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Meet the Instructors

Instructors
Shaun P. Nicholson, CFP®

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams 2023, 2024

The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Since starting in the financial industry in 1980, Shaun has developed expertise in creating sensible solutions for retirement income needs as well as capital preservation.

Shaun looks at his work as if he is a family member trying to care for their finances from the beginning of family planning to the end of life.

He values trust, hard work and really caring about his clients. As a trusted advisor who has seen circumstances from a long-term perspective, Shaun knows that some of his best work occurs when markets are in turmoil or when clients’ lives are difficult. 

Passionate about the Dayton arts community, Shaun serves on The Miriam Rosenthal Foundation Board and is a former board member at WDPR. He is on the Development Committee for the Dayton Foundation and serves as the Education Chair for the Greene County Community Foundation. He and his wife Susan have two daughters and make their home in Beavercreek. Outside the office, he cycles, fits in some tennis and golf and is the drummer for his church praise band.

  • Bowling Green University, B.A.
  • The Ohio State University, M.A.
  • Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the industry standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023 The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
Tiffany D. Kellner, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Tiffany knows that when it comes to discovering what is important to people, nothing is more powerful than having great listening skills.  While it’s essential to also have the knowledge and resources for financial planning, building trust comes from active listening.

Having lost her father when she was young, she learned what can happen to a family without the right plans in place.  From these struggles grew a passion for helping her clients reach their goals, but also a strong focus on helping protect them from life’s uncertainties.

Tiffany believes her best work is done with individuals or families for whom she can make a significant impact – those that are looking for a financial partner they can trust to provide solutions for some of their most important decisions.  

Tiffany has been in the financial industry for 25 years, starting her career while still in college, majoring in personal financial planning. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Gala of Hope Foundation and is a member of the UBS PAC. She and Eric reside in Centerville with their clever and loving children, Evan, Emelia and Adalyn.

  • Wright State University, B.A.
  • Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the industry standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning
  • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional
  • Forbes/SHOOK Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Forbes/SHOOK Top Women Wealth Advisors, 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Working Mother and SHOOK Research Top Wealth Advisor Moms, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Blair T. Cornell, CFP®, CPWA®

 

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor

Financial Advisor

Blair knows he is at his best when he is challenged to think outside of the box to help a client reduce their concerns and, ideally, find opportunities they may not have thought possible. 

Having worked with his father his entire career, he learned the importance of patience and authenticity in working alongside clients. And, like his father, Blair believes that building trust is more valuable than any product or strategy.

Today, as a Private Wealth Advisor, he specializes in strategic planning for high-net worth clients.

Blair and his wife are the founders of JoyRide, the non-profit that brings together special needs kids and car enthusiasts. Inspired by their son, JoyRide allows kids to trade the everyday worry of doctor’s visits and medications for a chance to cruise in high-end or one-of-a-kind cars. A disciplined philanthropist and entrepreneur, Blair often speaks to groups about his journey with JoyRide and the fulfillment of combining your passions.

Blair is a native of Kettering and resides in Centerville with Kat and their children Caitlin, Carter and twins, Brady and Davis. He enjoys golfing, spending time in the mountains of Colorado and boating with his family.  Blair has been an active member of Fairhaven Church for over 30 years.

  • Ohio University, Bachelor of Specialized Studies
  • Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the industry standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning
    Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2022
  • Forbes/SHOOK Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019
  • Forbes/SHOOK Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Forbes/SHOOK Top 250 Next-Generation Wealth Advisors, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

On Wall Street – Top 40 Advisors Under 40, 2016

John W. Reagan, Jr., CFP ®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

With constantly changing markets and unlimited investment options, John knows some may be tempted to recommend the hot area of the day. But, as he says, “investing with purpose leads to much greater satisfaction.”

To John, “investing with purpose” means guiding clients as they build financial plans with specific goals in mind. He focuses on all stages of planning, from getting on track to and through retirement, and building legacies for families.

A Centerville, Ohio native, John is passionate about coaching youth sports, his kids (Brody, Gavin, Madison, and Trey) and wife, Heather.

  • Ohio University, B.A.
Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the industry standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning
Brandy R. Risheill, CFP®, CDFA®

Financial Advisor

Brandy believes she is doing her best work when she is creating a financial plan for her clients and helping them envision what they want their future to look like.

To her, it’s all about earning trust and doing what you say you are going to do. She values being part of the journey each client is taking and especially enjoys educating families on options that can help achieve their goals.

Brandy’s financial industry career with UBS started with answering a good, old fashioned newspaper ad. Now, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, she recently added to her skills by becoming a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional, allowing her to help clients and their attorneys during the divorce process.

  • Urbana University, B.S.
  • Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the industry standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning
  • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional
Colin C. Faulkner, CFP®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

Colin believes this work is in his blood, as evidenced by the framed notepad hanging in his home office that his grandfather used to track stocks on during church services.

Over the last few years, Colin has come to know there is no such thing as a typical financial plan. He places emphasis on understanding client’s goals so he can identify any roadblocks to their success

Equally important to his work, Colin values his network of fellow advisors and professionals that help with issues beyond investing.  He knows that if he does not have an answer, he certainly has powerful resources to tap.

While not building financial plans for clients, Colin spends time with family and friends, reading, improving his health and fitness as well as finding opportunities to serve in the local community and his church.

  • University of Dayton, B.A.
  • Certified Financial Planner™ professional, the industry standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning
Joshua D. Pfeiffer, CFP®

Wealth Management Associate

A strong work ethic combined with a fascination to new ideas are Josh’s keys to success. He focuses on building a reputation as an honest, driven, hard worker and believes that seeking out new perspectives is vital to strengthening the options he presents to clients.

Since joining UBS in 2018, Josh went from being our lead intern to learning the responsibilities of a client associate. Now, as a Wealth Management Associate, he works with team Financial Advisors to build financial plans and provide individual investment research. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Financial Services at Wright State in 2021 and holds his series 7, 66 and life insurance license. 

Josh was born and raised in Waynesville where he still resides today. He enjoys golfing, baseball, skiing and his trips to visit his girlfriend in Mexico City.

  • Wright State University, B.A.
Timothy W. Van Simaeys, AAMS®

Executive Director

Financial Advisor

Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams 2023, 2024

The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Tim finds joy and fulfillment when serving others. Throughout his life, Tim has applied a servant leadership philosophy to both his personal and professional life.

He began his career in financial services as a senior in high school in 1987 and joined UBS in 2004. For much of his time at UBS, Tim served as both a Financial Advisor for his clients and as a Branch Manager for the firm. In 2018, Tim relinquished his branch management responsibilities to focus exclusively on serving the needs of his clients and providing leadership, encouragement and support to his partners.

In addition to his work experience, Tim earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. He also earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation from the College for Financial Planning and successfully completed the UBS Wealth Management Executive Education Program.

Having grown up in a Navy family, Tim is proud to volunteer as a mentor for American Corporate Partners. In this role, Tim partners with active duty service members nearing retirement. He forms a mentoring relationship with them to help them transition successfully in to civilian life.  Tim also serves as a "Big Brother" for Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley. He provides friendship and role modeling to make a positive and lasting impact on his life.

 

Tim enjoys fly fishing, pheasant hunting and spending time on his boat. He is also passionate about fine wine and cooking and loves sharing these passions with his clients and friends. Tim and his wife Karen live in Waynesville and have two children and a grandson.

  • Spring Arbor University, B.S. Organizational Management
  • Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023 The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
Daniel P. Christie

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams 2023, 2024

The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

What excites Dan most about his profession, is the opportunity to build and maintain long-term relationships with clients. He focuses on understanding the clients hopes and fears and then helps them achieve their financial goals.

Dan started his career in the financial services industry as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in 1991. Years later, he moved to Key Investments, whose name changed to McDonald Investments, this was then acquired by UBS in 2007.

Having attended the University of Dayton on a Basketball scholarship, Dan received the Scholar Athlete award for two consecutive years. He earned his bachelor's degree in engineering and went on to receive a master’s degree in business administration.

Being passionate about basketball, Dan spent many years coaching and developing young players in the Dayton area. He and his wife, Margie, enjoy spending time with family, playing golf, hiking and skiing at their second home in Snowshoe, West Virginia.  Their main residence is in Miamisburg and they have three daughters and one son.

  • University of Dayton, B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • University of Dayton, M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023 The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
CONTACT

Special Programs and Continuing Education


300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 7011
937-229-2347
Special Program and Continuing Education