RAPPAPORT REICHES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Your Team
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Shari Greco Reiches
Co-Founder, Principal and Chief Growth Officer
Shari Greco Reiches
co-founder, Principal and chieF GROWTH officer
Here’s how I can help you:
I work with clients to design a customized comprehensive financial roadmap to navigate their most crucial financial decisions. The result is a long-term solution which is aligned with their core values.
Many of my clients are women who have sole responsibility for their finances. I enjoy partnering with them on their financial and life decisions.
Here’s my professional background:
I started my career at Arthur Anderson in the financial services division. I left to join my family bank group in the northern suburbs. We ultimately sold our bank group to US Bank where I was President of the Private Banking division for the Chicagoland area. Several years later, I met up with David Rappaport and joined him at Sanford Bernstein as a financial advisor. In 2005, we founded Rappaport Reiches Capital Management.
Here’s my educational background:
Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and successfully completed the CPA exam before going on to earn a Master’s degree in banking from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.
A little about my family:
I live in Evanston with my husband Stephen – married for 30 years. He is my life partner and partner in business as well. This surprises most people on how we can work together. I am happy to meet for coffee to give you the inside scoop.
We are proud of our children Madeleine who is a system control engineer and Isabel who is studying accounting.
How I give back to my community:
I enjoy giving back to the community. I am currently Chair of Finance and Budget Committee for the City of Evanston, and Secretary to the Jewish United Fund Board of Directors. I was previously Vice Chair of the Illinois State Board of Investments from 2015 - 2019. In addition, I have been involved in many civic organizations including JUF of Metropolitan Chicago as a Board Member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board, Chicago Foundation for Women on the Professional Advisory Committee, The Standard Club past Board Member and Chair of Women’s Committee, Beth Emet Synagogue as past Board Member, past Foundation Board Member and Co- Chair of the capital campaign to raise $7.1 million, and Medical Research Institute Council for Children’s Memorial Hospital past Vice Chair, Board of Directors.
During my free time I like to:
I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I recently trained and completed 2 sprint triathlons. Being empty nesters, Stephen and I enjoy traveling, and I continue to spend time with my charitable interests. I have been playing bridge for 4 years and finally feel I am no longer a beginner.
My favorite musician:
I am a proud Fanilow – a fan of Barry Manilow. I have seen him in concert over 30 times and know every word of all his songs. I am happy that my children enjoy Barry too. Haven’t been able to turn Stephen into a fan but still working on it.
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David M. Rappaport, CFP®
Co-Founder, Principal and Chief Investment Officer
David Rappaport, CFP®
Principal, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Here’s how I can help you:
Entrepreneurs and corporate executives lead busy and interesting lives. I act as their Family CFO, providing organization and clarity in their finances. The benefit is the additional time and peace of mind that comes from knowing that a thoughtful and disciplined financial plan is in place.
Here’s my professional background:
I co-founded our firm with Shari Reiches in 2005. Prior to that, I was a principal and financial advisor at Sanford Bernstein & Co. I started my career in finance at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in 1990. Prior to business school, I worked in the audit division at Arthur Andersen LLP. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and hold a Certified Public Accountant certificate, winning the Elijah Watt Sells Award for Outstanding Performance.
Here’s my educational background:
I have an MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
A little about my family:
My wife Karen is a real estate agent in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, where we have a home. Check out her podcast “Loving Lake Geneva”! We have two wonderful daughters. Leah works in software testing for Aspiritech, a non-profit that hires adults on the autism spectrum to provide software testing services. Rachel works at FairVote, a nonpartisan organization that advances voting reforms. Ryder and Layla, our dogs, complete the family.
How I give back to my community:
I have served as Board Member for Aspiritech (and past Board Chair), a non-profit that hires adults on the autism spectrum to provide software testing and quality assurance services for corporate clients. Please ask me about Aspiritech if you have questions!
I am a past Trustee for the State of Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Plan. Secure Choice is a program that provides a Roth IRA to those employees who do not have access to a retirement savings plan through work.
I am a past President and Board member of the American Technion Society, which supports visionary education and world-changing impact through the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.
I am a member of the Economic Club of Chicago as well.
During my free time I like to:
Play guitar with my "dad band" The Lost Boys. I'm a hack, but really trying to improve.
My favorite band:
The Rolling Stones.
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Stephen M. Reiches
Principal and Director of Wealth Transfer
Stephen M. Reiches
Principal & Director of wealth transfer
Here’s how I can help you:
I provide clients with impartial objective advice in the areas of estate planning, risk management and charitable giving.
Here’s my professional background:
With 15 years of experience as an estate planning attorney with the Chicago firm of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, I bring unparalleled financial and estate planning experience to RRCM’s advisory services.
Here’s my educational background:
BA, Economics, Northwestern University (Phi Beta Kappa)
JD, The University of Chicago Law School
A little about my family:
I live in Evanston with my wife, Shari, and we enjoy time together without children and dogs.
How I give back to my community:
I currently serve as a member of the Beth Emet Foundation in Evanston and am a member of the Professional Advisory Committee of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
During my free time I like to:
I am a recovering attorney, an avid cyclist, and a novice but enthusiastic tennis player.
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Karen L. Asbra, CFP®
Principal and Chief Operating Officer
Karen L. Asbra, CFP®
chief operating officer, principal
Here’s how I can help you:
Bring efficiency and organization to illuminate the path towards your financial goals
Here’s my professional background:
Joined RRCM in 2007, a CFP® professional and Series 65 licensed
Here’s my educational background:
Northwestern BA, Certificate of Financial Planning from New York University
A little about my family:
I live in Evanston with my son
How I give back to my community:
Volunteer at Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E) in Skokie
During my free time I like to:
Travel and go to the theater
My favorite musician:
Tom Petty
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Liz Xilas
Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor
Liz Xilas
Senior Vice President and senior financial advisor
Here’s how I can help you:
Through a holistic approach I will help you to use your financial resources to achieve what you care about most in life. The result is a long-term, sleep-at-night solution, which will be 100 percent aligned with your core values.
Here’s my professional background:
I spent 13 years at Oppenheimer & Company and 7 years at RBC Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor before joining RRCM in 2011.
Here’s my educational background:
1988 - BA Political Science (major) and Economics (minor), University of Michigan
A little about my family:
I split my time between Chicago and Florida with my husband Peter and four-legged BFF Stella and am very proud of my two children, Gabrielle, a Physician Assistant (PA) in the Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA, and Benjamin, currently living in NYC and working for the NY Yankees as an Account Executive on their Partnership team.
How I give back to my community:
I am Vice President on the Executive Committee and Investment Committee Chair of The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, serve as a Grant Review Chair for Impact Grants Chicago, and actively contribute to the Institutional Advancement Committee at The Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School.
During my free time I like to:
Binge watch TV, see movies/documentaries that make me cry, try different restaurants, travel to new places, read a book I can’t put down, walk along the Chicago lakefront, play pickle, cheer for my alma mater The University of Michigan, and spend time with friends and family.
My favorite musician:
Bruce Springsteen…that’s the NJ girl in me!
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Kristyn Gibson, CFP®
Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor
Kristyn Gibson, CFP®
senior VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR Financial Advisor
Here’s how I can help you:
You’ve worked hard to accumulate your wealth. I will put that same effort into providing peace of mind. Through a comprehensive approach, I will be your partner and help navigate life’s financial decisions.
Here’s my professional background:
Prior to joining RRCM in January 2016, I worked for Smith Barney and Sanford Bernstein providing wealth management services to high net worth clients.
Here’s my educational background:
1992 graduate of Indiana University, with a BA Economics and Political Science. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. Series 65 licensed.
A little about my family:
My husband, three children, and dogs live in Wilmette.
How I give back to my community:
I volunteer with Wings For Widows as a financial coach providing personalized financial wellness coaching to help widows move forward with confidence and hope. Additionally, I serve on the Outreach Committee at Kenilworth Union Church which awards grants to over 30 nonprofit benevolence agencies each year.
During my free time I like to:
I love spending time and travelling with family and friends. When not planning our next vacation, I enjoy reading and walking our golden retrievers, Addie & Bo.
My favorite musician:
There is no way I can narrow down to a favorite artist. Be it current, bad 80’s music or classic rock, I love it all!
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Terri Velgara, CFP®
Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Financial Planning
Terri Velgara, CFP®
SENIOR Financial advisor and director of financial planning
Here’s how I can help you:
As Director of Financial Planning, I coordinate with our firm's clients and Financial Advisors to develop comprehensive financial plans and investment strategies. Using the financial plan as a roadmap, I assist clients in achieving their personal and financial goals through retirement planning, estate planning, education planning and charitable giving.
Here’s my professional background:
Before joining Rappaport Reiches Capital Management in 2018, I worked with clients for 7 years as an Account Manager at Geneva Advisors, LLC, which merged with CIBC Private Wealth Management. Prior to that, I spent 5 years assisting high-net worth clients and family offices in the Wealth Management Group at Northern Trust.
Here’s my educational background:
I graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a BA in Economics, and I earned my MBA with a concentration in Finance from DePaul University in Chicago. I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and have a Series 65 license.
A little about my family:
I grew up in Chicago and love the city. I live in the North Mayfair neighborhood in Chicago with my husband, two children and our dog, Comet.
How I give back to my community:
I’m a former School Board member at my children’s school, I volunteer at many school and parish events, and I’m a Merit Badge Counselor for my son’s Boy Scout Troop.
During my free time I like to:
I enjoy going on outdoor adventures with my family and board game nights, and reading Agatha Christie murder mysteries.
My favorite musician:
Currently, I like listening to the Black Keys.
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Rhea Ravindran, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Rhea Ravindran, CFP®
Financial advisor
Here’s how I can help you:
I am here to design a customized financial plan for your future. Knowing that the “money” part of your life is on track will allow you to channel your energy into what you value most.
Here’s my professional background:
I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® . Previously, I was an Account Manager at Insurance Plans Agency, Inc for 5 years. I'm also an Illinois Notary Public.
Here’s my educational background:
BA in Finance at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Series 65 licensed.
During my free time I like to:
Play volleyball, watch movies, read books.
My favorite movie:
Remember the Titans
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John Frederick
Senior Financial Advisor
Here’s how I can help you:
I am an experienced wealth advisor providing encouragement and discipline.
Here’s my professional background:
Prior to joining RRCM in 2022, I ran Frederick Capital Management, a registered investment advisory firm, for 25 years.
Here’s my educational background:
I have an BS in Commerce from DePaul University.
A little about my family:
My wife Marianne and I live with our grandson Dillon in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. I have three adult sons and one other grandson, Jack.
How I give back to my community:
Willow Creek Community Church --“Good Sense” financial counselling, Care Center providing food and clothes for people in need, PADS providing shelter and food for homeless.
During my free time I like to:
Watch sports and movies.
My favorite band:
The Rolling Stones.
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Conner Grzenia, CFP®
Senior Associate
Here’s how I can help you:
I provide support to the firm’s Financial Advisors in order to make sure our clients receive the best possible service.
Here’s my professional background:
Before joining Rappaport Reiches Capital Management in 2021, I interned at Cetera Investors.
Here’s my educational background:
BS in Financial Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and have a Series 65 license.
During my free time I like to:
Exercise, play golf, cook, spend time with friends and family, and stay active.
My favorite tv show:
Psych!
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Ben Richter, CFP®
Senior Associate
Here’s how I can help you:
I work with our Financial Advisor team to help provide the expertise and support you need to feel confident about achieving your financial goals.
Here’s my professional background:
Before joining Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, I spent 9 years working in Sales and Operations at PepsiCo.
Here’s my educational background:
I have an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and have a Series 65 license.
During my free time I like to:
Explore the Chicago food scene and travel. I also enjoy staying active with golf and my Peloton bike, rooting for the Chicago sports teams, and reading.
My favorite movie:
James Bond
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Bradley Hills
Client Service Associate
Here’s how I can help you:
I help support your financial goals by working closely with you and with our dedicated team of Financial Advisors.
Here’s my professional background:
Before joining Rappaport Reiches Capital Management in June 2023, I interned with Phillip Capital Management, Beyond AUM, and the University of Alabama Athletic Department.
Here’s my educational background:
I have a BS in Finance from the University of Alabama and an MS in Finance from the University of Alabama. I have a Series 65 license.
During my free time I like to:
Golf, watch sports (Roll Tide), and hang out with my cat.
My favorite musician:
Zach Bryan
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Nora Kahn
Client Service Associate
Here’s how I can help you:
My goal is to provide you with efficient and thoughtful client service while supporting your team of Financial Advisors.
Here’s my professional background:
I began my finance career as an Equity Research Analyst covering the Specialty Apparel Retailers at HSBC in New York. I then joined Merrill Lynch’s Specialist Sales team covering the consumer sector. I loved my career and New York City but following the birth of my daughter I chose to move home to Evanston, where I grew up, and stay home with my kids. I am so happy to have joined RRCM in 2024 and love being a part of this talented, knowledgeable, and incredibly nice team.
Here’s my educational background:
I received my BA from Sarah Lawrence College and spent my Junior year at the London School of Economics and Political Science. I have a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, where I focused on Economics and Finance. In August 2024, I obtained a Series 65 license.
During my free time I like to:
I live in Evanston with my husband, three children, and my very sweet Newfoundland dog. I love to travel, be outdoors, read novels, go running, and spend time with my family and friends.
My favorite book/tv show:
I am hard pressed to name a favorite, but I know that if I don’t have a “book and a show” life isn’t quite as fun.
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Michael Zhao
Client Service Associate
Here’s how I can help you:
I closely support you and our trusted team of Financial Advisors, ensuring that you receive the guidance needed to achieve your financial goals.
Here’s my professional background:
Before joining Rappaport Reiches Capital Management, I worked as a financial consulting intern and teaching assistant at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for two years.
Here’s my educational background:
I have a BS in Financial Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
During my free time I like to:
Cook or try new foods, go for drives, explore Chicago, and play piano.
My favorite movie:
Spirited Away
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Ethan Velgara
Operations Supervisor
Here’s how I can help you:
In my role as an Operations Supervisor, I am dedicated to optimizing operational efficiency and streamlining processes for the benefit of our clients and our team. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, I empower my colleagues to deliver exceptional results so we exceed client expectations.
With an 18 year background in the financial services industry, I bring a unique perspective that blends strategic leadership with hands-on expertise. I am committed to fostering a cohesive work environment, enabling our team to excel both professionally and personally.
Here’s my professional background:
For 8 years, I had the privilege of serving at Edelman Financial Services, LLC in multiple capacities. As a Learning and Development Specialist, I fostered a culture of growth and skill development while empowering our team to deliver unparalleled service. Additionally, as a Client Service Associate, I honed my ability to anticipate client needs, provide personalized solutions, and ensure their financial goals were met with utmost care.
Before that, I spent over 10 years with JPMorgan Chase, where I excelled as a Private Client Banker and later as a Branch Manager. In these roles, I built strong relationships with high-net-worth clients, provided tailored financial guidance and managed successful branch operations.
Throughout my career in financial services, I've learned the value of resilience, adaptability, and a strong dedication to client success. I take great pride in leveraging my experience to bring value to our firm and, more importantly, the clients we serve.
During my free time I like to:
You'll often find me exploring the great outdoors with my family. Camping trips bring us closer together, create great memories and allow us to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I also love having board game nights with my family and friends.
My favorite movie:
"Dune," is a sci-fi movie that delves into complex themes of politics, religion, and human potential. The film's storytelling, stunning ("1980's") visuals, and mesmerizing soundtrack combine to create an immersive experience that takes viewers to the far reaches of the universe.
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Jennifer Fogle
Office Manager
Here’s how I can help you:
I support the firm’s Principals, Advisors and Associates so clients receive the best possible service.
Here’s my professional background:
Prior to joining RRCM in September 2021, I worked in the advertising industry at DDB Chicago and Dentsu-McGarryBowen for a combined 25 years. I provided design, studio management and content production services for account, creative and client teams.
Here’s my educational background:
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University.
A little about my family:
I am a midwesterner at heart; hailing from Indianapolis. My husband and I moved from Chicago to Evanston when our daughter was one. She is now a teenager and attends ETHS where she plays on the golf and softball teams and is active in theater and the Community Service Club. Our 'pandemic puppy' Nola has provided an abundance of companionship and love, and perfectly rounds out our family.
How I give back to my community:
Over the years I've been involved in a number of local non-profit organizations and school PTAs as a volunteer where I've been able to use my design, marketing and communications experience. Currently, I am a Board Member for the Evanston Township High School Booster Club, and am on the Marketing & Communications Committee at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston.
During my free time I like to:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, volunteering for various local non-profits, being a spectator at my daughter's softball games and theater performances, and attending as many concerts as possible.