Mitchell A. Kovitz, CFA, CPA

Founder & Principal, Portfolio Manager

In October 2003, Mitch and his partners founded Kovitz Investment Group to provide asset management services and solutions to high net worth individuals and institutions. Mitch serves as co-chief investment officer of the investment team. Kovitz applies the investment methodology pioneered by Benjamin Graham and further developed by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Prior to founding Kovitz, Mitch was President at Rothschild Investment Corporation.

Mitch has been featured in publications such as: Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Value Investor Insight. In addition, he has been interviewed on Bloomberg broadcast television.

Mitch graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in August 1986, and received a Masters in Taxation from the University of Illinois in 1987. Mitch is a CFA Charterholder.

When not scouring the investment universe for exceptional investment ideas, Mitch spends time with his wife and 3 daughters, and likes to recreate on the golf course.

Jonathan A. Shapiro, MBA, CFA

Founder & Principal, Portfolio Manager

In October 2003, Jon and his partners founded Kovitz Investment Group to provide asset management services and solutions to high net worth individuals and institutions. Jon serves as co-chief investment officer of the investment team. Kovitz applies the investment methodology pioneered by Benjamin Graham and further developed by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Prior to founding Kovitz, Jon joined Rothschild Investment Corporation in 1999 as a Portfolio Manager in the firm's Investment Management Department. Jon was previously employed as an Analyst at Vector Securities from 1997 to 1999, and a Management Consultant with KPMG and Towers Perrin from 1986 through 1997. He has been frequently featured in Crain’s Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune. He has also been featured in such publications as Value Investor Insight.

Jon graduated from Carleton College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. He later received his MBA degree from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business with concentrations in finance and accounting. He is also a CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

Outside of his professional life, Jon is currently a board member of the not-for-profit organization Maot Chitim that provides food boxes to approximately 5,000 of Chicago’s needy Jewish families during the Rosh Hashanah and Passover holidays. He has also served as the sophomore basketball coach at Chicagoland Jewish High School.

Marc S. Brenner, JD, CPA

Founder & Principal, President

Marc and his partners founded Kovitz Investment Group in October 2003 to provide asset management services and solutions to high net worth individuals and institutions. As President of the firm, Marc serves his clients in addition to directing many functions of the firm, including compliance, legal, and operations. Before co-founding Kovitz Investment Group, Marc joined Rothschild Investment Corporation in 2001 as a Portfolio Manager in the firm's Investment Management Department. Marc has also been a partner in the Chicago law firms of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, Rosenberg & Liebentritt, and Hopkins & Sutter, specializing in real estate and corporate finance and representing various public and private corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and individuals. Marc is a member of Young Presidents Organization.

Marc received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985, earning recognition on the Bronze Tablet. Subsequently, he received his JD from the University of Chicago in 1988 where he was awarded the Order of the Coif. Marc is a Certified Public Accountant and was awarded the National Gold Medal in recognition of the highest score in the nation on the May, 1985 CPA examination.

When Marc isn’t hard at work running Kovitz, he enjoys golfing and skiing.

Bruce A. Weininger, CPA, CFP®

Principal, Senior Financial Advisor

Bruce has been instrumental in the firms growth through his focus on client service and financial planning. Since 1988, he has provided comprehensive financial planning advice to high net worth individuals and institutions. Bruce has been the primary source of financial advice to more than a dozen Fortune 500 Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2004, Bruce was a partner at Deloitte, LLP, leading their Midwest financial planning practice.

He has spoken at national conferences on wealth planning topics and has been featured in Barron’s and Worth Magazine as one of the top financial advisors in the country. His work has been published in the Journal for Financial Planning, Financial Advisor Magazine, and Investment Advisor Magazine. Bruce has also guest lectured at the University of Illinois, and has been quoted extensively locally in the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times and, nationally, in Business Week. He also serves on the Journal of Financial Planning’s Advisory Board.

Bruce received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

When he’s not working, Bruce and his wife Jill enjoy skiing in Utah, basketball and trying to keep up with their two teenage boys.

Harold (Skip) Gianopulos, Jr., JD, CFP®

Principal, Senior Financial Advisor

Skip leads the firm’s efforts in construction and management of client portfolios as well as the oversight of financial advisory and client service areas. He has focused his entire career on counseling high net worth individuals in all areas of wealth management. His extensive knowledge as a wealth planner in diverse areas such as investments, retirement planning, taxation, and estate planning allows him to provide comprehensive investment advisory services to clients. Prior to joining Kovitz in 2005, Skip served as Senior Vice President at Harris Trust & Savings Bank in Chicago and Managing Director of their Wealth Management Group in Barrington. He also co-founded a successful fee-based investment advisory firm.

Skip has been featured in Barron’s and Worth Magazine as one of the top financial advisors in the country. He was also named by Consumers Research Council of America as one of “America's Best Financial Planners.” He is a published author and speaker on various wealth management strategies. In 2012, Skip received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award from Chicago magazine, placing him among the top 3% of wealth managers in the Chicago area.

Skip graduated from Taylor University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems Analysis. In 1999, he received his JD from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago and Masters in Taxation in 2004. Skip is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

When Skip is not helping clients, he enjoys giving back to the community. Skip has been involved with Barrington Area Community Foundation, Barrington Area Development Council, Gigi’s Playhouse and Harriet’s Song.

Theodore J. Rupp, MBA

Principal

Upon formation of Kovitz Investment Group in 2003, Ted became responsible for managing the firm’s finances and internal operations. Currently, Ted continues to focus on these items in addition to working with the firm’s alternative investment offerings, most recently heading up Kovitz Private Holdings, LLC, an affiliated private equity holding company. Previously, Ted served as Chief Financial Officer for a regional coffee & tea distributor, as well as assisting in the management of fixed income portfolios while with Rothschild Investment Corporation.

Ted is currently a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from DePaul University in 2002 and his MBA in 2009 from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Management & Organizations.

Ted enjoys ice hockey and sailing in his free time.

Andrea R. Cohen, CFP®

Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor

Andy has been working with corporate executives and high net worth individuals since 1985. Her extensive expertise with investments, retirement planning, income and estate tax and wealth transfer strategies makes her a trusted advisor to her clients. Before joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2006, Andy provided comprehensive financial planning services to high net worth families while at Northern Trust and Personal Financial Planning, Inc. She also served as Director of Executive Compensation and Benefits for Ameritech Corporation, and also consulted on executive compensation issues to other companies in the Chicago area.

In both 2011 and 2012, Andy received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award from Chicago magazine, placing her among the top 3% of all wealth managers in the Chicagoland area. She’s also been published in the Journal of Financial Planning and has been a guest speaker for the Financial Planning Association and the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

Andy earned her Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Edward W. Edens, MBA, CFP®

Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor

Ed provides financial advice and manages investment accounts for his clients. He enjoys working with many types of clients including individuals, trusts, private foundations, pension and profit sharing plans, not-for-profit organizations and businesses. Ed works seamlessly with clients’ tax advisers and estate planning attorneys. Prior to joining Kovitz in 2005, Ed was an advisor at Wayne Hummer Asset Management as well as Harris Trust & Savings Bank.

A three-time winner, Ed received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award from Chicago magazine in 2010, 2011 and 2012, placing him among the top 3% of all wealth managers in the Chicago area. He is also a published author and speaker on various investment matters. Ed is a member of the Financial Planners Association of Illinois.

Ed graduated from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Finance in 1986. He received his MBA in Finance from DePaul University in Chicago in 1997. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Mary E. Anderson, MA, MBA

Senior Financial Advisor

Mary works closely with her clients with the construction and management of portfolios. Since 1982, Mary has been involved in financial markets. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2007, she was a Vice President and a Senior Portfolio Manager at Harris Bank. Mary joined Harris's Private Bank in 1995 where she specialized in developing asset management programs for large complex trusts and investment relationships. Prior to joining Harris in 1984, Mary worked in Continental Bank's Investment Department.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Marquette University and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota with a concentration in Finance. Mary also earned an MA from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Jenny P. Boyke, MAS, CPA, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor

Jenny focuses on the maintenance and construction of client portfolios as well as comprehensive financial planning advice. Since 1999, Jenny has been a trusted advisor to senior corporate executives and high net worth individuals and families. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2007, she began her career in the tax practices of Deloitte & Touche, LLP and RSM McGladrey.

In 2012, Jenny received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award from Chicago magazine, placing her among the top 3% of all wealth managers in the Chicago area. In 1998, Jenny received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a Minor in Finance from Northern Illinois University, graduating summa cum laude. A year later, she also earned her Master’s in Accounting with an area of specialization in taxation from her alma mater. Jenny is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the Financial Planning Association.

John J. Conway, CRPC®

Senior Financial Advisor

John provides financial advice to high net worth individuals, trusts, private foundations, pension and profit sharing plans, and not-for-profit organizations. Prior to the formation of Kovitz Investment Group in 2003, John was a financial advisor at Rothschild Investment Corporation and a financial consultant with the Merrill Lynch Private Client Services Group.

John received the 2012 Five Star Wealth Manager Award from Chicago magazine, placing him among the top 3% of wealth managers in the Chicago area.

John earned his CRPC^® through the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado and recently completed Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies Certified Financial Planner™ course. He attended Winona State University and specialized in Economics.

John H. Erickson, MBA

Senior Financial Advisor

John concentrates on the construction and management of client portfolios, especially those with income or capital preservation objectives. He enjoys working with clients who share KIG’s “margin of safety” investment philosophy, which attempts to minimize a permanent loss of capital. John has been part of the Kovitz team since 2008. His focus on wealth management began in 1981 and his depth of financial industry experience is derived from his time spent at LaSalle Bank’s Wealth Management Department and First Chicago’s Private Wealth Department. While at First Chicago, John received three Performance Achievement awards from Lipper Analytical Services and special recognition from The American Banking Association for top performance of his bond funds.

John received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from The University of Notre Dame in 1978, and his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in 1979.

Amanda L. Falkum, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor

Amanda provides comprehensive financial planning and investment consulting services to high net worth individuals and corporate executives. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2008, Amanda began her career in the financial services groups of Deloitte & Touche, LLP and Ernst & Young, LLP.

Amanda received the 2012 Five Star Wealth Manager Award from Chicago magazine, placing her among the top 3% of wealth managers in the Chicago area. Amanda is a member of the Financial Planning Association and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Personal Finance.

Michael J. Fenger

Director - Taft Hartley Client Services

Mike is responsible for building KIG's investment management business with respect to Taft-Hartley and related pension plans. Mike has well-established relationships with the Taft-Hartley community and their service providers. Prior to joining Kovitz, he served as the Director of Institutional Sales for Vestor Capital Corporation in Chicago where he was responsible for their Taft-Hartley institutional division. Mike has also served as the Director of Labor for the State of Illinois and served six terms as Business Manager for IBEW Local 364 in Rockford, Illinois. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies degree from National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Ruth Fiorentino Uress, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Ruth works closely with financial advisors, financial planners, and clients on performance reviews, setting asset allocation targets, and financial planning. As part of the 401k team, Ruth works with partners to monitor corporate retirement plans. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2008, Ruth was a Financial Representative at the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

Ruth is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation Legacy Partners. In 2006, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a minor in French from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66. Ruth is CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Catherine A. Flanagan

Financial Advisor

Katie works closely with financial advisors on client service. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2011, Katie was a Relationship Associate at Credit Suisse in the Family Wealth Management Group where she focused on providing assistance with the comprehensive wealth planning needs of several high net worth family groups. Katie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Fordham University in 2006. She is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Deborah A. Hopkins, MBA, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor

Debbie counsels her clients on the financial and investment decisions that impact their lives and the lives of their family members. She works with clients to integrate investment and financial planning strategies into their financial picture. Prior to joining Kovitz in 2011, Debbie was the Chief Operating Officer for a small wealth management firm in Chicago, Illinois. She also was a Vice President in private banking at The Northern Trust where she managed the investment and credit relationships for senior executives from Fortune 100 companies.

Debbie is a member of the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago where she co-chairs the Programs committee. She is also a member of the Professional Council for Philanthropy for Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Debbie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986. She earned her MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in 1991. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Kate E. Jonynas

Financial Advisor

Kate works closely with financial advisors on client service and account maintenance. She joined Kovitz Investment Group in 2008. Kate earned her Bachelor of Science degree cum laude in Economics with an emphasis in International Trade along with a Minor in Management from DePaul University. She is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Sanford Kovitz, JD, MBA

Senior Portfolio Manager

Sanford comes to Kovitz Investment Group with over 40 years experience in the investment industry. He joined us from Rothschild Investment Corp. where he was previously an Executive Vice President. Prior to Rothschild, Sanford was a first Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at the Exchange National Bank of Chicago. Sanford graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received his MBA from Northwestern University. He received his JD from DePaul University.

William W. Lee

Director - Institutional Sales

Bill has a broad knowledge of capital markets as well as a significant financial business network. Prior to joining Kovitz in 2012, he served various roles in the wealth management division, including regional director, at Smith Barney. Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1979.

Peter M. Rudman

Director - Business Development

Peter joined Kovitz Investment Group in January 2012. Peter’s broad entrepreneurial experience as well as a significant network of business contacts led him to join the Kovitz team. Before joining Kovitz, Peter worked in the entertainment industry for 18 years developing and producing various programming for national broadcast and cable networks. Peter earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Lehigh University in 1990 and earned his Master's Degree from Northwestern University in 1993.

Jesse L. Stumpf

Financial Advisor

Jesse assists senior financial advisors with client account management. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2012, Jesse was a Financial Analyst and Planner for high net worth clients and corporate executives at The Ayco Company, L.P., A Goldman Sachs Company. He received a Bachelor of Science in Finance with Honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010. Jesse is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Maria C. Brumbach

Administrative Assistant

Maria greets clients and guests as the firm’s receptionist. In addition, she supports operations of the firm by working with vendors, managing supplies and completing other accounting related tasks. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2010, Maria had provided administrative support in the telecommunications, real estate and investment industries. Maria obtained her Associate Degree in Applied Science in International Business from Chicago City Colleges.

Lori Cullina

Executive Assistant

Lori joined the Kovitz Group in 1997 after working at Rothschild Investment Corp. since 1980. She assists the portfolio managers with new account paperwork and cash management. She has over 30 years experience in the investment industry.

Susan M. Herrick

Assistant Portfolio Manager

Susan works closely with clients and portfolio managers on cash management and account maintenance. She has worked in the financial industry since 1997. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2008, she worked at Harris Associates as a licensed Portfolio Associate, American Family Insurance as an owner and agent. Susan received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from University of Michigan.

Dorothy J. Miyazaki

New Account Administrator

Dorothy prepares and processes new account paperwork and account transfers. She has provided client service and administrative support to the financial industry since 1998. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2009, Dorothy worked for Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc. and Smith Barney. Dorothy received her Associate Degree in Administration from the City College of San Francisco.

Michaelene J. Watson

Executive Assistant

Michaelene works alongside portfolio managers to ensure that clients’ needs are met. She has provided client service and administrative support to the financial industry since 1996. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2011, Michaelene worked in client service at Edwards Jones Investments and spent over ten years at the Chicago Board of Trade working in the Market and Product Development Department, where she assisted in the development and marketing of new Futures Contracts.

Joel D. Hirsh, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Joel focuses on portfolio management of the long/short and long-only equity strategies at KIG. Prior to joining the KIG in 2006, Joel worked as an equity research analyst for KeyBanc Capital Markets, a Division of McDonald Investments. In his previous role, Joel focused on fundamental research in an award-winning basic materials research group. Joel has been published in CFA Magazine and quoted in Bloomberg, Value Investor Insight and Chicago Sun-Times. He is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago's Education Advisory Group. Joel graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He is a CFA® Charterholder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago. Joel is licensed with FINRA under Series 7, 86, 87, 63 and 66.

Mark C. Rosland

Director, Equity Trading and Hedged Equity Strategies

As a member of the investment team at KIG, Mark focuses primarily on the management of KIG's long/short strategy. As the strategy’s chief risk officer, Mark spends the majority of his time structuring the individual positions and stress testing the overall portfolio. In addition, Mark oversees KIG's equity and options trade execution and is also involved in the firm’s institutional marketing for the long/short offering. Prior to the formation of KIG in 2003, Mark was a financial advisor at Rothschild Investment Corporation. Mark graduated in 1997 from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He is a Registered Options Principal and is licensed with FINRA under Series 4, 7 and 66.

Matthew R. Wieneke

Operations Associate

Matt executes all long equity trades for KIG. In addition, he executes trades for the long/short strategies, the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund (GOWLX) and handles day to day trading operations. Prior to joining KIG in 2010, he traded stock index futures for Blue Bar Trading and Futures Management. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2009, and is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Mark C. Ott, Jr.

Trader

Mark joined Kovitz Investment Group in 2011 and currently trades fixed income products such as municipal and corporate bonds. Prior to joining Kovitz, Mark served proudly in the United States Air Force which included tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He received his Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in Finance and a minor in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2011. He is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Jason M. Petitte, CFA

Assistant Director - Fixed Income

Jason is currently engaged in portfolio management and trading related to the firm's investments in fixed income securities with a focus on private-label residential mortgage-backed securities. As part of the Kovitz team since 2005, Jason began his role as an equity trader and eventually transitioned into investment research and analysis for the firm's long equity, fixed income, and hedged equity strategies. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group, Jason was an equity trader at Rothschild Investment Corporation. Jason graduated from DePaul University with High Honor in 2002 while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a Minor in Accounting. He is a CFA® Charterholder and is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Richard P. Salerno

Director - Fixed Income

Rich focuses on Kovitz Investment Group's bond buying process in which he is able to achieve higher yields for clients through an open bidding process. His expertise includes all aspects of fixed income investing. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group, Rich’s fixed income skillset is derived from time spent in the fixed income divisions at Rothschild Investment Corporation, Howe Barnes Investments and Gruntal & Co. Rich earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lewis University in 1977 and is licensed with FINRA under Series 7, 53, 63 and 66.

Robert A. Contreras, JD

General Counsel

Rob joined Kovitz Investment Group in 2012 as General Counsel and provides practical legal and business advice to senior management and portfolio managers. Rob has extensive experience as internal counsel for investment managers, having served in such capacity since 2000. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group, Rob was General Counsel of Deerfield Capital Management LLC, an investment manager with over $10 billion in assets under management, and Deerfield Capital Corp., a NASDAQ-listed public company. Previously, Rob was an associate with Pedersen & Houpt and a staff attorney in the Division of Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Chicago. Rob received his JD from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1996 and Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana University at Bloomington in 1992.

Wendy M. Gugora

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Wendy manages all marketing communications for Kovitz Investment Group. As a marketer of professional services since 1998, she enjoys working with key stakeholders to strategically develop and execute integrated marketing programs to achieve the desired goals of the firm. Prior to joining Kovitz in 2012, Wendy managed and implemented marketing programs for several national service groups at a mid-sized CPA and consulting firm. Wendy received The 1992 Trustee Academic Scholarship from Elgin Community College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University in 1997.

Marion G. Gwekoh

Compliance Associate

Marion works directly with the Chief Compliance Officer in executing the compliance function across Kovitz Investment Group’s several business lines. She focuses on investment advisor, investment company and broker-dealer compliance. Her role includes periodic reviews and testing to ensure the firm acts in accordance with its policies and procedures and the federal securities laws. Prior to joining Kovitz in 2012, Marion worked closely with financial advisors at Total Clarity Wealth Management, Inc. servicing clients and providing operational support. Marion earned her Bachelor of Business Degree in Finance with a Minor in Economics from Western Illinois University in 2008. She currently holds her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Steven E. Hengst

Chief Compliance Officer

Steve performs the compliance function across Kovitz Investment Group’s several business lines. He focuses on investment advisor, investment company and broker-dealer compliance. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2005, Steve spent over six years as a Securities Compliance Examiner in the SEC's Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. In this position, he participated in or led over 100 examinations of investment advisors and investment companies.

Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a Minor in Economics from Valparaiso University in 1999. He is also licensed with FINRA under Series 7, 24 and 66.

Carin L. Nesbitt

Portfolio Administrator

Carin is responsible for maintenance of client portfolios and client reporting. She has served the investment industry since 1990. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2007, Carin was a Senior Client Relationship Liaison with Frye Louis Capital Management. Carin has also worked as a Senior Investment Manager Liaison with Northern Trust servicing global & domestic.

Amanda Pacult

Human Resources Manager

Amanda is responsible for all aspects of human resources for the firm. This includes management of employee benefits, recruiting, on-boarding, training, compliance, employee evaluation process and compensation management. Prior to joining Kovitz Investment Group in 2013, Amanda was responsible for human resources for the Futures Division at Knight Capital Group.

Bill Pappas

Associate - Kovitz Private Holdings

Bill performs accounting, finance and reporting functions for Kovitz Private Holdings. He also works directly with the current portfolio companies to implement internal controls and best practices surrounding processes and procedures, and to assist with their financial reporting requirements. Bill is involved in the identification of, and due diligence process for, acquisition targets of Kovitz Private Holdings. Prior to joining Kovitz Private Holdings in 2012, Bill spent five years at Crowe Horwath LLP in both their Transaction Services and Assurance and Advisory Services groups. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Business, with majors in Accounting and Finance, from Indiana University at Bloomington in 2006.

Catherine J. Stronczek

Operations Manager

Catherine manages internal operations, finance and reporting functions, and human resources for the firm. She is also responsible for assisting in other areas of the firm’s business. She has been part of the Kovitz team since 2007. Catherine received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.

Brad L. Teitel

Operations Associate

Brad joined Kovitz Investment Group in 2011. He works directly with our Chief Information Officer, maintaining back office systems and technology. Brad’s prior work experience includes operations roles at hedge funds and proprietary trading firms. Brad received his Bachelor of Science degree in Decision Information Systems and Finance from the University of Florida in 2002.

Patrick B. Wiese

Chief Information Officer

Patrick currently manages the firm’s technology infrastructure, creates and enhances many of the firm’s operational processes, and implements new applications. He is also responsible for integrating external information systems and assists in managing the firm’s internal operations. Previously, Patrick was Portfolio Administrator during the formation of the Kovitz Investment Group in 2003. He started his career at Rothschild Investment Corporation as an Associate in 2001. Patrick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Finance from Roosevelt University in 2002. He is licensed with FINRA under Series 7 and 66.