The Executive Wealth Consulting Team

Executive Wealth Consulting Group

Tom Lieser

Thomas E. Lieser, Jr., CFP

Managing Director/Investments; Branch Manager

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.

Leigh Gage

Leigh Anne Gage, CFP

Senior Vice President/Investments

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.  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 met the experience requirements of the CFP Board, successfully completed financial planning coursework, and passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas: the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate 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.

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

 

Tom Awadalla

Tom L. Awadalla, CFP

Senior Vice President/Investments

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.

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. 

Stuart Swift

Stuart Swift, CFP

Financial Advisor

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.

Joseph Lieser

Joe Lieser, CFP

Financial Advisor

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

Suzi Otte, CFP

Client Relationship Manager

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 Kubala, MBA

Registered Client Service Associate

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 Strausbaugh

Client Service Associate

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 Lewis

Client Service Associate

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 Rose

Registered Client Service Associate

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.

Angie Keeley

Senior Registered Client Service Associate

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 performing day-to-day operational tasks for the team. 

Angie earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Finance from the University of Cincinnati and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.  Outside the office, she is a certified Zumba instructor.

Kami Brown

Kami Brown

Receptionist

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.

Five of our financial advisors have 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.