DJ Hare, P.Eng., MBA, CFP
Investment Advisor
Patrick Brouzes, CFP, FCSI, FMA, PFP
Investment Advisor
Mary Morrier
Investment Representative And Sales Assistant
Abbie Sizer
Associate Private Banker
As an Associate Private Banker, Abbie acts as a relationship manager for clients requiring a high level of expertise and service in managing their financial affairs. As the benefits of wealth rarely come without complications and challenges, Abbie along with her team of talented and knowledgeable professionals, challenge successful Canadian families to take action on what is important to drive exceptional outcomes today and through times of transition. Abbie has lived in Ottawa since 2008. She has a prominent voice in Ottawa's business community as a champion for diversity and inclusion, and is on the board of the Women’s Business Network. She enjoys the fine arts, reading and spending time outdoors, hiking with her family and dog.
Abbie has worked at BMO since 2017, and joined BMO Private Banking in 2019. Her current clientele represents a diversified mix of business owners and professionals who seek expert advice, delivered from a coordinated team of professionals.
Adam E. Carter, CPA, CA, CBV, FEA
Vice President, Business Advisory & Transition Planning
Prior to joining BMO Private Wealth in 2018, Adam worked for KPMG Corporate Finance Group, advising private company owners across multiple industries, with business enterprise values ranging from $3 million to +$100 million, on divestitures, acquisitions, due diligence, projections/financial modeling, and business valuations for multiple purposes. Other areas of experience include corporate restructuring and insolvency, financing, financial modeling & projections and corporate audits. Adam’s goal is to develop rapport with clients through open communication, trust and exceptional service. Leaning on his diverse background and experience, Adam provides guidance to private business owners and families throughout Ontario in the areas of business succession, transition, growth through acquisitions, sell-side M&A, and valuations for the purposes of wealth planning and exit planning.
Bruce Farnell, BA, LL.B
Trust & Estate Consultant
Bruce is a member of the High-Net-Worth Specialized Planning Team who supports BMO Nesbitt Burns by providing comprehensive wealth and estate planning to successful Canadian families. Bruce is a lawyer who developed his expertise in estate planning over 30 years in private practice and with BMO.
Bruce earned an undergraduate degree from Western University and a law degree from University of Ottawa. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, several local County Law Associations and the Estate Planner’s Council of London.
Bruce and his wife Sharon live in Aylmer and have two adult children. When not at work Bruce enjoys outdoor activities with his family.Bruce is a Past President of the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer and the East Elgin Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Carol Willes
Director, Estate Planning
Carol brings over 30 years of legal experience with 14 years of dedicated wealth and estate planning expertise to her role. Carol came from a combination of private practice in law and consulting for clients from Asia to Europe in the areas of business structuring, succession planning and financing. She has taught both undergraduates and executives at the Queen’s University School of Business and Faculty of Law, in the fields of international business, law and ethics and most recently taught Wills and the Law of Succession to upper year law students at the University of Ottawa.
Now as Director, Estate Planning at BMO Private Wealth, Carol strives to provide meaningful, client-centered advice and solutions. She helps individuals and their families build a secure and purposeful legacy and find peace of mind in the context of their entire wealth story.
Carol assists clients from many backgrounds to comprehend their present circumstances and to develop that future legacy. By helping people focus on what is most important to them – their family, their community, financial security and more – she develops distinctive estate planning options for clients as part of an integrated team of wealth planning specialists that supports those clients through their entire life journey.
Chris Markou, LL.B, BA (Hons)
Director, Estate Planning
Chris advises high net worth individuals and families on specialized Estate & Trust solutions as part of an integrated wealth planning team.
Chris draws on his prior experience as an estates lawyer in private practice to assist BMO clients with complex estate and trust planning solutions in a variety of contexts. He provides support and direction on matters related to estate, gift and tax planning, succession planning for business owners, charitable giving and planning for family members with special needs.
Prior to joining BMO Wealth Management, Chris operated his own law firm, worked as in-house counsel with an insurance company, and worked in the estates and real estate groups in one of the largest and oldest law firms in Brampton, Ontario. Chris has been actively involved in the community as a member of numerous boards and committees, and has chaired and presented at several programs for the Ontario Bar Association.
Christopher Short, CFP
Senior Private Banker
As a Senior Private Banker, Christopher creates and implements bespoke banking and lending solutions for ultra-high-net-worth families, business owners and entrepreneurs, ensuring dedicated, results-oriented service. Acting as a trusted partner, his sole focus is to meet the unique needs of every client to deliver a boutique experience that fosters meaningful, long-term relationships. Importantly, Christopher understands – and can effectively addresses – the inherent challenges of wealth – from the unified management of personal, business and holding company accounts, to offshore income and complex credit structuring.
Christopher developed knowledge and experience in the financial service industry as a Commercial Account Manager with BMO Bank of Montreal based out of First Canadian Place in Toronto. Christopher’s depth of experience in both Personal and Commercial banking positions him well to service his client base of successful business owners and professionals.
Dante Rossi, CPA, CA, CFP
Director, Tax Planning
Dante advises high net worth business owners and families on specialized Tax & Estate solutions aimed at maximizing their wealth, as part of an integrated wealth planning team. Drawing on over a decade of tax accounting experience, his clients benefit from a depth of informed insight and the ability to distill complex concepts into actionable strategies. Specializing in Canadian corporations and entrepreneurs, Dante offers guidance on tax structuring, estate planning, business exit strategies and tax-efficient wealth transfers, creating tailored solutions for a diverse group of clients.
Dante joined BMO in 2015 from global professional services firm Deloitte LLP, where he worked for 10 years in progressively senior roles, managing and executing detailed reviews of complex corporate, personal, partnership and trust tax compliance and planning engagements.
Edward P. Korditsch, CFP, CIM
Director, Wealth Planning
Edward advises high net worth individuals, families, professionals and business owners on comprehensive wealth planning solutions. As part of an integrated wealth planning team Edward provides comprehensive planning advice in areas such as retirement planning, tax planning, risk management and estate planning. Drawing on his extensive planning acumen, Edward helps clients articulate and understand their objectives giving them peace of mind.
Edward is a sports enthusiast and likes to spend his free time helping to coach his children’s hockey teams.
Edward Joined BMO Wealth Management in 2017 with over 19 years of experience in the wealth management industry as a Financial Advisor at a bank owned firm and as a Regional Director of the Estate & Financial Planning department of a large insurance company.
Elizabeth Bozek, B.Sc. (Hons), LL.B, TEP
Director, Estate Planning
Elizabeth works with other members of the High Net Worth and Specialized Wealth Planning team to develop personalized estate planning solutions for high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients. Elizabeth is sympathetic to the needs of her clients and mindful of the importance of family dynamics in the estate planning conversation. She is adept at communicating the importance of a total estate plan to clients and advisors alike.
Elizabeth has a wealth of experience in the world of estates and trusts. She joined BMO after 7 years in private practice, where her practice encompassed estate litigation, planning and administration, alternative dispute resolution, and incapacity planning. She most recently spent 3 years at a national trust company, where she honed her expertise in estate planning for high net worth clients. She is actively involved in the estates bar, and continues to organize and chair programs of interest for estate and trusts lawyers across the province.
Elizabeth Creates, LL.B
Director, Estate Planning
Elizabeth provides estate planning guidance to high and ultra high net worth individuals, families and business owners in the context of their personal wealth and business succession planning. Her background as an estates lawyer and over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry allow Elizabeth to facilitate wealth transfer decision-making for clients and assist them with action planning regarding their legacy goals (financial and non-financial). Her modern approach focuses on the well-being and personal empowerment of clients by bringing them peace of mind and encouraging the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
She works collaboratively with internal and external advisors in order to ensure that all aspects of a client’s wealth plan support their estate planning, succession and legacy goals. She has LL.B. and B.Comm. degrees from McGill University and is a member of both the Law Society of Ontario and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
James Waters, CFP, CIWM
Director, Wealth Planning
James is part of an integrated team of in-house technical specialists that work together to facilitate a superb client experience that delivers customized solutions to address the unique and complex needs of clients.
Prior to joining BMO in 2015, James worked at boutique investment firm, a large insurance company and as a subject matter expert for Moody’s Analytics. James has experience with the creation and implementation of complex financial plans to service high net worth families and individuals including professionals, executives, business owners and professional athletes.
James is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified International Wealth Manager. In addition, he is also a student at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics in the MBA CPA program.
Jason Warwick, PFP
Senior Private Banker
As a Private Banker Jason acts as a relationship manager for those clients requiring a high level of expertise and service in managing complex financial affairs. As the benefits of wealth rarely come without complications and challenges, Jason along with his team of talented professionals, challenge successful Canadian families to take action on what's important to drive exceptional outcomes today and through times of transition.
Jason has lived in Ottawa since 2001. His young family keeps him busy with skiing, music and exploring the outdoors.
Jason has worked at BMO since 1999 and joined the Private Bank in 2007. His current clientele represents a diversified mix of business owners and professionals who seek expert advice, delivered from a coordinated team of professionals.
Jean Richard, LL.B, LL.M, TEP
Sr Manager Cross Border & International Tax Consultant
Jean advises high and ultra high net worth individuals, business owners and professionals on how to efficiently structure their worldwide, U.S. and Canadian assets, providing specialized insight on tax solutions as part of an integrated wealth planning team.
Relying on over 35 years of professional practice Jean’s clients can rely on his in-depth technical expertise to facilitate discussions on high-level planning while addressing a wide range of situations across international, U.S. income and estate tax, and Canadian income tax considerations.
Jean joined BMO Wealth Management in 2001 with a solid expertise acquired advising individual clients and business owners with a leading Canadian insurance carrier, a leading accounting firm and a law firm.
Jennifer Morrison, CFP, TEP
Director, Wealth Planning
When Jennifer first meets with clients, she takes the time to uncover their specific goals and concerns. Common concerns are retirement planning, estate planning and business succession planning. Once Jennifer has gathered as much quantitative and qualitative information as she can, she draws from her own knowledge and experience as well as the knowledge and experience of the specialized planners at BMO Wealth Management, to provide tailored wealth planning solutions to meet each client’s specific needs. Maximizing wealth is one of the many benefits of having a plan prepared. However, the reduced stress and anxiety surrounding money matters reported by clients after going through this process, is what Jennifer finds most satisfying about her role.
Jennifer has 20 years of experience working in the financial services industry, with a focus on financial planning for high net worth professionals and business owners. Before joining BMO Wealth Management she worked as a financial planner at a medium sized financial services firm. She is an advocate of financial literacy; she was a part time professor at the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business at Fanshawe College and volunteered as a mentor in the Goodwill Financial Literacy Program.
John Paniccia, CPA, CA, CBV, FEA
Vice President, National Director of Business Advisory & Succession Planning
John is an experienced business advisor and brings a broad base of technical and business planning experience to BMO Wealth Management. John offers individuals and business owners expertise in business succession, transition, sale, M&A, insurance and valuations for the purposes of wealth planning and transfer.
John has over 15 years of experience primarily in the Big 4 professional services firms, as well as experience in a family owned private business. Within professional practice, John has lead a significant number of complex business valuations and business advisory engagements for private and public companies involved in a variety of industries in connection with M&A, corporate reorganizations & income tax planning, shareholder disputes, corporate finance activities, as well as succession, tax & estate planning for private business owners.
Jon Love
Associate Director, Insurance Strategies and Estate and Insurance Advisor
Jon works together with Businesses and High Net Worth individuals, using a planning and advice focused approach to provide creative and unique insurance based solutions that align with the clients goals and risk tolerances.
His approach has been honed by more than 30 years of experience working in the estate planning and insurance industry, where he helps Investment Advisors and their clients make the best choices for both the present and future.
Jonathan Morse, LL.B, LL.M, TEP
Director, Estate Planning
Jonathan works with high-net-worth clients to devise estate solutions that are right for them. He identifies concerns and helps clients navigate legal and non-legal issues to ideally avoid future estate disputes. Jonathan’s clients benefit from his insights and ability to put them at ease during an otherwise challenging conversation. He analyses facts with a good grasp of the details and overall risk factors. Jonathan helps clients to achieve their goals with practical estate and tax plan strategies. He enjoys working with individual clients as well as speaking with larger groups about the overall themes in estate planning. He is an effective and engaging communicator.
As a Director of Wealth Planning, Jonathan focuses on Estate & Trust matters. He joined the BMO in August 2015 after five years in private practice as a lawyer and another five years with a national trust company. While in private practice, Jonathan worked as an associate at an estate litigation firm. Before law school, he wrote speeches for a federal cabinet minister.
Julie Gaudreault
Senior Private Banker
As a Senior Private Banker, Julie acts as a relationship manager for clients. She brings high levels of expertise to her client and her families. She helps her customer by customizing products that fits their complex needs and bring creative solution to help them, their family and their business financially. She is surrender by teams of BMO professionals and experts who specialize in investments, commercial banking, as well as tax and estate planning to create a uniquely personalized banking experience for her client.
Julie started her career with BMO in October 2000 in Quebec City where she is originally from. Julie moved to Ottawa in 2007 to further her career with BMO as well as to start a family. Over the last 20 years, she occupied various roles over the company, including leadership. In 2017, Julie joined the team at Private banking as a Senior Private Banker.
Karen Gowdy
Senior Estate and Insurance Advisor
Karen has more than 35 years of experience in the Financial Services & Insurance Industry. Karen provides comprehensive advice for personal and corporate estate and insurance. Areas of expertise include estate creation and preservation techniques and corporate financial security planning, all with an emphasis on taxes and liquidity.
Her work is especially key toward delivering exceptional client experiences to all advisors and clients across Eastern Ontario.
Katelyn Culliton, CPA, CA, CFP
Director, Wealth Planning
Katelyn works with high net worth families to deliver proactive, customized wealth planning solutions. She draws on her extensive tax planning experience and analytical skills to help clients define their goals, set priorities and build a roadmap to implement their long-term plans. Katelyn provides ongoing education to clients on tax, retirement and estate planning issues, to help them make informed financial decisions and meet their goals.
Katelyn has over 10 years of tax and financial planning experience. Prior to joining BMO in 2017, she was a tax manager at a national accounting firm, where she advised business owners, farmers and other professionals on complex tax, corporate restructuring, succession and estate planning matters. Katelyn is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), a Certified Financial Planner professional and has completed the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Course. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) in chartered accountancy and finance and a Master of Accounting (MAcc).
Korin Flindall, CFP, TEP, MTI, PFP
Director, Wealth Services, BMO Trust Company
Korin is the Director of Wealth Services with BMO Trust Company and has 25 years of experience in the trust industry. She oversees the full estate and trust administration process and is responsible for servicing our clients and their beneficiaries. Her extensive experience has allowed her to build strong relationships with strategic partners (i.e. real estate agents,art collectors, auctioneers, etc.) which is imperative to ensure superior client service and to properly administer estates.
With thirty years of experience in the financial services industry, 25 years dedicated to the Estate and Trust, Korin understands the broad complex tax, legal that wealthy families face. By taking the time to understand each client’s specific goals and objectives, she brings her extensive subject matter expertise to help guide families through the unique opportunities and challenges that they may be facing in the areas of tax and estate planning, corporate structuring, business succession planning, trust planning and family governance.
Landon Hang, B.Comm. (Hons), MBA, JD, LL.B, TEP
Director, Estate Planning
Landon works with clients and other members of the Enterprise Wealth Management Group to prepare estate plans for clients which includes wills, estates & trusts, business & tax planning, and other complex issues which may be unique to each client. Landon can help with understanding the importance and intricacies of having a sound estate plan ensuring clients’ wishes and concerns are addressed, providing peace of mind and aiming to optimize a client’s financial position.
Prior to joining the BMO Enterprise Wealth Management Group, Landon practiced in a regional firm in the solicitors department with a focus on wills & estates, corporate commercial, and real estate law. Landon is able to draw from his past experience to provide clients with comprehensive support with their estate planning needs involving complex issues.
Leigh Vyn, CPA, CA, CFP, FEA
Director, Tax Planning
Leigh is a Director of Tax Planning at BMO Private Wealth. With over twenty years of experience, Leigh understands the broad issues that wealthy families face. By taking the time to understand client’s specific goals and objectives, she brings her extensive subject matter expertise to help guide families through the unique opportunities and challenges that they may be facing in the areas of tax and estate planning, corporate structuring, business succession planning, and family governance.
Leigh can skillfully take complex tax and estate issues, and speak to clients about these in a way that they can easily understand. In addition to her accounting background, she has extensive experience in the investment industry, including working at a multi-family office where she led a diverse team. For four years, Leigh co-authored the book “Tax Tips for Canadians for Dummies”.
When not at work, Leigh and husband, Dave manage a busy house with two teenagers. She enjoys running and hiking the many trails Ancaster offers.
Linda Leung, CPA, TEP
Director, U.S. Tax Planning
Linda advises high net worth business owners and professionals on how to efficiently structure their U.S. and Canadian assets, providing specialized tax solutions as part of an integrated wealth planning team. Drawing on 25 years of leadership within the cross-border field, Linda’s clients benefit from in-depth technical expertise, facilitating high-level planning discussions, while addressing a wide range of situations across U.S. income and estate tax, and Canadian income tax considerations.
Linda joined BMO Wealth Management in 2010, following 10 years of leading a global tax team at a large consulting firm, where she specialized in individual tax considerations with regards to employees relocating permanently or temporarily from/to U.S. and Canada. Previously, she was a Tax Manager in the Small Business and International Assignment Services groups at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a large international accounting firm.
Louise-Philippe de Seve-Bergeron, LL.B, TEP
Director, Tax Planning
As a tax specialist, Louis-Philippe provides information and guidance to individuals and businesses relevant to today’s complex tax environment. In order to coordinate the best client solutions, Louis-Philippe often works directly with our clients’ lawyers and accountants. The goal is to always ensure that a well-rounded team of professionals is working to improve our clients’ situation.
Louis-Philippe is also fluent in both English and French. Louis-Philippe, holds both a Master of Taxation and the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation, has worked extensively on corporate reorganizations and restructuring, estate planning, and establishment of trusts. He has consulted on intergenerational transfers, estate planning and transfers to key employees. With over 12 years of experience in an accounting environment, 6 being at BMO, he has developed the ability to provide clear and concise advice to a variety of clients during their most stressful life events.
Lydia Potocnik, LL.B, TEP
Vice President, Philanthropic Advisory Services
Lydia assists affluent clients in building a philanthropic legacy by taking a strategic approach. She guides families through the unique opportunities and strategies that exist to create a legacy that is meaningful and lasting. Her estate planning and trust administration background allow her to also ensure that clients’ philanthropic goals are part of their larger wealth and estate plan. Having worked with both clients and beneficiaries of estates, Lydia’s approach to planning takes into consideration unique family dynamics and conflict resolution.
Lydia joined BMO Wealth Planning in 2011 as a Will & Estate Planning Consultant working with clients on all aspects of their estate and trust planning. She then assumed a leadership role with BMO Trust Company where she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the estate and trust administration business in Ontario. Prior to joining BMO, Lydia led a very successful philanthropy program at a major hospital foundation where she advised donors on how to build a lasting philanthropic legacy. She has contributed to numerous publications and media appearances related to her work.
Marvi Ricker
Vice President & Managing Director, Philanthropic Advisory Services
Marvi provides affluent Canadians with strategic guidance to help give meaningful expression to their wealth, as part of an integrated wealth planning team. Drawing on her credibility and longevity in the charitable sector, her clients benefit from a depth of insight, and an acute understanding of family dynamics and conflict resolution. Using strategies uniquely tailored to the families she works with, Marvi helps clients choose effective projects to build a successful and lasting philanthropic legacy.
Marvi joined BMO Wealth Management in 2002, following 12 years as Executive Director of The Richard Ivey Foundation, where she oversaw the strategic direction of the charitable organization and helped establish its national presence. Previously, she was Director of the Public and Community Relations Department at the University of Toronto, and a chemistry instructor.
Mark Jankovics, CIM, CFP, CIWM, FCSI
Director, Wealth Planning
Mark joined BMO Wealth Management in 2016, following progressively senior roles in the financial services industry, specializing in wealth planning. In his previous role, he worked as a Senior Financial Planning Consultant, working exclusively with High Net Worth clients, with a major Canadian bank.
Mark is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) and the Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).
Using a holistic approach and his background and expertise, Mark helps our clients create a clear roadmap to achieve their unique goals and objectives. Mark's goal, as part of the BMO Wealth Planning team, is to empower clients with comprehensive and customized solutions, resolving complex situations through coordinated and proactive wealth plans.
Phil Comtois
Estate and Insurance Advisor, Senior Vice President
With over 20 years in the estate planning and insurance industry, Phil has been with BMO Estate Insurance Advisory Services since 1998. Phil provides comprehensive advice for personal estate, corporate estate, insurance and retirement needs. Areas of expertise include estate creation and preservation techniques and corporate financial security planning, all with an emphasis on elimination of taxes. By collaborating with Investment Advisors, Phil facilitates the planning process and coordinates clients' other Advisors, including lawyers and accountants.
In addition to his advisory role, Phil plays a key role on the division’s management team as an ambassador for Estate and Insurance Advisors across Canada. In this position, Phil leverages his experience as a top performing advisor to create opportunities and tools that will help Estate and Insurance Advisors in becoming successful advisors and leaders in their field.
Rebecca Clark, CPA, CA, CFP
Director, Wealth Planning
Rebecca is passionate about helping people become more knowledgeable and confident about their finances. She enjoys providing clients with clarity and direction on their financial road forward, by integrating the knowledge of our in-house technical specialists into a simple and straightforward plan. Clients benefit from a tailored wealth plan, often resulting in reduced stress and anxiety knowing that a team of professionals is helping them meet their financial goals.
Rebecca joined BMO Wealth Management in November 2017. Prior to that she spent 7 years working in public accounting, encompassing the areas of personal and corporate taxation, corporate restructuring, financial mediation and divorce finances, tax and wealth planning. Additionally she has spent time in the manufacturing and service sectors in finance roles, and started her career with a ‘big 4’ accounting firm.
Renee Thibert, CPA, CA, CFP
Director, Wealth Planning
Renee has more than 15 years of experience working in public accounting and tax in the Windsor area. She has recently obtained her CFP designation to facilitate financial planning for BMO clients.
As a dedicated Wealth Planning Director, Renee creates comprehensive wealth plans for high net worth clients. She focuses on individual needs to create unique and meaningful wealth plans for clients. As part of the high net worth team within BMO Wealth, Renee ensures clients receive detailed information and recommendations regarding retirement planning, education savings, estate planning, tax planning, business succession and insurance reviews. Together, they aim to personalize financial conversations to ensure clients are receiving the most meaningful advice at all stages of life.
Rudy Aquino, MBA
Vice President, Business Banking
Rudy has accumulated over 25 year of experience in personal and commercial banking. He currently leads a team of commercial banking professionals covering the Greater Toronto Area. He provides support to all sizes of businesses – from single owners businesses to middle-market companies across a diverse spectrum of industries.
Through a consultative and collaborative approach, Rudy and his team work extensively with clients in developing comprehensive financing, cash management, cross-border & succession planning solutions, tailored to meet the ever changing business needs of the business owner. As your business partner, our ultimate goal is to help you emerge stronger.