of Western PA, of which she is the Chair of the Young Professionals Board. In addition, Katharine is also the President of the Association for Corporate Growth Pittsburgh’s Future Corporate Leaders Board and sits on the board of directors for the Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation.

Bucket List: Greece, and anywhere with white sand beaches, and clear blue water

Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Quote: “Always strategize for success. If you need to course correct, then course correct, better that than living with regret.” ― Ann-Marie Lukezic

Mike believes true wealth can be achieved by mastering one’s finances in order to unlock precious time and energy to pursue family, friends, and experiences.

As a client advisor, Mike focuses on the “why” of financial planning, helping clients uncover and articulate the underlying goals that motivate their personal financial journeys. Through wholistic planning in the areas of investing, tax planning, social security, insurance, estate planning, and charitable giving, Mike helps his clients chart a course for success that can be measured and refined over time. Mike develops close, trusting, relationships with his clients and thrives on being a catalyst for positive change in their financial lives. He believes that education and understanding are key elements to any successful plan and is devoted to imparting financial knowledge to his clients.

Mike joined CooksonPeirce in 2022 and has over 10 years of experience in financial services and wealth management. His previous industry experience includes portfolio management and advisory roles at multi-family offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that catered to high-net worth individuals, families, and charitable organizations. Throughout his career Mike has specialized in white-glove, service-oriented relationships and is always happy to speak with his clients about whatever is on their mind.

Mike received a B.S. in Accounting from West Chester University. He is a CFA charter holder and a practicing CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM.

Mike has deep family ties in Pittsburgh and spends much (i.e. all) of his free time raising his young children. When the opportunity presents, Mike also enjoys spending time with relatives, and hiking local nature trails. He is a lover of music and a lifelong student of the guitar.

Bucket List: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with his wife.

Favorite Quote: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

Kate joins CooksonPeirce as an Executive Assistant where client service is her expertise. In this position, she works closely with the firm’s executives and their Private Clients. She values client relationships and approaches all aspects of her job with a positive, hard-working mindset, and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges.

Kate graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics. She began her career in finance in 2019 as a College Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual. Upon graduating, she joined Edward Jones as a Branch Office Administrator where she worked hard to support Private Client households and their financial advisory team.

Kate lives in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she is not spending time helping clients, she enjoys working on projects in her woodshop and spending time with family and friends.

Favorite Quote: “Whatever you are, be a good one”- Abraham Lincoln

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 hundreds of clients accomplish their financial goals, while identifying and protecting them from risk. Tim is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University and holds a Series 65 license.  Tim currently serves on The Sonny Pugar Memorial Foundation’s Board of Directors, which is responsible for the Music Smiles program in various local hospitals.  He is also a member of the Upper St. Clair- Bethel Park Rotary and the German Club of Pittsburgh (Teutonia Mannerchor).

Tim and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Pittsburgh for most of their lives and love raising their three children in the same community they grew up. Tim loves taking his kids camping, coaching them in sports, attending shows with his wife, and golfing.

• Inspiring Quote: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”— Malala Yousafzai
• Inspiring Fictional Character Quote: “As the man once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get.”— Ted Lasso

Dedication and Service

In 2021, Emily joined the CooksonPeirce team as an intern and spending her summer learning from the best planners in the industry. After graduating college in 2022, she joined the team as a full-time Paraplanner. In this role Emily works closely with the CooksonPeirce team to provide a high level of personalized wealth management services to the firm’s private clients.

Emily graduated from Youngstown State University with a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Finance: CFP® Track and a minor in Marketing. Emily brings with her experience in the leasing field having gone through hundreds of contracts with prospects and creating online and hard copy marketing materials. She also volunteers with the local chapters of her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, supporting philanthropies such as the Arthritis Foundation.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting and spending time with family and friends.

Inspiring Quote: “Peace begins with a smile.” -Mother Theresa

On Emily’s bucket list: Shopping trip in Milan

Fun to know: Emily has traveled to Ireland, England, and France

Lindsey Chancellor joined the CooksonPeirce team in August of 2022 as the Office Administrator and Receptionist. She is the first smiling face and cheerful voice that will greet you at the Pittsburgh office. 

After teaching elementary school in Maryland for 9 years, Lindsey and her family moved back to their hometown of Pittsburgh, and Lindsey wanted to make a career change.  Her experience in the management and organization of children, coupled with her attention to detail and communication skills, made becoming the office administrator for CooksonPeirce the clear choice.

Lindsey received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in Literacy Education from Towson University. She also holds a Reading Specialist Certification.

In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her family, scrapbooking and crafting, and watching Pittsburgh sports. 

• Inspiring quote: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
• On Lindsey’s bucket list: To visit all of the Disney Parks around the world.
• Fun to know:  Lindsey is an avid country line dancer.