Richard Strong, CIM

Senior Investment Advisor

Richard began his career in 1992 and has over 30 years of experience providing investment advice to affluent families, associations, and corporations. Richard holds the Chartered Investment Management (CIM®) designation and tailors solutions to clients’ unique requirements. By maintaining a focus on asset allocation and adhering to stated risk tolerances, capital can be preserved while providing needed income and long-term growth. Richard prides himself on building client relationships based on integrity, consistency, and mutual trust.

James Krikorian, CFP®, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Investment Advisor

For over a decade, James Krikorian has been helping affluent individuals and families navigate uncertainty and plan for their financial future. In 2024 he joined the team at CIBC Wood Gundy to enhance his ability to serve his clients.

James manages individual, estate, trust and corporate assets, offering personalized investment solutions suited to your unique needs. After carefully exploring the complexities of your life and wealth needs, he tailors comprehensive strategies that align with your lifestyle to maximize success.

James employs a qualified team of specialists to support all areas of your finances, including financial planning, tax minimization, wealth preservation, estate planning and business succession.

James graduated with distinction from Laurentian University and has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation, a globally recognized standard that measures and certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. He also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, often recognized as the gold standard in Canadian Financial Planning.

Outside of work James enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter.

Dawna Dann

Client Associate

Dawna Dann joined CIBC Wood Gundy in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience working in the financial services industry, including roles in banking and corporate cash management with two corporations while living in Toronto.

Dawna provides client service and administrative support for Mark Santoni, Richard Strong and James Krikorian. She assists the team with client relationship management, account openings, ongoing administration and assists clients with requests and queries as they arise.

Dawna is a graduate of McMaster University, and industry registered to place trades for clients as requested.

Dawna has made Kingston home since moving here over 13 years ago with her military husband and two children.

Christopher Kerans, CIM®

Client Associate

Chris is a graduate of Laurentian University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He has been in the financial services industry for three years, beginning his career with CIBC as a financial services representative, assisting clients with various credit and deposit needs. Chris joined the Santoni Strong Krikorian Wealth Management team in 2022, and assists with client relationship management, account transactions, trades, and reporting. Chris also works closely with our various partners in private wealth, helping to identify needs and provide solutions, such as our Investment Consultant Group and Financial Planning division. Outside of work, Chris enjoys working on vintage cars and boats, keeping them in pristine mechanical and cosmetic condition.  

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’ 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.

Lizanne Ranger, CFP®, RRC, FCSI

Senior Private Banking Advisor

As a Sr. Private Banking Advisor, it is important I understand your values, dreams and goals and to provide you with the financial stewardship to help realize them. I start by understanding your financial goals—whether it's cash and credit management, investments or planning—and develop services customized to your unique needs.

You'll enjoy convenience, flexibility and peace of mind from your CIBC Private Banking team, so you can focus on other things, without worrying about your finances. My associate and I offer highly personalized and proactive attention, along with timely, professional and reactive services.

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.

Fred Kyriazis, CPA, CA

Estate Planning Specialist

I am an Estate Planning Specialist with CIBC Private Wealth Management. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, my focus over the years has been working with private business owners, professionals and farmers in developing strategies to help minimize their tax burden at various stages in their lives, including business transitions and estate planning.

I have developed a holistic approach to estate planning and provide my clients with solutions that will help them achieve their goals as it relates to their estate by minimizing the impact that taxes can have on a family’s estate.