Joseph Deitch, Founder and Chairman  

Joe formed Commonwealth in 1979 to offer superior, independent investment brokerage services to the burgeoning ranks of financial advisors like him. Since then, Joe and Commonwealth have remained true to the original vision of providing indispensable service and cultivating a supportive environment where all affiliated professionals can thrive. 

In creating the firm, Joe recalls, "We wanted our service to be so good that advisors would break out in a cold sweat if they had to go somewhere else." That service is the underpinning of what makes Commonwealth special. 

Wayne Bloom, Chief Executive Officer

Wayne began his career at Commonwealth in 1989 in the firm's Compensation area. Since then, he has gained experience in virtually every facet of the firm. As CEO, Wayne spends each day relentlessly managing our primary objective of providing indispensable service to our network of independent financial advisors and their investors.

Wayne's favorite element of the firm is our unique culture that allows everyone to make a genuine difference through a collaborative relationship with our advisors. They challenge the team to be better every day with new ideas and suggestions—it's this collaboration that's the secret sauce of Commonwealth!

Trap Kloman, President and Chief Operating Officer

Trap serves as president and chief operating officer. With the firm since 2015, he serves to deliver on the company’s mission every day to help clients live their best lives by providing an indispensable advantage to our advisors. Trap’s responsibilities include leading the evolution of Commonwealth’s services and solutions and overseeing the firm’s technology, operations, compliance, legal, risk, and finance operations. Through these efforts, he focuses on enhancing the advisor experience, investing in the firm’s culture, and ensuring Commonwealth’s fiscal strength. The foundation for this success starts by building relationships, listening to our advisors, and keeping abreast of opportunities and industry trends. 

Kol Chu Birke, Managing Principal, Community & Technology Engagement

Kol has been with Commonwealth since 1999. He oversees efforts to connect all that Commonwealth offers—including each other—to help our community of advisors and home office staff thrive. In addition, he is passionate about financial behavior, with a hunger for making financial planning easier and more effective by helping advisors leverage the latest behavioral insights and techniques.

Values are the backbone of what makes Commonwealth so special. "In short, this place is driven by deeply held values of humility, hard work, and not being greedy," Kol says. "In a world that is so concerned about maintaining a polished image, it's refreshing to be able to be human."

Rory Barratt, SVP, Chief Strategy and Product Officer

Rory joined Commonwealth in January 2020. As senior vice president of corporate strategy, his role is to identify prevailing industry trends and to ensure that Commonwealth’s day-to-day work is connected to and supportive of its long-term goals. He also supports other senior executives and their departments by providing structures, processes, and analyses when needed.

“What I find most inspiring about Commonwealth is our commitment to the success of our advisors,” says Rory. “We’re deeply connected to them and their lives, which is rare. And it’s much easier to build collaborative relationships with my colleagues as we work together for what’s best for our community as a whole.”

Christopher Blotto­, SVP, Chief Digital & Information Officer

Christopher joined Commonwealth in March 2023 to lead the Technology department. His responsibilities encompass organizational leadership, aligning technology strategy with business needs and ensuring that the department stays abreast of trends like digital transformation and artificial intelligence. He also focuses on enhancing advisor and home office experiences through efficiency and productivity.

“Delivering indispensable advisor experiences fuels our technology strategy,” Christopher says.

Outside of work, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and Saint Berdoodle, as well as golfing, boating, cooking, mixology, collecting wine, live music, and watching sports.

Jon Bohs, Managing Principal, Trading and Brokerage Operations 

Jon joined Commonwealth in 1996 as a trader and now leads Commonwealth’s Trading, Service Center, New Accounts, Transfer of Assets, Retirement Operations, Asset Management Operations, Cashiering, Account Supervision, and Virtual Administration teams. Jon’s main responsibility is to identify ways to improve how Commonwealth serves its advisors and their clients. 

“I love working with all the great people in the Commonwealth community,” says Jon. “Many close friends of mine are either employees of Commonwealth or advisors at Commonwealth. It is a joy getting to collaborate with such an energetic group of individuals with a common goal of being the best.”

Matt Chisholm, SVP, Business Solutions

Matt joined Commonwealth in 2020 after spending nearly 14 years at Fidelity Investments. His primary focus is to ensure that we provide actionable insights and support for our advisors as they advance and grow their businesses. 

Matt says he appreciates Commonwealth's emphasis on community. "My favorite part about Commonwealth is to be able to participate in the tangible benefits our advisors bring to their clients," he says. "Our cultural attributes of quality and community are demonstrated through the meaningful impact they have on advisors' relationships with their clients."

Jon Cleasby, SVP, Chief Financial Officer 

Jon joined Commonwealth in June 2020 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. He is responsible for the financial health of Commonwealth, ensuring our continued growth and success across market cycles. Jon oversees finance and accounting, and he partners with departments to ensure that they have the resources and financial analysis they need to manage the business thoughtfully and provide indispensable service to our advisors.  

Jon says Commonwealth's biggest differentiator is its people. "Everyone is extremely supportive and willing to go the extra mile for anyone in the Commonwealth community."

Andrew Daniels, Managing Principal, Advisor Engagement 

Andrew brought his enthusiasm and outgoing personality to Commonwealth in 1998. After initially working in Operations, overseeing the predecessor of the Service Center, Andrew moved to the business development side of the firm where he coordinated and integrated efforts of the Marketing, Field Development, and Transition departments across 20 years. In these roles, he led the charge in sharing Commonwealth’s unique culture, exceptional skills and resources, and uncommon approach with prospective advisors.

Andrew is passionate about Commonwealth’s sense of community. He describes the firm as “a haven―a place that when I enter it, I feel safe.”

Matt Deitch, Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy

Matt joined Commonwealth full-time in 2018 to help launch and steward our Corporate Strategy department. As vice chairman, he helps define and operationalize Commonwealth’s overarching strategic vision, works closely with firm senior leadership, and supports a range of new project and product launches.

"As someone who grew up around Commonwealth my whole life," says Matt, "it truly feels special to know our advisors as part of an extended family, where everyone has the best interests of those around them at heart."

In his free time, Matt is an avid skier, an aspiring kite surfer, and a mediocre golfer. 

Nancy DiBattista, SVP, Transition 

Nancy began her Commonwealth career in 1999 in the Transfer of Assets department, left for a few years to work for Charles Schwab in California, and then returned to Commonwealth in 2002. As senior vice president, Nancy oversees the Transition, Fee-Only Transitions, and Business Transitions teams that support financial advisors joining the firm and through milestone moves of their business evolution. She is responsible for ensuring an optimal, streamlined experience for financial advisors who are onboarding, shifting to a fee-only business model, or transitioning their businesses in another way, such as through mergers and acquisitions.

Peter Essele, SVP, Head of Advisory Solutions

With Commonwealth since 2004, Peter oversees the Advisory Solutions department, a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality investment solutions and strategic guidance. Team members prioritize collaboration and communication, working closely with advisors to understand their unique business goals, preferences, and challenges. Whether providing investment suggestions, strategic guidance, or an in-depth advisory fee analysis, they are committed to delivering value-driven recommendations that help advisors succeed in a rapidly evolving environment.

“Commonwealth is a distinctive kind of firm,” says Peter. “Very rarely do you encounter an environment where everyone genuinely wants to make a difference, whether that’s helping a coworker, a financial advisor, or making the world a better place.”

Jessica Fougere, SVP, Community 

Jessica joined Commonwealth in 2004. As senior vice president of community, she leads an exceptional team dedicated to creating meaningful connections within the Commonwealth family through memorable events, networking experiences, and shared learning. She is passionate about helping people feel fulfilled and connected to something bigger than themselves.

Jessica is inspired by her team and the lasting impact they make in the lives of others. “At Commonwealth, we understand that by fostering fulfilling connections, we also elevate the personal and professional success of everyone within the Commonwealth family,” she says. “I am grateful to be at an organization that is committed to always doing right by our advisors and their clients.”

John Hagberg, SVP, Enterprise Business Operations

With Commonwealth since 2000, John's main responsibility is to coordinate resources to ensure that employees are working together on the initiatives that bring the most value to our advisors and home office teams.  

"In my 20 years at Commonwealth, the firm has demonstrated time and time again its unwavering approach to doing what is right for advisors, their clients, and our staff," John says. "While I love this consistency, there is also a deep culture that drives innovation and progress. This collaboration occurs both within the home office but also in real time with our advisors and their staff—regardless of tenure and ranks."

Becca Hajjar, Managing Principal, Chief Business Development Officer

As managing principal, chief business development officer, Becca leads the Business Development team and, along with Marketing, sets the strategic direction for the advisor recruitment and due diligence process. Indispensable in all of her interactions, she serves as a liaison between Commonwealth and prospective advisors, sharing her extensive knowledge of the firm and giving them a detailed understanding of what makes Commonwealth a unique RIA–broker/dealer.

"We approach our relationship with you as partners, fully invested in your success and always ready to engage with you as we navigate challenges and explore opportunities together."

Alex Hansen, SVP, RIA Solutions

Alex joined Commonwealth in September 2021 as senior vice president of RIA compliance. Bringing extensive leadership and expertise in investment advisory compliance, he supervises all aspects of RIA compliance, ensuring Commonwealth stays ahead of all financial industry developments and SEC regulations, while also responding to the evolving needs of our advisors and staff. 

For Alex, it is the unwavering desire to support our advisors that sets Commonwealth apart. "As someone who has spent the majority of my career helping independent advisors with compliance considerations related to managing and growing their practices, Commonwealth’s reputation for service and dedication to helping our advisors is really what inspired me to join."

Peggy Ho, SVP, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer

Peggy joined Commonwealth in April 2021. She oversees the legal, anti-money laundering, and risk management functions for the firm and its related companies, bringing leadership, strategic acumen, and a deep understanding of the business to drive positive outcomes. Among her many responsibilities, she also guides our executive management team on strategic initiatives and regulatory issues, represents the firm before regulatory oversight bodies, and supervises a team of professionals responsible for all aspects of legal and risk management.

Peggy came to Commonwealth with 14 years of experience in similar roles within the independent channel and was previously a corporate associate in private law practice at Ropes & Gray LLP.

Missy Jerome, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Missy joined Commonwealth in November 2023 as senior vice president, chief human resources officer. She oversees Commonwealth’s HR team with unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, both internally and to our advisors. Missy is thrilled to be a part of a company with a rich tradition of being a great place to work. She is dedicated to building upon this legacy and enabling Commonwealth employees to achieve outstanding results and make a meaningful impact, all while having a lot of fun along the way. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for fostering a workplace culture centered on teamwork, innovation, inclusion, and belonging.

“No two companies are the same, and that’s exciting! Collaborating, leading people, and transforming business cultures to achieve goals all energize me. I love what I do because of the people I get to work with and the innovative growth we build together.”

David Kelly, Managing Principal, Advisor Engagement

Dave has been with Commonwealth since 1991 and became a managing principal in 1999. Dave led Commonwealth’s Trading and Brokerage Operations for 30 years. In 2022, Dave joined the Community team, focusing on advisor engagement to bring a more proactive approach to working with advisors across their business needs. Dave also serves on a number of executive committees.

"I love the fact that the people who seem to gravitate to Commonwealth, both the employees and our advisors in the field, are great people, many of whom I consider best friends," says Dave. "I enjoy the entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit that works across the entire organization."

Michelle Kelley, SVP, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer

Michelle joined Commonwealth in August 2022. In her dual role, she provides guiding counsel on enterprise-level strategic initiatives and regulatory matters. She also collaborates with the firm’s chief information security officer and the Information Security team on efforts to enhance Commonwealth’s privacy and data security. With more than 16 years working in various capacities in the independent channel prior to Commonwealth, Michelle brings a depth of advisory knowledge and proven experience in the cybersecurity arena, helping to keep Commonwealth at the forefront of the continually evolving regulatory and privacy landscapes.

For Michelle, having the drive to be the best at what you do comes down to the company you keep. “The talent and vibrance of the Commonwealth community are striking. It’s genuinely thrilling to be partnering with colleagues and advisors who challenge and inspire me daily.”

Chad LaFauci, SVP, Alternative Investments

Chad has been with Commonwealth for 25 years. He started at the Waltham office in 2000 and relocated to the San Diego office in 2001. In 2005, he transitioned to the Research team as an alternative investment analyst and now leads the alternative investment division of the Investment Management and Research department.

In his current role as senior vice president, alternative investments, Chad leads a team responsible for the analysis, approval, and ongoing monitoring of all alternative investment products, including private equity, private credit, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure, and commodities. He’s also dedicated to training and educating advisors through a variety of print and digital resources.

Karen McColl, SVP, Wealth Management

Karen joined Commonwealth in February 2021 as senior vice president, wealth management. In this role, she oversees the Advanced Planning, Annuity Research, Insurance, Investment Consulting Services, and Retirement Consulting Services teams, ensuring that we consistently provide our advisors with the indispensable support and resources they need. In addition, she works with senior leadership to help identify and solve the biggest wealth management industry challenges Commonwealth faces.

Karen has seen firsthand the impact that sound financial advice and decisions can have on people's lives, and she believes that sticking to a disciplined investment approach is what helps people achieve their goals.

Brad McMillan, Managing Principal, Wealth Management & Chief Investment Officer

Brad started at Commonwealth in 2006. As chief investment officer, he oversees Commonwealth's investment and asset management groups and is a frequent commentator on the financial markets, U.S. economic policy, and the global economy for national media outlets. Brad is viewed as our "wise counselor," helping advisors understand and navigate unexpected events and volatile markets to better protect and guide their clients.  

Brad believes the keystone of Commonwealth is the trust that exists among everyone in the Commonwealth community, from the partners, to the home staff, to the advisors. "We trust our advisors, and they trust us. And what makes it work is that trust is universally well deserved."

Rob Molinari, SVP, Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer

Rob joined Commonwealth in 2004. His main ongoing responsibility entails coordinating the firm's regulatory compliance efforts. When he isn't communicating with regulators, Rob works with home office departments on applying a reasonable, common-sense approach to their procedures. 

What's the hallmark of working at Commonwealth according to Rob? "My favorite thing about working at Commonwealth is the culture—and the people who contribute to enhancing it," he says. "The bonds and friendships motivate me to do my best work."

Rob enjoys spending time with family and friends and participating in various outdoor activities. 

Brian Price, Managing Principal, Investment Management and Research

Brian started at Commonwealth in 2003. As managing principal in the Investment Management and Research department, Brian oversees Commonwealth's research efforts and is primarily responsible for management of the PPS Select platform. He oversees the process that determines Commonwealth model portfolio allocations as well as key advisor resources, such as the Mutual Fund Recommended List and the ETF Resource Guide.

Brian believes that Commonwealth's secret sauce is the culture that permeates our home office as well as our advisors' offices. "Attending a Commonwealth event is like going to a high school or family reunion. The feelings of camaraderie and care are pervasive throughout, and it’s impossible to ignore the strong sense of community."

John Rooney, Managing Principal, San Diego 

John started at Commonwealth in 1988 and ever since has dedicated his career to our growth without compromising his fanatical devotion to quality and community. John opened and now manages our West Coast office in San Diego, California, where he is relied upon for his advice and perspective.  

John is especially vigilant about preserving Commonwealth's entrepreneurial, meritocratic culture, no matter how much the company grows.  

Besides voraciously reading about the financial industry and markets, John enjoys wine, golfing, following his hometown Philadelphia sports teams (especially the Eagles), and, most of all, spending time with his wife and three kids.  

Matthew Sugden, SVP, Compliance 

Matt has been with Commonwealth since April 2004. As senior vice president of compliance, he works with the home office and compliance leadership teams to ensure that Commonwealth’s business policies comply with industry regulations and, at the same time, allow for flexible solutions to address the specific circumstances of advisors and their clients.

“The home office community at Commonwealth is filled with hard-working, genuine people who have a common interest in providing the greatest experience to our advisors,” says Matt. “It’s rewarding to work with some of the best advisors in the country and help them navigate a complicated regulatory framework so they can help their clients meet their goals.”

Brian Sullivan, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer

Brian joined Commonwealth as its chief marketing officer in 2018. He brings creativity and vision in developing our overall corporate brand strategy and managing the execution of the company's corporate and advisor-facing marketing initiatives. These efforts include developing innovative marketing platforms, services, and strategies advisors can use to engage with their clients and achieve their business goals.

Brian considers Commonwealth's people to be truly extraordinary. "Loyalty and tradition here run deep," he says. "I have witnessed firsthand a group that doesn't take no for an answer in its mission to deliver unparalleled service for our advisors and a hunger to always do better."

Paul Tolley, Managing Principal, Chief Compliance Officer

Paul is managing principal, chief compliance officer (CCO), and has been with Commonwealth since August 2006. As CCO, he is responsible for establishing, administering, and enforcing Commonwealth's broker/dealer and investment adviser supervisory and compliance policies and procedures. He manages our Compliance and Licensing staff and steers Commonwealth's long-term compliance strategy, mission, and vision.

Paul is a vocal advocate for the independent advisor community and is actively engaged with industry regulators to support Commonwealth’s business model and reputation.

Peter Wheeler, Partner

Peter started at Commonwealth as a due diligence officer in 1984 and as a partner in the firm helps lead our strategic direction.

Commonwealth's strong sense of community is what Peter values most, in working with both his colleagues and our affiliated advisors. Over the years, he's enjoyed getting to know his employees and welcomes any opportunity to meet and speak with advisors both new and existing. 

Peter enjoys pastimes that keep him active, including skiing, surfing, windsurfing, and mountain biking.  

Joni Youngwirth, Partner Emeritus, Commonwealth Cares

Joni joined Commonwealth in 1998 as director of the Practice Management department and grew it from one-person to a team of 22 professionals. That team continues to grow and offer sophisticated services and programs to help advisors adopt best practices as small business owners. In 2020, Joni shifted gears to become executive director of the Commonwealth Cares Fund, and shifted again in 2024 to a “Partner Emeritus” role.

“Commonwealth has been there for me through thick and thin—just as a family would,” she says. “Whether working with advisors in the field or fellow employees, the people here are the cream of the crop. I’m lucky to have found Commonwealth.”