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Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023

The 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.

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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 Photo

    Jonathan S. Traub, CFP

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    Jonathan has been in the financial services industry for the past 18 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 was a member of the firm’s President Council in 2022, 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.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

      • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
      • Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant
      Estate planning strategies
      Custom portfolios
      Alternative investments
      Executive compensation
      Multi-generational families
      Entrepreneurs
      Banking
      Financial planning
      One North Wacker Drive
      Chicago, IL 60606
    • Shawn Valukas Photo

      Shawn Valukas, CFP, CRPC

      Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

      Financial Advisor

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      Shawn works with business owners, attorneys, and other high net worth investors to deliver best-in-class financial planning and advice. As a Financial Advisor, Shawn has earned the coveted designations of Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®). He has been a member of UBS’s Director Council for numerous years and in 2022, was recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Advisor.

      Prior to joining UBS Financial Services Inc., Shawn was a partner at a prominent Chicago law firm specializing in securities law. 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, 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, 2023The 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.

        • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
        • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠
        Financial planning
        Legacy planning
        Estate planning strategies
        Custom portfolios
        Alternative investments
        Multi-generational families
        Business owners
        Entrepreneurs
        1 North Wacker Drive
        32nd and 33rd Floors
        Chicago, IL 60606
      • Stephen Smith Photo

        Stephen D. "Steve" Smith, CFP, CIMA

        Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

        Financial Advisor

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        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 Northstar Partners Wealth Management Group. Steve utilizes his advanced analytical skill set to help high net worth individuals develop goal-oriented investment strategies. He evaluates a client's 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 US 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.

        • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

          • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
          • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
          • Wealth Advisor
          Financial planning
          Philanthropy
          Legacy planning
          Retirement planning
          Estate planning strategies
          Exit planning
          Multi-generational families
          Business owners
          One North Wacker Drive
          Chicago, IL 60606
        • Kristen Zaharski

          Kristen Zaharski

          Financial Advisor Associate

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          Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 2005. She worked as an orthopedic 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.

                Financial planning
                Legacy planning
                Retirement planning
                Estate planning strategies
                Multi-generational families
                Women investors
                Business owners
                Professionals
                One North Wacker Drive
                Chicago, IL 60606
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                James P. O'Connell

                Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

                Financial Advisor

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                • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

                    One North Wacker Drive
                    Chicago, IL 60606
                  • David Boudreau Photo

                    David A. Boudreau

                    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

                    Financial Advisor

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                    David works with individuals and families seeking direction, advice and execution. David has been an advisor for over 35 years and began his career with EF Hutton. David has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago.

                          One North Wacker Drive
                          Chicago, IL 60606
                        • Tawana Campbell Profile Photo

                          Tawana R. Campbell

                          Team Administrator

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                          Tawana's career in the financial industry began in banking where she held various positions including bank teller, personal banker, teller supervisor and office manager. In 2000, she began working in the financial services industry as a Registered Client Service Associate and has developed a keen understanding of the trading platforms, operations and technology within the firm.

                          Tawana has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University and currently holds her Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. In 2021, Tawana was promoted to the title of Team Administrator. 

                                One North Wacker Drive
                                Chicago, IL 60606
                              • Alexandra Coxe Fitzgarrald Photo

                                Alexandra Coxe Fitzgarrald, CRPC

                                Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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                                A key member of the Zaharski/Smith Wealth Management Group since 2008, Alexandra works closely with clients close to retirement, developing customized financial plans for their retirement needs and lifelong goals. Her priority is to help her clients get the plans they need while they still have the ability to affect the outcome. Alexandra graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, and began her career with UBS Financial Services Inc. in 2005. She holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 security licenses as well as her life insurance license. Alexandra's work with both qualified plans and retirement-age individuals prompted her to study for the advanced Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM designation, which she received in June 2012. Alexandra, her husband Donnie and their two children live in Chicago. Alexandra is a devoted runner and enjoys travelling with her family.

                                    • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠
                                    One North Wacker Drive
                                    Chicago, IL 60606
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                                    Thomas J. Schmitz

                                    Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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                                    Tom has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years.  Prior to joining UBS in 2017 he worked as a financial advisor with North South Capital in Chicago.  In the past Tom has served as the manager of the Unit Trust Department at First Union Securities which later became Wells Fargo.  He has also worked on the Municipal bond desk with Prudential Securites.

                                    Tom graduated with a degree in Business Admininstration from St. Ambrose University and has an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago with a concentration in Finance.  He currently holds  Series 7 and 66 licenses.

                                          One North Wacker Drive
                                          Chicago, IL 60606
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                                          Rebecca "Becky" West

                                          Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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                                          Rebecca has served over 25 years in the financial services industry. She's a graduate of Michigan State University and holds her FINRA Series 7 license. She enjoys spending her free time with her three kids and husband Jim.

                                                One North Wacker Drive
                                                Chicago, IL 60606
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                                                Patrick Staunton

                                                Client Associate

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                                                Patrick has been in the financial service industry since August of 2020. Prior to joining UBS in 2022, he worked as a Financial Advisor with Thrivent in the Chicago market. He holds the FINRA Series 7, and FINRA Series 63 licenses.

                                                Patrick graduated with a degree in Business Administration from The University of Missouri in 2019.

                                                      One North Wacker Drive
                                                      Chicago, IL 60606

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