Gordon Mestern, CFA
Gordon has over 40 years of experience in the investment industry. An Associate of the UK Society of Investment Professionals, and a Portfolio Manager, in addition to his competency as an Investment Advisor, he is qualified to advise on insurance-related investments and products. His experience has taught him to focus on the fundamentals and to manage clients money from a risk management basis.
Married with two daughters, Gordon includes jogging, skiing, hiking, swimming and walking his dog Skipper as among his favourite pursuits. He loves travelling with his family.
Kenny Crandlemire, CFA
Kenny Crandlemire celebrated his four year anniversary with the Mestern Group this past March. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He obtained the designation while being a key contributor to the team's investing, business development, and wealth planning activities. Kenny also holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree, which he obtained at University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management.
Kenny brings energy to an already prosperous wealth management team, led by Gordon Mestern, CFA, who has successfully managed client portfolios since 1981. He is excited for the opportunity to nurture and grow the Mestern Group's amazing client base for many years to come!
Kenny grew up in Ottawa and is fully bilingual. In his personal life, Kenny enjoys spending time with his wife (Stephanie), son (Leo), daughter (Lena) and pug (Yoda), as well as his family and friends. He loves playing basketball and supporting his favourite sports organization, the Toronto Raptors.
Erica O’Keeffe
Erica O’Keeffe joined The Mestern Group as a Client Associate in July, 2020.
Originally from Toronto, Erica moved to Ottawa nine years ago. She has had the opportunity to work at both national and international firms accumulating over 20 years of financial industry experience in various roles. She comes highly recommended by her peers and past employers, and is known for her take-charge attitude, dynamic interpersonal skills, and prowess for project management.
Erica’s educational background includes the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), the Conduct and Practices Handbook Course (CPH) and a degree in Communications from George Brown College. She is a strong believer in continuing education in our ever-evolving financial industry having attended relevant courses at York University’s esteemed Schulich School of Business.
Erica loves spending time with friends and family but her life currently revolves around her Shih-Tzu, Zoey. She also enjoys yoga and reading in her spare time.
Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
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.
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.
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.
Milan Stipancevic, CFP®, CIM®, FCSI
Senior Private Banking Advisor
Having learned the importance of trust and reliability early on, I’ve applied this to all my relationships and take great pride in providing my clients with a high level of service. Ensuring a positive client experience for you and your family is my priority. Through a discovery process, I will take the time to understand what is important to you.
Whether it be complex planning strategies, lending needs or simple banking questions, I endeavour to address each in a timely and efficient manner. With my team of CIBC experts, we use a holistic approach to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, travelling and playing music.
Nigel Newland, B.Comm., CFP
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
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.
Susan Wood, CPA, CA
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.