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 19 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 has developed more than 500 trading plans for senior executives at publicly traded companies.

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 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.

While priding himself on around-the-clock accessibility to his clients, Tom is also committed to serving the community as a member of DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Investment Committee, an executive mentor to Xavier University students and a member of the Xavier University finance department advisory board.  Outside the office, he's likely to be found running or biking, spending time with his wife, Kelly, and daughters, Flora and Grace, or coaching his son's (George) athletic teams at St. Mary's Catholic School.

As head of wealth and tax planning strategies for our team, Leigh serves a sophisticated client base that includes senior executives at many local companies.  Her technical and analytical skill is matched by her enthusiasm and empathy for others.  These qualities played an integral role in her being named to Forbes'  2017 and 2018 list of Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors*, which recognizes talented young advisors who represent the future of the wealth management industry. She understands her clients' needs and delivers highly complex information in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand.

Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, Leigh moved to Cincinnati after completing a bachelor’s degree at Miami University.  She began her investment industry career in 2005 and joined Stifel in 2019.  Having attained and maintained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, she has received in-depth training on the duties of good faith and standards of care, insurance reviews, tax strategies, as well as estate planning issues and retirement planning. Leigh also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration Tax from the University of Cincinnati.

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 encourages 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.  She was also honored to be included among the YWCA's Rising Star Class of 2015 and Working Mother Magazine’s 2018 and 2020 list of Top Wealth Advisor Moms. 

Stifel does not provide legal or tax advice.  You should consult with your legal and tax advisors regarding your particular situation.

*Forbes’ Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, July 25, 2018 and July 25, 2017, each based on the 12-month period ending March 31 of the year in which published.  Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology.  Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking.  The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance.  Investment performance is not a criterion for selection. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc.  All rights reserved.  For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms, July 22, 2020 and October 8, 2018, each based on the 12-month period ending March 31 of the year of publication.  Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology.  Neither SHOOK Research nor Working Mother’s receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking.  The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance.  Investment performance is not a criterion for selection.  For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

A Cincinnati native, Tom earned a B.S.B.A. from Xavier University.  He began working in financial services over 15 years ago 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.

Having been named to Forbes’ 2022 list of Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Tom has built a reputation of delivering engaging and proactive 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 grow our practice.  He applies his drive and enthusiasm to leading the team’s marketing efforts as the head of new client acquisition for our team.

Tom renews his energy by staying active with tennis, golf, skiing, and CrossFit.  He actively volunteers at a local high school, teaching students about the importance of personal finance and investing. 

Forbes’ Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, August 3, 2022, based on the 12-month period ending March 31 of the year in which published. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Investment performance is not a criterion for selection. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc. All rights reserved. For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

Stuart supports the team's marketing and business development efforts while delivering top-tier service to our clients. 

After completing a two-year church service mission in Brazil, Stuart earned a B.S. in Finance from Brigham Young University.  During his time in college, he spent two summers with our team as an intern and joined full time upon graduation. 

While Stuart considers Cincinnati his home town, he keeps close ties to his birthplace, Iowa City, as an avid Hawkeye football fan.  In his free time, he enjoys golfing, serving in his church, and spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their three children, Charlotte, Jackson, and Jameson.

Joe is responsible for supporting the team's marketing and business development efforts.

A Toledo, Ohio, native, Joe moved to Cincinnati in 2010 and earned a B.S. in Psychology from Xavier University in 2014.  Prior to joining the team, he worked for a small marketing and sales firm in Cincinnati.

Joe lives in Oakley and spends his free time running, attending Xavier basketball games, and watching Cleveland sports.

Suzi Otte joined our team in 2019 from her previous role in human resources. Originally from northern Kentucky, Suzi attended Notre Dame Academy and then graduated from Northern Kentucky University where she earned a B.S. in entrepreneurship. She assists our team with scheduling, event planning, marketing, and other administrative support. 

She is passionate about the Special Olympics and has been an active volunteer at the Winter Games for over a decade. When she is not working or serving her community, Suzi enjoys hiking, skiing, photography, and spending time with her family.

Joel began his financial services career in 2020 and joined Stifel in 2022.  Prior to joining Stifel, he worked in the personal investment business unit of an international brokerage firm.  Joel has extensive experience working in client management, operations, and business development.  He is responsible for on-boarding new clients and supports the team with trading. 

Joel is a northern Kentucky native and is married with two sons.  He graduated from the University of Louisville, where he was a member of the cross country, track & field, and soccer teams.  Joel earned an MBA from Thomas More University and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.  Outside the office, he can be found running, reading, or on the sidelines coaching youth sports. 

Safiyya joined Stifel in 2023, previously working at Ohio National in the annuity product department and serving many years as a Member Services Assistant Department Head at Life Time Fitness.  She is client focused, detail oriented, and delivers top-tier service while building lasting relationships. 

Safiyya is a Cincinnati, Ohio native and earned a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati.  While at the University of Cincinnati, she was a member of the Varsity Women’s tennis team all four years.  Safiyya has a son, Zain, age six, and a daughter, Zara, age two.  Her parents are immigrants from Zimbabwe – her father, Ali, is a tennis pro and her mother, Shaaheda, is a preschool teacher.  Safiyya’s siblings both played tennis in college, one at Xavier University and the other at the University of Missouri. Outside the office, she enjoys strength training, playing pickle ball, playing tennis, and cooking healthy cuisines to stay fit and keep up with two rambunctious children.

Jessica joined Stifel in 2023 and is a Cincinnati, Ohio, native.  She earned a B.A. from Thomas More University, where she played soccer.  Jessica has three children, a 19-year-old step-daughter, Jayda, a five-year-old son, JJ, and a two-year-old daughter, Jordyn.  Outside the office, she enjoys spending most of her time with family and friends and doing puzzles.  With a recent engagement, she is excited for all the wedding planning in the coming months!  

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. Instrumental to maintaining the team’s service model, Cynthia is committed to delivering a high standard of care to clients and assisting with the administrative and operational needs of the team. 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, a local alumni club of Michigan State University, and also serves as city commissioner on the Woodlawn, Kentucky city council. She is an avid reader and runner, enjoys volunteer ushering at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Kami joined the Executive Wealth Consulting Group in 2021. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, volunteering at church events and community outreach programs, and spending time with her son, Tank.