Chris Clarke, CA (CPA® / CA), R.F.P., TEP, CFP®

Family Office Director & CEO

CHRIS CLARKE is the CEO, co-owner and founder of First Affiliated Holdings Inc., and owner of First Affiliated Securities Inc. Chris is also the founding Family Office Director. Holding her CA designation since 1987, Chris also obtained her CFP and later R.F.P. (Registered Financial Planner) designation, meeting the highest accreditation offered by the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners. She achieved the TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner) with the worldwide Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), and is certified as a Family Meeting Facilitator.

Chris spearheaded development of the independent Multi-Family Office (MFO) in Canada with an innovative approach towards integrated wealth, lifestyle and legacy management. Chris continues to innovate today leading the business operations at First Affiliated, modeling best practices, providing market education through the First Affiliated Academy and facilitating philanthropic initiatives through the First Affiliated Foundation.

Chris is the driving force behind the expression and preservation of our company culture, mission and strategic direction. Our leadership and innovation were recognized when The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) voted First Affiliated one of the four top Family Offices worldwide. We were also proud recipients of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFÉ) Family Business of the Year Award – Georgian Bay Chapter. Chris is an active member of STEP and the Family Firm Institute (FFI), and entertains regular speaking engagements.

Chris is also the author of True Family Wealth: Love, Money & An Inspired Life. This book provides inspired perspectives that challenge beliefs about money and family. It also offers best business practices to transform families into effective teams working together to grow and preserve the family’s wealth so all family members thrive, now and in the future.

Damian Maxwell

Senior Investment Analyst & Associate Portfolio Manager

Damian Maxwell is a Senior Investment Analyst & Associate Portfolio Manager with First Affiliated. Damian is a lead architect of our client focused portfolio management process. In collaboration with the Family Office Director and Chief Investment Strategist, Damian works closely with our client families. He is responsible for the overall wealth management, research, strategy, and oversight of their portfolios and business assets.

Damian started his career as a successful entrepreneur in the Telecom sector before joining the financial sector as an Investment Advisor in 2009. Damian’s financial career evolved through roles in Commercial Banking, Investment Banking, and ultimately Wealth Management as a Portfolio Manager beginning in 2014. Damian held roles within a multifamily office, and a prominent Investment Counsellor.

Damian completed his Master of Science in Finance (MSc) degree after graduating with a double major degree which included an Honours degree in Business and Computer Science, and an Associate’s degree in Computer Programming. Damian obtained his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation in 2015 and has been a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) since 2012.

Karl Mortveit

Chief of Operations, First Affiliated Holdings Inc.
President, First Affiliated Family Office Group Inc.

KARL MORTVEIT is the co-owner of First Affiliated and is responsible for the management of First Affiliated’s business and financial operations. Karl’s strong analytical and leadership skills are supported by his background in logistics, civil engineering and aviation as well as his long-term experience and commitment to First Affiliated over the past 30 years. He ensures our information systems are state of the art, and our data security is at the highest level. He works alongside our CEO overseeing corporate strategic initiatives.

Karl is responsible for the design, development, maintenance and upgrades of our back office systems, reporting technology and corporate infrastructure while constantly working to streamline process and increase efficiencies. Karl partners with the CEO of First Affiliated to ensure corporate compliance and licensing requirements are met. Karl also oversees the back office investment and reporting systems, ensuring our clients’ consolidated performance reports are accurate and timely.

W. Barton Rowe

Chief Investment Strategist, First Affiliated Holdings Inc.
Associate Advising Representative, First Affiliated Family Office Group Inc.

BARTON ROWE is a partner of First Affiliated. Barton graduated with an Honours Business degree from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey School of Business. Upon graduating Barton earned the F.W.P. Jones Award in Finance recognizing his achievements as the top finance student.

Barton started his investment career with the Research group of Nesbitt Thomson, the leading investment research firm at that time. There, he worked as a research analyst and earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He also completed the Canadian Securities Course and received the award of excellence from the Canadian Securities Institute. He then moved to privately owned Scott Capital Group where he was Director of Capital Management. Barton was in charge of researching companies for private equity and debt financing, and managing the portfolio of private and public investments.

In 1995 Barton joined forces with First Affiliated in providing wealth management services and is responsible for the research, strategy and oversight of portfolio and business assets for our client families. Bart is a practicing CFA, and a member of: Toronto Society of Financial Analysts, the Association for Investment Management & Research, and the Responsible Investment Association (RIA).

Brent Barrie, LL.B., CFA®, CIM®, CFP®

Head of Financial Planning, First Affiliated Holdings Inc.
Chief Compliance Officer & Portolio Manager, First Affiliated Family Office Group Inc.

Brent Barrie is based out of Halifax and has a breadth of financial and business management experience earned over 27 years in the financial industry. A lawyer by training and graduate of Dalhousie Law School, Brent worked for six years with CIBC Trust where he managed the financial needs of clients across Atlantic Canada. For eleven years, Brent worked at SEAMARK Asset Management Ltd., including three years as Chief Executive Officer.

Brent currently leads First Affiliated’s financial planning work, as well as being an active member of its investment team and compliance group. He is a former director of the CFA Society Atlantic Canada and the Responsible Investment Association, an industry organization that promotes awareness of the impact of environment, social, and governance factors on the public markets in Canada.

Andrea Baker-Nash

Corporate Administration & Project Management

Andrea Baker-Nash is responsible for Corporate Administration and Project Management for the team. Andrea joined First Affiliated in 2006 after a progressive career in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior roles included Sales, Corporate Training, Communications, Recruitment, Employee Relations, Strategic Business Partner and Merger Integration.

As Corporate Administrator, Andrea is responsible for oversight and implementation of corporate contracts, communication and human resources. In her role as Project Manager, Andrea is responsible for execution and ongoing maintenance of technology and security projects required to support our business.

Andrea holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

Dale Berne

Office Administration

Dale Berne has worked with First Affiliated Holdings Inc. since 1997. Over the years Dale has been very dedicated in providing back office systems support and assistance with preparation of quarterly reports. Dale is also a wonderful resource to the team as she provides assistance in general office and client administration.

Donna Potter

Accounting Associate

Donna Potter is an Accounting Associate at First Affiliated. Prior to joining FA in 2021, Donna had over 20 years of experience in human resources, payroll, and accounting with a large charitable organization.

As Accounting Associate, Donna manages FA payroll services and assists with human resources, bookkeeping and investment administration. Donna also supports our clients with payroll and bookkeeping services.

Donna holds a BA from the University of Waterloo and earned her Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation in 2011.

Kerri Whaley

Compliance and Investment Administrator

Kerri Whaley is the Compliance and Investment Administrator at First Affiliated.

As Compliance and Investment Administrator, Kerri is responsible for client investment account openings and order processing compliance. Kerri is also involved in organizing and maintaining FA’s Know Your Product (KYP) fund and manager research, scheduling annual reviews, and keeping abreast of ongoing regulatory requirements.

Kerri studied Business Economics at Brock University and had over 20 years in the Financial Services industry before joining FA in 2023. She started her career in personal banking and most recently was the Senior Client Relationship Manager for an Independent Firm.  

Rachele Mortveit

Family Office Coordinator

Rachele Mortveit first joined the First Affiliated team in 2013 working part-time doing special projects. After graduating from Western University with an Honours Double Major degree in Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) – Finance & Psychology, Rachele worked in the film and television industry before returning to First Affiliated full-time in 2021 as Family Office Coordinator. Rachele continues to pursue post-grad education in the field of finance and accounting. Rachele also co-developed and continues to produce weekly podcasts related to social issues affecting young professionals.

As Family Office Coordinator, Rachele is the primary liaison between her assigned clients and the FA team. She is responsible for coordinating the team to ensure all client service-related matters are completed in a proactive, efficient and timely manner. Rachele will also assist clients with their cash management, tax compliance and administrative service needs. In addition, Rachele works as Executive Assistant to support our CEO / Family Office Director.

Alex Kimble

Family Office Coordinator

Alex Kimble joined the First Affiliated team in 2017 as Client Service Administrator before developing into her current role as Family Office Coordinator. Prior to working at First Affiliated, Alex held management positions in retail and healthcare. She is also an entrepreneur with her own growing business Soulfire Holistics focusing on Health, Nutrition and Wellness.

As Family Office Coordinator, Alex is the primary liaison between her assigned clients and the FA team. Alex is responsible for coordinating the team to ensure all client service-related matters are completed in a proactive, efficient and timely manner. Alex will also assist clients with their cash management, tax compliance and administrative service needs. In addition, Alex provides in-home financial administrative support to our clients in their senior years.

Anson Yasi, CIM®

Associate Portfolio Manager

Anson Yasi is the Associate Portfolio Manager for First Affiliated. Prior to joining FA in 2019, Anson was an Assistant Portfolio Manager with the Private Client business group working with Family Office clients at Foyston, Gordon & Payne.

In his role at First Affiliated, Anson works with our Chief Investment Strategist in preparing and updating detailed client Investment Policy Statements and monitoring client portfolio performance. Anson assists in all aspects of portfolio management, administration and client specific requests.

Anson Graduated from York University with a BA in Economics. He is a member of the Responsible Investment Association. Anson obtained the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) in 2015, the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation in 2019, and his certfication as a Responsible Investment Professional in 2022.

Nathalia Silva, CFA®, CFP®, CIM®

Family Office Manager

Nathalia Silva is the Family Office Manager at First Affiliated. Prior to joining FA in 2019, Nathalia had over 10 years of experience in the financial industry, most recently as Portfolio Management Assistant at RBC PH&N Investment Counsel.

As Family Office Manager, Nathalia is the primary liaison between her assigned clients and the FA team. She is responsible for coordinating the team to ensure all client service-related matters are completed in a proactive, efficient and timely manner. Nathalia will also assist clients with their financial planning, cash management, tax compliance and administrative service needs.

Nathalia holds a BA with major in Financial Management and Post-graduate in Financial Planning. Nathalia earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2015, Chartered Investment Management (CIM®) in 2016 and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) in 2018.

Laura Giffen

Reports & Reconciliation Manager

Laura Giffen is the Reports & Reconciliation Manager at First Affiliated. Prior to joining FA in 2020, Laura helped manage her family’s business (established in 1939) by preserving its legacy while pivoting the company’s strategies for long-term growth and sustainability.

As Reports & Reconciliation Manager, Laura works with the Chief Investment Strategist and Chief of Operations. She is responsible for ensuring all client investment-related matters are completed in a professional and timely manner.

Laura holds a BComm with majors in Entrepreneurship and Marketing and minor in Professional Communications. Laura earned her Canadian Securities Course (CSC) in 2020, and continues to pursue post-grad education in the field of compliance having successfully completed the Conduct & Practices Handbook Course (CPH) in 2021 and her Certificate in Investment Dealer Compliance in 2022. Laura also co-developed and continues to publish weekly podcasts related to social issues affecting young professionals.

Tara Mathanda

Senior Manager, Tax & Accounting

Tara Mathanda joined the First Affiliated team in 2021 as Senior Manager, Tax & Accounting. Prior to working at First Affiliated, Tara had a wealth of tax experience gained over 10 years in the private client sector. Tara worked for seven years with Deloitte LLP where she managed the tax compliance and consulting of high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients in the greater Toronto area. For four years, Tara worked within the Income Tax Rulings Directorate at the Canada Revenue Agency where she assisted corporate and individual taxpayers in interpreting tax legislation. In addition, she was responsible for publishing technical interpretations as well as income tax rulings.

In her role at First Affiliated, Tara works with clients to ensure their tax, estate, and accounting compliance requirements are being met. She also provides oversight to ensure client’s tax strategies are being optimized and implemented effectively.

Tara graduated from University of Waterloo with a Masters in Accounting. She obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2013.

Sabine Abt

Family Office Coordinator

Sabine Abt is one of our Family Office Coordinators at First Affiliated Holdings. Sabine worked with First Affiliated from 2005 – 2019, then returned after a well-earned sabbatical in the Summer of 2021. Prior to joining us in 2005, Sabine worked in Public and Corporate Affairs for over ten years at a major aerospace firm. Sabine was born in Switzerland and is trilingual in English, French, and German.

As Family Office Coordinator, Sabine is the primary liaison between her assigned clients and the FA team. Sabine is responsible for coordinating the team to ensure all client service-related matters are completed in a proactive, efficient and timely manner. Sabine will also assist clients with their cash management, tax compliance and administrative service needs. Sabine also works closely with our investment team with trade processing and reporting duties. In addition, Sabine oversees office administration and is instrumental in the design of our work spaces.

Teri Bowers, CPA

Corporate & Client Accounting

Teri Bowers joined the First Affiliated team in 2019 managing corporate and client accounting. Prior to working at First Affiliated, Teri was Director of Finance for a local charitable organization, responsible for the care and welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities. For 12 years, she worked with all levels of government to manage a variety of funding streams and reporting requirements.

Teri plays a critical role working with the Director of Operations to manage accounting for the FA group of companies. Teri also provides tremendous support managing investment accounting, bookkeeping, payroll compliance and GST/HST for FA clients who have investment corporations or operating companies.

Teri graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She received her Certified General Accountants designation in 2000 after many years of part-time studies and full-time parenting. Teri has provided accounting services in a variety of sectors including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare as owner of Bowers Business Services since 2016.

David Driscoll, CFA

Investment Research

David joined the First Affiliated team in April 2022, providing senior investment research advice to the FA investment team. Dave leads the due diligence investigation of current and prospective investment managers and helps review the performance of current client investments

David has over 25 years of financial markets experience and is currently the founder and President of Coeus Research Associates, a firm that has helped its clients navigate financial markets by providing strategic and tactical research and advice since 2015.

Prior to founding Coeus, David was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at a prominent Institutional Investment firm where he was responsible for international equity research and portfolio management. He has also worked as a consultant in some of Canada’s largest pension consulting firms.

David has extensive research experience in Canada, the U.S., and international securities markets. He is a Graduate of Saint Mary’s University and has been a member of the Atlantic Canada CFA Society since 2001

Brad Kozell

Information Technology & Security Management

Brad joined the First Affiliated team in 1997 managing all aspects of technology and security. In partnership with our Director of Operations and CEO, Brad plays a critical role ensuring our systems are leading edge and the ever-challenging threats of cyber security are held at bay.

Brad provides leadership and expertise at the strategic level of network design and administration. He oversees server, hardware, and software management to keep our business running smoothly and in compliance with our regulatory and risk management requirements. Brad also provides unwavering IT support for the entire FA team.

Brad graduated from Sheridan College in Microcomputer Management and has over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. He is currently the founder and President of Assured Computer Services, providing technology services in a variety of sectors including healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, finance, manufacturing, and construction since 2000.