Meet our team

Labyrinth Wealth Advisors operates as a 12-person boutique inside UBS, the world's largest wealth manager. This structure allows us to access the full scope of the firm's insight and opportunities, while creating custom solutions so that you can pursue your life ambitions with confidence.

At Labyrinth Wealth Advisors, we pride ourselves on navigating complexity.

 

Chris Clifford

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

I lead a team that provides specialized and comprehensive advice to entrepreneurs, executives and private equity and VC professionals. I believe accomplished clients and their families should not spend their time worrying about their finances and investments. That’s my job, and I’ve structured our team to enable our clients to leave that to us so they can focus on what they do best: building and leading successful companies.

Before my wealth management career, I was a partner in a law firm. For eight years I tried cases in which investors sued financial advisors. I learned that good advisors have integrity, sound judgment, a highly specialized practice and are dedicated to their clients.

Clients say they work with me because I am dedicated to them. My experience and judgment in managing their complex financial lives enables me to advise them on issues ranging from preserving their wealth and enhancing their portfolio, to minimizing taxes, transferring wealth to their children and future generations, and increasing their philanthropic impact.

My wife, Catherine, and I have been married for 36 years. We have four children spread across the US building their own careers. I serve on the Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, where we help children realize their full potential, particularly those from disadvantaged circumstances.

My clients are successful, fascinating and switched on. When we discuss something important to them and I hear the excitement in their voice, I realize how fortunate I am to be in this profession.

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MT
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • PA
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
    The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
  • Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023The 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 Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The 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.

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

  • New York Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
  • Indiana University Bloomington, B.S. Finance
  • CA Insurance License #0H86207
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Andrew Baumgartner

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

I am fortunate to work with and advise a handful of families on all facets of their wealth. Clients I work with consider me their personal CFO; I manage their liquid wealth, shape their balance sheet, and creatively solve for their lifetime and legacy goals. My role is both active listener and educator – I hear their priorities, propose and craft solutions, and build a comprehensive wealth roadmap to achieve their vision. Entrusting me to oversee and execute the plan enables my clients to prioritize their energy elsewhere.

I have been in the wealth management industry for two decades. I’ve been responsible for managing large teams and overseeing regional businesses. The best part is that I have always worked directly with clients. It is my passion, and you can only do great work if you do what you love. My time playing football at UCLA taught me the value and importance of team, that work ethic and perseverance trump talent, and that success only comes with process and a plan. I am grateful and motivated to advise and serve my clients every day.

My clients have complex wealth profiles and require personalized advice. They have shared that they value our partnership because I am equally meticulous and accountable, and I have the expertise and specialization to match their needs. My approach is comprehensive yet concise, as your time is most important. My specialties include stock award & concentrated position optimization, liquidity & exit navigation, tax minimization, private investment opportunities, and financial & succession planning.

My wife Lauren and I live in Marin County with our young children. We love visiting Lake Tahoe in any season and enjoy skiing, hiking, and gardening together. Personal free time is spent on a bike (road or mountain), fishing, or watching one of my favorite sports teams, ideally in person.

I have found that a sharp focus on process and preparation almost always leads to the optimal outcome. We plan with intention; we execute with purpose.

Registered States:
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • TN
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI

Education

  • University of California, Los Angeles, B.S. Mathematics/Economics
  • Yale School of Management, Wealth Management Theory & Practice

Credentials

  • Series 7 License
  • Series 66 License
  • CPWA® Candidate
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Lauren Kinch

Senior Vice President

Financial Advisor

As a partner in Labyrinth Wealth Advisors, I specialize in working with founders, c-suite executives and early employees who are new to wealth and want to understand the landscape of their planning options. Taking a collaborative approach, I help clients understand what they're worth on paper and after-tax, explore their long-term vision for success, and find ways to achieve their goals tax efficiently.

Before joining UBS, I was a top advisor for BNY Mellon Wealth Management and spearheaded the build-out of the West Region's Founders and Executives Practice. Prior to my wealth management career, I worked at London Financial Studies where I discovered my passion for educating clients about the financial markets.

My specialties include Qualified Small Business Stock planning (also referred to as Section 1202 if you want to sound impressive at cocktail parties!), stock option analysis and family financial education.

I live in San Francisco with my fiancé, Ben. When I'm not buried in Carta, you can find me traveling, powerlifting or trying to get my socks back from our dog.

In building a business practice, I take Bill Walsh’s quote “the score takes care of itself” to heart. I am a firm believer that if you take good care of your clients and stay true to your word, the rest will follow.

Registered States:
  • AK
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI

Education

  • New York University, B.S. and B.A. (Honors)
  • Northwestern University, Certificate of Financial Planning
  • Cannon Financial Institute, Certified Wealth Strategist
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Kate Kennedy

First Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

I am one of four advisors on Labyrinth Wealth Advisors. I work with founders, executives, venture capital partners and legacy families on everything that touches their financial lives. I love my career because I have the opportunity to learn everything about our clients, understand what is important to them and turn their goals into reality.     

Before transitioning to private wealth management, I was a white-collar defense attorney at O’Melveny & Myers, a leading international law firm. I represented companies and executives in state and federal investigations across various industries, including tech, banking, healthcare and aviation. Though the focus has changed, my role has always been the same: to help people find solutions when the stakes are high. I take this responsibility very seriously. 

My areas of specialty include pre and post-liquidity planning, tax minimization, investment management, estate planning, wealth transfer, philanthropy and legacy, and working with women executives. 

The Bay Area has been my home for the better part of the last 15 years. I live in San Francisco with my husband, Scott, and daughter, Charlie. 

I approach our private wealth management practice like I approached the law—I learn absolutely everything I can about our clients, help them construct their broader plan around what matters to them, earn their trust and continue to advocate for them at every step.

Registered States:
  • CA
  • CO
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • 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

  • University of California, Berkeley, J.D.
  • University of California, Berkeley, B.A.
  • CA Insurance License #4019006
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Chris Chavez

Associate Director

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

Leading Labyrinth Wealth Advisors’ portfolio management team, I work in partnership with UBS’s investment research teams to create tax- and fee- efficient portfolios that meet our clients’ needs. I bring the firm, and our team’s, best thinking and resources while taking into account each client’s unique investment goals, risk tolerance and timeline. Together, we develop a plan that meets their expectations and sets them up for success.

Prior to joining UBS, I was an analyst at Brownson, Rehmus & Foxworth and Delegate Advisors where I grew a deep appreciation for navigating complex balance sheets for founders, executives and their families.

My specialties include portfolio construction and tax, estate, and financial planning.

I was a cross country runner at University of California, Berkeley and qualified for the Olympic Time Trials in the Marathon in 2012, 2016 and 2020 (my personal best marathon time is 2:17:07!). My wife, Jordan, and our two daughters live in Burlingame, where—you guessed it!—I still enjoy running.

My process is simple. I approach every client situation with the question, “What would I do if I were them and in this position?” I find that this always leads to the best answer and outcome.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MT
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • University of California, Berkeley, M.B.A.
  • University of California, Berkeley, B.A. Economics (Honors)

Credentials

  • Chartered Financial Analyst®
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Michelle Smith

Associate Director

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

As Head of Operations for Labyrinth Wealth Advisors, I rely on my two decades of experience leading operations for client teams to ensure a smooth client experience.

Prior to UBS, I began my career with Merrill Lynch as a client service assistant. I learned what all the moving pieces entail to deliver a positive client experience. This led me to become an Operations Manager at UBS in 2008, helping teams execute on an efficient day-to-day process for long-term success.

My specialties include tax organization and reporting, lending and outside investments, and philanthropic and foundation administration.

I live in the Menifee area with my husband, Robert, and our two beautiful children. We enjoy watching football and exploring the surrounding area.

We are in the service industry, dedicated to developing long-term connections. There is no problem too little or beneath me that I can't handle. I want clients to consider us first for assistance if they have a problem.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • FL
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MT
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • University of California – Riverside, B.S. Business Administration
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Chace Schornstein

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

I started my career at Labyrinth Wealth Advisors in 2019, first as a Client Service Associate and now as a Wealth Strategy Associate, where I help the team with financial planning, tax coordination, operations and administration.

Before joining the team, I worked in tech sales where I developed an appreciation for client engagement and service delivery.

My specialties include ensuring that our clients’ financial goals and needs are met properly and efficiently so that they can focus on the big picture while I take care of the day-to-day.

I’m a Bay Area native living in San Francisco. Outside of the office, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, hiking, biking and running through the beautiful Bay Area scenery, traveling to new places, and spending time with my friends and family. I also continue to enjoy playing soccer after having played four years of Division 1 in college.

One of the most valuable lessons in my life was learned at an early age after finding out that my cherished basketball coach was dealing with a painful chronic illness. His motto was, “Every day is a good day. Some are just more challenging than others.” This has stayed with me for years and how I learned to treasure each and every day.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MT
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • University of California, Santa Barbara, B.A.
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Will Clifford

Authorized Officer

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

As a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate for Labyrinth Wealth Advisors, my responsibilities include research, analysis and portfolio management.

Before starting with UBS in 2018, I was an analyst at a boutique executive compensation consulting firm.

My specialties include providing highly customized wealth management solutions to clients that incorporate all aspects of their financial needs.

I was a competitive ski racer until 18 and met my wife, Ellie, when we raced together on the same team in the eighth grade. We live in Piedmont, where we continue to enjoy skiing, mountain biking, surfing and trying new taco trucks together.

One of the greatest life lessons I ever learned came from my grandfather. When dining out together, my grandfather would never order a dish for himself. Instead, he would ask my grandmother what she planned to eat and then order something for himself that he knew she'd also enjoy. If my grandmother didn't enjoy her dish, my grandfather would silently switch the plates and finish the remainder of her meal. With this simple and meaningful demonstration, my grandfather taught me to put others first without saying a word.

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MT
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • Columbia University, B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Cum Laude)
  • Whitman College, B.A. Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Credentials

  • Chartered Financial Analyst®
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Penny Tsih

Client Associate

As a Client Associate for Labyrinth Wealth Advisors, I’m responsible for providing excellent client engagement and experience. Whether keeping in touch via e-mail or creating memorable client events, I'm always working to make sure our clients are taken care of.

Before joining, I worked for 15 years at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and Wells Fargo Advisors, assisting financial advisors with communication and helping them navigate major client milestones.

My specialties include ensuring that every one of our clients and external partners get the best experience possible.

A Bay Area native, I enjoy spending time with my niece and nephews, listening to live music, and endlessly searching for the ultimate recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

Rudyard Kipling stated that “for the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” I’ve always loved this quote and think it really encapsulates my philosophy of teamwork.

Education

  • San Francisco State University, B.A.
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Michael Tabrizi

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

As a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, I partner closely with our team’s financial advisors and their clients to optimize their investment, tax, estate and philanthropic goals.

Before joining UBS, I worked in various roles at BNY Mellon Wealth Management for six years. In my last role as Associate Wealth Manager, I was responsible for developing and implementing goal-oriented financial planning recommendations and investment advisory services for the firm’s diverse client base.

My specialties include portfolio allocation, trading, research, cash flow forecasting, tax and estate planning, and education planning. 

Originally from the Bay Area, I still reside in San Francisco, where I enjoy golfing, snowboarding, playing guitar and exploring new restaurants with friends and family.

As Theodore Roosevelt so famously stated, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” These words have served as a guidepost for how I work with my clients and team.

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • California State University – East Bay, B.S.
  • UCLA Extension, Certificate in Personal Financial Planning

Credentials

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Sandra Griffin

Senior Client Associate

As a Client Service Associate for Labyrinth Wealth Advisors, I support a team of financial advisors with ongoing administration and operations.

Prior to UBS, I spent 15 years at JP Morgan in the UK focusing on compliance. I realized I wanted to take these skills and apply them to operations, which led me to joining Robert W. Baird as a Client Associate.

I bring value to our team and clients by overseeing every detail of operations and ensuring our team doesn’t miss a beat.

I live with my husband and two children in Larkspur where I enjoy yoga, hiking the many trails of Marin County, and cooking for family and friends.

As one of my favorite chefs Julia Child once quipped, “Always remember: If you’re alone in the kitchen and you drop the lamb, you can always just pick it up. Who’s going to know?” This quote has been a refreshing reminder to me that mistakes happen and to roll with the punches.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MT
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • Birmingham University, United Kingdom, B.Sc. in Economics
555 California Street
32nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

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Cole Anderson

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

I am responsible for research, analysis and portfolio management.

I joined UBS in 2017 to help business owners prepare for liquidity events.  Far from a one-size-fits-all approach, I developed a deep understanding and appreciation for complexity, and the challenge of making things as simple as possible for our clients. 

My specialties include market analysis, portfolio design and management and building analytical models to help clients evaluate financial decisions. 

Outside of the office, I am with my fiancé, Chandler, and our Vizsla, Arlo.  There aren’t many outdoor activities I dislike, but also enjoy cooking, consuming as much Formula 1 content as possible, and masquerading as a vintage car mechanic.

By far the best aspect of my work is the opportunity to get to know incredibly interesting and dynamic people, on a level beyond just helping build a portfolio.  It’s those person-to-person connections that make this field so special and energize me the most.

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IL
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Education

  • Whitman College, Economics

Credentials

  • Chartered Financial Analyst®
925 Fourth Avenue
31st and 32nd Floors
Seattle, WA 98104

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Our partner, teammate and friend, Mike Barnowski, died suddenly in September 2020. We were devastated and remain terribly sad.

Mike was a founding partner of our team; he and Chris built our business over 19 years together. Mike was principled and fiercely loyal. He told his clients what he thought they needed to hear and what was best for them. He took his work on behalf of his clients very seriously, while managing never to take himself too seriously, and his legendary sense of humor made it a blast to work with him. Mike treated everyone with respect, particularly those whom others overlooked. It is a tragic loss for us. We are especially sad for Mike’s wife, Michele, and their two young children.

We are trying to honor Mike’s legacy by being the listener, advocate and true confidant he was. Mike was an extraordinary partner; we hope to be the same to each other and to our clients.

We miss you, Mike.