Experience

Makes all the difference

Honesty, Integrity, Commitment. These are the values that we consider essential to our business. The Johnston Group specializes in providing high-net-worth individuals and families with financial advice including investing, liability management, estate planning, tax optimization and philanthropic strategies.

Our advice is tailored to their circumstances and priorities to establish appropriate asset allocation, spending policies, investment, and risk management. We are honored to serve as members of our client's professional team and work closely with their trust and estate attorney and CPA to provide multi-generational wealth planning, implementation of wealth transfer strategies, and education for the next generation.

Deborah Johnston

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Debbie has been working in the financial services industry for over 25 years. As a Managing Director at UBS, Debbie oversees the team’s Wealth Management Practice. 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. Debbie joined UBS in 2017.

Debbie has been named a Forbes – Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in Minnesota 2021-2024 and Top Women Wealth Advisor 2020 – 2024.

Debbie 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.  Debbie 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.

Debbie 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 Debbie and our team can provide to you, or have questions about wealth management, don’t hesitate to reach out to Debbie.

California Insurance Producer License Number: OE84930

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DC
  • FL
  • IA
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, 2020, 2021The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in February based on information from a 12 month period ending September of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
  • Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in February based on information from a 12 month period ending September of the prior year.
  • UBS Wealth Management Chairman’s Council, 2024UBS Financial Services Inc. Councils are a distinction held by UBS Financial Advisors based on criteria including evaluation of compliance with firm rules, standards & policies and revenue. Council membership is not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

Education

  • University of Rhode Island, Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics
  • University of Rhode Island, Master’s Degree in Economic Education
  • SIA Wharton School
80 South 8th Street
Suite 2900
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Email Me

deborah.johnston@ubs.com
Deborah Johnston
80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402

Zachary Johnston, CPWA, CFP, AWMA

Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Zach is a Financial Advisor and 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 accepted a position as a Wealth Planning Associate. As an advisor, Zach specializes in offering planning strategies for high and ultra-high net worth families. He is passionate about educating people about their finances and making sure their balance sheet is aligned with their goals and values. The best part of Zach’s job is working with the next generation and young entrepreneurs. By helping them focus on their long-term goals and learning about family legacy, he can help young investors and families realize their dreams and preserve legacies.

Zach graduated from Eckerd College in Florida with a degree in Music, which still plays a role in his life to this day. He has conducted orchestras, bands, and choirs of all levels, and still sings to his daughter every night. During his time with UBS Financial Services, Zach has earned the CFP®,  AWMA® and CPWA® designations and studied at the Yale School of Management Executive Program.

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 want to talk pipe organs or American roots music, don’t hesitate to reach out to Zach.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DC
  • FL
  • IA
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • MN
  • MO
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

Education

  • Eckerd College in Florida, Music

Credentials

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
  • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
80 South 8th Street
Suite 2900
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Email Me

zachary.johnston@ubs.com
Zachary Johnston, CPWA, CFP, AWMA
80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402

Chris Soininen

Client Associate

Chris is a Team Administrator, Registered Client Associate at UBS Financial Services.  Chris 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, Chris was a Market Supervision Manager at Merrill Lynch, supporting the Greater Minnesota Market.  Chris uses her vast industry knowledge and skills to provide clients with effective solutions to their financial needs.  Chris holds security licenses Series 7, 9, 10 and 63.  Christine resides in Rosemount, Minnesota with her 2 children.  Chris enjoys being outdoors, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

80 South 8th Street
Suite 2900
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Email Me

christine.soininen@ubs.com
Chris Soininen
80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402

Jen Nelson

Client Associate

Jen has been working in the financial services industry for 28 years and started her career at Prudential Securities. In 2001, Jen moved to Piper Jaffray's Private Client Group, which was acquired by UBS Financial Services in 2006. Jen holds securities licenses Series 7 and 63.  Her vast knowledge in the operational and the administrative processes of securities and insurance products help in focusing on creating a positive client service experience.  Jen is effective in applying her industry knowledge towards client solutions and services.  Jen currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband Tony, they have 2 daughters, and 2 granddaughters. Jen enjoys traveling, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

Registered States:
  • CO
  • FL
  • MN
  • NY
  • PA
  • TX
  • WI
8500 Normandale Lake Boulevard
Suite 210
Bloomington, MN 55437

Email Me

jennifer.e.nelson@ubs.com
Jen Nelson
8500 Normandale Lake Boulevard,Bloomington,MN,55437

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