Brenda Akins, BA, CIM®

Portfolio Manager

Wealth Advisor

Brenda graduated from the University of Calgary in 1994. She has been part of the CIBC Wood Gundy family since 1997. As an Investment Advisor, Brenda provides excellent advice grounded in her extensive experience and ability to empathize. Brenda loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, and helping them achieve their financial goals.

Chris Porochnuk, B.Comm., CIM®

Associate Investment Advisor

Associate Portfolio Manager

Chris is a graduate of the University of Calgary with a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, and has been part of the Kozak Financial Group since 2007. Through a combination of education and experience, Chris is a key member of the team providing advice and service to clients. In addition to advising clients, Chris has a  pivotal role in the daily management and structure of our clients' portfolios. Born and raised in Calgary, Chris now raises a family of his own with two daughters.

Harrison Kozak, B.B.A., CIM®

Wealth Advisor

Associate Portfolio Manager

Harrison joined the Kozak Financial Group after completing his degree at Mount Royal University. Harrison is an invaluable member of the Kozak Financial Group, his time in the office is spent meeting with clients and striving to make their financial goals a reality. When not in the office, Harrison and his wife, Emma, spend their time renovating their new home..

Ted Kozak, B.Mgt

Wealth Advisor

Ted graduated from the University of British Columbia Okanagan with a Bachelor Degree in Management.  Ted spends his days meeting with clients, working on portfolio investment and collaborating with our planning team. Ted heads the teams tax reporting and works with the accounting partners.  When not at work you can find Ted on the ski hill in the wintertime, and somewhere near a lake during the summer.

Naomi English, BA, FCSI, CIM

Associate Wealth Advisor

Naomi holds a BA in Economics with a minor in Management from the University of Calgary, with 24 years of industry experience,. Naomi is responsible for coordinating and evolving the business administration for the team, she is involved in team planning, training, marketing and special events. Naomi is well versed in handling Estates and Power of Attorney situations for our clients. Her spare time is kept eventful with her family and  her dog.

Ida Durante

Financial Associate

Ida Durante is a native Calgarian with strong ties to the community. Ida has over 20 years of experience in the investment industry. She began her career with Wood Gundy in 1993 and has worked at expanding her knowledge throughout the industry at many different levels including institutional trading and client service roles. Ida was excited to return to CIBC Wood Gundy in 2016 and join her colleagues and friends of many years.Ida is a vital team member with her wealth of experience and talents. Ida is proud to share this life adventure with her husband and two daughters.

Dhruti Desai, B.Sc.

Client Associate

Dhruti graduated in 2001 with a Science Degree in Microbiology. She has ten years of experience in the financial industry, including four years at Wood Gundy before taking a break to start her family. With her two children a little older she returned to CIBC Wood Gundy  in 2017 and joined the Kozak Financial Group. Dhruti is responsible for looking after the administrative needs of our clients in an efficient and friendly manner. In her spare time Dhruti enjoys the creative artistic pursuits of painting and crafts.

Cheryl Randall

Administrative Assistant

Cheryl moved to Calgary from a small French community in Northern Alberta, where she and her mother owned a small hotel. She decided that she wanted to move to Calgary and pursue a different career in the financial industry. She joined Kozak Financial Group in October 2012, and has been brightening all our client's days with her easy smile and positive outlook. Cheryl focuses on building a strong foundation of trust in order to provide a personalized, deep level of service. Cheryl works Monday through Thursday for the Kozak Financial Group. On her days off she keeps very busy with her two young daughters. 

Tracey Groves

Client Associate

Tracey has been with CIBC Wood Gundy for eight years and joined the Kozak Financial Group shortly after her arrival. She started her career in retail banking with CIBC and has 15+ years of experience; having started as a Bank Teller in 2007 before working her way up to Manager of Client Experience. Tracey rounds out our administrative team with her proficient approach and friendly style. In her spare time her two kids keep her busy, but when she gets a moment Tracey enjoys going to see live music and theatre. She can also be found playing on a recreational slo-pitch team in the spring/summer months and curling in a women’s league during the winter. 

Giancarlo Spoletini, BA

Client Associate

Giancarlo was born and raised in Calgary. He graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2020. While at university he was a student athlete on the Dinos football team. Giancarlo is also fully licensed in insurance and looks forward to expanding his knowledge within the financial services industry. Sports have always been a big part of his life. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid sports fan

Eymard Amoroso, BA

Client Associate

Eymard graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary in 2019 and has been gaining industry knowledge and experience ever since. He joined the Kozak Financial Group in 2021. Eymard is a key member of our client service team and is very dedicated to his position and learning new skills.  In his spare time, Eymard enjoys physical activities, socializing and travelling.

Natalie Peluso, B.B.A.

Client Associate

Natalie joins us after completing the new graduate one year CIBC Private Wealth training program. Natalie will be working alongside our team to expand her knowledge and provide excellent client service.  Natalie comes to us from Eastern Canada so we look forward to introducing her to Calgary.