HBKS CEO Christopher M. Allegretti and COO Scott Cross are pleased to announce the following HBKS professionals have earned promotions.
Drew Deimel to Senior Financial Advisor. Drew has been with HBKS since 2013, specializing in comprehensive financial planning for individuals and businesses, with a focus on medical professionals. An Erie native, Drew graduated from Cathedral Preparatory High School and earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Gannon University, where he excelled as a nationally recognized golfer and was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Drew is currently pursuing his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) designation.
From Principal Quinto Ambrosetti, CFP: “Drew’s promotion is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our clients’ financial success. I am excited to see him excel in this new role as he continues to be an essential member of our team.”
Steven Weryha, CFP, to Senior Financial Advisor. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Penn State University in 2012, Steve began his career with HBKS in operations for the Asset Management group. In 2020, he transitioned to his role as financial advisor. He attained his CFP designation in March 2021. Steve is a dedicated professional and has contributed substantially to the growth HBKS has experienced. He is extremely knowledgeable, has a tremendous attitude, excels at client service and business development, and is a leader among his peers, consistently showing revenue growth, new asset growth, and expertise in financial planning Steve represents HBKS well in all client interactions, as well as a strong ambassador of HBKS outside of the office.
From Principal Steve Rinn, CFP: “Steve is an incredibly hard worker. He is extremely smart, dedicated, with a strong work ethic. He is genuinely interested in his clients and their outcomes, and it shows the strong relationships he develops with his clients. It is very impressive how quickly he has been able to transition and see success in an advisor role.”
Mike Ringler to Senior Financial Advisor. Mike has been with HBKS Wealth Advisors since 2018 specializing in comprehensive financial planning for individuals and families. Prior to joining HBKS, Mike was a Financial Advisor for Northwestern Mutual for six years. He has a BA in Finance from Duquesne University and is currently studying for his CFP designation.
From Principal Jerry Hall, WMS: “Mike has a strong work ethic, is honest and trustworthy, and is committed to the long-term success of HBKS. Since his first day at HBKS, he’s been focused on becoming a Senior Financial Advisor.”
Ethan Berkebile to Director of Investment Research. Ethan joined HBKS in 2022 as a Portfolio Manager in the Asset Management Group and Park Shore Partners. He works with advisors to help customize portfolios for the firm’s largest clients. Prior to joining HBKS in April 2022, Ethan was responsible for sourcing and underwriting managers and strategies across traditional and alternative asset classes. Ethan is a cum laude graduate of Saint Francis University School of Business where he double majored in Finance and Economics. He earned Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2019 and Charted Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2023.
From Principal and Chief Investment Officer Brian Sommers, CFA: “Ethan’s hard work as Portfolio Manager has contributed significantly to improving the solutions HBKS Wealth Advisors provides to our highest net worth clients. As Director of Investment Research, Ethan will continue to contribute to HBKS client portfolio construction by leading the firm’s efforts to source, underwrite, and monitor investment managers across all asset classes, with a special focus on alternative asset classes.”
Jessica Morrow to Financial Advisor. After working at EY and a tech start-up company, Jessica joined HBK and worked with HBK CPAs & Consultants through two busy seasons. She then transferred to HBKS as an Advisor Associate. While integrating into client meetings for the Youngstown office, Jessica has been very active in the financial planning and insurance processes. She holds the Series 65 and Ohio insurance licenses.
From Principal Rich Morrow, CPA, CFP – “Jessica’s diverse background with private industry and in accounting will be a tremendous asset to our clients and the firm. She is a very willing and quick learner and hard worker that will make her future with the firm a success!”
Shania Uhteg to Financial Advisor. Shania was an intern with HBKS for a year and a half while studying at SUNY Fredonia to earn her B.A. in Finance and Economics. The Fredonia team was so impressed with work ethic and quick adaptation to her assignments, they hired her immediately after graduation. Shania’s goal was to become a Financial Advisor. She passed her insurance and Series 65 licensing exams and will start building her own book of business while assisting the Fredonia office in servicing clients. Shania is currently studying for her CFP designation.
From Principal Jerry Hall, WMS: “Shania is driven to serve HBKS clients and has worked hard since her first day toward this promotion. We’re excited to see her future with our team.”
Gabe Gallagher to Financial Advisor. Gabe began his career with HBK and HBKS as an intern in 2022. His talent and work ethic were immediately evident. Gabe graduated in May of 2023 with a degree in Finance from Gannon University in Erie, was hired fulltime in June of 2023, and has spent the year as a Client Support Specialist. Gabe has continued to provide excellent client service while developing his financial planning expertise. He has done everything asked of him and continues to proactively look for work, going above and beyond. He is actively involved in the community, including serving on the Erie Playhouse Board.
From Principal Steve Rinn, CFP: “Gabe is an incredible asset to HBKS. He is genuine, smart, and determined. There is a high level of respect for Gabe in our local Zuck office and throughout the firm. He has an extremely bright future as an advisor. We’re grateful to have him as part of our team and I am excited to watch his career grow.”
Nicole Jackmack to Senior Advisor Associate. Nicole has transitioned from Client Support Specialist to Advisor Associate and now Senior Advisor Associate. She has been an integral part of our Naples team and our success for the past 14 years. Her in-depth understanding of clients’ needs has been critical in building long-term family relationships. Nicole also recently obtained her B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, further illustrating her dedication to our industry.
From Principal Brian Mallette, CFP: “We’re incredibly proud to see Nicole promoted to Senior Advisor Associate. Her dedication to client success and continuous improvement has made her an essential part of our team.”
Ben Bannon to Asset Management Trading Manager. Ben has been the primary trader for HBKS Wealth Advisors as the Asset Management Trading Specialist in our Asset Management Group (AMG). As HBKS has grown, he has taken on an increasing amount of responsibility in building out our trading systems and training additional staff. As Asset Management Trading Manager, Ben will lead all of the AMG’s trading and investment operations staff. Prior to joining HBKS, Ben worked as a Supervisor of Managed Accounts for BNY Mellon, and most recently as a Trader for Snow Capital Management L.P. Ben graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B. S. in Finance.
From Principal and Chief Investment Officer Brian Sommers, CFA: “Ben has been instrumental in assuring our trading operations run smoothly. As HBKS grows, Ben will be instrumental in designing and enhancing the efficiency of our firm’s trading capabilities. He is an asset to the firm and will excel as the AMG Trading Manager.”
Jason Alward to Reconciliation and Reporting Manager. Jason has been an integral part of our Asset Management Group since he joined HBKS as an intern in 2002. His expertise in financial data aggregation and performance reporting has been invaluable to our team and clients. Jason will continue to build on his experience in Operations, continuing to be a firm-wide resource as he guides his team through day-to-day requests and technology changes. Jason graduated with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in Management from Penn State Behrend.
From Director of Operations Lauren Oldham – “Jason’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental to HBKS since he joined us as an intern in 2002. His promotion is a testament to his leadership and his continued commitment to driving operational excellence across our firm.”
George Sanders to Associate Portfolio Manager. George joined HBKS in January 2020, and most recently has worked as Research Analyst in the Asset Management Group. He is a valuable resource for everyone in the firm, providing investment recommendations and guidance for many of our firm’s clients. George earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2023. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics and History from Washington University in St. Louis.
From Principal and Chief Investment Officer Brian Sommers, CFA: “George is crucial to the success of the Asset Management Group of HBKS. His clear-headed analysis enables him to conduct first-rate research, and I expect him to continue to grow as he takes on additional responsibilities of an Assistant Portfolio Manager.”
Iris Serrano to Advisor Associate. Iris is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Finance and a concentration in Financial Services. Since joining HBKS in 2023 as a Client Support Specialist, Iris has passed her Series 65 exam and is enrolled in a review course for the CFP certification exam. Originally from the Tampa, Fla., area, Iris has learned a great deal since joining the team in Fort Myers and looks forward to taking care of clients of her own one day soon.
From Principal Dean Piccirillo, MSFS, CFP, CRPS, AIFA: “Iris is a very ambitious young professional, extremely detail-oriented, conscientious and pleasant to work with. She has a bright future on our local team and long-term with our firm.”
Congratulations to all of these professionals on their achievements.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Investment advisory services are offered through HBK Sorce Advisory LLC, doing business as HBKS Wealth Advisors. Not FDIC Insured – Not Bank Guaranteed – May Lose Value, Including Loss of Principal – Not Insured By Any State or Federal Agency.
