Let's move forward. Together.

Where are you today and where do you want to be tomorrow? We recognize that a lasting relationship starts by listening and understanding your priorities and concerns. We'll work together to look at the big picture, discuss your vision for the future and help you confidently pursue your life goals.

Start the conversation

Pursuing your goals together

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.

Jonathan S. Traub, CFP

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Jonathan has been in the financial services industry for the past 16 years. Prior to joining UBS in 2009, he was with Smith Barney where he focused on the needs of high net worth families, corporate executive financial services and equity compensation programs. Jonathan's group worked with several Fortune 500 companies.

Jonathan has received numerous awards from UBS, he has been a member of the firm’s Directors Council in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015. In 2011, he received the UBS Comprehensive Wealth Manager and New Relationship Leader awards. He was also part of Smith Barney's Blue Chip Council in 2008, 2007 and 2006 which recognizes the top financial advisors in their class. Jonathan received his B.A. in economics from Denison University and studied economics abroad at the University of Wales - Swansea.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Shawn Valukas, CFP, CRPC

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Shawn has more than 10 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining UBS Financial Services Inc., he was a partner at a prominent Chicago law firm specializing in securities law. He is currently a Financial Advisor and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), a designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning.

A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in political science, Shawn then went on to earn a J.D. with honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He subsequently obtained his Series 7, 31 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health and annuity insurance licenses.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2022The 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.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠
1 North Wacker Drive
32nd and 33rd Floors
Chicago, IL 60606
Stephen D. "Steve" Smith, CFP, CIMA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AK
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- ID
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Steve received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Truman State University in 1993 and has since devoted his entire career to working at UBS. Steve obtained the highly regarded Certified Investment Analyst (CIMA®) certificate in 2004 and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 2006. In 2004, Steve co-founded a wealth management team which has transitioned into the Zaharski/Smith Wealth Management Group. Steve utilizes his advanced analytical skill set to help high net worth individuals develop goal oriented investment strategies. He evaluates a clients entire financial picture to implement a plan that is customized based on their agreed upon needs and aspirations. Helping families confidently accumulate, preserve, and transfer wealth through our planning based approach, allows families to successfully achieve their critical life goals. Steve believes in giving back and participated in a UBS mentorship program where he provided a small business owner with six months of pro bono financial advice. Continuing as a mentor, Steve has been working with a U.S. Veteran transitioning to a business career. After losing his wife in December 2011 to a 16 year battle with metastatic breast cancer he became actively involved in supporting breast cancer research and organizations that help care for cancer patients and their loved ones. Steve, his wife Gale and their 3 children Grace, Charlie and William reside in Hinsdale. Steve enjoys coaching their children's soccer teams as well as their annual ski trip out West.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
- Wealth Advisor
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
James P. O'Connell

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AL
- AR
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IA
- ID
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- PA
- RI
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
David A. Boudreau

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NY
- OH
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Kristen Zaharski

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AK
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- ID
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- OK
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 2005. She worked as an orthopaedic research specialist at Shriners Hospital for Children and subsequently received her law degree in 2012 from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. As an attorney, she concentrated her practice in representing physicians and hospitals in actions alleging medical negligence and was selected as a Leading Lawyers “Emerging Lawyer” in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Kristen joined Northstar Partners at UBS in 2020. She adds value for her clients by recognizing the importance of liquidity, longevity, and legacy. She helps individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals by constructing individualized portfolios and creating comprehensive financial plans that are unique to each client. By understanding their needs, and the relationships most important to them, Kristen strives to ensure the financial wellbeing of all her clients.

Kristen enjoys spending time with her daughter, Samantha, attending the ballet, and cheering on her alma mater at the Big House.
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

Jonathan S. Traub, CFP

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Jonathan has been in the financial services industry for the past 16 years. Prior to joining UBS in 2009, he was with Smith Barney where he focused on the needs of high net worth families, corporate executive financial services and equity compensation programs. Jonathan's group worked with several Fortune 500 companies.

Jonathan has received numerous awards from UBS, he has been a member of the firm’s Directors Council in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015. In 2011, he received the UBS Comprehensive Wealth Manager and New Relationship Leader awards. He was also part of Smith Barney's Blue Chip Council in 2008, 2007 and 2006 which recognizes the top financial advisors in their class. Jonathan received his B.A. in economics from Denison University and studied economics abroad at the University of Wales - Swansea.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Shawn Valukas, CFP, CRPC

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Shawn has more than 10 years of experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining UBS Financial Services Inc., he was a partner at a prominent Chicago law firm specializing in securities law. He is currently a Financial Advisor and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), a designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning.

A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in political science, Shawn then went on to earn a J.D. with honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He subsequently obtained his Series 7, 31 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health and annuity insurance licenses.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2022The 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.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠
1 North Wacker Drive
32nd and 33rd Floors
Chicago, IL 60606
Stephen D. "Steve" Smith, CFP, CIMA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AK
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- ID
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Steve received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Truman State University in 1993 and has since devoted his entire career to working at UBS. Steve obtained the highly regarded Certified Investment Analyst (CIMA®) certificate in 2004 and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 2006. In 2004, Steve co-founded a wealth management team which has transitioned into the Zaharski/Smith Wealth Management Group. Steve utilizes his advanced analytical skill set to help high net worth individuals develop goal oriented investment strategies. He evaluates a clients entire financial picture to implement a plan that is customized based on their agreed upon needs and aspirations. Helping families confidently accumulate, preserve, and transfer wealth through our planning based approach, allows families to successfully achieve their critical life goals. Steve believes in giving back and participated in a UBS mentorship program where he provided a small business owner with six months of pro bono financial advice. Continuing as a mentor, Steve has been working with a U.S. Veteran transitioning to a business career. After losing his wife in December 2011 to a 16 year battle with metastatic breast cancer he became actively involved in supporting breast cancer research and organizations that help care for cancer patients and their loved ones. Steve, his wife Gale and their 3 children Grace, Charlie and William reside in Hinsdale. Steve enjoys coaching their children's soccer teams as well as their annual ski trip out West.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
- Wealth Advisor
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
James P. O'Connell

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AL
- AR
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IA
- ID
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- PA
- RI
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
David A. Boudreau

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- NY
- OH
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Kristen Zaharski

Financial Advisor
View bio
- AK
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- IA
- ID
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MN
- MO
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- OK
- PA
- SC
- SD
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 2005. She worked as an orthopaedic research specialist at Shriners Hospital for Children and subsequently received her law degree in 2012 from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. As an attorney, she concentrated her practice in representing physicians and hospitals in actions alleging medical negligence and was selected as a Leading Lawyers “Emerging Lawyer” in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Kristen joined Northstar Partners at UBS in 2020. She adds value for her clients by recognizing the importance of liquidity, longevity, and legacy. She helps individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals by constructing individualized portfolios and creating comprehensive financial plans that are unique to each client. By understanding their needs, and the relationships most important to them, Kristen strives to ensure the financial wellbeing of all her clients.

Kristen enjoys spending time with her daughter, Samantha, attending the ballet, and cheering on her alma mater at the Big House.
One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

The Year Ahead - Sustainable Investing

Retirement planning

Multigenerational planning

Legacy—Wealth for others

For needs that go beyond your own—to help you improve the lives of others

What will your legacy be?
It’s never too early to plan ahead. A Legacy strategy can help you gain more control over your financial future and what you leave behind, so you can move forward with confidence.

Learn more at ubs.com/wealthway.

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A global leader in wealth management

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In invested assets globally
As of 06/30/2022

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UBS is a world-leading wealth manager

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Let's move forward. Together.

Pursuing your goals together

Jonathan S. Traub, CFP

Shawn Valukas, CFP, CRPC

Stephen D. "Steve" Smith, CFP, CIMA

James P. O'Connell

David A. Boudreau

Kristen Zaharski

Jonathan S. Traub, CFP

Shawn Valukas, CFP, CRPC

Stephen D. "Steve" Smith, CFP, CIMA

James P. O'Connell

David A. Boudreau

Kristen Zaharski

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The Year Ahead - Sustainable Investing

Retirement planning

Multigenerational planning

Legacy—Wealth for others

Backed by the strength of UBS

A global leader in wealth management

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