Your goals. Our comprehensive plan.

2026 Team Photo

With the complexity of today's markets and uncertainty about tomorrow's economy, good financial advice is more important than ever. As a team of dedicated Financial Advisors, we're committed to helping you organize your finances around your short term needs, your longer-term goals and what you envision for generations to come. Our knowledgeable perspective, good judgement and broad experience can help you meet your challenges and seize opportunities.

Generational

Pursuing your goals together

The Gulf Coast Wealth Management team was formed to offer clients a more complete and coordinated wealth management experience. Together, the team brings a broad range of expertise—spanning investments, financial planning, retirement strategies, banking solutions, and dedicated client service.

While each member contributes a distinct specialty, the team operates with a shared philosophy: listen closely, plan thoughtfully, and deliver guidance that supports clients at every stage of their financial journey. By working collaboratively, they aim to provide personalized strategies, clear communication, and a high level of care for the families and businesses they serve.

Our mission is to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. Our goal is to be your primary source of financial advice. To this end, we concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service.

  • CZ

    Christopher Zink, CFP, CIMA

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

    • image
    • image
    • image
    • AL
    • AR
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • DC
    • FL
    • GA
    • IN
    • KY
    • LA
    • MA
    • MD
    • MI
    • MN
    • MO
    • MS
    • NC
    • NH
    • NY
    • OH
    • OK
    • PA
    • SC
    • TN
    • TX
    • UT
    • VA
    • VI
    • WA
    • WI

    With more than 20 years of experience in comprehensive wealth management, Chris has built his career helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions. Before joining UBS in 2009, he advised high-net-worth clients at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and spent a decade with JPMorgan Chase delivering private banking and investment management services. He graduated from the University of North Carolina and later earned both the Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Investment Management Analyst® designations.

    As the team’s lead investment specialist, Chris focuses on designing customized portfolio strategies and providing disciplined investment guidance. He collaborates closely with clients to help them pursue long-term financial security with clarity and confidence.

    Chris lives in New Orleans with his wife and three children. He is active in several nonprofit organizations and enjoys sailing, skiing, and time spent outdoors with family.

          909 Poydras Street
          Suite 2900
          New Orleans, LA 70112
          chris.zink@ubs.com
          Christopher Zink, CFP, CIMA
          909 Poydras Street,New Orleans,LA,70112
        • John-Gherardi

          John Gherardi, CFP®, CPWA®

          Director

          Financial Advisor

          • image
          • image
          • image
          • AL
          • AR
          • AZ
          • CA
          • CO
          • CT
          • FL
          • GA
          • IN
          • KY
          • LA
          • MA
          • MD
          • MI
          • MN
          • MO
          • MS
          • NC
          • NE
          • NH
          • NM
          • NY
          • OH
          • OK
          • PA
          • SC
          • TN
          • TX
          • VA
          • WA
          • WI

          John brings more than 25 years of experience to the team, beginning his career as a Financial Advisor with UBS in Tennessee before moving to Louisiana to serve as a Wealth Advisor. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and holds the Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designations.

          John specializes in comprehensive financial planning and insurance strategies, helping clients define clear goals and build plans tailored to their needs. Known for his relationship-driven approach, he works closely with families and business owners to integrate investment, planning, and protection strategies into cohesive, long-term solutions.

          A resident of Broussard, John is active in community organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette and Ducks Unlimited. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, along with hunting and golfing.

           

            • Western New England College
            • University of Phoenix, B.S. Business Administration
            • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
            201 Settlers Trace
            Suite 3004
            Lafayette, LA 70508
            john.gherardi@ubs.com,kendra.willis@ubs.com
            John Gherardi, CFP®, CPWA®
            201 Settlers Trace,Lafayette,LA,70508
          • JO

            Jay Owen

            First Vice President–Wealth Management

            Financial Advisor

            • image
            • image
            • AL
            • AR
            • AZ
            • CA
            • CO
            • FL
            • GA
            • IN
            • KY
            • LA
            • MA
            • MD
            • MI
            • MN
            • MO
            • MS
            • NC
            • NH
            • NM
            • NY
            • OH
            • OK
            • PA
            • SC
            • TN
            • TX
            • VA
            • WA
            • WI

            Jay brings more than 30 years of wealth-management experience to the team, serving clients with a disciplined approach rooted in trust and long-standing relationships. Over the course of his career with UBS, he has guided individuals and families through evolving markets and life transitions with clarity and steady perspective.

            As the team’s primary resource for banking solutions and securities-backed lending, Jay works closely with clients to integrate tailored borrowing strategies into their broader financial plans. His thoughtful, long-term approach helps clients pursue their goals while maintaining financial flexibility.

            Outside the office, Jay is an avid sportsman who enjoys hunting and fishing. He is also proud to serve on the National Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited, reflecting his lifelong dedication to conservation and the stewardship of natural resources.

              • University of Southwestern Louisiana
                201 Settlers Trace Blvd.
                Suite 3004
                Lafayette, LA 70508
                jay.owen@ubs.com
                Jay Owen
                201 Settlers Trace Blvd.,Lafayette,LA,70508
              • KW

                Kendra Willis

                Registered Client Associate

                • image
                • image
                • AK
                • AL
                • AR
                • AZ
                • CA
                • CO
                • CT
                • FL
                • GA
                • IN
                • KS
                • KY
                • LA
                • MA
                • MN
                • MO
                • MS
                • NC
                • NE
                • NH
                • NM
                • NY
                • OK
                • SC
                • TN
                • TX
                • VA
                • WA

                Kendra is a Registered Client Service Associate who has supported UBS advisors since 2022. She holds Series 7 and 66 licenses and previously contributed to the firm’s Virtual Partner Box program. Before joining UBS, she spent more than 15 years in banking and branch leadership at JPMorgan Chase, gaining extensive experience in client service, operations, and relationship management.

                Kendra provides clients with responsive, detail-oriented support, ensuring seamless account administration and a consistently high standard of service. She works closely with advisors and clients to facilitate smooth onboarding, problem resolution, and day-to-day account needs.

                Outside the office, Kendra enjoys spending time with family and is committed to creating positive, lasting experiences for the clients she supports.

                      201 Settlers Trace Blvd.
                      Suite 3004
                      Lafayette, LA 70508
                      kendra.willis@ubs.com
                      Kendra Willis
                      201 Settlers Trace Blvd.,Lafayette,LA,70508

                    Defining your priorities. Pursuing what matters.

                    Our experience and structured planning process drives a comprehensive financial plan and customized investment strategies. Depending on where you are in your life and the priorities that matter most, our planning conversations may focus on liquidity management, your cash flow needs, asset replacement solutions such as insurance, estate planning strategies, or tax and legal structures such as trusts and philanthropic vehicles.

                    Mountain climbers on peak at sunrise

                    A leading global wealth manager

                    Retirement couple holding surfboards

                    Retirement planning

                    Man working on laptop during virtual call

                    Planning for a changing tax landscape

                    Clients sitting with advisor

                    Empower your investments

                    Woman with architectural plans

                    A plan to simplify your financial life

                    House View Monthly

                    Texas

                    Donor-advised funds

                    Year-end charitable giving

                    As we approach the end of the year, you may be thinking about the charitable contributions you’d like to make. Learn how a donor-advised fund (DAF), can support your favorite charities in a flexible, tax-efficient and cost-effective manner.

                    For personalized service and more information on how a DAF can fit into your charitable giving plans, contact our team today.

                    A leader in wealth management

                    Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

                    $6.9 trn

                    UBS Group invested assets
                    As of 10/29/2025

                    Global leader

                    UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager

                    More than 160 years

                    offering financial advice

                    Insights

                    This website uses cookies to make sure you get the best experience on our website. You can find more information under the Privacy Statement. You are free to change your cookies' settings in the privacy settings.

                    Go to privacy settings