Bruce's career has spanned forty years in the professional services industry. The first part of his career was spent as a Chartered Accountant and security valuation specialist with Clarkson Gordon (later Ernst & Young) in Halifax where he developed an extensive knowledge of security valuation and risk management. For over the past thirty years, he has specialized in portfolio management and estate planning, focusing on the financial and investment needs of high net worth families, trusts and foundations. Risk management is an overarching aspect of this overall investment management strategy.

He is the Senior Portfolio Manager on the team responsible along with Sven Stammberger for the overall investment policy and portfolio design for all client accounts. He is assisted in the communication of any portfolio changes and client updates by Sven and associates Laura MacMillan and Oliva Smith.

Bruce is an active volunteer in the community, having served as Treasurer and Chair of the Audit and Governance Committees of the Board of Dalhousie University, Board Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Chair of the St. Andrew's United Church Board, Treasurer of the Phoenix House Shelter for Youth, President of the Halifax Help Line and Youth Line and an active fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Atlantic, IWK Children’s Health Centre, the United Way, the Salvation Army, Symphony Nova Scotia and Cystic Fibrosis Canada. He is regularly one of the top donors nationally to CIBC’s annual Miracle Day campaign for children’s causes.

In addition to his community activities, his professional volunteerism includes serving as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia and Chair of the CIBC Wood Gundy National Advisory Board. He has also lectured for the Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy in the areas of finance, security valuation and taxation. In recognition of his leadership in the accounting profession he was awarded the Fellow Chartered Accountant designation in 2003.

Sven works with Bruce designing portfolios and communicating with clients on changes to portfolios. He also oversees portfolio manager and security research for the team. Sven is a graduate of the Corporate Residency MBA program at Dalhousie University with a focus in Finance. While captain of the Dalhousie varsity basketball team he was an Academic All-Canadian and national award winner for community leadership. Sven is a CFA® Charterholder, having passed all three exams consecutively, scoring within the top 10% globally.

Laura works with Bruce and Sven designing portfolios and communicating with clients. She also oversees the financial planning component of the practice. With over seventeen years in the industry, she has focused exclusively on wealth management for private business owners, professionals and retirees for the latter half of her career, holding progressively more senior roles over time. She is a graduate of the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University, where she majored in Finance. Additionally, she holds the Certified Financial Planning (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations

Olivia is an Associate Investment Advisor, working closely with Bruce, Sven, and Laura to support the development and implementation of investment strategies and communicating regularly with clients to deliver informed updates. After graduating on the Dean’s List from the Manning School of Business Administration at Acadia University, Olivia earned her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation with the Deloitte Halifax office. While at Deloitte she assumed roles of increasing responsibility in the audit and assurance practice and gained invaluable experience working with a multitude of public and private businesses in Atlantic Canada before transitioning to CIBC Wood Gundy. A six-time junior club champion at Brightwood Golf Club, Olivia’s discipline and focus extends beyond the workplace, showcasing her competitive spirit and drive for excellence.

Megan is the team’s practice manager, overseeing and supporting daily operations. She is passionate about providing bespoke, white glove service to our clients. Megan has worked in wealth management since graduating from the Nova Scotia Community College in 2012, and has completed courses from the Canadian Securities Institute. Megan has worked with the Halifax office of CIBC Wood Gundy for over ten years working in roles with ever increasing responsibility.

Grace is responsible for providing customized performance and tax reporting to personal and corporate clients and their accountants.  Grace is a Master of Finance graduate of the Sobeys School of Business at Saint Mary’s University. She is also a CFA® Level 3 Candidate.

Emma joins us after working with the Halifax Operations team at CIBC Wood Gundy for several years. She is responsible for processing a variety of client requests such as cash transfers and file updates.  Emma is a graduate of the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University where she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance. 

Pattie is responsible for the oversight of all recurring cash flow in the practice as well as client file updates and many other support functions.  Pattie has over 20 years of experience in financial services, over 10 of which were spent as the assistant manager for a major CIBC Banking centre.  Most recently Pattie joins us after working with the Halifax Operations team for several years.  Pattie is deeply rooted in her community and frequently participates in the CIBC Run for the Cure, volunteers with the Phoenix Youth Centre and Participates in United Way events.

Shatakshi is a recent graduate of Dalhousie University, where she earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree with distinction, majoring in Finance. Being a Dean’s List student and Dalhousie In-Course Scholarship recipient through all her terms, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic and professional excellence. Shatakshi completed several internships during her studies, and was nominated for the National Co-Op Award in recognition of her exceptional performance rating. She works closely with Grace preparing customized performance and tax reporting, as well as assisting with client requests and file updates.