About Me

Prior to joining Stifel in 2019, Tom served as a Senior Vice President – Wealth Management with UBS Financial Services and as an Executive Financial Services Director at Solomon Smith Barney. Over the past 24 years, he gained considerable experience in managing concentrated equity positions and honing his skills in advanced stock option planning, restricted securities, 10b5-1 insider trading plans, hedging, and monetization. He was involved in several of Cincinnati's most recent IPOs and private acquisitions and continues to be a valuable resource for business owners pre and post-sale.

Tom began his investment industry career in 2001 in the midst of the tech bubble. The ensuing market crashes of the early and late 2000s helped shape his risk-focused approach to wealth management, which he incorporates as co-head of our team's investment committee. Tom was named to Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. He was also named to AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch list in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Additionally, his team was named to Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Tom currently leads the Stifel Wealth Advisory Council for the firm.

Tom earned a B.A. in Finance from Xavier University and was a walk-on to the varsity men's soccer team. His experiences as a student athlete helped further develop his discipline, work ethic, and leadership. As leader and founder of our team, he sets an exceptional standard of professionalism, diligence, competence, and integrity, and offers nothing short of full commitment to his clients. His extensive experience is coupled with earnest and tireless care for his clients' welfare, earning him the trust that's necessary to address complex issues and build lifelong relationships.

Tom and his wife, Kelly, are proud parents of George, Flora, and Grace. They attend St. Mary’s Catholic church. Outside the office, Tom is likely to be coaching his kid’s soccer and baseball teams, cycling, or walking the family dog.

Click here for an intro to Thomas Lieser. 

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rankings are based on the 12-month period ending June 30 and March 31, respectively, of the year prior to publication and are selected by SHOOK Research, LLC. AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch rankings are based on the 12-month period ending December 31 of the year prior to publication. Each is selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see stifel.info/award-disclosures.

About Me

As head of wealth and tax planning strategies for the team, Leigh serves a sophisticated client base that includes senior executives at many local companies. Her technical and analytical skills are matched by her enthusiasm and empathy for others. Leigh understands her clients’ needs and delivers highly complex information in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand. She began her investment industry career in 2005 and joined Stifel in 2019. 

Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, Leigh moved to Cincinnati after earning a bachelor’s degree at Miami University, as well as a master’s in business administration tax from the University of Cincinnati. Leigh earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which identifies those individuals who have met the experience requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination.

When not working on behalf of her clients, studying tax code, or chasing her two young children, Leigh devotes her free time to serving as a leader in her community. In her role as an executive mentor to Xavier University students, she encouraged young women to pursue careers in finance. Leigh is a member of Impact 100 and previously served as board president for Building Blocks for Kids.

Click here for an intro to Leigh Anne Gage.

About Me

A Cincinnati native, Tom earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and a B.S.B.A. from Xavier University. He began working in financial services in 2006 and has focused his career on consulting with corporate executives, retirees, and others who hold concentrated stock positions. Tom maintains his passion for studying the market by reading voraciously in order to bring innovative ideas and outside perspectives to our weekly team meetings.

Tom has built a reputation for delivering engaging and attentive service to his clients. His diligent guidance and care help clients stay on track toward pursuing their goals. Having seen the results that come from pairing a solid wealth management plan with a thoughtful investment strategy, he holds a deep conviction in the benefits of our work and is inspired to continue to grow our practice.

Tom renews his energy by staying active with tennis, golf, skiing, and CrossFit.

Click here for an intro to Tom Awadalla. 

About Me

Stu is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate their financial lives with clarity and purpose. He earned a B.S. in Finance from Brigham Young University and began his college career as a pre-med student. After taking a few economics and finance classes, he discovered a deep interest in the subject matter. Stu realized he could still make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, just in a different way, by helping them pursue financial security. That realization led him to switch majors and pursue a career in financial planning.

Stu began his professional journey with the Executive Wealth Consulting Group as a Client Service Associate, where he built a strong foundation in client relationships and operational excellence. Over time, his role evolved to include more strategic responsibilities, and today he co-leads the team’s investment strategy alongside Tom Lieser and manages the team’s trading operations.

Having grown up in a Procter & Gamble family, with his father spending 32 years with the company, Stu has a unique appreciation for the company’s culture and values. He especially enjoys working with P&G professionals, helping them align their financial strategies with both their career paths and personal goals.

Stu’s life experiences have shaped his approach to service and leadership. He spent two years on a church mission in Brazil, where he became fully proficient in Portuguese* and developed a deep respect for different cultures. He continues that commitment to service as an advisor to the youth group in his church community.

Outside of work, Stu is a devoted husband to his wife, Courtney, and a proud father to four children, Charlotte, Jackson, Jameson, and Delaney. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, taking road trips, and training for triathlons.

Click here for an intro to Stuart Swift.

*All written business communications will be in English.

About Me

Joe earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and has nearly a decade of experience helping clients make confident financial decisions. He works closely with corporate executives, retirees, and business owners, offering personalized guidance on retirement planning, investments, and long-term financial strategies.

Joe earned his degree from Xavier University and lives in Anderson Township with his wife, Jenny, and their daughter, Abby. In his free time, he enjoys running, spending time with his family, and following Xavier basketball.

Click here for an intro to Joe Lieser.

About Me

Raised in Northern Kentucky, Suzi brings a strong commitment to helping our clients navigate their financial futures with confidence. A graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Suzi combines strategic planning with a proactive approach to client service, ensuring each client receives thoughtful and personalized guidance. Holding the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, Suzi plays a key role in developing wealth management strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

Suzi is an active member of her community, dedicating her service to St. Vincent de Paul and the Special Olympics. Outside the office, she spends time with her husband, Stephen, and their two children, Levi and Elena. As a family, they enjoy time outdoors and traveling to various national parks together.

Click here for an intro to Suzi Otte.

About Me

Angie began her investment industry career in 1998 and joined Stifel in 2024. Prior to joining Stifel, she worked at Morgan Stanley, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., and Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. Instrumental to maintaining the team’s service model, Angie is committed to delivering a high standard of care to clients and assisting with the administrative and operational needs of the team. She is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operational tasks for the team.

Angie earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Cincinnati and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses. 

Outside the office, she enjoys hiking and working in the garden with her husband, Ryan. They also enjoy spending time with their grown children, Madison and Ian, and their fur babies, Artemis and Bear. Angie is a certified Zumba instructor at the West Clermont Healthplex.

Click here for an intro to Angie Keeley.

About Me

Jessica joined Stifel in 2023, bringing valuable experience from her background in the insurance industry. A Cincinnati native, she remains committed to professional growth and delivering exceptional service.

Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree as a double major from Thomas More University, where she was also a member of the soccer team, developing teamwork, discipline, and a competitive spirit that she carries into all aspects of her life.

Outside the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends. Most importantly with her fiancé, Jermaine, and their children, Jayda, JJ, Jordyn, and the newest addition born in 2024, Jalen.

Click here for an intro to Jessica Lewis.

About Me

Cynthia joined Stifel in 2023, previously working for a financial services firm in advisor support and client services. Prior to her career in finance, she worked for Kind Snacks, working in sales and marketing. She assists our team with scheduling, event planning, marketing, and other administrative support. She holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses.

A Detroit native, Cynthia moved to the Cincinnati area in 2010, after graduating from Michigan State University. Active in the community, she serves as vice president of the Cincinnati Spartans, the local alumni club of Michigan State University, and also serves on the Woodlawn, Kentucky, city council. Outside the office, she enjoys volunteer ushering at the Aronoff Center and Cincinnati Music Hall.

About Me

Jared began his investment industry career in 2020 and joined Stifel in 2024. Prior to joining Stifel, he spent time working at Fidelity Investments and Wells Fargo Advisors. Jared helps the team by performing administrative and service needs for the team’s clients. He is dedicated to providing top-tier client service. Jared earned a B.S. from the University of Kentucky and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 65 securities licenses. He has also earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification.

Outside the office, Jared enjoys hiking, traveling with his wife, Brittany, and their two dogs, Beall and Chase, and golfing.

Click here for an intro to Jared Gorman.

About Me

With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, Karen began her career at Smith Barney in 2002 and rejoined Stifel in 2025. She holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses.

Outside the office, she enjoys hiking and camping in the Colorado mountains, and attempting to garden at 9,000 feet in elevation. She lives in Conifer, Colorado, with her husband, Sam.

 

About Me

Michael began his financial services career at Stifel in 2025. While still in college, Michael served as Director of Operations at a Cincinnati-based real estate company, where he ensured on-time completion of projects, marketed products, and worked to capitalize on revenue opportunities. He also spent the summer of 2024 as an intern at a Cincinnati-based private equity firm. Michael earned a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Cincinnati in 2025.

Outside the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his family. He coaches his younger brother’s baseball team and likes to take him on treasure hunting expeditions. Michael stays active athletically by playing pickleball with friends and family. He also enjoys trying new foods and desserts.

About Me

Rex has nearly 29 years of financial services experience and joined Stifel in 2026 as a Registered Client Service Associate, following his time with Morgan Stanley beginning in 2023. He serves as a primary contact for clients regarding operational and administrative services, including new account openings, account maintenance, fund disbursement requests, and trade processing.

Rex earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Northern Kentucky University in 1998. He began his financial services career with Fidelity Investments in 1997 and has also worked with Horan Securities and FHT Advisors throughout his career.

He currently holds FINRA Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 securities registrations, as well as the Accredited Investment Fiduciary^® designation. In addition, Rex maintains Ohio Accident & Health, Life, and Variable Insurance licenses.

Rex is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and enjoys giving back through community involvement.

Rex lives in Union, Kentucky with his wife, Shannon. Together they enjoy Jeep rides, traveling to Florida’s Gulf Coast, and spending time with their two adult children, Keegan and Jena, their spouses, and their four dogs, Fiona, Hershey, Silas, and Finley.