Penny Omell, CIMA, FCSI, CIM, PFP
Senior Wealth Advisor
Portfolio Manager
Penny joined CIBC Wood Gundy in May 1994 and serves as an Investment Advisor with The Omell Financial Group. Her professional journey is distinguished by a unique blend of expertise in both finance and healthcare. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Penny taught Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta and served as President of the Alberta College. From 1990 to 1994, she owned and managed a private physical therapy practice, where she developed a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances of clients’ lives.
This diverse background enables Penny to bring a holistic, client-centered approach to wealth management. Drawing on her experience as a business owner, she oversees various team functions and specializes in helping clients articulate their Financial Vision and align their wealth with their personal and financial goals.
Penny is also deeply committed to community involvement and leadership. She currently serves on the board of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, and has recently completed terms as Chair of the Edmonton Community Foundation and Chair of its investment committee. Penny is also a past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association.
Penny’s passion for empowering others, her strategic perspective, and her dedication to both her clients and her community continue to drive her impact within The Omell Financial Group and beyond.
Ronald Omell, CIMA, FCSI, CIM, B.B.Admin
Senior Wealth Advisor
Portfolio Manager
Since joining CIBC Wood Gundy in January 1980, Ron has been dedicated to building and nurturing enduring relationships with clients, earning their trust through decades of personalized service and sound advice. His deep-rooted passion for education, history, economics, politics, and current events equips him with a broad perspective and a keen understanding of the forces shaping today’s financial markets.
Ron is known for his “big picture” approach, skillfully navigating market and economic fluctuations to help clients make informed investment decisions with confidence. As a team specialist in the Dynamic Wealth Architecture process, he excels at integrating macroeconomic insights into comprehensive financial strategies tailored to each client’s goals.
In addition to his client-facing work, Ron plays a pivotal role in developing and refining the team’s investment strategies and tactics. His ongoing contributions ensure that clients benefit from forward-thinking solutions and a well-coordinated approach to wealth management.
With over four decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to client success, Ron continues to be a trusted advisor and a cornerstone of the team’s dynamic approach.
Eliot Linklater, B.Comm., CFP®, CIM®
Wealth Advisor
Since joining The Omell Financial Group in 2017, Eliot has infused the practice with his entrepreneurial mindset and forward-thinking approach. He has played a pivotal role in expanding the team’s service offerings, streamlining operational processes, and elevating client engagement, all with the goal of helping clients build and realize their unique Financial Vision.
Eliot leverages the comprehensive capabilities of Dynamic Wealth Architecture to deliver tailored, innovative solutions to even the most complex financial challenges. As the team’s lead on Financial Visioning, he is passionate about guiding clients through every stage of their financial journey. Collaborating closely with Penny, Eliot works to set clear objectives, implement actionable strategies, and track progress, ensuring each client’s goals are not only met but exceeded.
A proud graduate of Grant MacEwan University, Eliot holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is both a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®). His commitment to professional growth and excellence is reflected in his deep industry knowledge and client-centered approach.
Outside the office, Eliot is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether he’s exploring the scenic trails of the river valley with his wife Stacey and their dog Mylo, competing on the squash court, or hiking the rugged paths of the Rocky Mountains, Eliot brings the same drive and enthusiasm to his personal pursuits as he does to his work.
Andrei Lungu
Client Associate
Andrei works closely with both our team and clients to develop a thorough understanding of each client’s unique financial picture. His goal is to ensure that every investment strategy and wealth plan is perfectly aligned with clients’ long-term aspirations. With a degree in finance, Andrei combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative, approachable style, always focused on helping clients achieve lasting success.
Before joining CIBC Wood Gundy, Andrei began his career with a different full service firm in the Edmonton region where he gained valuable experience in wealth management. He is dedicated to helping clients feel confident in their financial decisions by contributing to clear, structured, and holistic planning.
Outside the office, Andrei enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, discovering new breweries and tinkering with cars. As a devoted Edmonton Oilers fan, Andrei is always cheering on the team and hoping that this will be the year they bring the Stanley Cup home.
Raylene Boesch
Administrative Assistant
Raylene brings over 30 years of dedicated experience to the investment industry, and has been an integral part of CIBC Wood Gundy in Saskatchewan since 1998. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Concordia University College in Edmonton, and her extensive knowledge spans every aspect of our business.
Raylene works closely with our team to deliver an outstanding level of service to our clients. She specializes in supporting high net worth individuals and families, ensuring their needs are met with professionalism and care. As the organizational and administrative backbone of our team, Raylene expertly manages everything from opening accounts and updating client information to handling fund transfers and day-to-day inquiries. Her attention to detail and genuine commitment to client satisfaction truly set her apart.
Outside the office, Raylene enjoys embracing the outdoors, whether she’s gardening, working on wood projects, riding her motorcycle, camping, or sharing a glass of wine. She treasures time spent with family and friends, her partner Daniel, and their dog Milo. Raylene takes great pride in building meaningful relationships and providing personalized service to each client she works with.
Rola Halabi-Day
Administrative Assistant
Rola’s journey in administration began with her Medical Administration Diploma in 2008, launching a career that has spanned more than 15 years and a variety of dynamic roles. In 2021, she brought her expertise and enthusiasm to The Omell Financial Group at CIBC Wood Gundy, where she thrives as an integral part of a collaborative and client-focused team. Rola plays a key role in supporting both clients and colleagues, organizing client briefings, managing appointments, and ensuring seamless communication between clients and The Omell Team.
Outside of the office, Rola is passionate about personal growth. She finds tranquility by the water, whether relaxing along a lakeshore or simply soaking in the fresh air and peacefulness of nature, unwinding with a good book, or engaging in creative activities with her daughter Maggie, like colouring and crafting. Rola also values quality time with her husband, Jay, and is always eager to discover new ways to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Her positive outlook and genuine care for others shine through in all that she does.
Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
Caroline Obee
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Opens in your telephone provided application. caroline.obee@cibc.com Opens in your email provided application.As a CIBC Senior Trust and Estate Consultant, my goal is to provide you and your family with confidence and peace of mind.
We offer services as a professional executor, power of attorney for property or trustee. We 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. We have the expertise to execute or assist others to execute that role effectively and efficiently.
John Rovansek, B.Admin, PFP
Wealth Strategist
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.John works with Investment Advisors and their clients to develop sound wealth management plans. He provides support and direction about complex issues such as retirement and distribution planning, tax planning, cash management, estate and gift planning, transition planning and charitable giving. He also brings together the knowledge and experience of our in-house trust and estate professionals when required. John has been working in the Financial Services Industry since 1997. Before joining CIBC Wood Gundy, he worked for other full-service brokerage firms and also worked for a major insurance company in assisting advisors and clients with comprehensive planning and portfolio construction.
Eric Schenstead, CLU, TEP, CFP®
Estate Planning Specialist
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.Eric and his team are pleased to support CIBC’s high net worth clients with attaining their Estate Planning objectives. They bring a wealth of experience, utilizing advanced estate planning strategies and life insurance products, which are applied in uniquely effective ways that support our client’s aims and hopes. The team focuses on our client’s objectives, first defining the purpose for the plan, and then providing solutions and options through a process we describe as “Purpose Driven Planning ~ 1:1”.