Team Group: Investment Advisory Committee

  • Chuck Zuzak

    Chuck joins Confluence Financial Partners with 13 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently as Director of Financial Planning at JFS Wealth Advisors. At a fundamental level, Chuck’s passion for financial planning stems from the desire to help clients connect their personal values and purpose with their financial resources. His areas of focus have included multi-generational wealth planning, asset protection strategies, tax planning, Social Security optimization, risk management analysis, and concentrated stock planning.

    Chuck earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance, and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

    Chuck and his wife reside in Mt. Lebanon with their two young children. They belong to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair Township.

  • Sophia Hudson

    Sophia’s passion to serve clients in the financial service industry developed at a young age as she was exposed to discussions with her family’s financial planner. As the years went on, Sophia’s understanding of how financial peace of mind and the power of wealth creation can impact one’s life and family’s life grew and directed her to a career in the financial services industry.

    Sophia attended Lafayette College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. While at Lafayette, she was a member of the Women’s Soccer Program, serving as captain her senior year, and earned Lafayette’s Certificate in Financial Policy and Analysis. Sophia was an intern at Confluence, earned her Certificate of Financial Planning from Boston University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Currently, she serves as a Associate Wealth Manager on the Cashdollar Team where she utilizes her financial planning and interpersonal skills working with clients and their families. She has spent significant time with the Investment Advisory and Wealth Planning Teams and currently sits on the Investment Advisory Committee.

    Sophia is a member of Northway Christian Community Church. Outside of the office, she enjoys working out, playing the occasional game of pick-up soccer, and taking on home renovation projects within her Oakmont residence.

  • William Winkeler Jr.

    Bill has more than 15 years of experience in the investment industry, most recently as Managing Director of Investments at a private wealth management firm. In his role at Confluence, Bill chairs the Investment Advisory Committee and develops and implements investment strategy for clients of the firm, as well as communicates investment content with clients.

    Bill attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

    Originally from Philadelphia, Bill and his wife, Emilie, now reside in the North Hills with their children. Bill is a loyal Pittsburgh Panther football and basketball fan as well as English Premier League soccer.

  • Brian Ripley

    Brian has worked in the financial services industry for more than 20 years and has focused his practice on clients ranging from individuals to organizations and businesses. The most rewarding part of Brian’s career has been working with multiple generations of families and watching them grow both personally and professionally. The relationship Brian has built with his clients is his favorite part of his role as an adviser.

    Prior to joining Confluence as an investment adviser representative, Brian spent time at Huntington Bank as a Portfolio Manager within their trust department. Most recently, he was with Oppenheimer as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Brian graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business.

    He resides in Upper St. Clair with his wife, Amy, and their six children. In his spare time, Brian enjoys tennis, golf, and loves being outdoors with his family, especially skiing and hiking. He also enjoys live music and is an avid reader, focusing his reading on behavioral science or history.

  • Brian Stout

    Brian entered the retirement plan market in 1994 and has been working with employers and plan participants since. He realized at the early stages of his career that he enjoyed helping people and saw that working in the retirement services field gave him the ability to reach a broader audience. In his current role of Director of Retirement Plan Services, Brian delivers consulting and advisory services designed to deliver retirement plans that are results oriented, cost-effective, and maintain fiduciary compliance.

    Prior to joining Confluence Financial Partners, Brian worked as a Senior Retirement Plan Consultant at a prominent regional retirement consulting firm. In addition, he spent a number of years in a retirement sales leadership role for Principal Financial Group in Pittsburgh. Brian earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration from Waynesburg University. Brian holds a Series 65 professional license and maintains his Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation as well as the Certified Retirement Plan Specialist designation.

    Brian is a native of Pittsburgh, growing up in the South Hills where he currently resides with his wife Sharon and their three dogs. As a new empty nester, Brian fills his recently found downtime being physically active, biking, golfing and following Big 10 sports.

  • Neil Rongaus

    Going the extra mile has been the hallmark of Neil’s career.  For more than 22 years, Neil has been delivering sound, objective guidance across a range of disciplines – including retirement planning, portfolio management, wealth management and wealth transfer.

    A lifelong learner, Neil earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Duquesne University. His extensive experience includes serving as vice president and a team partner at UBS Financial Services, managing $250 million in assets. Before joining Confluence, he was a wealth management advisor at TIAA-CREF Individual Advisory Services, delivering complex financial plans for high-net-worth individuals.

    Neil believes that building true, lasting connections with his clients is just as important as delivering strong financial strategies. He takes pride in understanding what matters most to each individual and helping them navigate life’s financial complexities with clarity and confidence.

    Outside of work, Neil is a dedicated family man who treasures quality experiences with his wife and children. An avid golfer and fisherman, he also enjoys traveling, working out and watching his kids compete at youth sports. Originally from Donora, Neil now lives in Charleroi with his wife, Marijo, and their children, Marco and Remi.

  • Joe Tabaka

    What does an individual seek when they hire a financial advisor? Honesty in pursuit of their goals, clarity in the investment planning process, and dedication to their family’s needs. These values describe Joe Tabaka’s approach.

    With more than 25 years of experience, Joe has been helping families reach their goals while striving to provide excellent service. Prior to joining Confluence Financial Partners in 2016, he and his partner founded the Kolias-Tabaka Wealth Management Team of Wells Fargo, where Joe served as a First Vice President–Investment Officer.

    A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in economics, Joe is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Additionally, he is a proud alumnus of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. Over the years, Joe has stayed involved with his alma mater by coaching the hockey team, serving on the Auction Committee and the Letterman’s Club, and mentoring current students.

    Joe lives in Sewickley with his wife, Julie. Their three children are thriving on their own, successfully pursuing their respective careers.

  • Randy Holcombe

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Randy has built relationships as a trusted advisor to his clients through his work ethic, diligence, and attention to detail. Prior to joining the Confluence team, Randy gathered experience as an equity analyst for Motley Fool and Seeking Alpha. He earned his finance degree with honors from Grove City College.

    Outside the office, Randy enjoys spending time with his family and being outside as much as possible. An avid hockey fan, this Wisconsin native can often be found at the Pens game or playing hockey at a local rink. Randy lives with his wife, Melanie, and their three children in Ross Township. The family attends New Community Church.

  • Greg Weimer

    At the core of his personal and professional life, Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families maximize their lives and legacies. His dedication to this mission shines through as an individual, wealth manager, and leader.

    With decades of experience in guiding clients’ wealth and nurturing the growth of individuals and families, Greg’s journey began in 1986 as a financial advisor. Greg went on to American Funds Distributors in 1993, where he became senior vice president and served on the Board of Directors. Recognized for his ingenuity, Greg earned American Funds’ Daniel C. Brown award for creativity and was a two-time winner of its Graham Holloway award, given to an associate who exemplifies the company’s core values.

    Greg attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a business degree with a concentration in computer science and mathematics.

    Greg is passionate about giving back and making an impact on causes close to his and his family’s hearts. He is currently the Vice-Chair of the Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, where he is also Chair of the Development Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Additionally, Greg is a Knight in the Order of Malta. Greg also serves on the Board of Directors of the South Hills Catholic Academy of Pittsburgh.

    Greg and his wife, Lori, live in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. They enjoy spending time with their four children and six grandchildren.