Our Team

David Lemire, CFA

Senior Market Strategist

David serves on Strategic’s investment committee with a primary focus on asset allocation strategies. In addition, he works with private clients, institutions and Corporate Retirement Plans in managing their investment portfolios. As a Managing Director, Dave is a member of Strategic’s Executive Committee.

Iris Buczkowski, CLTC

Managing Director

As a Managing Director, Iris works with high-net-worth individuals and businesses. She specializes in financial and insurance planning.

Alan R. Leist, Jr., CEO, CFP

Chief Executive Officer

As the Chief Executive Officer, Alan is responsible for the overall direction of the firm and managing employees in various operational and management capacities.  In addition, he services a wide ranging base of clients in helping them achieve their financial objectives. 

Judy Sweet, CFA

Principal and Portfolio Manager

As a principal and owner, Judy is a member of the firm’s executive team and is responsible for periodic reviews of the investment platform.  Judy specializes in investment management work for private clients and institutions.  She is also responsible for managing the firm’s finances. 

Laura Hailston

Director – Retirement Plan Services

Laura E. Hailston joined Strategic in 2004.  She specializes in plan administration, business development and customer service for the corporate retirement plans division.

Melissa Fernalld

Financial Planning Associate

Melissa Fernalld joined Strategic in 2007.  She works directly with Alan R. Leist Jr., CEO to assist with the financial planning needs of clients.

Alan R. Leist, III, CFA

Chief Investment Officer

Alan is responsible for the prudent management of all equity, fixed income and asset allocation strategies across the firm.  In addition, he specializes in consumer sector equity research. As a Managing Director, he is a member of the Portfolio Management Team and Strategic’s Executive Committee.

Michael McGraw

Financial Planning Associate

Michael J. McGraw joined Strategic in 2011. He specializes in the servicing of client accounts by preparing quarterly review reports, reconciling accounts on a monthly basis, and processing new account openings.  Along with his daily operational tasks, he also works directly with Judy Sweet to assist with the financial planning needs of clients.

Aaron Evans

Analyst

Aaron returned home to Central New York and joined Strategic as a member of the investment team covering the Energy and Materials sectors.  Additionally he will be taking on the role of Financial Planning Associate.

Max Berkovich

Portfolio Manager

Max joined Strategic in 2004.  He specializes in the credit markets and financial sector equity analysis. Max is a member of the Portfolio Management Team with the primary responsibility of overseeing the firm’s fixed income strategy.

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Alan R. Leist, III, CFA

Chief Investment Officer

Alan is responsible for the prudent management of all equity, fixed income and asset allocation strategies across the firm.  In addition, he specializes in consumer sector equity research. As a Managing Director, he is a member of the Portfolio Management Team and Strategic’s Executive Committee.

Judy Sweet, CFA

Principal and Portfolio Manager

As a principal and owner, Judy is a member of the firm’s executive team and is responsible for periodic reviews of the investment platform.  Judy specializes in investment management work for private clients and institutions.  She is also responsible for managing the firm’s finances. 

David Lemire, CFA

Senior Market Strategist

David serves on Strategic’s investment committee with a primary focus on asset allocation strategies. In addition, he works with private clients, institutions and Corporate Retirement Plans in managing their investment portfolios. As a Managing Director, Dave is a member of Strategic’s Executive Committee.

Robert Hanft

Equity Research Advisor

Bob provides oversight to the research process.  As a Managing Director, Bob is also a member of Strategic’s Executive Committee.

Vinayak Rao

Portfolio Manager

Vinayak specializes in single stock analysis within the technology and industrial sectors.  In addition, he conducts macro economic research. Vinayak is a member of the Portfolio Management Team with the primary responsibility of overseeing the firm’s equity strategies.

Andy Thurston

Research Analyst

As a member of the investment team, Andy’s main responsibilities include equity research, macroeconomic analysis, and quantitative analysis.  He specializes in the healthcare sector.

Kasey Williams

Chief Compliance Officer

Kasey Williams  joined Strategic in 2008.  As CCO, Kasey is responsible for ensuring SEC compliance across the firm.  In addition to his compliance duties, Kasey serves as the investment team liaison to the operations department and retirement plans division.

Aaron Evans

Analyst

Aaron returned home to Central New York and joined Strategic as a member of the investment team covering the Energy and Materials sectors.  Additionally he will be taking on the role of Financial Planning Associate.

Nancy Nudo

Operations Specialist

Nancy E. Nudo has been part of the Strategic operations team since 2001.  She is a Registered Representative with the series 6 securities license and is involved in all aspects of account administration.  Nancy’s main focus is client support and satisfaction.

Nancy Meininger

Operations Manager

Nancy C. Meininger joined Strategic in 2005, bringing more than 15 years of experience with financial and investment matters to the firm.  She oversees the Operations Department and manages the firm’s accounting, human resources, payroll and general office functions.  Nancy is a Registered Representative with her Series 7 and Series 63 licenses.

Nasana Szeto

Assistant Operations Manager

Nasana Szeto joined Strategic in 1996.  Her responsibilities include accounts receivable, managing client service requests and supervising the Operations Staff. 

Kathleen Ellsworth

Executive Assistant

Kathleen joined Strategic in 1990 and is the most tenured member of Strategic’s client support team.  She specializes in all aspects of executive support for Alan R. Leist Jr., CEO, with an emphasis on providing the highest level of service to clients across the firm.

Paula Rizzo

Operations Specialist

Paula J. Rizzo has been an integral part of the Strategic operations team since 2001.  Although Paula has many administrative duties, she specializes in annuity client service.  

Melissa Boepple

Administrative Assistant

Melissa M. Boepple joined Strategic in 2009.  She is the pleasant voice clients first hear when they call our office.  Melissa is responsible for getting important messages to the appropriate members of the firm.  Her many other duties include accounts payable, transcription and insurance administration.

Kelly Jordan

Operations Specialist

Kelly L. Jordan has been with Strategic as part of the operations department since 2008.  She is responsible for maintaining Strategic’s client meeting schedule, as well as tax recordkeeping and client service support.

Traci Grogan

Executive Assistant

Traci Grogan rejoined Strategic in 2011 as an Executive Assistant.   She provides administrative support to various departments of the firm.  In addition, Traci plays an essential role in completing many special projects throughout the year.

Jeremy Stewart

Director of IT

Jeremy joined the Strategic team in 2007 and oversees all aspects of the firm's technical infrastructure.  He is committed to ensuring that all technical needs are met and sets the highest standard for system integrity and security.