Susan Wood, CPA, CA

Director and Senior Wealth Strategist

Susan Wood has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her background includes experience in public practice, investment banking, commercial banking, private banking, and financial planning. Working throughout Eastern Canada, she collaborates with advisors, accounting/legal professionals, and their affluent clients to provide in-depth and customized planning solutions.

In her role as Wealth Strategist, she provides comprehensive financial planning information and recommendations to clients with specific emphasis on tax optimization, will, estate, and trust planning.

Mark Defalco, CFP, F.Pl.

Financial Planning Specialist

Mark is a Financial Planning Specialist with CIBC Private Wealth Management working with the Advisory teams at the Ottawa Main, Kanata & Kingston Wood Gundy branches. Mark joined CIBC in 2020 and has over 16 years of experience in financial advice and planning. He believes in a holistic and comprehensive approach to financial planning. Mark has extensive experience working with high-net-worth clients, both personal and corporate, to help them achieve their financial goals.

Nigel Newland, B.Comm., CFP

Estate Planning Specialist

As a CIBC Wood Gundy Estate Planning Specialist, I work with your trusted advisor to provide you with a specialized estate plan. My expertise is rooted in financial and intergenerational wealth transfer solutions, including; preservation, estate enhancement, business succession, charitable giving, retirement income planning, and tax minimization.

Before joining CIBC Wood Gundy, I worked for a private sector company based in the United States and prior to that, I spent 9 years working with a large financial institution as a wealth advisor. I strive to provide you with timely professional advice that you can put into action.

Karen West-Taylor 

Senior Trust and Estate Consultant

As a CIBC Senior Trust and Estate Consultant, Karen believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan that protects your assets, preserves your legacy, and ensures your estate is distributed. She offers services as a professional executor, and power of attorney for property or trustee. She can also support someone else you appoint for these roles.

Effectively administering a trust or acting as an attorney can require time and an understanding of investments and taxes. Karen has the expertise to execute or assist others to execute that role effectively and efficiently.