OUR TEAM

GILLIAN KUNZA

Recognized as a leader with strong strategic instincts, Gillian Kunza brings a creative and fresh approach to the ‘client and advisor first’ mindset. With 15 years experience in the industry, she has seen the challenges faced by advisors, dealer head offices, and by staff and is committed to bringing innovative and well-rounded solutions to the forefront. As an experienced Chief Compliance Officer at her former firm, and with a background as a Chartered Professional Accountant, her leadership is inclusive of many perspectives and aims to ensure clients and their advisors have the right tools and resources in place to pursue their financial well being. 

She works collaboratively with advisors and industry peers to pursue modernization in the wealth management industry and is an advocate of gender representation in senior leadership roles.  

Gillian holds her Master’s of Business Administration from the Rotman School of Management, holds her Chartered Investment Manager designation and is a Fellow of CSI designation holder. She currently sits on the CPA Ontario Council as a Council Member-at-large, serves on CIRO’s Ontario Regional Council, and is the vice-chair of CIRO’s Conduct, Compliance & Legal Advisory Section committee. 

MICHAEL KONOPASKI

Michael Konopaski is a director and co-founder of Designed Wealth Management. Michael brings 30 years of experience building and managing investment dealers. He has held senior officer roles of CEO, CCO and CFO of both investment and mutual fund dealers. He is the founder of the IIAC small and independent dealer committee, served on the CIRO Ontario District Council, and is former vice-chair of the CIRO Financial and Operations Advisor Section committee. He has a master’s degree in finance, a PhD in management, and has CFP, CIM, CPA and ICD.D designations. Michael is currently on the board of the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), the Federation of Independent Dealers and has significant experience in working with First Nations.

FARDAN ALI

Fardan Ali is a registered Supervisor and deals with regulatory reporting matters and the firm’s overall compliance regime. His areas of expertise are compliance and operations, including branch audits, transition management, and retail supervision. He serves on Designed’s Product Review and Managed Accounts committees and is involved in several committees with the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC). He has built a strong reputation with advisors, particularly in light of his experience auditing practices as well as having spent time in the trenches of one of the big banks working day to day with clients.

He is actively engaged with alternative asset managers, fund companies and investment counsellors, to perform due diligence, and manage Designed’s product shelf. Fardan is a proud father of one and avid traveler who enjoys hitting the road on his motorcycle.

JESSICA SMITH

With 15 years in the industry, 10 of which in private wealth management, Jessica’s strengths come from her insights into managing portfolios and building strong client relationships. Her big picture knowledge of the industry, experience with regulators and asset managers, and her experiences working directly with advisors allows her to collaborate on many initiatives within Designed, and with our advisors. Jessica develops the operational areas of Designed to give our advisors the best experience possible and to continuously enhance the interface between Designed’s operations, compliance and back-office protocols. She is an Associate Portfolio Manager, and works with advisors who are pursuing their Portfolio Manager registration. She’s also earned her Chartered Investment Manager Designation.

Jessica spends her free time outside with her husband and two young daughters, and going for long runs out in the country.

TYLER SHETTELL

Tyler Shettell handles operational procedures for Designed and collaborates internally with compliance, finance and operations to support our advisors. Tyler joined us from an 8-year tenure in the wine business management industry and has quickly shifted gears into his role with Designed. With a 3 year advanced diploma with Distinction, in Business Administration from St. Lawrence College Tyler ties his education in accounting and experience in customer service to provide our advisors with a unique and personal approach. He has experience in entrepreneurial environments that translates well with the mindset of our independent advisors.

Tyler enjoys watching local hockey and playing volleyball. He is an avid Formula One fan and is always up to date on the latest sports news.

Richard Holland

Richard Holland is a Project Manager with Designed and brings 6 years of experience in finance, programming and process development. He holds the Project Management Professional designation, PMP, and focuses on the internal development and integration of systems and processes across the firm. A finance and economics graduate of Wilfred Laurier University, Richard is a trusted resource for advisors. He has helped advisors save time, money and gain new perspectives on how an advisor’s practice and dealer structure can be more cohesive. Richard analyzes data of advisory practices to find efficiencies and create value. Richard has been instrumental in creating efficiencies for both transitioning and existing advisors, helping them find success.

Evan Warsh

Evan serves as a Portfolio Management Supervisor at Designed, where he supervises the firm’s rapidly expanding portfolio management division. In addition to this primary responsibility, he plays an active role across various departments within the company. With a career in finance that began in 2011, Evan brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a trader, Investment Advisor, and licensed Portfolio Manager with both CIRO and the OSC. 

As a key contact for trading-related matters, Evan is dedicated to supporting Designed’s Representatives in executing trade orders that contribute to the growth of clients’ portfolios. His expertise and commitment ensure that clients receive seamless and effective investment management services.  

Outside of work, Evan enjoys golfing, canoe tripping, and spending quality time with his fiancé. 

Adam Nicol

Adam Nicol began his professional journey at Designed as an intern and quickly graduated to a full-time position where he was involved in various aspects of financial operations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with Honors, specializing in Economics, from Trent University. Known for his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit, Adam has advanced into a business development role, contributing to the company’s rapid growth and ensuring a high standard of service to both new and existing advisors. 

Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and playing various sports.