A Blend of Youth and Experience

James A. Waler is the Chief Technology Officer and is responsible for constructing, evaluating, and optimizing Boyd Watterson’s technology infrastructure and framework. He works closely with the CEO and key executives to identify and implement the best technologies and services to meet strategic long-term objectives. James also provides oversight and guidance to the IT and Operations departments, ensuring systems and practices are in place for customer security and satisfaction.

James began working for Boyd Watterson in July of 1990 when it was under the name of its predecessor, Duff & Phelps Management Co. James has been a critical component in the creation of proprietary systems throughout the company and in streamlining and enhancing processes and procedures.

• BS in Computer Science from John Carroll University

Michael J. Shay is the Director of Trading Operations responsible for overseeing the operations team, monitoring workflows, identifying backlogs, and assisting with accuracy and efficiency. Mike’s core functions include reconcilement, performance, trade settlement, new accounts, account maintenance, proxies, regulatory mailings, and Fixed Income trading. Importantly, Mike creates an open-dialogue environment between the operations team and our internal and external partners to ensure back-office operations run efficiently.

Prior to joining Boyd Watterson in April of 2025, Mike was the Investment Operations Manager with Strategic Value Bank Partners, LLC. He also worked as a Senior Research Analyst within KeyBank’s Multi-Strategy Research team.

• BS in Finance with a minor in Economics from Miami University
• CFA Charterholder
• Member, CFA Institute
• Member, CFA Society of Cleveland

Joe Daneshmand is a System Analyst responsible for ensuring the company’s technology infrastructure functions smoothly, allowing for efficient operations. He serves as a resource for employees to maximize their time and effort while providing system stability and security to both the firm and its clients.

Joe’s employment with Boyd Watterson dates back to June of 1997 when he began as a Programmer Analyst with the firm’s predecessor, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.

• MS from The Ohio State University
• BS from Western Michigan University

As a Senior Network Administrator, Kent A. Koeth is responsible for maintaining the continuity of Boyd Watterson’s IT infrastructure, focusing on uptime, reliability, and security. Joining Boyd in June of 2017, Kent has continually worked to ensure cost effective solutions are in place which benefit the current and future needs of our growing business.

Remaining on the cusp of developing trends related to IT and cybersecurity, Kent facilitates the implementation of technological changes to keep the firm operating optimally.

• BBA in Information Systems from Cleveland State University

As an Operations Analyst, Sue Norman is responsible for the initial stages of client onboarding. She is the liaison between the client, consultant, internal and external legal teams, custodian, sales team, and additional internal staff during the preparation of contracts and new account openings. Sue then works with internal traders, executing brokers, and custodians during the trade settlement process, tracking trades from start to finish to ensure accuracy and timeliness. She is further responsible for reviewing and keeping current existing client account information.

Sue joined Boyd Watterson in November of 2006 as an Administrative Assistant prior to transitioning into her current role. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Real Estate Office Manager at Spitzer Management, Inc., while also serving as a Legal Assistant.

• Certificate in Secretarial Services from the Lorain County Joint Vocational School

Karen M. Wisner is an Operations Analyst responsible for verifying and maintaining the financial accounting records of institutional and retail investment clients to ensure accurate reporting. She manages portfolio reconciliation, securities overview, document retention, fixed income corporate actions, and month end pricing.

Karen has been a devoted part of the team since September of 1990, joining the company when it was known as its predecessor, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. Over the years, she has developed a strong understanding of securities processes and account reconciliation, continuing to adapt operations to ensure the most efficient methods are being utilized. Previously, she worked in the Operations department at Roulston & Company as a Trading Desk Assistant.

Luke R. Simmons is an Operations Analyst responsible for ensuring proper settlements among trades, performing portfolio reconcilement, new account administration, and data maintenance.

Luke began working at Boyd Watterson in June of 2022 after serving as an Operations Associate II in Asset Servicing at Equity Trust Company where he focused on analyzing client documents and investments.

• BS in Business Administration from Westminster College in Pennsylvania

Kaman Tam is a Performance Analyst, specializing in daily performance and operations for fixed income accounts. She certifies the accuracy of account performance and all numbers reported externally to ensure Boyd Watterson is verified and compliant with Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS).

Kaman joined the company in February of 2017 after having served as a Trade Support Specialist at Key Bank and a Transition Specialist and Client Associate for Stratos Wealth Partners.

• MBA from the University of Phoenix
• BS in Financial Services and Financial Planning from the University of Akron

Nathan C. Scott joined Boyd Watterson Asset Management in June of 2020. As a Network Administrator, he works to ensure the firm’s IT infrastructure remains positioned for success. He is responsible for assisting the CTO, Senior Network Administrator, and IT team with daily tasks and larger projects and supports all employees as requested. Additionally, he values the importance of cybersecurity and stays current with the latest trends and news, focusing on what might impact the company and our clients.

• BS with a major in Computer Information Systems Analyst and a minor in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University

Emma M. Gallipoli is a Business Analyst with the Information Technology department.  She is responsible for increasing overall productivity of employees and their usage of the company’s technology as well as assessing opportunities for process improvement. Her primary focus is developing resources to provide easily accessible IT solutions while helping users become proficient with the various forms of technology, including external and proprietary software.

Prior to beginning her career at Boyd Watterson in August of 2022, Emma worked at NXTG Solutions LLC as a Competitive Business Analyst Intern and Team Lead.

• MS in Organizational Leadership from Mercyhurst University
• BA in Business and Competitive Intelligence from Mercyhurst University
• Certified in Advanced Google Analytics

Noah C. Jablonski is a Junior Programmer Analyst for the Boyd Watterson Information Technology team responsible for developing, maintaining, implementing, and supporting sophisticated software applications. With a logical and calculated mind, Noah evaluates new software and hardware to determine its applicability and appropriateness for use throughout the company and then trains users regarding the technical aspects and use of the developed systems.

• BS in Computer Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University

Andrew C. Everett is a Junior Programmer Analyst responsible for assisting the Boyd Watterson IT department with the development, encoding, and support of our proprietary internal systems. He works directly with the Chief Technology Officer, keeping the company’s operational systems running smoothly and efficiently. Andrew joined Boyd Watterson in July of 2024.

• BS in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis
• BA in Physics from Kenyon College