Leah Burkhart

Insurance Service Associate, Wealth Management

Leah joined The Partners Group in 2008 and has over 15 years’ experience assisting teammates and clients with placing and servicing individual life and disability insurance policies.

Born and raised in Oregon, Leah graduated from the University of Oregon with a BS in business.

Leah is a member of the Junior League of Portland, an organization committed to meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Outside of the office, her favorite hobbies are spending time with family and friends, traveling, kayaking, and hiking.

Sam Detke

Associate Wealth Planner CFP

A graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in economics, Sam has a passion for working with clients to pinpoint what their goals are and creating plans to achieve those goals in the most efficient way possible. Sam joined The Partners Group with five years of experience in working with families to invest in their futures. With TPG, Sam manages client relationships, provides financial advice to individuals and households, and develops financial plans in partnership with families he serves. He received his certification as a Certified Financial Planner in 2021. Outside of work, Sam enjoys golfing and time with his wife, Brie, and French bulldog, Stella.

Karl Harrop

Financial Consultant CFP, AIF

With over 30 years of experience in financial markets, Karl understands that wealth comes from risk management and prudent asset selection. He started his financial career in the trading pits of Chicago, where he worked with institutional management futures clients. He holds an M.S. in financial markets and trading from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a B.A. in economics from Louisiana State University. A father of five, Karl lives in Sherwood with his wife Jennie and fills his free time with their numerous activities.

Chris Hockley

Client Service Associate

Chris received his BS in finance from Oregon State University, joining The Partners Group to begin his career in wealth management. Chris has proven to be resourceful and detail oriented, possessing a keen understanding of client needs. In his free time, Chris enjoys golfing, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Garrett Johnson

Client Service Associate

After receiving his BS in finance from Oregon State University, Garrett began his career working in insurance which complements his joining with The Partners Group. Garrett takes pride in his ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently, as well as acting as a resource for clients and co-workers. In his personal time, Garrett enjoys working outside and watching live sports.

Brian Kelly

Insurance Specialist, Wealth Management

Brian brings over 25 years of expertise in the life Insurance, finance, and banking sectors to his new role as insurance specialist at The Partners Group. With a BA in finance from Indiana University, Brian’s most valuable skill lies in strategic problem-solving. Passionate about providing peace of mind, Brian takes pride in understanding his clients’ unique financial situations and crafting tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals. Outside of work, Brian enjoys volunteering at his kids’ schools and indulging in his personal interests, which include traveling with his family and exploring different cuisines from around the world. Brian firmly believes in the power of listening, empathy, and understanding to foster stronger and more productive relationships with clients and colleagues.

Carrie Maerz

Chief Compliance Officer, Wealth Management

Carrie attended Pacific University for her BA in English and literature. She has been in financial services compliance for 10 years and identifies her determination and drive to do things correctly as her most valuable skill. Carrie is passionate about education as she wants to make sense of the regulatory world for her advisors. Outside of work, she ventures out with her two boys for quality family time.

KC Mink

Partner

Since joining TPG in 1997, KC has shared his expertise with families in areas he understands well: protection, savings, and growth. KC is recognized by his peers as a leader and by his clients as a thought leader. As an Oregon State graduate, his loyalties are now split between OSU and the University of Texas, where his youngest attends school and KC currently calls home. When not in the office, he enjoys being with his family, working on creating a real estate portfolio, and playing golf.

Bob Noack

Wealth Management Consultant

Bob represents TPG’s Wealth Management division, helping families and companies access our services. For many years, Bob was instrumental in the growth of Columbia Threadneedle, and he expanded his investment expertise while at other investment managers. His University of Oregon MBA and past experience as an executive coach provide him a unique perspective on the issues companies and individuals face with their finances. As Teaching Leader for BSF (an international non-profit), he provides weekly leadership training and public speaking.

Anne O’Keefe

Insurance Specialist

Anne provides expertise in life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care. She works with individuals for personal coverage, and also with businesses needing coverage for key people and executives. Her experience and product knowledge gives her the ability to harness the marketplace for the benefit of our clients, knowing how to customize products and which carriers work best with a client’s occupation and lifestyle. Anne received her degree in business administration and marketing from Ohio State University.

Sheryl Olson

Financial Planner ChFC

With more than 30 years of experience, Sheryl has learned that wealth creates opportunities and challenges. She uses her education and background in social work in her approach to providing holistic financial planning and asset management to her clients. She focuses on building long-term relationships to meet goals and provide peace of mind.

Sheryl lives in Portland with her husband. She spends her personal time traveling with friends and family, gardening, hiking, and capturing the beauty of the world in photography.

Deb Pellati

Wealth Planner

With over 30 years of experience in the financial markets across Canada, the US, and the Cayman Islands, Deb thrives in challenging, fast-paced environments. She excels under pressure and is enthusiastic about collaborating with clients. Deb’s approach is rooted in curiosity — listening and asking the right questions to deliver the best outcomes. She has served on the boards of Dress for Success and the Artists Repertory Theatre and is a member of the WomentoWomen Networking group. Outside of work, she enjoys theatre, art museums, and traveling the world.

Lauren Reed

Director of Wealth Planning CEPA, CFP

Lauren joined The Partners Group in 2013 and has more than 15 years of experience in financial planning and comprehensive wealth management. She believes that the way we feel and think about money drives our decisions and she has a passion for helping clients achieve their dreams. Lauren has a degree in business finance from Oregon State University and earned the Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2009 and most recently has earned her Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys traveling, cooking, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter.

Stuart Robertson

Portfolio Manager

Since receiving his BS in accounting from the University of Oregon, Stuart has worked for more than a decade in the wealth management industry, spending a majority of that time in portfolio management working with high net worth individuals and institutions. He is also pursuing his Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Outside of work, Stuart likes skiing in the Cascades, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, and enjoying the vibrant food scene in the Pacific Northwest.

Erica Smiley

Operations Manager

Erica joined The Partners Group in 2016 with over 25 years of experience serving clients in the financial services industry. Prior to that, she worked in client servicing roles for Northern Trust Company and Atlantic Trust in Chicago. She graduated from DePaul University with a B.S. in business. In her free time, Erica enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Geneva Stegemoller

Wealth Management Consultant

With more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Geneva knows what is needed to navigate the challenges our clients may encounter as they plan their futures. Geneva loves to develop relationships with successful individuals, families, and business owners looking for a trusted financial partner. Outside the office, Geneva volunteers with several non-profit organizations such as Associated General Contractors, College Possible, and Jesuit High School. Her favorite hobbies are cooking, golf, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

John Woolley

Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer CEPA

John’s experience in finance spans both public and private capital markets over a 35-year career. A graduate of Middlebury College with a B.A. in economics and an MBA from the University of Oregon, John believes strongly that his work with clients matters. “Our finances are first and only an emotional topic. When a client feels known and understood, only then can a true trust relationship develop.” When not working with clients, you’ll typically find John waist-deep in a river hunting steelhead.

Cathy Wu

Client Service Associate

Upon graduating in the UK with an MA in English education, Cathy returned to Shanghai, China, to teach. In 2019, she moved to the US, beginning a career in finance and working as an assistant and then client service manager. Cathy is elated to be on the wealth management team at TPG, with its emphasis on client relationships, extensive financial knowledge, and strong team spirit. She loves traveling and has been to 11 countries. Outside the office, you can find Cathy and her husband hiking in Forest Park or exploring restaurants in the area.