Junior Board of Advisors

The Junior Board of Advisors is group of young finance professionals and future leaders who provide advice, guidance and financial support to the faculty and students of the Xavier University Finance Department. The Board assists the department by focusing on the development of current finance students through various activities which may include mentoring, a classroom guest lecture, and attendance at campus events. The Board will also help cultivate long-term relationships in the business community and will foster communication between Xavier University and recent graduates.

We welcome your participation in department advisory boards. If you desire further information, please contact Dean Marco Pagani via email at paganim@xavier.edu or by phone at 513-745-3528.

Maggie Bartoletti ('19)

Finance Manager, Charter Manufacturing

Maggie Bartoletti is a Finance Manager of Operations at Charter Manufacturing, where she oversees capital investments, guides strategic budgeting and operating goal development, supports month-end close, and delivers insights to the business. With a passion for continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making, she partners closely with operations and leaders across the business to increase visibility, optimize cost standards, and support long-term growth.

Maggie earned her MBA from Marquette University and her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Xavier University. Outside of work, she is deeply committed to philanthropy and community leadership. She serves on the Board of Directors for Impact100 Greater Milwaukee, championing women’s collective giving.

Brandon Bischof ('17), CMT®, CFP®, UBS

Director of Portfolio Strategy & Investment Planning

Brandon joined FTB Financial in 2025, bringing deep technical expertise to their planning and investment teams. He is a CFP® professional and holds a Chartered Market Technician (CMT®) designation. Brandon specializes in technical market analysis, portfolio strategy, and financial planning. His insights have been featured on platforms including Nasdaq, ETF Trends, Yahoo Finance, and Fox Business. He identifies as both a strategist and a storyteller, offering clients timely perspectives and inspiring narratives that bring the markets to life. You will regularly hear him quoting Yogi Berra and comparing investing to the game of golf.

Kristen Brauer ('17)

Vice President of Finance, USA Brands

Kristen Brauer is the VP of Finance for USA Brands, the parent company of Vermont Flannel and All American Clothing Co. Prior to USA Brands, she held roles in banking and professional services at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and Katz, Sapper & Miller. Kristen is a proud Xavier and Orr Fellow alumna, and a current post-baccalaureate accounting student at Northwestern.

Matt Carroll ('20)

Senior Wealth Management Analyst, Bahl & Gaynor

Matt Carroll is a Wealth Management Analyst at Bahl & Gaynor. As an analyst, Matt assists portfolio managers with general research, portfolio management and client service. In addition, he supports Bahl & Gaynor’s financial planning efforts including cash flow projections, generational wealth preservation and transfer, charitable intentions and retirement strategies. Matt graduated from Xavier University’s Williams College of Business with a B.S.B.A in Finance. As an undergrad, he was involved with the D’Artagnan Capital Fund serving first as an analyst and then as Chief Operating Officer. Matt currently holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM designation and is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Southwestern Ohio.

Kirsten Comment ('19)

Investment Specialist, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Kirsten Comment is an Investment Specialist in the Cincinnati office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Kirsten oversees the sophisticated portfolio scenarios of a wide range of clients, including business owners, executives, successful individuals and their families. Kirsten began her career at Fifth Third Bank, developing strengths in financial analysis, portfolio modeling and investment strategy. Now at J.P. Morgan, she is excited to be working closely with the individuals on whom she is having an impact. Kirsten graduated cum laude from Xavier University’s Williams College of Business with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in Economics. As an undergrad, she was involved in making strategic recommendations for a graduate-level, student-run investment fixed income portfolio that managed a portion of Xavier’s endowment. Kirsten is a Level III CFA® candidate, and is a member of both the CFA Society of Cincinnati and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

David M. Croft ('17), CFP®, AWMA®

Financial Advisor, UBS

David graduated from Xavier University in 2017 with a Finance degree and minor in Economics. Residing in Cleveland with his wife, Hayli (XU ’16), and son, Brooks, David works in the private wealth management industry. As an advisor for UBS, he works closely with multi-generational families providing a consultative approach to managing, preserving, and distributing their wealth. David maintains his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation, serves as the Xavier Alumni Cleveland Chapter President, and volunteers as a mentor for College Now Greater Cleveland.

David DiFiore ('15), CFA

Morgan Stanley

David DiFiore, CFA, works at Morgan Stanley, where he brings over 10-years of industry experience. He was previously a Private Banker at J.P. Morgan after earning a BSBA in Finance from Xavier University. He is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, spending time being active in the athletic department and the car club. David enjoys traveling and trying out new restaurants, and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends.

Lauren DiFiore ('19)

Relationship Manager, Rockefeller Capital Management

Lauren grew up in Metro Detroit and moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier as a second-generation Musketeer. She graduated in 2019 from the Williams College of Business where she majored in Finance and was involved in several organizations on campus including the D’Artagnan Capital Fund, Xavier Women in Business, Delta Sigma Pi, and many more.

Lauren joined the Hambleton Fieler Wealth Partners at Rockefeller Capital Management in April 2021 where she is a Relationship Manager for high-net worth clients, covering their day-to-day wealth planning needs. Her primary focus when working with her clients is communication and efficiency as well as cultivating long-lasting connections.

Lauren currently lives in downtown Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood and in her free time enjoys working out, spending time with friends, and traveling to see family in Michigan. Outside of the office, Lauren finds the most fulfillment in giving back to the community. She is a volunteer basketball coach year-round at Friars Club, cooks and serves dinner each Sunday at Ronald McDonald House, and teaches a monthly Financial Literacy class at a local high school. As a cancer survivor, she regularly participates in fundraising and volunteering events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The American Cancer Society. She frequently finds herself back on Xavier’s campus whether it is for alumni events at the Williams College of Business or cheering on the muskies as a men’s basketball season ticket holder.

Emily Hogya ('17)

Client Associate, UBS

Emily Hogya has always been dedicated to the pursuit of both intellectual excellence and personal connection. A Cincinnati native, she attended The Summit Country Day School in Hyde Park and earned the distinction of Valedictorian upon graduation. She translated her enthusiasm for learning to her college experience at Xavier University, where she graduated from the Williams College of Business summa cum laude with majors in Finance, Economics, and Accounting and a minor in English. She completed two finance capstones through involvement in the D’Artagnan Capital Fund and local business consulting. While at Xavier, she also pledged to Delta Sigma Pi, a national professional business fraternity, and participated in the Xavier Honors Program.

Upon graduation, she gained several years of experience as a senior portfolio analyst at institutional investment management firm FEG Investment Advisors. In 2022, she found a home atshe found a home at UBS, a local wealth management firm where she currently works as an Client Associate. She is passionate about helping clients achieve the financial security to pursue all of their passions through a comprehensive, thoughtful, and personalized wealth management program. In her free time, Emily loves spending time with her family, having a cocktail with friends at one of Cincinnati’s many new restaurants, and traveling out West, particularly to Arizona.

Malcolm Menezes ('21)

Senior Financial Analyst, GSWF Group Inc.

Malcolm is a Senior Financial Analyst at GSWF Group, where his expertise extends across the company’s various business ventures. His primary responsibilities include assisting partners with industry due diligence, developing financial models, and building investor presentations. Malcolm earned his MS in Finance from the University of Rochester and graduated cum laude from Xavier University, with a major in Finance and a minor in Accounting. Outside of his professional endeavors, Malcolm enjoys running and going on camping adventures in the Adirondack mountains.

Nate Monastra ('20, MBA '21)

Associate Director, WestEnd Advisors

Nate earned his degree in Finance and his MBA from Xavier University. He was awarded the Presidential scholarship for his academic achievements. He was also named the 2020 Rothwell Award Recipient at Xavier University. The Rothwell Award is presented annually to one student for completing the Finance major with the highest distinction. Additionally, Nate was a three-year captain of the Xavier University baseball team.

Alexander Moore ('18)

Investment Banking Vice President, Q Advisors

Alex Moore is an Associate at Q Advisors, a TMT focused investment bank with offices in Denver, San Francisco and Munich. Alex works with clients across a variety of verticals including cloud communications, digital infrastructure, IT and managed services, and software and technology. In his role, Alex acts as a strategic and financial advisor to companies completing majority sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, raising equity and debt capital, and organizing balance sheet recapitalizations and restructurings.

Tony Petretti ('18)

Investment Banking Founding Partner, Olivewood Advisors

Tony Petretti is a Co-Founder of Olivewood Advisors, where he works alongside founder and family-owned businesses during some of the most important decisions of their lives. He brings more than $1.0bn in deal experience across a variety of industries, helping owners navigate sale processes with clarity, care, and confidence. Prior to Olivewood, Tony worked in middle-market investment banking and began his career in investment consulting, advising non-profit clients on manager selection and portfolio oversight. He graduated magna cum laude from Xavier University’s Williams College of Business with a degree in Finance and a minor in Economics. Outside of work, Tony enjoys running, reading, hockey, and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Kirsten.

Erik Smith, CFP®

Financial Advisor, Wealth Dimensions Group

Erik is a Financial Advisor at Cincinnati-based Wealth Dimensions Group with over 15 years of experience helping individuals simplify complex financial situations. Guided by a strong foundation of service and client advocacy, Erik brings a work ethic shaped by his upbringing on a northern Ohio farm and values rooted in community. A proud Xavier University alumnus, he holds a BS in Finance, an MBA, and the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Committed to giving back, Erik serves on the Board and Development Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati and as a member of the Ambassador Council for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Outside of work, he enjoys concerts, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

Benjamin Sullivan ('16)

Vice President and Co-Leader of Global Equities, FEG

With a robust background in finance and investments, Sullivan has been a dedicated investment professional since 2016 and a valued member of the FEG team since 2017. Holding a BSBA in Finance from Xavier University, Sullivan began his career at Dimensional Fund Advisors as a Portfolio Management Analyst, where he honed his skills in investment analysis and portfolio management. Prior to that, Sullivan gained valuable experience as a Portfolio Management Data Intern at Total Wealth Planning, providing key insights through data analysis. His early career included an internship with the U.S. House of Representatives, which offered a unique perspective on legislative processes and policy-making.

Brendan Tenney ('16, MBA '20)

Assistant Director of Admissions, Canisius High School

Brendan was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and attended Xavier University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in finance and economics in 2016 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2020. Following graduation, Brendan completed the Finance and Accounting Leadership program at Fifth Third Bank, and spent a total of five years at the bank in various corporate finance and accounting roles. After moving back home to Buffalo in 2021, Brendan began a new role as the Assistant Director of Admission at his alma mater, Canisius High School. He also helps coach the Canisius freshman basketball team. An avid Buffalo sports and Xavier Musketeers fan, Brendan can often be found watching or playing various sports. He is a food and beverage connoisseur who also enjoys watching shows, reading books, and listening to podcasts.

Ellie Thompson ('17)

Senior Financial Analyst, Fifth Third

Ellie grew up in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier, where she graduated from in 2017. She currently resides in Ludlow, KY with her dog, Rudy, and cat, Dewey. Ellie began her career at Macy’s in their Finance Executive Development Program, then made the move over to Fifth Third, where she has been for three years. Ellie currently works as a Senior Financial Analyst dedicated to forecasting the bank’s Consumer Deposits.

Emily Wagner ('17, MBA '23)

Chief Financial Officer, Tiffin & Willard Hospitals

Emily completed her Bachelors (2017) and MBA with a concentration in Finance (2023) at Xavier University. For her undergraduate degree, she majored in Health Administration with a minor in Finance. After her undergraduate degree, Emily worked at UC Health on the Payor Relations team as a Financial Analyst. After a few years at UC Health, she moved to Bon Secours Mercy Health where she was promoted to a Senior Financial Analyst (Financial Planning & Analysis, Integration Management & Transformation Office). In 2022, she was promoted to the Assistant Chief Financial Officer at Clermont Hospital and in 2023, she moved to her current role as the CFO of Tiffin & Willard Hospitals. Emily has always enjoyed the healthcare industry as it has a high level of complexity and is constantly evolving. Outside of work she enjoys being active and spending time with her two cats, Pleume and Brighton.

Zach Wagner ('21)

Financial Advisor, VP, Northern Trust

Zach graduated from Xavier University in 2021 with a degree in Finance and a minor in Information Systems. He began his career in wealth management in 2020 as an intern at a local registered investment advisory firm, where he developed a strong foundation in financial planning and client service.

Today, Zach is based in Tampa, where he works as a Financial Advisor helping families, businesses, and individuals pursue long-term financial success through personalized planning and strategic guidance.

Outside of work, Zach is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling with his wife.

Patrick Weimer ('19)

Relationship Manager, Commerce Bank

Patrick Weimer is a Relationship Manager at Commerce Bank. He serves as the primary point of contact for local businesses in the Cincinnati Market, offering product support, credit guidance, and tailored solutions to help businesses succeed and grow. He graduated from Xavier in 2019, majoring in Finance and minoring in Economics. Patrick started his career in banking performing credit underwriting with US Bank, working as the bridge between Sales and Credit at KeyBank, then taking on Vice President duties at Commerce Bank in December of 2025. Patrick’s free time is usually filled with Led Zeppelin covers on the drums, Pink Floyd covers on the guitar, or triple-digit rounds on the golf course.

Will Zimbler ('20)

Account Executive, Verkada

Will Zimbler is a 2020 graduate from Xavier University, while majoring in finance and holding leadership experiences across campus throughout his four years. Ranging from working as an intern in the Fifth Third Trading Center, Manresa Orientation Leader, or working alongside Xavier Athletics, these experiences have allowed Will to grow as an Account Executive at Verkada. Based in San Mateo, CA, Verkada is a cloud-based physical security platform that unifies security cameras, access control, environmental sensors, alarms, and visitor management across state and local government, education systems, retailers, healthcare, manufacturing and more. Will is originally from the Chicago suburbs and currently resides on Chicago's northside.