Meet Our Team

Daniel MacMillan co-leads the MacMillan Playford Wealth Advisory Group with more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is known for his sense of humour, excellent problem-solving skills, ability to provide tailored and meaningful solutions, and talent for connecting with people and understanding what’s important to them.

Dan establishes deep, personal relationships with his clients so that he can thoroughly understand their needs, provide strategic and goals-based wealth management solutions, and remain informed on any changes that occur in their lives and priorities.

After having worked closely with Chris Playford since 2009, Dan officially teamed up with Chris in 2013 to form our group. The two see eye-to-eye on how to manage money and build financial plans and they each provide a great sounding board for the other while challenging their assumptions.

Dan joined BMO Bank of Montreal in 1992 after completing his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Ottawa University. After earning his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, he advanced within BMO Bank of Montreal to become a Financial Planner, then a Private Wealth Consultant. In 2008, Dan moved to BMO Nesbitt Burns as an Investment Advisor. As well as being fluent in French, Dan holds his Life Insurance Licence and has taken specialized training to earn the prestigious Wealth Advisor designation. Prior to joining BMO, Dan worked with two other leading Canadian investment firms.

Dan’s top personal priorities are his lovely wife and four children and the wonderful travels and other adventures they share together. He enjoys playing golf and avidly supports the arts and the Ottawa Hospital, volunteers for the Ottawa Food Bank, and supports community events at the Kanata Lakes Golf Club.
 

Chris Playford is co-leader of the MacMillan Playford Wealth Advisory Group. Chris and Dan worked together starting from 2009 and officially teamed up in 2013. Wise beyond his years, with an even-keeled, calm demeanour, Chris has the ability to explain financial options and strategies clearly. He makes complex data meaningful for our clients, articulates sophisticated concepts in clear language and complements Dan’s strengths.

Chris entered the financial services industry with BMO in 2006 and previously held roles of Financial Services Manager, and Financial Planner. He made the move to advisory side of the business in 2011, wanting to have a less transactional, more fulfilling relationship with his clients and to guide them through the wealth management process to achieve their goals.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Carleton University, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, and his Life Insurance Licence. He and his wife have two young kids, and together they enjoy biking, skiing, travel, kayaking, and spending time with extended family. 

Jennifer Watters has earned the designation of Associate Investment Advisor but her main focus is managing our team’s administrative hub. Jennifer has worked with BMO Nesbitt Burns since 2005 and with the MacMillan Wealth Advisory Group since 2009. She supports Dan and Chris and is our clients’ first point of contact when they need money transferred or trades executed, want to book an appointment, or have questions about their accounts. Jennifer also handles our team’s compliance and back-office responsibilities, triages client needs, and helps with investment portfolio administration.

Jennifer holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Law, Policy and Government from Carleton University. She previously worked for several years in social services for an agency that supports adults with autism. Jennifer is a single mom who lives in Carleton Place with her young son and spends a lot of time chauffeuring him to hockey, soccer, and rugby games and practices. In addition, Jennifer and her son love to travel and spend as much of the summer as possible at their cottage.

Lisa Howell supports the MacMillan Playford Wealth Advisory Group at BMO Private Wealth in Ottawa with more than 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. This experienced team provides multigenerational wealth strategies uniquely crafted to help affluent families achieve their personal and financial goals. 

To bring you clarity and confidence, this group will tailor a wealth management plan that addresses all the unique aspects of your financial life, including investing, banking, retirement planning, tax-efficiency strategies, insurance solutions, trust services, and estate and legacy planning. With skill and sensitivity, they can help your family to work through important decisions in an informed and thoughtful way, identify and solve gaps and liabilities, and transition multigenerational wealth smoothly and tax-efficiently.

Lisa loves the industry and the teamwork she experiences at BMO Nesbitt Burns and within her team. She brings a steady and serene approach to client service and is very organized, persistent, and extremely pleasant to deal with while keeping everyone on track.

For Karen, family is first.  It is a deeply held belief brought to life by the core purpose she shares with her team at BMO Nesbitt Burns:  We protect and care for our families and yours.
 
Karen has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industry.  Her work is especially key toward delivering exceptional client experiences in the areas of sales and support to all Advisors and clients.  Her primary focus is on Personal Estate, Corporate Estate, Insurance, & Tax Planning. Karen is the embodiment of her  team’s key differentiator, one that ensures every advisor and client are given the full attention they deserve:  We lead by making every case the most important one we have!