Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 | Paul College, UNH
Brought to You by the Peter T. Paul Financial Policy Center
The 12th Annual Finance Symposium will occur on November 14, 2025, at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. Those interested in the world of Finance will have a chance to dig deep into various finance-related topics, learn more about what a career in finance entails, and have an opportunity to network with industry professionals. The afternoon will culminate in a keynote address by Tom Quimby '98, Founding and Managing Partner of Tree Line Capital Partners, and the exciting final round of the Stock Pitch Competition, where UNH students will compete for a $1000 first prize sponsored by Vigilant Wealth Management of Portsmouth.
Program Details
Panel 1: Wealth & Asset Management
Join leading professionals from the wealth and asset management sector as they share insights into navigating this dynamic industry. Panelists will discuss diverse career paths, the art and science of managing client portfolios, and strategies for building trust while growing wealth responsibly. Expect candid conversations about emerging market trends, essential skills for success, and real-world challenges—and bring your questions for a deep dive into the topics that matter most to you.
Panel 2: Deal Making in Finance & Real Estate
Explore the fast-paced world of deal-making with top industry leaders who have navigated the highs and lows of the finance and real estate industries. This panel will dive into the latest market trends, the deal-making strategies behind major transactions, and the specialized skills and training that can set you apart in the field. You’ll gain real-world insights into building a successful career—and have the chance to get your biggest questions answered directly by the experts.
Panel 3: Thematic & Impact Investing
Join local practitioners for a candid discussion on the social, environmental, and governance forces shaping today’s investment landscape. Learn how thematic and impact investing differ, explore how success in these areas is measured, and uncover the real-world implications for businesses and communities alike. Panelists will also share insights into career opportunities in this evolving field and answer your questions about breaking into the world of ESG and impact investing.
Panel 4: Speed Networking Workshop
Connect one-on-one with nearly a dozen local finance professionals in this fast-paced, 30-minute round robin networking session. You’ll have three minutes with each guest to deliver your elevator pitch, gain immediate feedback, and build confidence in your professional communication skills. Space is limited—so come dressed in business attire, prepared with a memorable 30-second introduction, and ready to make lasting connections.
Tom Quimby '98: Riding the Wave of Finance and Investment
Tom Quimby '98, Founding & Managing Partner of Tree Line Capital Partners, brings
over two decades of direct lending experience and an entrepreneurial spirit that finance students can truly learn from. After launching his career with GE’s prestigious Financial Management Program and honing his credit expertise at the FDIC and direct lending startups, Tom co-founded Tree Line in 2014 with a bold mission: to deliver disciplined, relationship-driven lending solutions to the underserved lower middle market. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to manage billions in assets while maintaining a sharp focus on rigorous underwriting, risk management, and building trust with borrowers and investors alike.
What makes Tom especially inspiring for future finance leaders is his blend of technical mastery and real-world pragmatism. He’s seen economic cycles rise and fall, negotiated deals where numbers only tell half the story, and built a career on knowing when to lean in—and when to walk away. Students will gain insights into structuring deals, managing risk in uncertain times, and understanding the human side of finance, all from someone who has built success at the intersection of analytics, judgment, and relationships.
Snapshot: Key Facts for Students
| Category | Details to Know |
|---|---|
| Founding | In 2014 Tom Quimby partnered with Jon Schroeder to found Tree Line Capital Partners Tree Line Capital Partners+1 |
| Area of Focus | Direct lending to lower middle market companies; first-lien, second-lien, mezzanine, etc. Tree Line Capital Partners+2Tree Line Capital Partners+2 |
| Firm Scale | ~US$2.7 billion in assets under management; over 360 committed investments since inception. Coverager - Insurance news and insights |
| Core Values | Rigorous underwriting; relationship‐driven; sensitivity to cycles; investor alignment. |
Meet Our Honored Guests
The 12th Annual Finance Symposium will feature more than 20 local and national leaders in the Finance Industry. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry, share ideas, and make connections.
Gerard Auclair ‘25 – Recruiting Manager, KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting A 2025 Paul College graduate, Girard Auclair, has recently taken a position as Recruiting Manager for KBW, which specializes in matching financial and accounting professionals with companies in need of their expertise. His position manages the full recruitment lifecycle; job posting, conducting interviews, verifying credentials, and coordinating offers and onboarding. This position utilizes his skill with people and relationship management honed as a member of the UNH Sales Club, passion for finance, real estate, and sustainable development and foundation in financial analysis, property development, and sustainable investment strategies developed during an internship at Chinburg Properties. |
Jim Carroll ‘86 – Retired, Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations, Honeywell |
Erin Foley ‘90 – Director of Trading, O’Shaughnessy Asset Management As Director of Trading at O’Shaughnessy Asset Management Erin Foley brings nearly 20 years of diverse experience in trading and capital markets to her role. She has a proven history of executing complex trading strategies, managing risk, and optimizing portfolios for institutional clients. Erin’s career began at Morgan Stanley and includes leadership positions at Deutsche Bank Securities and Canaccord Genuity, providing her with comprehensive knowledge of global capital markets. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of New Hampshire and combines analytical rigor with real-world market insight, making her a respected voice in asset management and trading. |
Anthony Gianelly ‘22 – Team Lead Syndicate Trade Support, Fidelity Investments Anthony Gianelly is Team Lead for Syndicate Trade Support at Fidelity Investments, where he manages the complex operational flow behind equity and debt syndications for one of the industry’s most respected financial institutions. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Finance, Anthony’s career reflects a steady progression through analytical and leadership roles, driven by his precision, curiosity, and commitment to collaboration. His background includes early experience with the FDIC as a Financial Management Scholar and hands-on community service as an EMT and Big Brother mentor—underscoring both his analytical rigor and his dedication to service. |
Chris Gullotti CFP® ‘88– Partner, Canby Financial Advisors Chris Gullotti is a Partner at Canby Financial Advisors, where he guides families and individuals in building and protecting wealth at every stage of life. An Amherst, NH native with over 20 years of experience, Chris takes a holistic approach to wealth management, coordinating with attorneys, tax professionals, and insurance advisors to create integrated financial plans. He holds an MS in Financial Planning from Bentley University, a BS in Business Administration from UNH, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. |
Colin Kelley, CFP® ‘12 – Wealth Advisor, Vigilant Wealth Management Colin Kelley is a Wealth Advisor at Vigilant Wealth Management in Portsmouth, NH, where he partners with high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions to craft personalized investment and wealth strategies that make a lasting impact. He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, where Colin brings real-world insight to courses in financial policy, equity valuation, and personal finance. With a background spanning senior analytic roles at Prime Buchholz, leadership of UNH’s student-run investment group, and a CFP® certification, he combines data-driven expertise with a passion for mentorship and community engagement, including serving as President of the UNH Alumni Association Board of Directors. |
Leon Nicholas – Vice President, Retail Insights & Solutions, Smurfit Westrock Leon Nicholas has over three decades of experience translating market insights into actionable growth strategies. He has led global retail consulting initiatives, advised Fortune 500 clients, and shaped industry thought leadership across the CPG landscape. Currently he is putting his experience as a retail and consumer goods strategist to use as Vice President of Retail Insights & Solutions at Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in packaging and merchandising. He also brings his expertise to the classroom as an adjunct faculty instructor at the University of New Hampshire, inspiring the next generation of retail leaders. A summa cum laude graduate and class valedictorian from Bates College, Leon combines sharp analytical acumen with a passion for driving results and fostering innovation. |
Karl “Fritz” Schlopy – Head of NAM and LATAM Energy, Citi Karl “Fritz” Schlopy is Global Co-Head of Energy at Citi, leading the firm’s North and Latin American energy operations. With a Finance BS from the University of Colorado Boulder—where he captained the varsity ski team—and an MBA in Finance from UCLA Anderson, Fritz combines top-tier academic credentials with extensive industry expertise. Today Fritz is a Texas-based, ski-dad who brings a strategic vision to Citi’s energy portfolio, driving growth and navigating complex global markets with precision. |
Steve Yianakopolos ‘25 – Retired, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch Now retired after 25 years serving high-net-worth families across the U.S., Steve Yianakopolos first joined Merrill Lynch in 1999. There he led offices in Concord and Manchester, NH and served as a National Faculty member for the firm: traveling the country training Financial Advisors. Prior to entering finance, he shaped energy policy and national campaigns, including roles as NH State Political Director for Jack Kemp’s presidential bid and Campaign Manager for Congressman Chuck Douglas. Steve is a UNH Alumnus and active in his home state where he has served Concord Boys & Girls Club, Concord Hospital and Riverbend Community Health. |
