Experience

Deborah has been working in the financial services industry for over 25 years. She specializes in working with high net worth families and women in financial transition providing client education, investment expertise and customized wealth management planning. This approach instills confidence as she combines the attentiveness and flexibility of a boutique firm with the global strength and rigor of the world's leading wealth manager. Deborah joined UBS in 2017.

 Deb also trained teachers and government leaders under an economic trade mission business partnership (ECOSENSE) between Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III and President Weizmann of Israel in 1997 and developed the Minnesota Stock Market Game, designing and developing the materials as well as directing the funding campaigns.

Deborah grew up in Newport, Rhode Island where she received a bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Rhode Island and later earned a Master’s degree in economic education. She began her career as a teacher of mathematics and economics, then later owned her own consulting business. She also attended the SIA Wharton School.  Deb uses these experiences and skills to work with her clients at all experience levels. Her primary focus is on comprehensive Wealth Management including estate, insurance, and retirement planning.

Deborah lives in St. Paul with her husband Bill and enjoys spending time with her family and rug hooking. If you are interested in knowing more about the services Deborah and our team can provide to you, have questions about wealth management, or you have an interesting craft project you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to reach out to Deb.

California Insurance Producer License Number: OE84930

Zachary is a Financial Advisor and Account Vice President with the Johnston Group. He joined the team in 2019 with 6 years of experience in the financial services industry. His UBS career started in 2017 when he came on as a Wealth Planning Associate.

Being a Financial Advisor, Zach is passionate about working with families to ensure their finances efficiently achieve their goals and effectively communicate their values to themselves and their surrounding community. 

Zach graduated from Eckerd College in Florida with a degree in Music, which still plays a role in his life to this day. During his time with UBS Financial Services, Zach has earned the CFP®,  AWMA® and CPWA® designations, further demonstrating his zest for knowledge and professional growth.

Zach enjoys speaking with others and learning about their ambitions. If you are interested in knowing more about how our team can help you utilize your wealth to achieve those ambitions or you want to talk pipe organs or American roots music, or talk about his toddler Abby and her latest adventures, don’t hesitate to reach out to Zach.

Christine Soininen is a Team Administrator, Registered Client Associate at UBS Financial Services.  Christine has spent her entire professional career in the financial services industry.  Beginning at Shearson Lehman Brothers in 1992, she has held several roles over the years in operations management, client support and compliance surveillance.  Prior to joining the Johnston Group, Christine was a Market Supervision Manager at Merrill Lynch, supporting the Greater Minnesota Market.  Christine uses her vast industry knowledge and skills to provide clients with effective solutions to their financial needs.  Christine holds security licenses Series 7, 9, 10 and 63.  Christine resides in Rosemount, Minnesota with her 2 children and enjoys being outdoors, exercising, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

I have been working in the financial services industry for 28 years, I started my career at Prudential Securities. In 2001, I moved to Piper Jaffray's Private Client Group, which was acquired by UBS Financial Services in 2006. I have my Series 7 and 63 licenses. I have vast knowledge in the operational and the administrative processes of securities and insurance products, focusing on creating a positive client service experience. I currently live in Minneapolis with my husband, we have 2 daughters.