13th Annual Finance Symposium

explore network learn- finance symposium

Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 | Paul College, UNH

Brought to You by the Peter T. Paul Financial Policy Center

The 13th Annual Finance Symposium will occur on November 13, 2026, 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 day will also include a keynote address by Mark Carver, Managing Director at MSCI Inc., 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 and Jeff Barlow, '87.

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Program Details

schedule of the 2026 finance symposium

Panel 1: Wealth & Asset Management

Hear from professionals in the wealth and asset management industry as they share their perspectives on building a career and succeeding in this dynamic field. Panelists will explore topics ranging from career paths, to strategies for managing client portfolios, to the importance of building lasting relationships and trust. They’ll also discuss current market trends, skills that will help your application stand out, and the real-world challenges professionals face. Bring your questions and get ready for an engaging conversation about what it takes to build a successful career in wealth and asset management.   

Panel 2: "I'm in Finance"- Careers Across the Industry

Explore exactly what it means to “be in finance.” Panelists from a range of financial sectors and backgrounds will share their career journeys, offering a firsthand look at how they entered the field, the choices and experiences that shaped their careers, and what their work looks like today. Their perspectives will showcase the spectrum of opportunities available, and the many ways a finance degree can translate into a career. Come with your questions and discover how different paths in finance can lead to rewarding and unexpected careers. 

Panel 3: AI in Finance

The finance industry landscape is being transformed daily by artificial intelligence. This panel will explore how AI is reshaping finance careers and transforming the day-to-day responsibilities of today’s finance professionals. Panelists will discuss the AI tools and technologies being used across the industry, the skills that can help students remain competitive in an evolving job market, and which aspects of finance still depend on uniquely human expertise. 

Session 4: Small Group Networking

Connect with industry professionals and strengthen your networking skills in a low-risk, high-impact setting. As part of a small group, you’ll have the opportunity to build confidence and expand your career network as you rotate through a series of 10-minute conversations. Practice your elevator pitch, ask for advice, or simply learn more about your guests’ experiences in the finance industry. Space is limited— so come dressed in business attire, and prepared to make a memorable first impression.  

Mark Carver, '05G

Mark Carver of MSCI

The history of modern investing is, in many ways, a story of building better tools — better ways to understand risk, identify return, and give investors the confidence to act on what the data is telling them. Few people have had a hand in building more of those tools than Mark Carver. 

Mark began his career at Fidelity Investments before moving to Columbia Management, where his work in active fundamental equity gave him a practitioner's instinct for what drives returns at the company level. That foundation proved invaluable when the industry began its pivot toward quantitative and factor-based investing — a shift Mark didn't just witness, but helped engineer. At BlackRock, he rose to Head of Smart Beta for iShares, playing a central role in shaping one of the most consequential product categories in the history of the ETF industry. Smart beta — the idea that systematic, rules-based strategies could capture the return premiums historically associated with active management — was still a contested concept when Mark was helping build it. Today it is a cornerstone of how institutional and retail investors alike construct portfolios. 

From BlackRock, Mark joined AQR Capital Management, one of the world's most respected quantitative investment firms, where he deepened his expertise in alternative factor strategies before bringing that accumulated knowledge to MSCI. As Managing Director and Global Head of Equity Factors and Equity Portfolio Management, Mark has continued to build. In 2018, he led the launch of MSCI FaCS™ — the Factor Classification Standard — which created a common language for equity factors across the industry, giving investors and managers a shared framework for understanding and communicating factor exposures. More recently, he spearheaded the launch of MSCI SignalLab, a platform that brings together more than 600 research-grade investment signals — drawing on over 50 years of MSCI factor research — into a single, governed environment where investment teams can test, validate, and deploy them with confidence. As Carver put it at the launch: "The hard part isn't necessarily finding a signal — it's proving that the signal is trustworthy and additive to your investment process." SignalLab was built to solve exactly that problem. 

Mark's work has been covered in The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and Hedge Fund Alert, and he is a regular presence at major investment conferences. He holds an MBA from UNH's Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics — where he now serves on the Dean's Advisory Board — and an ALM in Finance from Harvard University. His keynote will offer a rare inside view of how the tools and frameworks shaping today's investment landscape were built, what's driving the next wave of innovation, and what it means for the future of the industry. 

Meet Our Honored Guests

The 13th 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. 


Jerome Cahill, CPA ‘09 ‘10G

Jerry Cahill

Principal | FFC CPAs LLC 

Jerome Cahill built his career the right way — from the ground up. A double alumnus of UNH's Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, he holds both a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Accounting. He spent nine years at BerryDunn, one of New England's top accounting firms, rising steadily from Audit Staff to Audit Manager and developing the kind of technical rigor and client instincts that only come from years in the field. Since 2019, he has served as Principal at FFC CPAs, LLC, where he focuses on tax and estate planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families to protect what they’ve built and keep more of what they earn — working hand in hand with their broader team of advisors to make sure every piece of the picture fits together. 

aran cherouvis

Aran Cherouvis, '22
Assistant V.P. of Life Science and Healthcare Venture Banking | Stifel Bank

Aran Cherouvis graduated from the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics in 2022, with a focus in Finance and Information Systems & Business Analytics. At UNH, he was a member of the Atkins Investment Group and Alpha Kappa Psi, Paul College’s professional business fraternity. He began his career in Silicon Valley Bank’s Associate Development Program before joining its Healthcare Venture Lending team. After approximately three and a half years at SVB, Aran joined Stifel in 2025, where he is now an Assistant Vice President in Venture Banking, primarily sourcing, underwriting, and managing debt facilities for venture-backed healthcare companies. 

James Drago '14G 

james drago '14

Manager – IT Delivery | Unum 

Standing at the intersection of technology, finance, and people, James Drago is the man whose expertise directs the traffic and keeps the three moving in sync. He holds an MBA from UNH's Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics and a BS in Computer Science from Moravian University, a combination that gives him equal footing in the boardroom and the codebase. Over thirteen years at Liberty Mutual, he rose from IT Analyst to Scrum Master II, directing projects valued at $15M, migrating 30,000+ repositories, and coaching engineers across an enterprise platform serving 50,000+ employees. He also chaired the Seacoast Valor Employee Resource Group, championing veteran causes within the organization. Today, as Manager of IT Delivery at Unum, he leads teams through complex technology programs with the same Agile-first mindset he has refined across his career. A certified Professional Scrum Master, Professional Scrum Product Owner, and Lean/Six Sigma Coach, James brings a rare blend of technical depth, operational discipline, and genuine enthusiasm for building teams that deliver. 

adam egelberg works for dock street asset management

Adam Egelberg  

Director of Research | Dock Street Asset Management 

Adam Egelberg is Director of Research at Dock Street Asset Management, where he leads the firm's fundamental equity research. Adam holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from The Cooper Union and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business. He began his investment career at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, making recommendations across large and small cap value portfolios. He then joined Second Curve Capital, where he developed a specialty in the insurance sector, before moving to Silvercrest Asset Management as Senior Vice President, where he co-managed their Focused Value equity portfolio. 

A CFA charterholder since 2000, Adam founded Glenville Capital Management in 2007 and spent more than fifteen years as its Managing Member, running a concentrated, deep value, long/short investment partnership. He lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

John Franson

John Franson, CFA '92 

Principal | Grace Business Valuations LLC 

After graduating from UNH, John Franson went on to earn his MS in Finance from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. From there, John has built a distinguished career in business valuation and financial analysis, holding senior roles advising CFOs and company leadership through complex acquisitions, divestitures, and financial planning initiatives. As Principal of Grace Business Valuations LLC, John provides sophisticated valuation services to companies for financial and tax reporting purposes, including common stock valuation, complex security valuation, estate planning, and litigation support. A CFA charterholder, John also brings his real-world expertise directly into the classroom as an Adjunct Lecturer here at Paul.  

 

Pann is the founder of Griffinshire Captial

Pann Koutsogkilas 

Founder | Griffinshire Capital 

For Pann Koutsogkilas, the measure of good financial leadership has always been a simple one: can the founder sleep at night? That question has guided a career that spans private equity, high-growth ventures, and senior CFO roles across industries including SaaS, Fintech, and e-commerce. He holds an MBA in Finance from Pepperdine University's George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management and has brought that same blend of theory and real-world experience into the classroom as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at UCLA Extension. Today, as Founder and Managing Principal of Griffinshire Capital, Pann works alongside founders and leadership teams at the moments when the path forward gets murky — helping them cut through the noise, align strategy with financial reality, and move forward with confidence. 

 

helena mahoney of blue granite financial

Helena Mahoney, CFP, ADPA, CDFA  

CEO and Wealth Advisor | Blue Granite Financial

In 1998, Helena Mahoney began her career in finance, working in financial services while completing her Business Administration degree, and hasn't slowed down since.  Since then, she has spent her career helping people build financial lives they can count on. First, by launching her own practice in Florida and upon returning to New England, co-founding Blue Granite Financial in 2017. She became its sole owner in 2023. Today, as CEO and Wealth Advisor, she works with individuals and families as an LPL-affiliated financial planner — guiding clients through every stage of their financial journey with personalized plans built around real goals. Her credentials tell the story of an advisor who has deliberately expanded her expertise to serve clients through life's most complex moments: a CFP® for comprehensive financial planning, an ADPA® for advising clients outside traditional marriage structures, and a CDFA™ for navigating the financial complexities of divorce. When she's not in the office, Helena is likely in the garden, deep in a book, or volunteering for Canine Companions, a service dog organization. 

thomas mccarthy '85

Thomas McCarthy, '85 

Managing Partner | KAF Wealth Management

Tom is the Founder and Managing Partner of KAF Wealth Management in Braintree, Massachusetts, where he and his team work with successful individuals and business owners to navigate the financial decisions that shape their lives, businesses, and legacies. His practice spans wealth management, portfolio management, retirement and estate planning, business succession, insurance solutions, and employee benefits. By combining investment strategy with comprehensive financial planning, Tom helps clients bring together the many pieces of their financial lives and plan confidently for the future. 

A proud alumnus of the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, Tom graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation from The American College of Financial Services and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation. 

Beyond his work in finance, Tom is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of South Shore Health in Weymouth, Massachusetts, which is a large regional medical system.  He also served for many years as a Foundation Trustee and past Chair of the South Shore Health Charitable Foundation. He most recently chaired the health system’s $75 million capital campaign, which culminated when South Shore Health celebrated its 100th anniversary. 

Through his work with clients, business owners, and community organizations, Tom brings a practical perspective on building a career in wealth management, earning trust, developing lasting relationships, and using financial expertise to make a meaningful difference

anne-sophie rioux

Anne-Sophie Rioux '21 '24G

Associate | CHMWarnick 

Anne-Sophie Rioux brings a rare combination of operational depth and financial acumen to her work in hotel asset management. A University of New Hampshire alumna, she earned her degree in Hospitality Administration before returning to UNH's Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics to complete her MBA in Growth and Innovation in 2024 — a degree that sharpened the analytical and strategic lens she now applies to her advisory work. That academic foundation is backed by years of hands-on hospitality experience, having worked across front desk, food and beverage, and restaurant management roles at properties including Groupe Riôtel and The Sagamore, giving her an operator's understanding of the assets she evaluates. Today, Anne-Sophie channels that breadth of experience into her role as an Associate at CHMWarnick, a nationally recognized leader in hotel asset management and business advisory services, where she works at the intersection of hospitality operations and real estate investment strategy. 

 

will saunders works for wells fargo

William Saunders '20

Corporate Banking Associate | Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking 

A proud University of New Hampshire alumnus, William Saunders' career trajectory is a testament both to his drive and the strong academic foundation he gained at Paul College. William graduated Summa Cum Laude with a dual major in Finance and Accounting before launching a career with some of the most respected names in financial services. He began at EY, where he gained valuable experience in Partnership Tax Compliance and SALT consulting, before spending nearly four years working across Startup Banking and Global Fund Banking at Silicon Valley Bank. There he developed expertise in biotech, diagnostics, medical devices, and health tech — ultimately underwriting complex credit facilities for private equity and venture capital clients. Today, William is a Corporate Banking Associate at Wells Fargo's Corporate & Investment Banking division, specializing in Emerging Healthcare Technologies.  

 

Fritz Schlopy works for citi bank

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 BS in Finance 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. 

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.

Keynote Presentation

 

Tom Quimby '98: Riding the Wave of Finance and Investment

Tom Quimby '98, Founding & Managing Partner of Tree Line Capital Partners, brings

quote from Tom Quimby Over mountains

 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.

Panelists and Speakers

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 from KBW

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 of honeywell

Jim Carroll ‘86 – Retired, Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations, Honeywell 

 
During his career, Jim used his 34 years of experience to effectively advise C-Suite executives and Boards of Directors at Fortune 500 companies on how to navigate global government relations strategic trends and ever-changing geopolitical dynamics.  As the head of Global Government Relations for Honeywell and previously Accenture, Jim led a team of professionals across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific to engage senior government officials and regulators to foster relationships and secure policy outcomes that drive innovation and business growth. A University of New Hampshire graduate, Jim leverages a deep understanding of government, politics, business, strategic communications and reputation management to deliver strong results. Jim has a deep commitment to civic and community impact, serving on the boards of Junior Achievement USA and Junior Achievement Worldwide. 

ed farrington is president of impax asset management

Ed Farrington, AIF® ‘93 - President, North America, Impax Asset Management  

Ed Farrington, AIF® is President of Impax Asset Management North America, where he leads the firm’s efforts to align investors with opportunities created by the transition to a more sustainable global economy. With more than 20 years in investment management, he brings experience from leadership roles at Natixis Investment Managers, Fidelity Charitable Services, and Fidelity Investments. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Ed remains closely involved with his alma mater through the UNH Sustainability Advisory Board, serves as Chairman of the Levitate Foundation and as an Advisory Board member for the World Surf League.  

Erin Foley works for asset management

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 gianelli works for fidelity investment

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. 

gordon greer for ubs

Gordon Greer ‘73 G’77 – Senior Vice President of Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services 

Gordon Greer is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at UBS Financial Services, where he draws on more than four decades of experience in equity and fixed income markets. Beginning his career at Merrill Lynch and later serving as a Vice President at Lehman Brothers, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, and Credit Suisse. A proud University of New Hampshire graduate with both a B.A. in Psychology and an M.B.A. from the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, he continues to bring a steady hand and strategic perspective to wealth management in an ever-changing financial landscape.  

chris gullotti is from canby financial advisors

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 kelly works at vigilant wealth management

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.   

ladd mcquade

 

Ladd McQuade ‘82 – Retired, Senior Sales Exec, Founder, LGM Capital Management

An alumnus with decades of experience, Ladd McQuade’s long term goal was always to trade and manage his own capital, a dream he realized as founder of LGM Capital Management, Proprietary Trading in 2020. Along the way he was a career Institutional Equity Sales Executive and Managing Director at Credit Suisse and Wells Fargo. Ladd was directly responsible for hiring , building and leading national sales teams covering Ultra High Net Worth Families, Hedge Funds and traditional Long Only equity managers. A graduate of UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business, he is passionate about mentoring where he imparts wisdom such as “stay out of office politics” and “always leave a clean campsite”. 

brad miller is retired cfo

Brad Miller ‘86 –  Retired CFO 

Before retiring from full-time work in 2022, Brad Miller led a distinguished career as a CFO and board advisor, leading financial organizations in various high-growth and transformational companies. Throughout his career, he guided organizations through acquisitions, integrations, and scaling operations, including, in his last full-time role in 2021, leading Revolutionary Clinics from an early-stage startup to #4 on the Inc. 5000 list. Brad now focuses on consulting, board service, and volunteering. A finance and accounting MBA graduate from UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, Brad combines strategic insight with operational expertise, helping organizations optimize performance and achieve sustainable growth. 

bob miller from financial advisors llc

Robert C. Miller, CFP® –  Senior Partner, Financial Planner, The Financial Advisors, LLC  

Bob Miller became a financial planning enthusiast after witnessing the contrast between the successes that result from sound financial planning and those of poor or no planning. Upon completion of his MBA, Bob joined The Financial Advisors in 1994 and established the Newburyport office in 1997. Today as Senior Partner Bob continues to find joy in helping people find the financial security to live their dreams. Bob is known as a community supporter and is currently involved with the New Castle Conservation Commission’s Green Waste program, and supports Gather and Liberty House, a transitional home for Manchester Veterans. 

leon nicholas of smurfit westrock

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. 

chris norwood is president of nai norwood group

Chris Norwood – President, NAI Norwood Group 

Chris Norwood is President of NAI Norwood Group, where he leads a team of commercial real estate advisors serving the Southern New Hampshire market and beyond through NAI Global. Since launching his real estate career in 2000, Chris has overseen the sale and leasing of millions of dollars’ worth of office and investment properties, helping shape the region’s commercial landscape. A Babson College graduate with a B.S. in Business Management, he brings a strategic, client-centered approach to every transaction and plays an active role in the firm’s growth and leadership. A past president of NH CIBOR and CCIM New England, and a recipient of Realtor of the Year, Chris is deeply involved in professional and community organizations, reflecting his commitment to both business excellence and civic engagement.   

chris rice

Chris Rice ‘91 – Crypto Task Force, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission 

Chris Rice serves on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force, where he contributes to policy development and oversight of the evolving digital asset markets. With more than two decades of leadership across asset management, capital markets, and financial technology, Chris has built a career at the intersection of innovation and regulation. Before joining the SEC, he held senior roles at Credit Suisse and State Street Global Advisors, co-founded Luminex Trading & Analytics—an equity block-trading platform formed by nine major asset managers—and advised a blockchain startup focused on tokenized real estate. Chris holds a Master of Science in Finance from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire. 

Fritz Schlopy works for citi bank

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. 

peter schwab for impax

Peter Schwab, CFA – Senior Portfolio Manager, Impax Asset Management 

Peter Schwab, CFA, is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Impax Asset Management LLC, where he leads strategy and research for the firm’s high yield and credit portfolios. With more than two decades of experience in investment management, Peter spent 15 years at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he served as Managing Director and Director of High Yield and Loan Research, and began his career at Putnam Investments. He holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School and a BA in History from Union College. Deeply engaged in sustainability and community initiatives, Peter serves on the board of the Northern Forest Center and actively supports efforts promoting regenerative agriculture and nature-based climate solutions. 

ryan tracey of highland advisory group

Ryan Tracey – Managing Partner, Highland Advisory Group LLC 

Ryan Tracey has spent his entire career advising business owners in different consulting and advisory roles. After gaining investment banking experience at KPMG and Bigelow, Ryan started his own sell-side M&A practice and currently serves as Managing Partner of Highland Advisory Group.  Highland’s sole focus is working with entrepreneurs and privately held business owners to build value in their business, and then when the time is right, capture that value through a legacy-enhancing wealth creation transaction. Highland’s long-term approach allows the business owner to work on various exit planning and value creation strategies to ensure they can obtain full value when they decide to seek a new majority owner for the business. Ryan holds an MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, a BA in Economics from Fairfield University, is a CFA charter holder, a Certified Insolvency& Restructuring Advisor (CIRA), and an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, teaching M&A to the next generation of financial professionals. 

steve yanakopolos is retired from Merrill Lynch

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.