As CEO and Co-Founder of GYL Financial Synergies, Gerry provides consulting services to corporations, municipalities, self-insurance funds, non-profit organizations and high-net-worth private clients in areas that include investment policy, asset allocation and investment management selection and oversight. He also advises clients on the structure and development of qualified retirement plans. Gerry lectures and authors articles on various investment-related topics, and has served as an adjunct professor in the MBA Program at the University of Hartford.
Before co-founding GYL Financial Synergies in 2016, Gerry worked for Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessors for 18 years. He was formerly one of 75 members of the Senior Consulting Council, Wells Fargo Advisor’s elite senior consulting group. Prior to Wells Fargo Advisors, Gerry practiced law for six years, most recently with the Boston firm, Bingham, Dana, LLP, and is currently a member of the bar in New York and Connecticut (not currently practicing).
From 2010–2016, Gerry was recognized six times by Barron’s as one of “The Top 1,200 Advisors” (formerly “The Top 1,000 Advisors”) in the nation.1 He was also recognized by Financial Times as being among the “Top 400 U.S. Advisors of 2014.”2
Gerry obtained his JD from George Washington University and his BA in Political Science with a concentration in World Political Economics from the State University of New York at Binghamton. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association®) and taught in conjunction with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
For the 25 years that Gerry has resided in Connecticut, he has been involved in many local organizations in a volunteer capacity, including serving as a trustee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford; President of the Hebrew High School of New England; Community Trustee for the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford; and past trustee of the board for the Solomon Schechter Day School. When not working or giving back to the community, Gerry is an avid skier, and enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
1The rankings are based on data provided by over 4,000 of the nation’s most productive advisers. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice, and philanthropic work. Institutional assets are given less weight in the scoring. Investment performance isn’t an explicit component, because not all advisers have audited results and because performance figures often are influenced more by clients’ risk tolerance than by an adviser’s investment-picking abilities. Effective for the 2014 rankings Barron’s expanded the annual state-by-state listing from 1,000 advisors to 1,200 to include, for the first time, Registered Investment Advisors, or RIAs. Ranking independent advisers alongside those employed by the large brokerage firms presents some challenges, because they are regulated by different agencies – the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, respectively. This ranking represents the top 1% of advisors with substantial practices.
2The rankings are based on a minimum of $250 million in assets under management (AUM) and 10 years of experience. Qualified advisers were then scored on six attributes: AUM, AUM growth rate, compliance record, experience, industry certifications and online accessibility. Investment performance and financial advisor production are not explicit components.
Jonathan S. Yolles, CPWA®
President of Private Client Services & Co-Founder
CIO and Co-Founder of GYL Financial Synergies, Jonathan supervises all of the firm’s private client activities and assists clients in navigating critical financial events. He specializes in strategic portfolio modeling, asset allocation and retirement planning. This includes structuring municipal, government and corporate bond portfolios, as well as developing equity portfolios that utilize passive and active alternatives. Jonathan also has experience helping clients manage the concentration risk associated with stock options.
Prior to co-founding GYL Financial Synergies in 2016, Jonathan worked for Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessor for 18 years. From 2010–2016, Jonathan was recognized six times by Barron’s as one of “The Top 1,200 Advisors” (formerly “The Top 1,000 Advisors”) in the nation.1 He was also recognized six times by On Wall Street as one of “The Top 40 Advisors Under the Age of 40” 2 from 2007-2013. And in 2014, REP. magazine named Jonathan among “The Top 40 Wirehouse Advisors under 40”3 and Financial Times named him one of the “Top 400 U.S. Advisors of 2014.”4
Jonathan graduated from Hartwick College with a degree in Economics. He holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association®) and taught in conjunction with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys coaching the local high school’s baseball team and spending time with his wife and two sons.
1The rankings are based on data provided by over 4,000 of the nation’s most productive advisers. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice, and philanthropic work. Institutional assets are given less weight in the scoring. Investment performance isn’t an explicit component, because not all advisers have audited results and because performance figures often are influenced more by clients’ risk tolerance than by an adviser’s investment-picking abilities. Effective for the 2014 rankings Barron’s expanded the annual state-by-state listing from 1,000 advisors to 1,200 to include, for the first time, Registered Investment Advisors, or RIAs. Ranking independent advisers alongside those employed by the large brokerage firms presents some challenges, because they are regulated by different agencies – the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, respectively. This ranking represents the top 1% of advisors with substantial practices.
2The rankings are based on data provided by the representative’s companies that identified their advisers under the age of 40 with the most assets under management. Each individuals’ assets were separated from their teams and ranked accordingly. If two advisers had the same amount of assets they were ranked according to their trailing 12 month production numbers. Investment performance is not an explicit component.
3The rankings are based exclusively by assets under management custodied at the four wirehouse firms. Only advisers for whom 60 percent or more of assets correspond to retail clients were eligible for the list. Advisers must be under the age of 40 as of August 2013. REP. magazine and WeathManagement.com do not receive any compensation from financial advisers, participating firms and affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Investment performance is not an explicit component.
4The rankings are based on a minimum of $250 million in assets under management (AUM) and 10 years of experience. Qualified advisers were then scored on six attributes: AUM, AUM growth rate, compliance record, experience, industry certifications and online accessibility. Investment performance and financial adviser production are not explicit components.
Martin Resnick, CPA
Co-Founder
Prior to joining GYL Resnick in 2019, Marty founded Resnick Advisors in 1990 and served as Partner and Managing Director. His experience spans a broad range of disciplines including investment management, financial planning, estate planning, insurance analysis and tax consulting.
Before founding his own firm, Marty was a principal of Westport Resources for six years. Marty is a Certified Public Accountant and served as Tax Director for ITT Rayonier, Inc., and as Assistant Tax Director of Warnaco, Inc. He was a Tax Manager at Robinson & Preece, CPAs, after beginning his career as a staff accountant for Price Waterhouse. In addition to his CPA, Marty holds an MBA in Accounting and Taxation and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport.
Marty is a past President of the Westport Rotary Club and is a member of the VFW and a Mason. He enjoys mountain climbing, sailing, motorcycling, and snowboarding.
Email me
or View BioMichael J. Lepore, CIMA®Managing Director of Institutional Client Services
Email me
or View BioClaire F. McDonald, CIMA®Managing Director & Senior Institutional Consultant
Email me
or View BioJoseph B. McBrideManaging Director & Senior Wealth Advisor
Email me
or View BioPeter A. KaradimasManaging Director & Senior Wealth Advisor
Michael J. Lepore, CIMA®
Managing Director of Institutional Client Services
Michael is a Senior Managing Director, specializing in asset management analysis and investment manager selection for institutional clients. He also provides consulting services to municipalities, self-insurance funds, corporations and non-profit organizations and select high-net-worth private clients in areas that include investment policy, asset allocation and investment management selection and oversight.
Prior to GYL Financial Synergies, Michael worked for Wells Fargo Advisors, where he was one of 75 members of the Senior Consulting Council, Wells Fargo Advisors’ elite senior consulting group.
Michael graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in Economics as well as a Certificate in Management and Finance. He also studied at the London School of Economics and did graduate work at the University of Connecticut. Michael holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association®) and taught in conjunction with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
When Michael isn’t in the office, he enjoys traveling, and outdoor activities with his wife and their two Jack Russells, reading and motor racing. Michael is the President of the Intensive Education Academy, a school for children with special needs.
Managing Director & Senior Institutional Consultant
A Senior Managing Director, Claire specializes in asset management analysis and investment manager selection for institutional clients. She also provides consulting services to municipalities, self-insurance funds, corporations and non-profit organizations in areas that include investment policy, asset allocation and investment management selection and oversight.
Claire joined GYL Financial Synergies in 2016, having worked with the team at Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessor in the private client group since 1991. Claire was one of 75 members of the Senior Consulting Council, Wells Fargo Advisors’ elite senior consulting group. Prior to Wells Fargo, she spent six years with the International Performance Evaluation Department of the World Markets Company in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she focused on the Dutch Pension market. Claire is also a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and has over 30 years of experience in providing a full range of consulting services to institutional clients.
She holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association®) and taught in conjunction with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
When she isn’t working, Claire loves hiking, biking, spending time on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and friends and taking long walks through the woods and trails with their dog. Since a lot of Claire’s family and many close friends still live in Scotland, she takes pleasure in visiting them as often as possible.
Joe is a Financial Advisor, Managing Director and Partner of GYL Resnick. He works with corporate executives, high-net-worth individuals and families through the creation and implementation of long-term wealth management plans. Joe uses his experience in financial, insurance and investment planning to provide comprehensive wealth management and investment advisory services that are customized to meet each client’s financial goals and aspirations.
Prior to joining the firm in 2001, Joe had developed more than 15 years of corporate business experience serving in a range of senior management positions for the General Electric Company and Union Camp Corporation. He received a BA in Economics from Clark University.
Joe is active in the community as a board member of the Fairfield Prep School Alumni and Latin Scholars, and as a member of Rotary International. He has served on the boards of non-profit and charitable organizations in the region. In his free time, Joe enjoys activities with his family, golf, skiing and travel. Joe and his wife Christine have two children, Joe and Brian.
Peter joined the firm in 2016 and is a Partner at GYL Resnick.
Before joining the firm, Peter served as a Wealth Advisor at Neuberger Berman from 2012-2016. In his role there, he worked with high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as non-profit organizations, providing them with customized asset management solutions and financial planning services. In years prior, Peter spent the majority of his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young in senior client relationship management roles serving corporate and high-net-worth clients. Peter received a BA from Fairfield University and an MBA from the University of Bridgeport.
Peter is a life-long resident of East Norwalk, Connecticut. When not working, he enjoys being on Long Island Sound as well as various cultural activities including New York’s Lincoln Center. Peter serves on the Board of Directors of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Fairfield County.
Email me
or View BioLuke J. Violette, CFP®Senior Wealth Advisor and Institutional Consultant
Jean Paul Atallah
Chief Compliance Officer & Operations Manager
As CCO, Jean Paul is the architect and steward of enterprise compliance strategy, structure and processes. He is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies and procedures. In addition, Jean Paul is responsible for oversight of the administrative and operational infrastructure of GYL Financial Synergies, including technology, and is the go-to person for all procedural and administrative questions.
Jean Paul graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Finance. He is Series 66 registered and is insurance licensed.
In his spare time, Jean Paul enjoys working out, traveling and cooking, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Candace supports the client service needs of our institutional and private clients. She is primarily responsible for performance analyses, portfolio reconciliation and rebalancing, as well as various client outreach initiatives. Candace has worked with the team since 2009, first at Wells Fargo Advisors private client group and then at GYL Financial Synergies in 2016.
Candace graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in Engineering.
When she’s not in the office, Candace enjoys cooking, baking, listening to music and spending time with her family and friends in Boston. She also loves staying active through fitness and various outdoor activities.
Lee oversees all institutional performance reporting for GYL Financial Synergies. He has over 17 years of experience in investment consulting, investment research and marketing, including 15 years working with institutional clients.
Prior to joining GYL Financial Synergies in 2016, Lee worked in the Institutional Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis, Missouri, consulting with the firm’s key clients on all aspects of investment policy, asset allocation, manager selection and performance measurement. Before that, he worked as a Senior Consulting Group Analyst and Portfolio Manager for Smith Barney’s Portfolio Advisory Services Group, where he was responsible for managing nearly $1 billion of client assets.
Lee received a BS from the University of Richmond. He is Series 66 registered.
Lee enjoys spending time with his family on the water and supporting University of Richmond athletics. His hobbies include fishing, golf and boating.
Netta joined the firm in March 2015 and has more than 15 years of experience in front office client care. Netta is responsible for providing a wide range of support to both our team and our clients. She provides a positive attitude and maintains GYL Resnick’s high standard of client privacy and confidentiality.
When Netta isn’t working, she is very passionate about singing in her choir and spending time with her sons.
Joanne joined the firm in February 2011 and has been GYL Resnick’s Marketing Specialist since 2015. She is responsible for firm marketing materials, meetings, and events along with providing administrative assistance for the firm’s partners. Her background includes over 30 years of administrative and office management experience working with senior executives in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and private equity industries. Joanne is a graduate of The Berkeley School in White Plains, NY.
In her spare time, Joanne can be found working the the yard, walking, taking a restorative yoga class or reading. She will also never turn down an opportunity for a boat ride or a vacation near the shore.
Scott joined the firm in 2005. He has thirty years of financial advisory experience working with corporate executives and high net worth individuals. As an Investment Advisor, Scott focuses on investment management, portfolio construction and asset allocation, relative valuation analysis, and risk management for concentrated stock positions. He also serves as the firm’s Capital Markets Strategist in conjunction with its Investment Policy Committee.
Scott previously managed clients’ assets as an Investment Advisor at Morgan Stanley from 2000 to 2005. He provided holistic financial planning while affiliated with Mass Mutual and Northwestern Mutual insurance companies from 1985 to 2000. He started work in brand management at General Foods/Kraft from 1983 to 1985. His professional licenses include Registered Investment Advisor and Insurance Broker.
Scott graduated from Middlebury College in 1983 with BA degrees Cum Laude in Political Science and French. He also studied international politics at l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris. He is an avid skier and former racer; he volunteers as Alumni Association chair for Burke Mountain Academy (VT) which keeps him current with downhill racing and educating student athletes. Scott and his family live in Wilton, CT and have actively volunteered with the local baseball program, the community YMCA, and youth music programs. They love to hike, travel, and attend music concerts of all genres.
Rosa joined the firm in May 2017 as a Client Associate. She has over seven years of client service experience in the financial services industry. Rosa received her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and recently obtained her MBA at the University of Bridgeport. Rosa is Series 65 registered.
In her spare time, Rosa enjoys spending time with family and friends, planning events, crafting, and exploring new adventures with her husband and two dogs.
Melissa joined the firm in 2017. She works closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals, advising on asset allocation, investment management and financial planning. Melissa is also experienced in working with clients who need advice before, during and after divorce.
Melissa brings over 20 years’ experience in financial services gained from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Price Financial Group and Barnum Wealth Management.
She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst designation. Melissa earned a BS in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County and volunteers with the CT Money School. A resident of Norwalk, CT, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, singing with local bands, working out, and trying to learn golf.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Brenda joined the firm in 2014 and is currently the Director of Client Services for the Westport office. Having worked in various roles at UBS, Wachovia Bank and TIAA-CREF, she has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Brenda graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with a BS in Business and she has earned a Certificate of Financial Planning from Fairfield University. She is Series 65 registered.
When not at work, Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and family. She is actively involved at her church as a member of the Hospitality Ministry and local missions outreach.
Allie joined the firm in 2014. She works closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals, advising them on topics such as asset allocation, investment management, and financial planning.
Allie brings more than 20 years of wealth management experience gained from the Private Banking Divisions of J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and Union Bank of California, as well as five years as a Client Advisor with Round Table Services, LLC.
She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Accredited Estate Planner™ certifications. Allie earned a Graduate Certificate in Estate Planning and Taxation from the Irwin Graduate School of the American College, and a BA from Cortland College. She currently serves as a member of the Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County and is a resident of Trumbull, CT. In her spare time Allie enjoys softball, golf, yoga, and skiing.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation is a graduate level specialization in estate planning, obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. It is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) to estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education professional reputation, and character. NAEPC has designated The American College of Financial Services as the primary provider of the education courses required to earn the AEP® designation.
As Director of Private Client Services, Wendy is responsible for coordinating and fulfilling the financial needs of our private clients. She has worked with the team at Wells Fargo and its predecessor since 1998 and at GYL Financial Synergies since 2016. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Wendy is Series 65 registered.
When Wendy isn’t working, she is very passionate about singing in her choir, photography, as well as teaching young children at St. James Sunday School.
Justine joined the firm in March 2017 as a Client Service Representative. She brings with her over 18 years of advisor and client support experience in the financial services sector. Justine holds a BS in Marketing from Southern Connecticut State University and is Series 65 registered.
When Justine isn’t working, she enjoys working out, traveling, fishing and outdoor activities. She also enjoys spending time with her two children including being their biggest fan at numerous sporting events.
Joshua services, consults and assists with GYL’s private client accounts. His responsibilities include asset allocation review and development, portfolio oversight and management, client communication, financial planning, and account trading.
Joshua graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in Economics and Business. He is Series 7 and Series 66 registered and is insurance licensed. Joshua is currently studying at The American College to earn the Certified Financial Planner® designation.
In Joshua’s time outside of the office he enjoys being active, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife and family.
Rachel is responsible for formulating and managing HR plans, policies, and functions, including preparing procedural manuals for various operations, improving company workflow and organizing and assisting in training sessions within GYL Financial Synergies. She also acts as a liaison for many of our external vendors.
Rachel’s work has been recognized by the financial services industry. In 2018/2019, she was selected to be a member of the third class of the G2 Leadership Institute — a two-year program designed by The Ensemble Practice and Fidelity Custody and Clearing to develop the independent financial advice industry’s next generation of leaders.
Prior to joining GYL Financial Synergies, Rachel was employed by a major healthcare organization as a plan administrator for one of its hospital’s retirement plans, where she focused on the management of both DB and DC plans, as well as retiree medical insurance. Rachel graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Public Health.
When she isn’t working, Rachel loves dancing, skiing, playing classical French music on the flute and spending time with friends and family.
Jennifer is responsible for directing the overall financial management of the firm and the oversight of all accounting and finance-related activities.
Prior to joining GYL Financial Synergies, Jennifer was a Principal at the CPA firm, Phillips Gold and Company, LLP. Her concentration was on the accounting, audit, tax and consulting needs of a variety of clientele, including high-net-worth individuals, privately-owned companies and employee benefit plans. Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She holds the Certified Public Accountant certification as well as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification.
Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients. To become certified, a person is required to meet the initial certification requirements: Education: Obtainment of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Examination: Assessment of one’s ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format to financial planning situations; Ethics: Requirement to disclose whether one has been a party (or involved) in any criminal, civil, governmental, or self-regulatory agency proceeding or inquiry. One is also required to adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, the Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards, and to acknowledge CFP Board’s right to enforce them through its Disciplinary Rules and Procedures; Certification Renewal: One must meet CFP Board’s renewal standards to continue to use the CFP® marks.
Emily has been with GYL Financial Synergies since October 2017. She is responsible for managing the CEO’s day to day responsibilities and tasks, schedules and manages the CEO’s calendar, answers the phone, coordinates travel and assists in all administrative tasks. Additionally, Emily coordinates the needs of both our institutional and private clients.
Emily graduated from Providence College with a degree in Political Science. When Emily isn’t working, she enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Ann joined the firm in 2007. Her expertise is in the areas of portfolio management and financial planning. Ann regularly works with clients to provide them with a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of their financial needs including investments, tax, estate planning, retirement goals, insurance, and cash flows.
Ann is a Certified Public Accountant, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a Personal Financial Specialist, and an Accredited Estate Planner®. She has over 35 years of public accounting experience as well as financial planning experience as a partner of the accounting firm, Schwartz & Hofflich LLP, CPA. She has maintained a focus on financial planning and portfolio management for a majority of her career.
Ann graduated with a BS Cum Laude from Sacred Heart University and has a diploma in financial planning from the College of Financial Planning. Ann is a past President of the Connecticut Society of CPA’s, and is a past President of the Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation is a graduate level specialization in estate planning, obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. It is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) to estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education professional reputation, and character. NAEPC has designated The American College of Financial Services as the primary provider of the education courses required to earn the AEP® designation.
Kent joined the firm in 2015. He works closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals by advising on asset allocation, investment management, and financial planning.
Kent brings over 17 years of wealth management experience to the firm. He has worked with the asset management divisions of Citigroup Asset Management and Legg Mason Asset Management, as well as serving as a Financial Counselor for seven years with Fidelity Investments. He holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™certification and earned a BA from Keene State College.
In his spare time, Kent enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and bike riding.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Karen is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant. She joined the firm as an Investment Advisor Representative in 2004 and currently serves as an Investment Research Analyst. Her responsibilities include researching new investment opportunities and monitoring existing investments. Her background includes ten years of experience in the financial markets, including her role as a Money Market Officer of Nippon Credit Bank. Karen holds a BA in Economics from Vanderbilt University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Connecticut, and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Fairfield University.
Outside of work, Karen is an avid competitive sailor and enjoys traveling with her family.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Greg assists with research and analytics associated with manager research and asset allocation for GYL Financial Synergies. He began working with the team in January of 2018. Prior to GYL, Greg worked as a Compliance and Business Analyst for USI Securities, Inc.
Greg graduated from Bryant University with a degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Finance and Economics. Greg is Series 7 and 24 registered.
In his free time, Greg enjoys golfing and other outdoor activities, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Prior to joining GYL Financial Synergies, Chick retired from a 40-year career in Banking after holding senior management positions at Citizens Bank, Webster Bank, and FleetBoston Financial.
Chick’s banking experience included both Financial Management and Risk Management responsibilities including; Sarbanes Oxley Compliance, Risk Reporting, and Regulatory Compliance & Bank Secrecy Act implementation. He has an extensive background in Financial and Credit Management Information from having been the Controller of both the Consumer Banking and Risk Management functions at the former Fleet Bank and its predecessors. Earlier in his career Chick held Finance positions at Marine Midland Bank and Citibank.
During his 33 years in the Hartford area, Chick has been involved with many non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity, with board positions at Leadership Greater Hartford, the Jewish Community Center, the Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford, and the Hebrew High School of New England.
Chick received an MBA in Finance from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and a BA in Sociology with a minor in Statistics from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
When not working, Chick enjoys playing golf, biking, and walking the West Hartford reservoirs as well as spending time with his wife, two children, and three grandchildren.
Brian joined the firm as an Investment Advisor Representative in 2008. He is responsible for Advisor support functions including assisting with portfolio monitoring, re-balancing and investing, distributions, disbursements. Brian has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry in sales, administration, and operations, including fifteen years with Merrill Lynch. He holds a BS in Finance from Southern Connecticut State University and is Series 66 registered.
In his free time, Brian enjoys boating, spending time with his dogs, and fostering dogs for local animal rescue groups.
Katerina’s focus is servicing both Institutional and Private Clients with asset allocation review and development, portfolio oversight and management and financial planning. Katerina began working with the team in October of 2017 and has over 10 years of experience servicing retirement plan clients and their plan participants.
Katerina is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and is Series 6 and Series 63 registered. Katerina graduated from Suffolk University with a degree in International Business and Marketing. Katerina is a member and volunteer of the Financial Planning Association.
When Katerina is not working, she enjoys being active, traveling and cooking.
Ana joined the firm in March of 2019. She supports the day-to-day operation of the Human Resources department. Her responsibilities include assisting with the HR filing system, payroll, employee relations, retirement, compensation and benefits, recruitment, hiring and onboarding. Ana received her undergraduate degree from Central Connecticut State University in English, with a Spanish minor. She also holds an M.A. in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
When not working, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Shane oversees all research and analytics associated with manager research and asset allocation for GYL Financial Synergies. During the past 9 years, she has evolved from performance analyst to financial consultant and ultimately into her current role as Director of Investment Research.
Shane has worked with the team since 2007, first at Wells Fargo Advisors private client group and then at GYL Financial Synergies in 2016. She is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst, which she obtained through the fi360 organization. A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Shane has a degree in Economics with a concentration in Business. She is Series 66 registered.
When she’s not working, Shane enjoys gardening, taking care of her dogs and spending time with her son.
Ann has been with the firm since 1997. She is responsible for GYL Resnick’s portfolio database operations and reporting, as well as website reporting and operations. Her background includes staff and management positions in accounting, operations, and systems at Wachovia Bank and more than 23 years in the financial services industry. Ann received her BS from Southern Connecticut State University and is Series 65 registered.
In her free time, Ann likes to read, walk, spend time with her children and grandchildren, and vacation by the water.
Edna joined the firm in 2008 as a Trade Specialist and is currently on the Client Service Team. She is responsible for Advisor support functions — assisting with portfolio monitoring, rebalancing, investing, distributions, and disbursements. Her background includes positions in the accounting field at the New York City Comptroller’s Office and in the banking industry at Patriot National Bank. She has more than 15 years of experience in client services including seven years as a Paralegal. Edna holds a Joint AS in Accounting & Computer Science and a Paralegal Certificate from the New York Paralegal School.
When Edna isn’t in the office, she enjoys dancing and spending time with family and friends.
Senior Wealth Advisor and Institutional Consultant
Luke’s primary responsibilities include asset allocation review and development, financial planning and retirement planning for private clients. He also provides consulting services to municipalities, corporations and non-profit organizations in areas that include investment policy, asset allocation and investment management selection and oversight. He began working with the team in 2011, first at Wells Fargo Advisors private client group and then at GYL Financial Synergies in 2016.
Luke is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant as he completed Bryant University’s Certificate of Financial Planning program in 2016. He graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in Finance with a concentration in Business. Luke also holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association®). He is Series 66 registered and is insurance licensed. Luke is currently pursuing the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) Certification through the Yale School of Management.
Outside of the office, Luke enjoys attending sporting events and concerts, volunteering with Klingberg Family Centers, staying active and being surrounded by friends and family. He is also a member of the Greater Hartford Jaycees, Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs, and the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton.
The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients. To become certified, a person is required to meet the initial certification requirements: Education: Obtainment of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; Examination: Assessment of one’s ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format to financial planning situations; Ethics: Requirement to disclose whether one has been a party (or involved) in any criminal, civil, governmental, or self-regulatory agency proceeding or inquiry. One is also required to adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, the Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards, and to acknowledge CFP Board’s right to enforce them through its Disciplinary Rules and Procedures; Certification Renewal: One must meet CFP Board’s renewal standards to continue to use the CFP® marks.
The CIMA® certification signifies that an individual has met initial and on-going experience, ethical, education, and examination requirements for investment management consulting, including advanced investment management theory and application. Prerequisites for the CIMA® certification are three years of financial services experience and an acceptable regulatory history. To obtain the CIMA® certification, candidates must pass an online Qualification Examination, successfully complete a one-week classroom education program provided by a Registered Education Provider at an AACSB accredited university business school, and pass an online Certification Examination. CIMA® designees are required to adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Standards of Practice, and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CIMA® designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification. The designation is administered through Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA®).
