Experience

Beginning his Financial Services career in 1985, first under the mentorship of his father and partner Stuart Pfaff, Chris has spent his entire career dedicated to delivering wealth planning and investment guidance to exceptional multigenerational families, successful entrepreneurs, C-suite executives and select organizations. With direct access to the resources and strategic solutions of UBS Private Wealth Management, along with a deep network of legal, tax, insurance and philanthropic experts, Chris leads a team of highly accomplished professionals whose knowledge, integrity, and accountability is focused on providing an elite client experience.

Chris offers a specific focus in the complex wealth management needs of families who have passed wealth across generations. Building close relationships with each generation within a family, he and his team offer comprehensive solutions that look beyond the immediate needs to offer holistic strategies including cash flow, tax-mitigation, asset preservation, liability management, estate planning, and philanthropy.

"As the senior team leader, I am dedicated to having a personal and profound impact on the lives of our clients. Over the years, I've learned I can have the greatest effect by coordinating a team of experts to help our clients be better family stewards of their wealth."

Experience

• 39 years of Financial Services industry experience
• Started in financial services in 1985 at UBS predecessor firm Paine Webber
• Assumed team leadership in 1992

Life

• Resides in Chicago, IL and Big Sky, MT with his wife, Sara
• They have two children
• Active with several organizations, including Fourth Presbyterian Church, Writers Theatre and Dartmouth College
• Enjoys golfing, cross-country skiing, fly fishing and spending time with family in their Big Sky, Montana home

Michael is a trusted advisor known for tackling the complex investment challenges faced by multigenerational families planning for succession and wealth transfer, as well as business owners developing exit strategies. As a Private Wealth Advisor and Senior Portfolio Manager with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he specializes in investment analytics and portfolio execution tailored to each client's unique financial plan.

Michael adopts a highly personalized approach, aligning family assets and liabilities and proactive investment management. He values integrity, transparency, and ability to adapt to clients' evolving goals and financial situations. Michael is a problem-solver who instills confidence in even the most volatile market conditions.

With his deep market knowledge and experience, Michael aids clients in making informed, real-life financial decisions. His patience and prudence are particularly valued when navigating significant financial choices.

Professional Experience

• Over 30 years in the financial services industry, SEC registered investment advisor
• American National Bank, Corporate Trust Division, 1993-1995
• Joined UBS predecessor firm PaineWebber in 1996

Personal Life

• Michael places great importance on family, cherishing time with his wife and two sons
• A lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoys golf, tennis, and fly fishing.

Experience

Frank’s commitment to financial planning is deeply rooted in personal history. The loss of his family's farm during his youth sparked a fervent desire to help others protect their hard-earned assets. This personal connection, combined with over three decades of professional experience, has cultivated Frank’s uniquely tailored approach to financial advisory.

As the chief financial planning strategist, Frank engages clients in a deeply collaborative process. He diligently helps them define their financial objectives and employs a sophisticated asset-liability matching technique to tackle their most significant financial opportunities and challenges.

As a Private Wealth Advisor and Certified Financial Planner™, Frank caters to an elite clientele, including multigenerational families and business owners.. By understanding their total wealth scenarios, Frank assists clients in managing risks, aligning investments, and optimizing cash flow strategies. His comprehensive approach resembles a virtual family office, enabling families to fortify their financial legacy.

"Recognizing the impact of human behavior on financial decisions is vital. A robust plan diminishes emotional influences, fostering confident and informed decision-making."

Life

Frank initiated his career in 1998 at a UBS predecessor firm, emerging as a proponent of integrated financial planning. Before UBS, he was an Employee Benefits Consultant, advising on health, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement planning. In 2003, Frank, along with colleagues Paul Gignilliat and Michael Bailey, founded what would become the cornerstone of their current team.

A devoted family man, Frank is married with two daughters. He is committed to lifelong health and fitness, actively supports outdoor conservation, and nurtures a profound appreciation for music. His interest in behavioral psychology enhances his understanding of client decision-making, enriching his professional insight.

Sara brings her deep experience to exceptional multigenerational families and women in wealth transitions providing thoughtful advice on family business succession planning, family governance, intergenerational wealth planning and impactful philanthropy. With a specific focus on helping women confidently gain financial independence, Sara is appreciated for her ability to anticipate needs and offer clear communication, individual attention, and fresh ideas.

As a Financial Advisor, Sara concentrates on comprehensive planning, wealth transfer solutions, coordination with other family advisors and charitable giving strategies. An educator and mentor to a wide array of ultra-high net worth clients, Sara's compassionate guidance has made a real impact in their lives.

"I believe it is important to listen actively and deeply, finding new ways to help bring families together for their important discussions about preserving and transferring wealth."

Experience

• Early career in sales and not-for-profit women's programming with Fourth Presbyterian Church
• Joined UBS in 2007

Life

• Resides in Chicago, IL and Big Sky, MT with her husband, Chris
  • They have two children
• Active on the boards of several organizations, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Ravinia Festival and Fourth Presbyterian Church
• Enjoys cross-country skiing, fly fishing, upland bird hunting, reading and spending time with family in their Big Sky, Montana home

Adam comes to UBS with more than a decade of diverse investment experience advising institutions and wealthy families. Adam prides himself in simplifying complex investment concepts to help clients better understand how their portfolio fits within the broader context of their financial plan. In addition, Adam leads the team’s family advisory and Rising Gen education efforts.  He believes the process of passing down wealth from one generation to the next should be an empowering, cohesive experience that creates positive outcomes in each of their lives. Adam’s personal experience has fueled his passion for helping families manage their wealth in a way that creates confidence, better communication, and a sense of harmony. 

Prior to joining UBS, Adam was the head of North American Industrials for Credit Suisse HOLT where he actively advised many of the world's largest mutual funds, hedge funds, endowments, and pensions. Prior to Credit Suisse, Adam was a Senior Analyst and member of the investment committee at V2 Capital. At V2, Adam helped implement the investment process and portfolio strategy, oversaw V2's derivative and equity trading and was integral in launching both their hedge fund and mutual fund strategies. Prior to V2 Capital, Adam began his career as an Investment Associate at UBS, advising ultra-high net worth families and specializing in concentrated equity monetization strategies.

Adam earned his B.S. in Finance with honors from DePaul University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Adam is also a CFA charterholder and received his FINRA Series 7, 63, 66, 86, and 87 licenses. In addition, he serves on the prestigious Private Wealth Management Innovation Council as a representative voice for more than 6,000 Financial Advisors at UBS. 

Adam lives in Western Springs with his wife, Andrea and their two children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey and is an avid golfer.

CA Insurance License Number:  0N08221

Rachel began her career at UBS in 2010 after obtaining a B.B.A degree in finance from Western Michigan University.She excels at building strong personal relationships with clients to better understand their individual needs and goals. Rachel’s principal responsibilities revolve around holistic financial planning and the Financial Goal Analysis program. On a daily basis, Rachel serves as a resource for clients by managing cash flow needs, coordinating asset transfers, and establishing new accounts.

Rachel holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and is a Certified Financial Planner®.

As a Certified Financial Planner™ and Planning Specialist with the Pfaff, Bailey, McCannon, & Fuelleman Group at UBS, Heather provides clients with customized financial solutions that help to improve their lives—and the lives of those they care about. Her primary responsibilities are financial planning, the implementation of estate-plan updates, insurance administration, and the settling of estates.

Heather strongly believes that financial planning is the practical roadmap to everything you want to accomplish in and beyond your lifetime.  In conjunction with the team’s shared vision to provide thoughtful, knowledgeable, and personalized client experiences, Heather is passionate about building relationships through trust, understanding, and compassion. She helps clients ease the financial burdens of life (and death) and gain a sense of control around their liquidity, longevity, and legacy goals. 

Heather joined UBS in 2008 and worked on the operational and managerial side of the business before joining the team in 2013. She graduated from Loyola University with a B.A. in marketing and international business. She holds the Series 7, 66 and 9/10 securities licenses as well as her insurance licenses.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, camping, cooking, and all things Peloton.

Patrick joined UBS in 2013 as an intern and started full time in 2014. He provides investment research, trading support, and prepares reports and presentations. He holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.

Prior to joining UBS, Patrick served in the U.S. Army as an intelligence analyst and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He graduated magna cum laude from DePaul University with a B.S. in finance and accounting.

Joseph graduated from Butler University and joined the team in May of 2022 with a degree in Finance and Marketing. Prior to joining the team, Joseph held internships at UBS in the Wealth Management division and at Ameriprise Financial. He currently holds his SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses.  

Joseph grew up in Hinsdale, IL and attended Hinsdale Central High School. He currently lives in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, and is passionate Chicago sports fan. 

Maureen graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University – Bloomington Kelley School of Business in 2021 with majors in Finance and Business Analytics. Maureen joins us from Bernstein Private Wealth Management where she worked as a Private Client Associate. She currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and is a CFA Level II candidate.

Maureen grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She currently lives in Chicago's Fulton River District neighborhood and loves exploring the food scene. She also enjoys playing in an indoor volleyball league and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.

Claire graduated from The University of Washington - Foster School of Business in March of 2023 with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. Prior to joining the team, Claire was a Trader Service Associate for Charles Schwab, and worked at Whittier Trust, a multi-family office in Seattle as a Client Advisory Associate while attending University. She currently holds her Series 7 and Series 63 licenses and is in the process of obtaining her Series 66 license.

Claire grew up in Orange County, California, and currently lives in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Claire enjoys traveling, going to museums, and watching NBA games, particularly the LA Lakers.

Quinn holds a degree in Business from Ferris State University and earned certification as a Class A PGA Professional in January of 2017. He has 15 years of experience in the private club industry across the United States and is actively pursuing his SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 securities licenses. 

Originally from Morris, IL, Quinn has recently returned to the city, and you can often spot him in Wicker Park with his beloved Australian Shepherd or exploring the nearest vinyl record shop. He is a passionate Green Bay Packers fan, and aside from golf is an active runner and trail enthusiast.