Address: 529 5th Ave Suite 500, New York, NY, 10110
Tom Winnick
Maka Ellis
Molly Fitzsimons
Business Development Associate
As a Business Development Associate at ARS Investment Partners, I support our distribution efforts by acquiring, developing, and managing relationships with institutional clients. I hold a B.S. in Business in Technology Management with a concentration in Financial Strategy from New York University. I’m passionate about helping clients preserve and grow their capital, and I’m proud to represent a firm that takes a thoughtful, client-first approach. Before joining ARS, I worked in fashion e-commerce, where I discovered how much I enjoy building meaningful relationships and contributing to something greater than myself. I feel lucky and motivated to be part of a team where we are dedicated students of the global economy and financial markets. Every day, I’m inspired by the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and make an impact.
Client Services Associate
Samuel Alabre is a Client Service Associate with over four years of experience in financial services, fintech, and client relationship management. He specializes in delivering high-quality client support, managing complex transactions, and enhancing operational efficiency. Samuel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a focus in Psychology from Dominican University and a Master of Business Administration from Albertus Magnus College.
Business Development Associate
As a Business Development Associate at ARS Investment Partners, my primary responsibilities involve supporting the firm’s distribution efforts by acquiring, developing, and managing relationships with institutions. I am thrilled to be part of a team that is dedicated to excellence and continuous learning in the global economy and financial markets.
Before joining ARS Investment Partners, I worked at Clearnomics, a startup focused on providing market and economic insights for advisors. This experience honed my skills in market analysis and client relationship management, preparing me well for my current position.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University, where I also played Division 1 Basketball and served as Team Captain. Graduating in May 2022, my time at Columbia taught me the value of leadership, teamwork, and dedication—qualities that I bring to my professional life every day.
My motivation lies in knowing that I represent ARS Investment Partners. As perpetual students of the global economy and financial markets, I could not be more excited to be a part of this business. I genuinely enjoy waking up each day to do what I love, learning from my colleagues, and making an impact in any way I can.
Outside of work, I am a big fan of sports, particularly Boxing and MMA. In my free time, I enjoy working on my fitness, socializing with friends, and exploring new restaurants and activities in NYC. These interests help me maintain a balanced and fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.
Director of Business Development
Tom Winnick joined ARS in 2020 as Director of Business Development responsible for the firm’s distribution effort. Tom has 30 years of experience in sales and distribution for financial institutions. Prior to joining ARS, he was Managing Director in The Private Client Group at Oppenheimer Funds where he was responsible for distribution through Private Banks, Trust Banks and Family Offices in the mid-Atlantic region. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Institutional Services, at Franklin Square Capital Partners where he launched the firm’s efforts to distribute to RIAs, Private Banks and Trust Companies. Prior to Franklin Square, Tom was Managing Director at Dreman Value Management where he was responsible for all distribution and marketing efforts. Previously, Tom was President at DWS Distributors where he held responsibility for all facets of intermediary distribution including sales and account management for the Broker Dealer, Banks and Independent Channels. From 1993 to 2002, Tom held various sales management and leadership responsibilities with Dreyfus Service Corporation including creating their Financial Institutions Group, launching their separately managed account platform and overseeing the national key account group. He received a BA in Business Management from Temple University.
Managing Partner
Stephen Burke joined ARS in June of 2007. Previously, he was the CEO of Deutsche Asset Management’s $165 billion Institutional Business in the Americas, serving the Defined Benefit, Insurance, and Cash Management segments. Stephen joined Deutsche after a 21-year career at the Mellon Financial Corporation where he served as Vice Chairman of Standish Mellon Asset Management and was responsible for institutional sales, marketing, and client services. Before joining Standish, he was the President of Dreyfus’ Marketing and Advertising Division. Stephen holds a BA from Gettysburg College.
Partner
Sean Lawless entered the industry in 1987, primarily specializing in investment manager selection and due diligence for families and institutions. At ARS, Sean is lead portfolio manager responsible for developing multi-strategy portfolios. Prior to joining ARS, Sean joined Artemis Wealth, LLC (and its predecessor firm Modern Asset Management) in 2006 and provided investment advisory services using a manager of managers approach. Previously, Sean was Head of Multimanager – Americas for HSBC and a voting member of the Global Multimanager Investment Committee that was responsible for setting policy and manager selection for HSBC’s global sub-advisory businesses. He is a CFA charter holder, a member of the CFA Institute and the New York Society of Security Analysts and received a BS in Economics from Southern Connecticut State University.
Client Services Associate
Rachel Shulman graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Human Development and Family Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Rachel began working at ARS as an intern in June of 2019 and moved to a full-time role as Project Manager in April of 2021.
Client Services Associate
Rachel Shulman graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Human Development and Family Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Rachel began working at ARS as an intern in June of 2019 and moved to a full-time role as Project Manager in April of 2021.
Partner
Ross Taylor’s professional investing experience began in 1984 as a portfolio manager. Prior to joining ARS, Ross was the Chief Investment Officer for Somerset Capital Advisers, LLC beginning in 2009. He previously served as a Managing Director and Principal of Caxton Associates, LLC (“Caxton”). At Caxton he managed an active equity product utilizing a value-driven strategy. Prior to joining Caxton, Ross worked at U.S. Trust Company, rising to Senior Vice President and Manager of Institutional Equity and Balanced Investing. Before that Ross worked at Management Asset Corporation from 1986 to 1987, and Brundage, Story, and Rose from 1984 to 1986. Ross received a BS in Economics from the University of Puget Sound and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Portfolio Manager
Nitin Sacheti joined ARS in 2020. Prior to joining ARS, he was the Founder and Portfolio Manager of Papyrus Capital, an intrinsic value focused, long/short equity fund. Before founding Papyrus, Nitin was a Senior Analyst with Equity Contribution at Charter Bridge Capital where he managed the firm’s investments in the technology, media and telecom sectors as well as select consumer investments. Previously, Nitin was a Senior Analyst at Cobalt Capital, managing the firm’s technology, media and telecom investments. Prior to Cobalt, he was a Senior Analyst at Tiger Europe Management. Nitin began his investment career in 2006 at Ampere Capital Management, a consumer, media, telecom and technology focused investment firm, initially as a Junior Analyst, later becoming Assistant Portfolio Manager. He received a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago and was a visiting undergraduate student in Economics at Harvard University.
Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Kristen Niebuhr joined ARS in 2017 and has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. At ARS she serves as the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Kristen was Director of Practical Compliance at MarketCounsel, a compliance consulting firm. Prior to that role, she served as President of Source Financial Advisors, launched in September of 2012. Beginning in 2009, she served as Chief Administrative Officer of Alexandra & James, a holding company encompassing A&J Advisory Services, Lebenthal, A&J Family Wealth Management, and Smith Divorce Strategies. Before joining A&J, Kristen started in 2007 with the newly-formed Constellation Wealth Advisors, overseeing their advisory and broker-dealer operations. From 2001 through 2007, she had her own consulting firm, specializing in start-up and ongoing support to advisors and hedge funds. From 1995 through 2001, she was Director of Operations and Compliance at Somerset Capital Advisers, LLC. She spent 1987 through 1995 in various roles at Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney. She received a BA in Economics from Boston University.
Head Trader
Rich Motta joined ARS in 2000 after spending seven years with H.C. Wainwright (“HCW”) in Boston. He is a fully licensed equity trader with 21 years of experience. As an equity trader at ARS, he uses multiple trading platforms, charts, news services, and constantly monitors market conditions in his efforts for best execution. While working as a Sales Trader at HCW, he covered multiple billion-dollar accounts in the New England area including Fidelity, Putnam, John Hancock, and MFS. He received a BS in Marketing from Bentley College.
Compliance Associate
Jose joined ARS in 2021 as a Compliance Associate with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining the firm, Jose served as the Compliance Manager, N.A. with Bank of New York Mellon. Previously, Jose worked as a Chief Compliance Officer for Genesis Investment Advisors, LLC and Genesis Fund Management, LLC. He began his career with Zesiger Capital Group, LLC and Nomura Securities International, Inc. Jose has a BA from Lehigh University and a JD from Boston University School of Law.
Portfolio Manager
Greg joined ARS in 2022 as a Portfolio Manager with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining the firm, Greg served as a Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management covering foundations, public companies, endowments and high-net-worth individuals. Previously, Greg worked in equity sales and trading covering a wide range of institutional investors and hedge funds for both Citi Global Markets and Telsey Advisory Group. He began his career with Smith Barney. Greg has a BA from Pepperdine University.
Director of Operations
Charles Stewart joined ARS in 2005. Charles began his career in the financial services industry in 1996. Prior to joining the firm, Charles was an equity trader and principal at ARS Management, an unaffiliated research firm and broker-dealer. He received a BA in History from Denison University.
Controller
Brian Molinaro joined ARS in 2002. He previously worked for KPMG LLP as an auditor in their Financial Services Office. Brian started out as an accountant at the firm. He has worked closely with the operations department and managed to greatly improve the efficiency of day-to-day operations by incorporating many technological advances that have improved workflows for the entire firm. He received a BBA in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame.
Senior Partner
Prior to founding ARS Investment Partners, LLC, Arnold Schmeidler was Vice President at A.W. Benkert & Company. He earned a BS in Economics from New York University and an MS in Finance from Columbia University, where he studied under David Bonbright, a protégé of David Dodd (Graham & Dodd). Over the course of his career, he has been quoted and/or interviewed by such publications as Barron’s, Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor, International Herald Tribune, Money Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Transcript, and The Wall Street Journal.
Partner
Andrew Schmeidler joined ARS in 1992 and has over 25 years of portfolio management and research experience. Andrew served as Vice Chairman of A.R. Schmeidler & Co. Inc. prior to the business combination with ARS. He continues to manage accounts for corporations, foundations, and high net-worth clients. Earlier in his career at A.R. Schmeidler/ARS, he was a portfolio manager and research analyst covering multiple sectors with a focus on the banking and semiconductor capital equipment industries. In 2002 he returned to ARS after spending two years as a founding member and Senior Vice President of GasPedal Ventures, LLC, an internet incubator and business development consultancy. Andrew has a BA in Government from Skidmore College.
Director of Client Services
Allison Hine is Director of Client Services at ARS. Previously, Allison was the Director of Client Services and Administration at Somerset Capital Advisers, LLC which she joined in 2005. Prior to that, she worked in a number of operational capacities at the Yale University Book Store. She received a BA in Government and Philosophy from Hamilton College.