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.

Photo or icon of Maggie Bartoletti ('19)

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.
Photo or icon of Brandon Bischof ('17), CMT®, CFP®, UBS

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

Wealth Strategy Associcate, UBS

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.

Photo or icon of Kristen Brauer ('17)

Kristen Brauer ('17)

Program Manager, Amazon

Kristen Brauer is a Program Manager at Amazon in Seattle. Before joining Amazon, she built her career in finance through roles at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis; Katz, Sapper & Miller; and USA Brands, where she most recently served as Vice President of Finance. Kristen earned a BSBA in Finance from Xavier University and a MASc in Supply Chain Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her MIT capstone focused on developing an agentic AI solution for finance operations in partnership with a Fortune 100 company.

 

Photo or icon of Matt Carroll ('20), CFP®

Matt Carroll ('20), CFP®

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 PLANNERTM designation and is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Southwestern Ohio.

Photo or icon of Kirsten Comment ('19), CFA, CFP®

Kirsten Comment ('19), CFA, CFP®

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 member of both the CFA Society of Cincinnati and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

Photo or icon of David M. Croft ('17), CFP®, AWMA®

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.  

Photo or icon of David DiFiore ('15), CFA

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.

Photo or icon of Lauren DiFiore ('19)

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.

Photo or icon of Emily Hogya ('17)

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.

Photo or icon of Malcolm Menezes ('21)

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.

Photo or icon of Nate Monastra ('20, MBA '21)

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.

Photo or icon of Alexander G. Moore ('18)

Alexander G. Moore ('18)

Vice President, Corporate Development, ARG

Alex Moore leads Corporate Development and strategic acquisitions at ARG, a leading IT consulting firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., with operations across the United States. Leveraging nearly a decade of investment banking experience, Alex advised on more than $3.0 billion in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) transactions before joining ARG. In his current role, he leads the company's corporate development and M&A strategy, partnering with ARG's executive team and private equity investors to accelerate growth through strategic acquisitions and platform-building initiatives. At Xavier, Alex earned a BSBA in Finance with a minor in German while serving as President of the Model United Nations Club and Vice President of the Xavier Club Ice Hockey Team.

Photo or icon of Tony Petretti ('18), CFA

Tony Petretti ('18), CFA

Partner, M&A Advisory, Olivewood Advisors

Tony Petretti is a Partner and founding member of Olivewood Advisors. After advising on transactions representing over $1.0 billion in aggregate value across industrials, software, distribution, and tourism, he was inspired by the founders and families he served to forge his own path alongside two like-minded partners — walking the same entrepreneurial road so many of his clients have traveled.

He built his career in sell-side investment banking and the investment consulting industry before Olivewood. A CFA charterholder, he pairs the analytical rigor of institutional finance with a genuinely relationship-first approach to advising business owners and families.

Tony has always been drawn to blue-collar business owners — his first jobs were on the factory floor of a family-owned glass manufacturing plant and at a family-owned scrap metal business, both in Cleveland. Those early years gave him a firsthand respect for the grit it takes to build something real, and for the people who do it. His work has since come full circle: he now advises the very type of owners he once worked alongside. It's where his conviction took root that middle-market business owners are the lifeblood of our economy, and that when the time comes to exit, their legacy deserves to be honored. That belief shapes how he counsels every owner across the table.

Tony graduated Magna Cum Laude from Xavier University with a B.S.B.A. in Finance and a minor in Economics. He remains deeply engaged in the Cincinnati business and civic community, serving on Xavier's Junior Board of Advisors and as a member of the CFA Society of Cincinnati, and is committed to strengthening the region's already vibrant M&A ecosystem. Midwest-born and raised, Tony lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Kirsten. Outside the office, he's a lifelong hockey player and a dedicated ultrarunner, logging long miles on the trails and bringing that same discipline and endurance to every engagement he takes on.

Photo or icon of Erik Smith ('10, MBA '14), CFP®

Erik Smith ('10, MBA '14), CFP®

Financial Advisor and Partner, 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.
Photo or icon of Benjamin Sullivan ('16)

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.

Photo or icon of Brendan Tenney ('16, MBA '20)

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.

Photo or icon of Ellie Thompson ('17)

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.

Photo or icon of Emily Wagner ('17, MBA '23)

Emily Wagner ('17, MBA '23)

Chief Financial Officer for Developmental Disabilities, ViaQuest

Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration with a minor in Finance from Xavier University in 2017 and completed her MBA with a concentration in Finance in 2023.

Following graduation, Emily began her career as a Financial Analyst on the Payor Relations team at UC Health. She later joined Bon Secours Mercy Health, where she advanced through several finance leadership roles, including Senior Financial Analyst supporting the Integration Management & Transformation Office, Assistant Chief Financial Officer at Mercy Health Clermont Hospital, and Chief Financial Officer at Mercy Health Tiffin and Willard Hospitals.

Emily currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for Developmental Disabilities at ViaQuest, where she leads financial strategy and oversees financial operations to support organizational performance, sustainable growth, and long-term impact. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about healthcare, drawn to the industry's complexity, continuous evolution, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with her three cats, Brighton, Crazy, and Baby Billy.

Photo or icon of Zach Wagner ('21)

Zach Wagner ('21)

Vice President and Financial Advisor, 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.

Photo or icon of Patrick Weimer ('19)

Patrick Weimer ('19)

Vice President and 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.
Photo or icon of Will Zimbler ('20)

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.