Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
As chief investment officer, Brad chairs the Investment Committee and is the primary
spokesperson for Commonwealth’s investment divisions. Brad received his BA from
Dartmouth College, an MS from MIT, and an MS from Boston College. He has worked
as a real estate developer, consultant, and lender; as an investment analyst, manager, and
consultant; and as a start-up executive. He has started and run several companies. Other
professional qualifications include designated membership in the Appraisal Institute (MAI),
the CFA Institute, and the CAIA Association.® Brad speaks around the country on investment
issues and writes for industry publications, as well as daily on his blog, The Independent
Market Observer.
BRAD MCMILLAN, CFA,® CAIA, MAI
Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
BRIAN PRICE, CFA®
Vice President, Investment Management and Research
Brian began his Commonwealth career in February 2003. As vice president of investment
management and research, he assists with the asset allocation, fund selection, and overall
management of the PPS Select program. Brian has more than 15 years of industry experience,
having previously worked for Bernstein Investment Research & Management as a senior
financial advisor associate. He graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in American
government. In addition to holding FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations,
Brian is a CFA® charterholder.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Susan began working at Commonwealth in August 2008. As director of investment
management and research, Susan’s primary responsibilities include analysis, approval, and
ongoing monitoring of all products within alternative financial strategies (e.g., managed
futures, hedge funds, private equity, structured products). She also assists advisors with
case design and asset allocation decisions, reviews client portfolios, and evaluates current
and potential investment managers and asset management firms for the fee- and
commission-based platforms at Commonwealth. Prior to joining Commonwealth,
Susan held positions at Citizens Advisors in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; John Hancock
Advisers in Boston; and Citigroup/Smith Barney in New York City. She holds a BS in
management with a concentration in finance from Purdue University and an MBA from
New York University.
SUSAN KELLY, CAIA
Director, Investment Management and Research
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
As director of real assets, Chad is responsible for analysis, approval, and ongoing monitoring
of all products with real assets as the underlying investments (e.g., real estate, infrastructure,
natural resources, commodities). In addition, he trains and educates our advisors through
print and web-based media. Chad joined Commonwealth’s Waltham office in February
2000 and moved to our San Diego office in 2001. During his tenure with the firm, he has
been a transfer of assets analyst and a member of the Account Services and Fee-Based Asset
Management teams. In 2005, he joined the Investment Research team as an alternative
investment analyst. Previously, Chad worked for Investors Bank & Trust. Chad graduated
from Bates College with a degree in economics, is a CFA® charterholder, and holds the CAIA
designation and FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 securities registrations.
CHAD LAFAUCI, CFA®, CAIA
Director, Real Assets
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
JIM MCALLISTER, CFA®
Director, Equity Research
Jim joined Commonwealth and the Investment Research team in September 2008. Jim is the lead
analyst for the international and emerging markets asset classes, responsible for manager evaluation,
manager selection, and dissemination of research. In addition, he is responsible for inquiries on
equity portfolio construction, individual equity research, and equity portfolio revenues. Prior to
Commonwealth, Jim was a fundamental equity research analyst for Loomis, Sayles & Co. for seven
years, where he followed the industrial, materials, and telecom sectors. Prior to that, Jim worked
as a research analyst at State Street Global Advisors in the U.S. active quantitative group for three
years. In addition to earning a BS in finance from Lehigh University, Jim is a CFA® charterholder.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
PETER ESSELE, CFA®, CAIA
Portfolio Manager, Investment Management
Peter joined Commonwealth in October 2004. As a member of the Research team, Peter
is responsible for responding to inquiries from our advisors on various investment topics,
including asset allocation, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and separate account
managers. In addition, he supports the Research team in creating reports, commentary, and
investment manager profiles, as well as on other investment-related project work. He is also a
member of the Asset Management team, which oversees PPS Select and the Commonwealth
Model Portfolios. Peter graduated from Union College, where he earned his BS in industrial
economics. In addition to holding FINRA Series 7, 24, 31, 53, and 66 securities registrations,
Peter has the CAIA designation and is a CFA® charterholder. He is also a member of the
Boston Security Analysts Society.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Chris joined Commonwealth in December 2014 as a portfolio manager. In this role, he
helps in managing the PPS Select portfolios. He is responsible for asset allocation, security
selection, and ongoing portfolio monitoring. In addition to his responsibilities on the PPS
Select platform, Chris also assists Commonwealth advisors with questions pertaining to their
own model portfolios. His experience consists of 20 years of small- and mid-cap stock research
and managing small- and mid-cap value portfolios for institutional and high-net-worth clients
prior to Commonwealth. Chris earned his degree in economics from Bates College and his
MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
CHRIS FASCIANO
Portfolio Manager, Investment Management
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
FRED DEBAETS
Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income
Fred joined Commonwealth in May 2009. As a portfolio manager, Fred manages the PPS
Select Fixed Income SMA strategies. He is responsible for security selection, portfolio overview,
and ongoing account monitoring. Fred is also responsible for idea generation regarding
opportunities in the fixed income market. In addition, he assists with fixed income research,
as well as researching industry trends related to the fixed income market. Prior to joining
Commonwealth, Fred worked in fixed income at both Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns. He
graduated from Plymouth State University with a double major in financial management and
economics and proceeded to get his MBA from Plymouth as well.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Andrew joined Commonwealth in August 2014 as an investment research analyst. In his
current role, he is responsible for asset allocation research and mutual fund due diligence for
the PPS Select portfolios. In addition, he is responsible for advisor inquiries related to portfolio
construction, asset allocation, and market-/economic-oriented issues. Prior to Commonwealth,
Andrew worked for LPL and Bank of America. He graduated from Emory University with a
dual degree in economics and history, with a concentration in East Asia studies.
ANDREW KITCHINGS
Senior Investment Research Analyst
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Meagan joined Commonwealth in January 2011 as a senior fixed income analyst and
transitioned to manager, fixed income research in January 2015. In this role, she is responsible
for inquiries on fixed income portfolio construction and design and for idea generation with
regards to opportunities in the fixed income market. In addition, she assists with fixed income
research, as well as researching industry trends related to the fixed income market. Prior to
joining Commonwealth, Meagan worked for a number of investment management firms.
She worked at Babson Capital Management as a research associate in the corporate credit
department, Fidelity Management & Research as a research associate in the high income
group, and most recently Acuity Capital Management as a credit analyst and trader. Meagan is
also a CFA® charterholder and is currently a candidate for the CFP® certification.
MEAGAN SWANSON, CFA®
Manager, Fixed Income Research
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
BRIAN MCCORMICK, CIMA,® CRPS,® AIF®
Senior Research Analyst, Small- and Mid-Cap
Brian joined Commonwealth in August 2004 as a member of Commonwealth’s Retirement
team. In January 2008, he joined the Research team as an investment research associate.
Brian is the lead analyst for the small- and mid-cap asset classes, responsible for manager
evaluation, manager selection, and dissemination of research. Brian also conducts research
and due diligence on exchange-traded funds and provides commentary on the ETF industry.
In addition, he supports the Research team in creating reports, commentary, and investment
manager profiles, as well as on other investment-related project work. Prior to Commonwealth,
he worked at Signator Financial Network and at Putnam Investments. Brian graduated from
Quinnipiac University with a BS in management/finance. He has obtained the CIMA®, CRPS®,
and AIF® designations and is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association
(IMCA). He also holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 securities registrations.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
ANURADHA GAGGAR, CFA®
Investment Research Analyst
Anu began working at Commonwealth in January 2013 as a performance reporting analyst. In
this role, she designed and tested Client360°® reports and answered escalated questions about
them. She transitioned to the Investment Management and Research team in August 2014, where
she is responsible for manager evaluation, manager selection, and dissemination of research in
the international and emerging markets asset classes. In addition, she is responsible for inquiries
on equity portfolio construction, individual equity research, and equity portfolio reviews. Prior
to joining Commonwealth, Anu taught online courses in finance to master’s students at Boston
University and a few other universities while staying at home with her young daughters. Before
that, she worked for Virtua Research as an equity analyst. Anu also has experience in M&A
advisory and government bonds trading at an investment bank in India. She holds an MS in
finance from Boston College and an MBA in finance from NMIMS in India. She is a CFA®
charterholder and holds the FINRA Series 7 securities registration.
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
JOE MADURI, CFA®
Research Analyst, Fixed Income
After participating in Commonwealth’s Summer Internship Program, Joe came on board
full-time in August 2009 as an investment research associate. As a fixed income analyst, his
key responsibilities include analyzing individual fixed income securities, responding to advisor
requests, and assisting with fixed income market research. Joe is a CFA® charterholder and
holds his FINRA Series 7 securities registration. Prior to joining Commonwealth, Joe attended
Westfield State University. He graduated in May 2009 with a degree in business management
with a concentration in finance.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
LIRA BUKUVALI
Research Associate, Equity
Lira joined Commonwealth in November 2011 as a new accounts associate and joined the
Investment Research team in April 2013. As an investment research associate, Lira supports
the mutual fund analysts and the Asset Management team by assisting with calculating,
analyzing, and updating both internal and external performance and attribution reports. She
is also involved in the investment process by attending due diligence meetings and industry
conferences. Lira also helps support our advisor force by handling general inquiries related to
our Mutual Fund Recommended List. Lira graduated from UMass with a degree in economics.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
ROBERT KANE
Research Analyst, Alternatives
Rob joined Commonwealth in July 2013 as an investment research analyst. In this role, he
facilitates our due diligence and research activities on mutual funds, separate account managers,
ETFs, and fixed income securities. He has a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst. His
background in investments includes investment analysis and portfolio management. Rob’s
analysis experience has led him to a niche focus in alternative investments. The majority of
his career was spent at the large global wirehouses in Boston. He is a sports fan and enjoys
participating in and watching all sports. After college, he was invited to camp for an NFL team.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
NATHAN PARKER, CFA®
Research Analyst, Real Assets
Nathan joined Commonwealth in September 2013 as an investment research analyst. In
this role, Nathan facilitates our due diligence and research activities on real asset-focused
investments (commercial real estate, commodities, infrastructure, and natural resources). Nathan
received his bachelor’s in business administration from California State University, Chico and
his master’s in finance from San Diego State University. He has his FINRA Series 7 and 63
securities registrations and is a CFA® charterholder. Prior to Commonwealth, Nathan worked
for LPL Financial in its San Diego home office. Before that, he was an M&A associate intern at
Bainbridge Capital, a capital advisory and management consulting firm in San Diego.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
EDUARDO CIUFFO
Research Associate, Real Assets
Eduardo joined Commonwealth in March 2014 as an investment associate. In this role, he
facilitates our due diligence and research activities on real asset-focused investments. Prior
to Commonwealth, he worked at LPL Financial for about four years, where he traded and
rebalanced its SMA platforms. While at LPL, he earned a master’s in finance from San Diego
State University. He is currently a CFA® Level II candidate.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
MICHAEL COMISKEY, CAIA
Investment Research Analyst
Mick joined Commonwealth in August 2015 as an investment research analyst. In this role,
he facilitates our due diligence and research activities on mutual funds, separate account
managers, ETFs, and fixed income securities. Prior to Commonwealth, Mick worked for
F-Squared Investments as an investment analyst. He attended Bentley University, where he
earned a BS in economics and finance.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
NICHOLAS FOLLETT
Fixed Income Analyst
Nick joined Commonwealth in October 2010. After spending two-plus years working in
Retirement Operations and then Annuity Research, Nick joined the Investment Management
and Research team in September 2015. As a fixed income analyst, he is primarily responsible
for analyzing municipal bond funds, responding to advisor inquiries, providing analytics and
research support to the PPS Select SMA municipal bond strategies, and assisting with market
research and commentary. He also reviews client portfolios and evaluates current and potential
investment managers and asset management firms for the fee- and commission-based platforms
at Commonwealth. Nick graduated from San Francisco State University’s MBA program with
an emphasis in finance.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
CHRIS STUART, CFA®
Senior Investment Research Analyst
Chris joined Commonwealth in May 2015 as a senior investment research analyst. As the lead
analyst for the large-cap equity asset class, he is responsible for manager evaluation, manager
selection, and dissemination of research. He also conducts research and due diligence on
individual equity securities, responds to advisor inquiries, and assists with market research.
Prior to Commonwealth, Chris worked at Columbia Threadneedle as an analyst on its Platform
Distribution team. He also worked as a director of research for TheStreet.com and as a senior
investment analyst for Bank of America-Merrill Lynch. Chris earned his BA in finance from
UMass Amherst. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and is a Chartered
Financial Analyst.®
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
SAM MILLETTE
Investment Research Associate
Sam joined the Investment Management and Research team as an investment research associate
in June 2015. In this role, his primary responsibilities include analyzing individual municipal
bonds, responding to advisor inquiries, providing analytics and research support to the PPS
Select SMA municipal bond strategies, and assisting with market research and commentary.
Before moving into his current role, Sam spent two years with the team as an intern, serving in
numerous capacities and supporting analysts across the department. Sam graduated from Tufts
University in May 2015 with a major in economics. Currently, he is a CFA® Level I candidate.
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