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 27 years. As a Managing Director at UBS, Debbie oversees the team’s Wealth Management Practice. She focuses on  working with high-net-worth families and women in financial transition providing client education, investment experience 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 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.


Drawing on these experiences and skills, Debbie works with her clients at all levels of financial knowledge and experience. Her primary focus is on comprehensive Wealth Management including estate, insurance, and retirement planning.


Debbie lives in St. Paul with her husband, Bill. She 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.

Minnesota Insurance License Number: 20321262

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IA
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • WI

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

First Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Zach is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with the Johnston Group. He joined the team in 2019, bringing six years of experience in the financial services industry.  His UBS career began in 2017 when he accepted a position as a Wealth Planning Associate. As an advisor, Zach specializes in developing planning strategies for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. He is passionate about educating clients about their finances and ensuring their balance sheets align with their goals and values.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Zach's work is helping the next generation and young entrepreneurs.  By encouraging them to focus on their long-term goals and understand the importance of family legacy, he helps young investors and families realize their aspirations while preserving the values and legacies that are important to them.

Zach graduated from Eckerd College in Florida with a degree in Music, a passion that continues to play an important role in his life. He has conducted orchestras, bands, and choirs at all levels and still enjoys singing to his daughter every night.

During his time with UBS Financial Services, Zach has earned the CFP®, AWMA®, and CPWA® designations and completed studies through the Yale School of Management Executive Program.

Zach lives in St. Paul with his daughter. He enjoys connecting with others and learning about their ambitions and goals.

If you are interested in learning more about how our team can help you utilize your wealth to achieve your ambitions, or if you would like to talk about pipe organs or American roots music, please do not hesitate to reach out to Zach.

Minnesota Insurance License Number: 20321262

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • FL
  • GA
  • IA
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • NC
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • WI

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, 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.

Chris resides in Rosemount, with her 2 children. Chris enjoys being outdoors, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Registered States:
  • CT
  • ID
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 30 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
80 South 8th Street
Suite 2900
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Email Me

jennifer.e.nelson@ubs.com
Jen Nelson
80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402

Nancy Hopp

Senior Registered Client Associate

Nancy has over 45 years in the Financial Services Industry, spending her entire career with the same firm. Nancy has held several positions in Operations, Administration, Institutional Sales and as a Client Associate. With Nancy’s wide range of experience, it gives her the knowledge to provide excellent client service & support. Nancy holds security license Series 7 & 63.


Nancy lives in Brooklyn Park with her husband Mike and dog Max, they have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, and great grandson twins. Nancy enjoys being outdoors, camping, swimming, watching the MN Vikings, and spending time with her family.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • FL
  • IA
  • IL
  • KY
  • MN
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OH
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI
80 South 8th Street
Suite 2900
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Email Me

nancy.hopp@ubs.com
Nancy Hopp
80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402

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