Karla A. Campbell

Chief Financial Officer

Karla joined the Connable Office in 2000 after working as an audit manager for an international public accounting firm. She is responsible for the leadership and oversight of trust operations, internal audit, and corporate accounting. In addition, she is involved in corporate compliance and information technology. Karla’s comprehensive knowledge of office operations and open door policy make her a valued resource and point person on a wide array of office matters.

Karla holds a B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Karla serves as the chairperson for the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program (KPEP) and is the former treasurer for a Michigan-based public charity.

Loyal (Trey) A. Eldridge III

Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director

Trey joined the Connable Office in 2001 after practicing corporate and real estate law at a large Detroit-based law firm. His attention to detail and his commitment to producing only the best quality work inspire the entire team to serve every client family above and beyond expectations.

Trey holds a J.D. from The Ohio State University and an A.B. in finance from Miami University (Ohio). He serves as an officer and director for a number of family foundations throughout the country and serves as an elected township trustee in Richland, Michigan. Trey is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations. Trey has also earned a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation.

Kenneth R. Larason

Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director

Ken joined the Connable Office in 2002 after several years of investment and mergers & acquisitions experience at some of the world’s most prominent financial services companies in New York City. Known for his empathy and his intuitive style of leadership, Ken’s strategic vision guides the firm’s investment management services through the markets. He provides visionary guidance, ensuring the delivery of unwavering results to every client family.

Ken earned an M.B.A. from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Wolverine Venture Fund. He also holds a B.S. in finance from Boston College and is a member of the CFA Society Chicago.

James C. Melvin

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Jamie joined the Connable Office in 1992 after practicing business law at a large Detroit-based law firm. During his tenure at the Connable Office, he has served in a variety of positions, including office legal counsel, senior trust officer, and president. Jamie’s engineering background helps him solve large-scale problems in unique ways. His love for people and new experiences gives him the ability to create deep, personal connections with both team members and client families.

Jamie earned a J.D., M.B.A., and B.S. in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan. He serves on the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Investment Advisory Committee and as an officer and director for a number of family foundations throughout the country. He is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations.

Bradley E. Weller

Chief Fiduciary Officer and Managing Director

Brad joined the Connable Office in 2001 after practicing trust and estate law at a large Grand Rapids-based law firm. He has a precise eye for detail and examines every situation through a long-term lens that utilizes his background in law and psychology. Known as an intuitive, relatable, and pragmatic person, Brad works seamlessly across multiple generations of client families to provide comprehensive and insightful advisory services.

Brad earned a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and an A.B. in psychology, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Michigan. He serves as an officer and director for numerous family foundations throughout the country and has served as a director of several local non-profit organizations. Brad is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations and is a member of the Trust Executive Committee for the Michigan Bankers Association.

Alex J. Blick

Investment Analyst

Alex supports all aspects of the firm's investment process including individual stock selection, manager selection, asset allocation, and client portfolio management. Alex joined the Connable Office in 2022 and holds a B.B.A. in finance from the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. Alex is a CFA® Level I Candidate.

Margaret M. Conway

Investments Operations Assistant

Margie provides comprehensive support and administrative assistance to the investment operations team. Margie joined the Connable Office in 2019 with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. Margie holds a B.A. in public history from Western Michigan University.

Jordan R. Feenstra

Director of Investment Research

Jordan joined the Connable Office in 2015 with 8 years of investment management and trust experience. Jordan supports all aspects of the firm’s investment process, including individual stock selection, manager selection, asset allocation, and client portfolio management.

Jordan holds an M.B.A. from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a B.A. in history from Grand Valley State University. Jordan is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of West Michigan.

Brian Fu

Investment Strategist

Brian supports all aspects of the firm’s investment process, including individual stock selection, manager selection, asset allocation, and client portfolio management. Brian joined the Connable Office in 2012 and holds a B.S. in finance and actuarial sciences from the Stern School of Business at New York University. Brian is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute.

Marie L. Kuberski

Senior Investment Coordinator

Marie is involved in a wide variety of responsibilities in the investment operations area, including performance reporting, trading and trade settlement, client portfolio review, and servicing of private equity and hedge fund investments. Marie joined the Connable Office in 2005 and holds an M.B.A. in finance and a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University.

Kenneth R. Larason

Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director

Ken joined the Connable Office in 2002 after several years of investment and mergers & acquisitions experience at some of the world’s most prominent financial services companies in New York City. Known for his empathy and his intuitive style of leadership, Ken’s strategic vision guides the firm’s investment management services through the markets. He provides visionary guidance, ensuring the delivery of unwavering results to every client family.

Ken earned an M.B.A. from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Wolverine Venture Fund. He also holds a B.S. in finance from Boston College and is a member of the CFA Society Chicago.

Jennifer L. Rankin

Investment Operations Manager

Jenny joined the Connable Office in 1990. She provides leadership and daily oversight in the areas of client portfolio review and investment operations, including securities trading, client portfolio analysis and financial planning, compliance, and project management.

Jenny holds a B.S. in psychology from Central Michigan University.

Sharla M. Silk

Investment Coordinator

Sharla's is involved with day-to-day servicing of client portfolios, investment operations compliance reporting, dividend interest processing, and trade settlement. Sharla joined the Connable Office in 2014 and studied political science at Kalamazoo College and is a Certified Securities Operations Professional (CSOP).

Kaitlyn K. Stadick

Executive Assistant

Katie works closely with the Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director. She also works closely with other members of the Investment Department and is responsible for the coordination and execution of numerous projects, meetings, and events. Katie joined the Connable Office in 2021 and has earned an A.A.S. in business administration and a Certificate in international studies from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She is currently completing her B.B.A. in business at Davenport University.

Jaime L. Barrett

Executive Assistant

Jaime works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director to serve the needs of client families. She is responsible for the administration and coordination of day-to-day services and is an ongoing resource for client families. Jaime joined the Connable Office in 2018 after 15 years of previous administrative and executive assistant financial and client service experience.

Kimberly A. Brinkman

Managing Director and Trust Officer

Kim joined the Connable Office in 2013 after working at the Internal Revenue Service in the Large Business and International Tax Division. Prior to working at the IRS, she was a general associate at a local law firm and financial analyst for the City of Kalamazoo. Her legal and tax experience provide the foundation for her work with client families, along with her caring nature and positivity that builds connections.

Kim earned a J.D. from WMU-Cooley Law School and a B.A. in accountancy and B.B.A. in business management from Nazareth College. She serves on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Kalamazoo, Michigan and the Finance and Investment/Endowment Committees. Kim is also a member of the Trust Tax Committee for the Michigan Bankers Association and the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations. She has earned Certified Trust and Financial Advisor and Certified IRA Services Professional designations.

Erica H. Deubner

Executive Assistant

Erica works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director to serve the needs of client families. With a commitment to detail and timeliness, she is responsible for the administration and coordination of day-to-day services and is an ongoing resource for client families. Erica joined the Connable Office in 2022. She holds a B.S. in business administration from Robert B. Miller College.

Michelle T. Dratt

Executive Legal Assistant and Compliance Specialist

Michelle provides legal support to the Managing Directors in the corporate and compliance areas. She is responsible for coordinating real estate matters, account loan documentation, and corporate compliance. Michelle joined the Connable Office in 2014 after 20 years of legal assistant experience with various law firms. Michelle holds a B.A. in university studies from Western Michigan University.

Loyal (Trey) A. Eldridge III

Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director

Trey joined the Connable Office in 2001 after practicing corporate and real estate law at a large Detroit-based law firm. His attention to detail and his commitment to producing only the best quality work inspire the entire team to serve every client family above and beyond expectations.

Trey holds a J.D. from The Ohio State University and an A.B. in finance from Miami University (Ohio). He serves as an officer and director for a number of family foundations throughout the country and serves as an elected township trustee in Richland, Michigan. Trey is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations. Trey has also earned a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation.

Mary L. Gideon

Executive Legal Assistant and Fiduciary Accounts Specialist

Mary provides administrative support to the Chief Fiduciary Officer and the Fiduciary Counsel. She is responsible for coordinating client estate planning matters and maintaining estate planning documents. Mary provides administrative support, day-to-day servicing of client and account needs, and is an ongoing resource for client families. Mary joined the Connable Office in 2015 after 20 years of previous administrative and legal assistant experience. Mary holds a M.S. in library and information science and a Certificate of Advance Studies in information technology management from Syracuse University.

James C. Melvin

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Jamie joined the Connable Office in 1992 after practicing business law at a large Detroit-based law firm. During his tenure at the Connable Office, he has served in a variety of positions, including office legal counsel, senior trust officer, and president. Jamie’s engineering background helps him solve large-scale problems in unique ways. His love for people and new experiences gives him the ability to create deep, personal connections with both team members and client families.

Jamie earned a J.D., M.B.A., and B.S. in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan. He serves on the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Investment Advisory Committee and as an officer and director for a number of family foundations throughout the country. He is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations.

Amy M. Munie

Executive Assistant and Foundation Administrator

Amy works closely with the Trust Officer and Managing Director to serve the needs of client families. She is responsible for the administration and coordination of day-to-day services and is an ongoing resource for client families. She is also responsible for organizing and coordinating the administration of client foundations. Amy joined the Connable Office in 1994 and holds a B.A. in finance from Western Michigan University.

Sarah E. Reed

Paralegal and Estate Administration Specialist

Sarah provides paralegal support to the estate planning and administration team and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of estate and probate administration. Sarah joined the Connable Office in 2018 with over 10 years of previous paralegal experience working at law firms in California and Michigan and is a direct resource to client families and outside advisors. Sarah holds a B.A. in social relations and policy and political theory and constitutional democracy from James Madison College at Michigan State University.

Maria L. Schneider

Executive Assistant

Maria works closely with the Chief Fiduciary Officer and Managing Director to serve the needs of client families. With a commitment to detail and timeliness, she is responsible for the administration and coordination of day-to-day services and is an ongoing resource for client families.  Maria joined the Connable Office in 2023 bringing several years of administrative, legal support, and non-profit management experience with her.  Maria holds a M.M. in music from University of South California.  She also holds a B.M. in music from Temple University and a Pre-College diploma from Juilliard.

Todd W. Simpson

Fiduciary Counsel

Todd joined the Connable Office in 2015 after 13 years in private practice as an estate planning attorney at a large West Michigan-based law firm, where he served as a partner and chaired the firm’s trusts and estates drafting committee. A primary aspect of his practice was tax-efficient intra-family wealth transfers. Prior to attending law school, Todd was a trust officer and estate settlement specialist for a Midwest-based regional bank. Todd provides guidance and oversight for the design and implementation of estate plans, related transactions, and tax returns for client families.

Todd earned his J.D. and B.S. in economics and physics from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations. Todd is also a member of the Trust Counsel Committee for the Michigan Bankers Association and has earned the designation of Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy.

Erica M. Vanneste-Weber

Client Service and Foundation Specialist

Erica works closely with the Managing Directors to serve the needs of client families. With a commitment to detail and timeliness, she is responsible for coordinating client projects, managing foundation outreach, and reviewing and processing foundation grant requests. Erica joined the Connable Office in 2017 and holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership from Grand Valley State University. She also holds a B.A. in political science from Kalamazoo College.

Bradley E. Weller

Chief Fiduciary Officer and Managing Director

Brad joined the Connable Office in 2001 after practicing trust and estate law at a large Grand Rapids-based law firm. He has a precise eye for detail and examines every situation through a long-term lens that utilizes his background in law and psychology. Known as an intuitive, relatable, and pragmatic person, Brad works seamlessly across multiple generations of client families to provide comprehensive and insightful advisory services.

Brad earned a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and an A.B. in psychology, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Michigan. He serves as an officer and director for numerous family foundations throughout the country and has served as a director of several local non-profit organizations. Brad is a member of the Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, and American Bar Associations and is a member of the Trust Executive Committee for the Michigan Bankers Association.

Teresa L. Butler

Senior Accountant

Teresa is involved in all aspects within the accounting team, including client account activity, client reporting, and foundation accounting, as well as serving as the office's trust accounting software liaison. Teresa joined the Connable Office in 2002 with 15 years experience in banking and project management. Teresa earned a B.B.A. in finance from Western Michigan University.

Karla A. Campbell

Chief Financial Officer

Karla joined the Connable Office in 2000 after working as an audit manager for an international public accounting firm. She is responsible for the leadership and oversight of trust operations, internal audit, and corporate accounting. In addition, she is involved in corporate compliance and information technology. Karla’s comprehensive knowledge of office operations and open door policy make her a valued resource and point person on a wide array of office matters.

Karla holds a B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Karla serves as the chairperson for the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program (KPEP) and is the former treasurer for a Michigan-based public charity.

Anne M. Fassler

Client Tax Advisor

Anne joined the Connable Office in 1997. Prior to joining the Connable Office, Anne worked for two international accounting firms. Her years of tax experience with high-net-worth families and client service skills add to the high-level tax compliance and planning provided to client families.

Anne holds a B.B.A. in accountancy from Michigan State University and is a Certified Public Accountant and Cannon Trust Tax School graduate. She served as President of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Treasurer of the Hospital Hospitality House, and Investment and Audit Committee member for the YWCA of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Anne serves as a Board member and Finance Committee member for the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Anne is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Brooke N. Gibson

Tax Accountant

Brooke administers the individual tax compliance processes for client families and provides support for the tax team. She joined the Connable Office in 2021. Brooke earned a B.B.A. in accounting from Western Michigan University.

Sara L. Guthrie

Accountant

Sara is involved in a variety of areas within the accounting team, including dividend and cash processing, client and account needs, foundation accounting, and client payroll. She joined the Connable Office in 2013 and she is currently completing her B.B.A. in accountancy at Davenport University.

Michaela S. Hernandez-Haw

Accountant

Michaela is involved in a variety of areas within the accounting team, including cash processing, client and account needs, and common trust fund accounting. Michaela joined the Connable Office in 2019 and earned a B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University.

Stephanie L. Kranstz

Senior Accountant

Stephanie is involved in all aspects within the accounting team, including client account activity, client payroll, and corporate accounting. Stephanie joined the Connable Office in 1999 with 7 years of experience in financial services and trust operations. Stephanie earned a B.B.A. in finance from Saginaw Valley State University.

Tiana A. Reynolds

Tax Coordinator

Tiana coordinates the tax processes, drafts correspondence to taxing authorities, and provides direct support to the Senior Tax Manager and broad support to the tax team. She joined the Connable Office in 2023. Tiana earned an A.A. in general studies from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, with a significant background in Tax and Accounting.

Sonia A. Wilkerson

Fiduciary Tax Accountant

Sonia joined the Connable Office in 1999. Prior to joining the Connable Office, she worked as an accountant for a large Kalamazoo-based pharmaceutical company. Sonia is responsible for the fiduciary, foundation, and IRA tax compliance services for client families. Sonia earned an A.A.S. in accountancy from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is a graduate of the Cannon Trust Tax School.

Tamara J. Krafft

Administrative Assistant

Tamara provides initial in-person and telephone contact with clients and outside persons, ensuring a warm welcome to all. In addition, she provides broad administrative support to the entire Connable team. Tamara joined the Connable Office in 2021 and holds a B.A. in English and psychology, and a Graduate Certificate in professional writing (editing), both from the University of Canberra in Australia.

Brandi S. Markle

Human Resources Assistant and Facilities Coordinator

Brandi assists with benefits administration, talent selection, onboarding, and support to the quarterly report preparation and distribution process. She also coordinates facility maintenance and updates. Brandi joined the Connable Office in 2022 and earned an A.A. in liberal arts from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Michael Z. Segal

IT and Cybersecurity Manager

Mike joined the Connable Office in 2019 with over 20 years of experience in the financial services information technology industry. He is responsible for all aspects of information technology and cybersecurity. Mike collaborates with senior management and each department to ensure financial technology compliance and provide technical management, support, and planning.

Mike earned a B.A. in computer science and mathematics from Kalamazoo College and holds numerous certifications. He served on the Technology Committee Board for the National Investment Company Service Association and has coached several successful CyberPatriot High School teams. He is a member of InfraGard, a Leadership Kalamazoo alumnus, and serves on the board of Advia Credit Union.

Danielle N. Wright

Senior Human Resources Manager

Danielle joined the Connable Office in 2016 after several years of experience in the human resources industry. She is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the organization’s human resources by developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and human resource policies, programs, and practices. She is responsible for oversight and leadership of the administrative and executive administrative personnel.

Danielle holds a B.S. in interdisciplinary health services from Western Michigan University and a Senior Professional in Human Resources^™ designation from the Human Resources Certification Institute^™. Danielle is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, the Michigan Society of Human Resource Management, and the Kalamazoo Human Resource Management Association.