1919 Investment Counsel
New York
787 Seventh Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10019
212-554-7100
Fax: 212-544-7135
Paul J. Benziger, Jr., CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager
Paul is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel and Head of the New York office. In his role as a Portfolio Manager, Paul works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. His primary focus is on developing and managing investment portfolios that are tailored to each client’s unique long term wealth and investment objectives. In addition, Paul manages the Quality Growth Equity Strategy, and he serves as a member of the Executive Committee, Operating Committee, and Asset Allocation Committee.
Outside of the office, Paul serves on the board of the Isaac H. Tuttle Fund where he is the head of the Investment Committee. He is also the Treasurer of the Bay Head Preservation Alliance, and a member of the New York Society of Securities Analysts. In addition, he is a member of the Bay Head Environmental Commission and the Economic Club of New York.
Paul entered the Financial Services Industry in 1981. He joined Scudder Stevens & Clark (a predecessor firm) in 1983, and he helped lead the sale of the Scudder Private Investment Counsel Group from Deutsche Bank to Legg Mason in 2005. Prior to Scudder, Paul worked for Brown Brothers Harriman.
In his spare time, Paul enjoys theater, skiing, boating, golf, and tennis.
Paul graduated from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Economics, and he is a CFA charterholder.
Reshma Ballie McGowan
Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer
Reshma is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel. As the Chief Compliance Officer, she implements the firm's compliance program and is a member of its Operating Committee. She is also a member of Stifel’s Compliance Executive Committee.
Outside of the office, Reshma is a member of the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens Board of Advisors, Buckley Country Day School Board of Trustees, and a therapeutic riding instructor for Gallop NYC.
Prior to joining 1919 Investment Counsel, Reshma held senior compliance roles at PIMCO and Barclays and compliance roles at The Carlyle Group. Her career has focused on the Investment Adviser's Act and broker-dealer regulatory matters, in particular anti-money laundering and anti-corruption. She also has experience in implementing micro-finance programs in areas affected by civil wars and conflicts, such as Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.
In her spare time, Reshma enjoys running marathons, yoga, horseback riding, and spending time with her husband and son.
Reshma earned a B.A. from American University.
Donna Bresloff
Senior Portfolio Associate
Donna is a Senior Portfolio Associate at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role, Donna works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. Her primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors to enhance the client experience, with a focus on portfolio review, account administration, and wealth planning.
Prior to joining the firm, Donna held various procurement positions in manufacturing, retail, and construction. More recently, she worked in financial services at NY Life as a registered representative.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, biking, volunteering, yoga, and golf.
Donna earned her MBA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from St John’s University.
Warwick M. Carter, Jr.
Managing Director, Senior Wealth Advisor
Warwick M. Carter, Jr. is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel based in New York. As a Senior Wealth Advisor, his primary focus is generational wealth planning for high net worth individuals and families. He also advises on philanthropic planning. When giving advice, Warwick takes a comprehensive approach to assessing all aspects of a client’s tax, financial and family situation. Warwick works closely with Portfolio Managers and Client Advisors in all of our offices to integrate wealth strategies with a client’s investments. He regularly meets with outside advisors to devise appropriate solutions that will help grow wealth in a tax-aware way over the long term.
Outside of the office, Warwick has considerable experience in philanthropic planning as well as managing foundations. He has advised some of the largest foundations in the country. Warwick served on the Board of Trustees of the HealthCare Chaplaincy Network in New York and was a member of the Board of Visitors of the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Warwick is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Warwick joined 1919 Investment Counsel in 2019. Prior to joining 1919, he served as a Senior Trust Officer for J.P. Morgan Private Bank in New York and Washington, D.C. He was subsequently National Head of Trusts and Estates at Fiduciary Trust Company International for nearly six years. He also launched a private consulting practice advising RIAs on trusts and estates matters. Earlier in his career, he practiced law in New York.
Warwick is a graduate of Denison University and the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America. He also holds a master’s in taxation from Georgetown University.
Michelle A. Chan
Senior Investment Associate
Michelle is a Senior Investment Associate at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role, Michelle works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. Her primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors in the development and management of investment portfolios, with a focus on portfolio review, investment analysis, account administration, and wealth planning.
Michelle entered the Financial Service Industry in 2003. Prior to joining the firm in 2010, Michelle held various positions servicing high-net-worth clients as a Performance Analyst at JPMorgan, as an Associate Portfolio Manager at AllianceBernstein, and most recently, as an Equity Research Associate at First Republic Investment Management.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys swimming, reading, hiking, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Michelle earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Binghamton University with a dual concentration in Finance and Management Information Systems.
William Ellis
Vice President, Family Office Client Advisor
Bill is a Vice President at 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC. His primary responsibility is a Family Office Client Advisor overseeing the management of the Family Office Services Group.
Prior to joining Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm) in September, 2013, he worked for S.W. Childs Management Corp. since 1971. Bill became President in 1980. The firm was a family office that provided financial and personal services to High Net Worth clients.
Bill earned a B.A. in Economics from Lafayette College.
Brian Farrell, CTFA
Investment Associate
Brian is an Investment Associate at 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC. His primary responsibility is overseeing day-to-day administrative management of individual, family, institutional and trust portfolios. He works closely with Portfolio Managers to enhance client relationships by closely monitoring investment portfolios for asset allocation, financial planning and client needs.
Prior to joining the firm in 2020, he was a Broker in TP ICAP’s Global Broking division in New York. He was responsible for servicing clients in Equity Derivatives and US Credit products.
Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Scranton, where he was a captain of the Men’s Basketball team. He is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor.
Email address: bfarrell@1919ic.com
Alex Gordon, CFP®
Senior Portfolio Administrator
Alex is a Senior Portfolio Administrator at 1919 Investment Counsel. In his role, Alex works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. His primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors to enhance the experience, with a focus on portfolio review, account administration and wealth planning. Additionally, Alex conducts equity research and valuation analysis to assist with managing the firm's Impact strategy.
Outside of the office, Alex is a civic leader as Howard University’s Regional Alumni Chair.
Prior to joining the firm, Alex was a Private Bank Client Service Associate at J.P. Morgan, where he served as support to ultra-high-net-worth clients, expertly managing capital calls, foreign wires/currency, establishing grantor-retained annuity trusts, and navigating liquidity events.
In his spare time, Alex enjoys exercising and spending time with friends and family.
Alex graduated from Howard University with a B.B.A. in Finance. He obtained the Certified Financial PlannerTM designation in 2016 and his M.B.A. degree from New York University-Stern.
Joaquina T. Gutierrez (Joey)
Senior Portfolio Administrator
Joaquina (“Joey”) is a Senior Portfolio Administrator at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role, Joey works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. Her primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors to enhance the client experience, with a focus on portfolio review, account administration, and wealth planning.
Prior to joining the firm, Joey worked at Deutsche Bank Private Bank and Scudder Private Investment Counsel with high-net-worth clients as a Portfolio Administrator.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and volunteering at her local church.
Joey earned a B.A. from Pace University with a concentration in International Marketing.
Lu Han, CFA, CFP®
Principal, Senior Client Advisor
Lu Han is a Principal and Senior Client Advisor at 1919 Investment Counsel. Her primary focus is financial planning for individuals and families. Lu takes a comprehensive approach to assessing all aspects of a client’s financial situation, including retirement planning, goal funding, cash flow analysis, insurance reviews, college savings, and estate planning. She partners with Portfolio Managers to identify and integrate meaningful solutions with investment management, and to interface with clients on a regular basis to provide ongoing financial planning services as a part of the firm’s wealth management services.
Lu joined the firm from UBS Financial Services Inc., where she was a Financial Planning Specialist working with financial advisors to deliver planning and advice to clients. Lu is a Certified Financial Planner®, a CFA Charterholder, and holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Barnard College. She enjoys rock climbing, hiking, running, and traveling.
John Helfst
Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst
John is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel. His primary responsibility is as an Equity Research Analyst covering the financial services and real estate sectors, and he also serves as a Portfolio Manager overseeing the 1919 Financial Services Fund.
John has over 26 years of experience in financial services and real estate. He began his career as a commercial credit analyst and construction real estate lender at PNC. Following graduate school, John joined Salomon Smith Barney (now Citigroup) as a sell-side analyst covering regional banks, specialty finance and industrials. He moved over the buy-side in 2003 and continued to focus on financial services at Schroder Investment Management and most recently Voya (formerly ING) Investment Management. John has deep knowledge in the small and mid-cap segment of financial services.
John earned his B.A. in Philosophy & Art History from Colgate University, and his M.B.A. in Finance from New York University. Currently, John serves as a member on FASB’s Investor Advisory Committee (“IAC”), where he shares his views on new projects and emerging trends, as well as his thoughts on recently enacted accounting standards.
Julie Jackson
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager
Julie is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role as a Portfolio Manager, Julie works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. Her primary focus is on developing and managing investment portfolios that are tailored to each client’s unique long term wealth and investment objectives. She also serves as the editor of the firm’s quarterly Investment Review and Outlook.
Outside of the office, Julie recently was appointed to a 3-year term on the National Council on White House History, a part of the White House Historical Association. She has served on a number of non-profit boards and currently is a Trustee of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center. Julie also is a past Trustee of the Montclair State University Foundation and was the President of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence.
Prior to joining Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm) in 2009, she was a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at U.S. Trust Company working with high-net-worth clients.
Julie earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Delaware and a Master’s degree in Economics from New York University.
Theresa Johnston
Portfolio Administrator
Yvonne Kierlanczyk
Vice President, Investment Associate
Yvonne is an Investment Associate at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role, Yvonne works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. Her primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors in the development and management of investment portfolios, with a focus on portfolio review, investment analysis, account administration, and wealth planning.
Prior to joining the firm, she was an Alternative Investments Sales Associate at J. P. Morgan Private Bank marketing private equity to ultra-high-net-worth clients. Her experience in finance started as an M&A Associate at Knox Partners (Subsidiary of La Compagnie Financière Edmond De Rothschild Banque) in 1990.
In her spare time, she enjoys travel, biking, and opera.
Yvonne earned an M.S. in Economics from the Warsaw School of Economics in Warsaw, Poland, and an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University.
Patrick Kirwan
Senior Portfolio Associate
Patrick is a Senior Portfolio Associate at 1919 Investment Counsel. In his role, Patrick works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. His primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors to enhance the client experience, with a focus on portfolio review, account administration, and wealth planning.
Prior to joining the firm, Patrick held senior roles at a number of Institutional sell-side firms in a sales and trading capacity.
In his spare time, Patrick enjoys reading, CrossFit, and traveling.
Lorinda “Lori” J. Laub, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager
Lori is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC. As a Portfolio Manager, her primary responsibility is overseeing portfolio construction and ongoing monitoring of portfolios for individuals, families, foundations, endowments and institutional clients. She is a member of the firm’s Equity Institutional Committee.
Lori entered the Financial Services Industry in 1986 and joined Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm) in 2007. Prior to joining the firm, Lori was a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management and was responsible for managing about $600 million in assets for high-net-worth individuals, families and foundations. Before U.S. Trust, Lori was a Portfolio Manager at Brown Brothers Harriman & Company in New York City where she was a member of their tax-efficient asset management team that managed all of the firm’s fully discretionary U.S. private client money. Lori also spent several years at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette in the equity research department.
Outside of the office, Lori previously served as a co-chair for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club women’s committee and is a former board member of Talbot Perkins Children’s Services, as well as a NY Junior League volunteer and co-chair of several committees. She is a former board member of 444 Owners Corporation and a former member of Network 2020, the NY Society of Security Analysts, and The Financial Women’s Association.
Lori received her B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and her M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School at Chapel Hill and is a CFA charterholder.
Becky Li
Portfolio Administrator
Martha Lowe
Family Office Client Associate
Ian E. McEneaney
Vice President, Growth Operations
Ian McEneaney is a Vice President at 1919 Investment Counsel, where his primary focus is working with individuals, families, foundations, endowments, and non-profit organizations to understand their unique financial needs and to develop comprehensive financial solutions to help them achieve their financial goals. Ian is responsible for new business development in the New York Office, and he is also a member of the firm’s Marketing Committee.
Ian joined the firm from Cognolink Ltd. (now ThirdBridge), where he was a Research Associate. Ian was previously an intern at Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm).
Ian graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Political Science and a double minor in Corporate Strategy and Financial Economics.
Lillian McWatt
Senior Administrative Assistant
Sandra G. Menke, CFP®
Senior Portfolio Administrator
Sandra is a Senior Portfolio Administrator at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role, Sandra works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. Her primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors to enhance the client experience, with a focus on portfolio review, account administration, and wealth planning. In addition, Sandra is a member of the 1919 Investment Counsel Financial Planning team and Women & Wealth Committee.
Prior to joining the firm, Sandra worked at Deutsche Bank Private Bank and Scudder Private Investment Counsel with high-net-worth clients in relationship management and at T. Rowe Price investment services.
Sandra holds an M.L.A and B.A. in Humanities from the University of South Florida and is a Certified Financial Planner® professional.
Jayne Nieves
Family Office Senior Client Associate
John Pettenati
Principal, Business Development Officer
John joined the firm in 2023, and he is currently a Principal based in the New York office. In his role as a Business Development Officer, John sources and develops new client relationships, working closely with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to understand their unique financial needs and develop tailored investment solutions to help them achieve their goals.
John entered the Financial Services Industry in 1982. Prior to joining the firm, John was a Senior Wealth Strategist at Northern Trust, where he worked closely with the legal community in the New York metropolitan area and other strategic communities to develop investment management and trust relationships. Before that, he held various roles in business development and client advisory at Rockefeller Capital, Fiduciary Trust, and The Bank of New York.
John is the former Chair of the Fordham University Alumni Association, the Fordham Commencement Committee, and the Planned Giving Advisory Council for New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
John graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in History. John is married with three grown sons, and he enjoys time on the golf course with his entire family.
Beatrice Ramos-Rosado
Vice President, Senior Portfolio Administrator
Beatrice is a Vice President, Senior Portfolio Administrator at 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC. Her primary responsibility is to provide professional service to high-net-worth and institutional clients managed by the New York investment team. In addition, Beatrice is involved with several of the firm’s client-centered initiatives focused on maintaining and improving the firm’s excellent client retention rate, including the Client Experience Task Force and PA Peer Review and Support Team comprised of a select group of sophisticated systems' users. They have led the way by proposing solutions to enhance workflow practices.
Beatrice entered the Financial Services Industry in 1998 and joined Scudder Investments in June 2000 (a predecessor firm). Prior to joining the firm, she was a Portfolio Assistant at HSBC Bank for two years, assisting several portfolio managers to oversee high-net–worth client accounts.
Beatrice earned a B.S. in Finance and Investments from Baruch College.
Matthew G. Scher, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Matthew is a Vice President at 1919 Investment Counsel. In his role as a Portfolio Manager, Matthew works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. His primary focus is on developing and managing investment portfolios that are tailored to each client’s unique long term wealth and investment objectives. He also is a co-portfolio manager for the firm’s Dividend Growth Equity Strategy, a member of the advisory committee for Quality Growth Equity and a member of the Proxy committee.
Outside of the office, Matthew serves on the board for the 744 Park Avenue Condominium Association. He is also a Regional Governor for the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Chair of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity’s Tau Mu Education Development Fund.
Matthew entered the Financial Services Industry in 2012 when he joined Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm).
In his spare time, Matthew enjoys traveling, exploring New York City’s restaurant scene and spending time with his family.
Matthew earned a B.S. in Business Administration with concentration in Finance and a minor in Economics from Towson University. Matthew is a CFA charterholder and is a member of CFA Institute and the CFA Society of New York.
Elizabeth B. Walton, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager
Elizabeth (“Bettina”) is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role as a Portfolio Manager, Bettina works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. Her primary focus is on developing and managing investment portfolios that are tailored to each client’s unique long term wealth and investment objectives.
Outside of the office, Bettina continues her involvement as a member of the Collections Committee of the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York and the Photo Advisory Council of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center of Vassar College. She also has sung with the Collegiate Singers for more than 30 years.
Bettina entered the Financial Services Industry in 1979 when she joined Scudder, Stevens & Clark (a predecessor firm). Prior to that, she pursued her interests in classical radio and fine arts.
In her spare time, Bettina enjoys her French groups and traveling with family.
Bettina earned a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.B.A. from the Anderson School of Management, UCLA. She is also a CFA charterholder.
Katherine White, CFP®
Vice President, Business Development Officer
Katherine is a Vice President at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role as a Business Development Officer, Katherine works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. Her primary focus is developing new client relationships, working with prospective clients to understand their unique goals, and building the right client team around them. Katherine is a member of the Women & Wealth Advisory Team, the Financial Planning Team, and the Marketing Steering Committee.
Outside of the office, Katherine has previously served as a Board Member of the Spannochia Foundation and as a volunteer for Princeton in Asia’s New York Chapter.
Before joining 1919, Katherine led customer operations for a digital marketing firm and held roles in sales and investment analysis at Neuberger Berman and DRD Investments Family Office, respectively. At DRD Investments, she also led the family’s foundation efforts.
Katherine is a former collegiate cross-country skier, and in her spare time, she spends as much time as possible on snow.
Katherine received her B.A. in Comparative Literature from Williams College, and she is a CFP® professional.
DaNeil Williams
Portfolio Administrator
DaNeil is a Portfolio Administrator at 1919 Investment Counsel. In her role, DaNeil works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments to provide comprehensive investment counsel and client service. Her primary responsibility is supporting portfolio managers and client advisors to enhance the client experience, with a focus on portfolio review, account administration, and wealth planning.
DaNeil entered the Financial Services Industry in 1998 and joined Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm) in 2009. Prior to joining the firm, DaNeil was a Senior Portfolio Associate at U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, where she provided support to portfolio managers, handled account administration, and delivered client service.
Outside of the office, DaNeil enjoys being involved in community services such as food and clothing drives for the less fortunate, fund-raising opportunities for children’s extracurricular activities, event planning, etc.
DaNeil earned an A.S. from Hostos College in Business Management.
Stephen W. Worobel
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager & Director of Equity Research
Steve is a Managing Director at 1919 Investment Counsel. In his role as a Portfolio Manager, Steve works with individuals, families, foundations, and endowments, delivering comprehensive investment counsel. His primary focus is on developing and managing investment portfolios that are tailored to each client’s unique long term wealth and investment objectives. He is also the Director of Equity Research and serves as the Head of the Equity Strategy Working Group.
Steve entered the Financial Services Industry in 1993 and joined Legg Mason Investment Counsel (a predecessor firm) in 2010. Previously, he was an equity analyst at Legg Mason, Inc. affiliates, Barrett Associates, Inc. and Gray, Seifert & Co. Inc.
Steve earned a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Delaware, and he obtained a Master’s degree in Financial Economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University.