Leadership Team

James E. Iglewski

President

Jim joined Courier Capital in July of 2022 after a long, successful career in private banking with several large U.S. banks. Holding a BA from SUNY Buffalo State University and an MBA from Canisius College, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

Prior to joining Courier, Jim was a Managing Director at U.S. Trust/Bank of America in New York City and headed up the Institutional Portfolio Management team for BofA in the Northeaster U.S. In this role he helped develop and implement investment policy for some of the largest non-profit institutions in the country while leading a team of portfolio strategists in delivering the investment strategy of the firm. He served as the Bank’s Proxy Committee Chair voting on shareholder issues on behalf of clients and was a member of the Chief Investment Office leadership team.

Jim is passionate about helping non-profit foundations and endowments reach their investment goals and helping them to mission success. He has spoken at many industry events on the challenges facing foundation and endowment investment committees. Jim has served on the boards of numerous Western New York non-profits, including the BPO, Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, Hilbert College Board of Trustees, Gerard Place, and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, among others.

 

Thomas J. Hanlon, CFA, CFP®, CEBS

Executive Vice President of Wealth Management and Co-Chief Investment Officer

Tom has twenty-five years of experience serving high-net-worth clients in the Western New York region. Since joining the team in 2005, he has overseen research activities, managed client portfolios, and significantly contributed to the firm's investment strategy.

Prior to his tenure at Courier Capital, Tom served as the Regional Manager & Senior Portfolio Manager for M&T Bank's Trust Division in Buffalo. His extensive background also includes roles such as Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager at both M&T Bank and HSBC Bank, USA. In these capacities, he managed investment portfolios for high-net-worth clients, institutions, foundations, and employee benefit plans.

Tom's educational achievements include a BS in Business Management from Canisius College and an M.B.A. in Finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He holds several professional designations, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) licensee, and the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Outside of his professional commitments, Tom serves on the board for local non-profits showcasing his commitment to community involvement.

William H. Gurney

Executive Vice-President & Senior Portfolio Manager

Bill has been part of the Courier Capital team since 2004, overseeing client portfolios and spearheading our fixed income research and strategy function. He provides fundamental research support to our economic and equity research process. With a background in finance and economics from St. Lawrence University, Bill has nineteen years of experience managing corporate portfolios, municipal bond and futures portfolios, and brokerage business at organizations nationwide before making Western New York and Courier Capital his home. Currently, Bill holds the position of Director at an international investment company and actively serves as a board member for several local foundations.

Rebecca L. Westervelt AIF®

Senior Managing Director - Retirement Services

Rebecca, serving as the Senior Managing Director at Courier Capital, brings over twenty years of impactful experience in the investment services industry. In her role, she oversees all aspects of wealth management and asset management operations, playing a key role in shaping the strategic vision of the firm.

Before joining HNP Capital in 2017, Rebecca held the positions of Partner and Senior Vice President at Generation Capital Management. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and English from Bucknell University and later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. Additionally, Rebecca holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary™.

Demonstrating a commitment beyond her professional role, Rebecca actively engages in the local community, serving as Treasurer on the board of HCR Cares. 

Jason M. Stronz

Senior Managing Director - Institutional Services

Jason has been a member of the Courier Capital team since November 2012. He presently serves as Senior Managing Director and Director of Institutional Services out of our Jamestown office. Prior to joining Courier Capital, Jason served as the Executive Director for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. A native Western New Yorker, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Allegheny College and his MBA from Lake Erie College. Jason is an active member of the Jamestown community. He has served on numerous non-profit boards and committees, including the Jamestown Community Learning Council Board of Trustees and the Jamestown Center City Development Corporation Board of Directors. Jason also volunteers his time and service to support local organizations like Junior Achievement of Western New York, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and numerous charity golf events.

Steven A. Gattuso, CFA, CFP®, CMA

Co-Chief Investment Officer & Senior Portfolio Manager

Steve joined Courier Capital in 2012 from his previous position at the Wilmington Trust division of M&T Bank where he managed portfolios for Trusts, Estates and High Net Worth Individuals. Steve’s more than twenty-five years of investment experience also include portfolio management at Empire of America and financial management for the General Motors Corporation. Steve is affiliated with Canisius University as the Director of the Golden Griffin Fund and assistant professor in the Economics/Finance department where he teaches graduate and undergraduate Finance and Investments.

Steve earned a BA in Economics and Computer Science as well as his MBA in Finance from Canisius College. He is a CFA charter holder (Chartered Financial Analyst), and has attained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designations. Steve has served on the Board of the CFA Society of Buffalo and gives back to his community by volunteering at the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House, coaching soccer and serving on the Advisory Board for the Clarence Academy of Finance.

Investment Team

Stephen R. Robshaw

Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager

Steve was the founder of Robshaw & Julian Associates, Inc. which recently joined Courier Capital LLC. 

Prior to establishing one of the original WNY investment advisory firms, Steve was the Chief Investment Officer and Vice President in charge of M&T Bank’s Investment Department. He was responsible for developing the firm’s investment strategies for high net worth clients, institutions, foundations, and employee benefit plans.  He was also Director of Research tasked with specific industry research applied to the investment direction of the firm and its clients.  Steve was in charge of client communication and portfolio performance tracking.  Steve began his career as a security analyst for H.C. Wainwright & Co. Inc and has spent much of his career serving on investment committees and teaching economics at the University of Buffalo and Millard Fillmore College.

Steve graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in History and earned his M.B.A. in Business from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is an SEC registered Investment Advisor, a member of the CFA Society of Buffalo and the CFA Institute and an advisor to the University of Buffalo investment committee as well as to the Sisters of Saint Francis.

Nicholas T. Norvell, CFP®

Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager

Nick, a co-founder of HNP Capital, which recently merged with Courier Capital, brings over twenty years of professional experience in the financial services sector. As an independent Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), he has dedicated his career to working closely with families and individuals, formulating, implementing, monitoring, and updating their comprehensive financial plans.

Nick employs custom-designed strategic programs to address concerns in areas such as wealth management, retirement, income distribution, and estate planning. His expertise allows him to create unique financial plans for numerous families, individuals, and business owners.

Additionally, Nick serves on the investment management committee of the firm. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the State University of New York at Oneonta. Beyond his role with Courier Capital, Nick is a member of the George Eastman Circle and actively serves on the Seneca Waterways Council of the Boy Scouts of America for its Annual Sporting Clays.

Thomas B. Reading, CWA

Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Advisor

Tom has served as a Senior Portfolio Adviser with HNP Capital at their Pittsburgh Office for seven years, joining Courier Capital with the two firms merging in 2023. He holds more than thirty years of investment advisory experience at PNC Bank, Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch where he specialized in supporting estate planning and insurance for high-net-worth client relationships.

Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and history from the College of Wooster and furthered his professional development by obtaining the designation of Chartered Wealth Adviser (CWA) through Michigan State University – The Estate and Wealth Strategies Institute.

Tom stays active with golf, skiing, and travel being his top pastimes. He also volunteers with the PGA, PGA Tour, USGA and serves on the Executive Committee for the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA). In the colder months, Tom visits Ellicottville, NY where he serves on the Win-Sum Ski Corporation Board - locally known as the Holiday Valley Mountain Resort & Conference Center.

Stephen J. Fassel

Senior Portfolio Advisor

Steve serves as a Senior Portfolio Adviser at Courier Capital, joining the team following the recent merger with HNP Capital. Before joining HNP Capital in 2017, Steve spent a decade at LPL Financial as a Licensed Registered Representative. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Steve leverages his education and experience to assist clients in reaching their distinctive financial goals. Outside of work, he finds joy in a round of golf, second only to spending quality time with his young family.

Ryan T. Hanlon

Portfolio Manager

Ryan joined the Courier Capital team in 2023, bringing with him three years of experience in the banking industry as one of the top Loan Officers of a local bank. He currently serves as a Portfolio Manager. He earned his bachelor’s in business with a concentration in Finance from SUNY Fredonia. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dog. He is also an avid fan of his local football team - the Buffalo Bills.

David C. Robbins

Senior Portfolio Advisor

David serves as a Senior Portfolio Adviser at Courier Capital, having joined the team following the recent merger with HNP Capital. With a tenure of thirteen years at HNP and a total of twenty-four years of experience in the investment advisory business, David brings a wealth of expertise to his current role.

Before becoming a part of Courier Capital, David dedicated the initial twelve years of his career to an independent firm, specializing in financial and estate planning. His extensive experience in trusts, wills, and the nuanced aspects of nursing home planning adds a valuable dimension to his current position.

David earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from SUNY Brockport. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys playing spending time with his family and playing golf.

Alexandra C. Pfeifer

Research Analyst & Trader

Alex joined Courier Capital in 2019 after graduating from Canisius College with a BS in Finance. That same year, she participated in the CFA Research Institute Challenge where she and her team won the America’s Regional competition and were among the five global finalists. Alex supports our firm’s model maintenance and mutual fund and ETF investment selection. In her free time, Alex serves on her condo's homeowners association board and enjoys visiting local art galleries, skiing, and reading.

Ryan P. Coppola

Research Analyst & Trader

Ryan joined Courier Capital as a research analyst in 2023, where he supports the investment committee’s individual stock selection process. He graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a BS in Business Administration, a BA in Economics, and an MS in Finance. Ryan is also a level 3 candidate in the CFA Program. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys exercising, playing in local recreational sports leagues, and traveling.

Client Service Team

Karen L. Mudrak

Relationship Manager

Karen has been member of the Courier Capital team for more than seventeen years, where she currently holds the position of Relationship Manager. With a wealth of experience totaling twenty-three years, she has previously held roles at HSBC Brokerage and Morgan Stanley. Karen holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University and an MBA with a concentration in Financial Services from Canisius College. Outside the office, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Jean M. Johansson, CFP®

Relationship Manager

Jean has been a member of the Courier Capital Team for almost twenty-five years, with an additional twelve years of prior experience in the financial industry working at local Western New York institutions. She currently serves as a Relationship Manager on the Client Services Team and has earned the professional designation of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) during her career. Outside of work, Jean serves on the Board of the Pet Emergency Fund and volunteers at Oishei Children’s Hospital with her German Shepard Oberon - a therapy dog. She is also an avid tennis player and gardener. As an experienced financial professional, Jean provides tremendous service and support for clients.

Nora C. Schrantz

Relationship Manager

Nora is Jamestown native with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from SUNY Fredonia. Prior to joining Courier Capital in 1993, Nora worked as a Financial Analyst at Alltel Corporation. Nora is currently a Relationship Manager and has made a career supporting clients of Courier Capital. Outside of work, Nora enjoys exercising, walking her dog, and listening to music.

Kathleen T. Anderson

Senior Account Administrator

Kathy, serving as a Senior Account Administrator at Courier Capital, brings a wealth of experience with nineteen years in the investment advisory business. Her educational background includes a BS in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with a Math Minor from Jamestown Community College. Kathy holds the distinction of being a State of New York Notary Public.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathy actively participates in various community activities. She is a dedicated member of the Hollyloft Cycling Club, the Jamestown YMCA, and Schwerk-It Gym. Kathy's commitment extends to leadership roles, having previously served as the President of the Jamestown High School Football Boosters Club and as the Treasurer of the Fletcher School PTA. These roles reflect her strong passion for community engagement and showcase her leadership capabilities.

Christine K. Keuker

Senior Account Administrator

Christine joined the Courier Capital team in September 2017 after working at Robshaw & Julian for over nineteen years.  She currently serves as Senior Account Administrator on the Client Service Team. Christine earned a BA in Economics from the State University College of New York at Buffalo.  Outside of the office, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, walking and gardening.

Pamela M. Rayburn

Senior Account Administrator

Pamela joined the firm following the recent merger with HNP Capital and supports our operations team. Prior to joining HNP Capital in 2019, she was responsible for client operations for various financial firms such as Morgan Stanley and has over sixteen years' experience in the industry. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology where she earned a Business Management degree. Her attention to detail, and people skills, makes her an asset to our operational team.

Outside of work, Pam enjoys watching her daughter on the soccer field and on the theater stage and has a passion for nature, photography, and interior design.

Kevin McGraw

Account Administrator

Kevin joined the Courier Capital team in July 2023, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from SUNY University at Buffalo. As an account administrator, he takes pride in supporting the advisors on staff and taking care of our clients’ needs.  At home, Kevin enjoys watching movies, raising a Boxer puppy, and cheering for the Bills and Sabres.

Meghan Guercio

Account Administrator

Meghan recently joined the Courier Capital team in January 2024, serving as an Account Administrator in our Rochester Office. Meghan earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from SUNY Fredonia and is currently pursuing her MBA at St. John Fisher University. Outside of work, Meghan is a Varsity Assistant Cheerleading Coach and loves being a role model for her team. Meghan also enjoys traveling and has been to 15 countries, Italy being her favorite.