GYL Financial Synergies

Gerald B. Goldberg, JD, CIMA®

CEO and Co-Founder

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 2014, Gerry worked for Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessor 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 Investments & Wealth Institute™ formerly known as Investment Management Consultants Association^® and taught in conjunction with The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Gerry is Series 65 registered and is insurance and variable annuity licensed.

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.

Jonathan S. Yolles, CPWA®

CIO and 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 2014, 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 Investments & Wealth Institute™ formerly known as Investment Management Consultants Association^® and taught in conjunction with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Jonathan is Series 65 registered and is insurance and variable annuity licensed.

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys coaching the local high school’s baseball team and spending time with his wife and two sons.

Michael J. Lepore, CIMA®

Senior Managing Director

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 Advisor’s 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 Investments & Wealth Institute™ formerly known as Investment Management Consultants Association^® and taught in conjunction with The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is Series 65 registered and is insurance and variable annuity licensed.

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.

Claire F. McDonald, CIMA®

Senior Managing Director

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 2014, 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 Advisor’s 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 Investments & Wealth Institute™ formerly known as Investment Management Consultants Association^® and taught in conjunction with The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Claire is Series 65 registered and is insurance and variable annuity licensed.

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.

Luke J. Violette

Financial Advisor

Luke’s primary responsibilities include strategic portfolio modeling, and retirement planning for both private and institutional clients. He began working with the team  in 2011, first at Wells Fargo Advisors private client group and then at GYL Financial Synergies in 2014.

Luke graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in Finance with a concentration in Business. He is Series 66 registered and is insurance licensed. Luke has completed Bryant University’s Online Certificate of Financial Planning program in 2016 and is currently in pursuit of the Certified Financial Planner® certification.

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 and Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs.

Katerina Nikolaou, CFP®

Financial Advisor

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™ 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.

Joshua S. Goldberg

Financial Advisor

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.

Shane E. Reilly, AIFA®

Director of Manager Research

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 Manager Research.

Shane has worked with the team since 2007, first at Wells Fargo Advisors private client group and then at GYL Financial Synergies in 2014. 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.

Lee C. Batten

Director of Performance Reporting

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 2014, 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.

Candace R. Barrett

Senior Performance Analyst

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 2014.

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.

Greg E. Lucente

Research Analyst

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.

Wendy E. Duncan

Director of Private Client Services

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 2014. 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.

JoAnne M. Cipriano

Senior Client Associate

JoAnne joined GYL Financial Synergies in January 2017.  She is responsible for coordinating the needs of both our institutional and private clients, as well as, all client billing.   Prior to joining GYL Financial Synergies, JoAnne was employed by a major healthcare organization in the centralized employee service center where she was responsible for benefit administration, the management of a DB retirement plan and the funding of the DC plans across the organization.  JoAnne has over 20 years of experience in the human resources field.

JoAnne graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Human Resources.

When she’s not working, JoAnne enjoys going to the movies, being outdoors, and spending time with her daughters and dog.

Emily A. Henderson

Client Associate

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.

Jean Paul Atallah

Chief Compliance Officer

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.

Rachel M. Goldberg

Director of HR and Operational Development

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. Rachel also acts as a liaison for many of our external vendors and assists the Chief Compliance Officer with various compliance, risk management and additional HR functions.

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.

Chick Marks

Comptroller

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 31 years in the Hartford area, Chick has been involved with many non-profits including Habitat for Humanity and board positions at Leadership Greater Hartford, and the Jewish Community Center.  He currently serves as Treasurer for the Hebrew High School of New England and serves on the board and Finance Committee for the Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford.

Chick received an MBA in Finance from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and a BA in Sociology with a minor is 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 two grandchildren.

Jennifer Grosberg, CPA, CFP®

Compliance Analyst

Jennifer’s responsibilities include reviewing the suitability of investments for the Firm’s clientele, monitoring financial plans for private clients, reviewing Investment Policy Statements, and assisting in investment implementation and in various compliance initiatives.

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 from Brooklyn College with a degree in Accounting.  She holds the Certified Public Accountant certification as well as the Certified Financial Planner ^® certification.

Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys cooking, baking, yoga and spending time with her husband and children.