Jeff Paustian

CEO

503-446-6450
jpaustian@jgpwealth.com

Jeff co-founded JGP Wealth Management in 2001 and is responsible for much of the innovation behind our team’s investment strategy and service-oriented approach. He is an advocate and enjoys the individually-focused problem-solving that is required to serve each JGP client’s unique financial needs. His drive is to take care of people, and he appreciates the intimacy shared with clients, as well as the opportunity to contribute to helping them realize the life they want to live.  

Nominated by our clients and his peers for his professionalism, Jeff was recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager by Portland Monthly Magazine, as well as a Premier Wealth Advisor and Top Wealth Manager by The Portland Business Journal.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Jeff began his financial career with U.S. Bancorp in 1989. He later moved on to become a senior vice president and professional sales manager at Merrill Lynch, where his duties ranged from training new advisors and executing day-to-day portfolio management to developing and implementing business plans for the Oregon market.

Jeff formerly served on the Children’s Cancer Association, Arlington Club and Central Catholic High School Endowment board of directors. Additionally, he is a mentor for the Harrington Family Foundation Scholarship Program, as well as a member of the Multnomah Athletic Club and Irvington Club. Married for over 30 years and a father of four who enthusiastically supports his children’s many activities and interests, Jeff enjoys hiking, traveling, reading and being outdoors.

• Favorite way to spend a free day? A long, difficult hike!
• Do you have a favorite quote? “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” – Ben Franklin
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? Every Sunday we host Family Dinner and this grand event would include guests ranging from my Grandmother, Charlie Munger, Ben Franklin, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Eddie Vedder, Phil Knight, John Wooden, and of course, Molly and our family.
• Do you collect anything? Wine.

Kevin Sanger

Chief Operating Officer

503-446-6450
ksanger@jgpwealth.com

Kevin is a co-founder and managing partner at JGP Wealth Management. Kevin takes pride in his ability to ascertain his clients’ deepest values so he can better meet their unique — and often complex — financial objectives. His JGP teammates admire his integrity and dependability: “Kevin is the most ethical guy I’ve met and he is always willing to make the hard decision.” 

As chief operating officer, he is responsible for maintaining the high-quality service and efficiency that define JGP Wealth Management’s business practices. His career began at Merrill Lynch. In 2001, when JGP Wealth Management was established, he fulfilled his mission of creating a thriving, Portland-based practice that is committed to the highest standards of ethics and rooted in the idea of always putting client needs and interests first.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Kevin has a degree in finance from the Mendoza School of Business. Married and a father of four, he resides in Northeast Portland. In his free time, he enjoys golf, Portland’s live music scene and keeping up with the Fighting Irish.

• Favorite way to spend a free day? Outdoors either golfing, hiking or listening to music.
• Favorite ice cream flavor? Cherry Garcia.
• Do you have a favorite quote? “Travel is the death of all prejudice.” — Mark Twain
• Do you have a favorite family recipe? My wife’s pasta.

Joseph Gross, CDFA®

First Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor

503-446-6450
jgross@jgpwealth.com

Joe brings over three decades of experience in the financial industry to our clients.  As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), he has developed a unique set of skills to address the special financial issues of divorce.  As a former vice-president at Merrill Lynch, he is proud to have served as a professional development coordinator, providing mentorship and training for new financial advisors. 

Joe works hard to provide the very best service for his clients. He is tenacious about keeping clients on track with their financial goals and helping to see them through to the finish line. The team at JGP appreciate Joe’s confidence and the ease with which he communicates and interacts with clients. He is proud of the reputation JGP Wealth Management has earned since its establishment in 2001. 

Outside of his professional duties, Joe is involved with organizations close to his heart and enjoys being involved in the community. He is a former president and current board member of the ALS Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington. He is also a long-time member The Multnomah Athletic Club.   In his free time, Joe enjoys fly fishing, spending time with his family and cheering on his Alma Mater, the University of Arizona.

• Favorite way to spend a free day? Fishing.
• What would you sing on karaoke night? “NY, NY” by Frank Sinatra.
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? My mom.
• What is your favorite holiday? Fourth of July.

Jake Withnell, CPA, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor and Reinsurance Team Lead

503-446-6450
jwithnell@jgpwealth.com

Jake has been with JGP since 2018. Prior to his joining the team, he worked primarily in the accounting field as a Certified Public Accountant with KPMG, auditing financial statements and assisting businesses and individuals with tax returns while working at Eide Bailly.  Jake utilizes this detail-oriented experience to now play a key role in JGP’s portfolio management process, building and analyzing financial models and conducting client cash flow analysis. 

Growing up in the Willamette Valley, Jake has deep roots in the Northwest. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Eastern Washington University.  He also played tight end for the Eastern Washington University Eagles, all while earning four-time Big Sky Conference First Team All-Academic honors. Jake brings this same athletic work ethic and dedication to his clients at JGP.

In his free time, Jake enjoys many of the outdoor activities the Northwest has to offer. When he’s not outside, he likes to volunteer with the Children’s Cancer Association, Family Building Blocks and New Avenues for Youth.  

• Favorite way to spend a free day? I love to travel and get out of town on long weekends. Family beach house in Seaside is a favorite.

• Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse or drive a car? Car all day…a supercharged car.

• Do you have a favorite quote? “The single most important distinction in life is to distinguish between an opportunity to be seized and a temptation to be resisted.” — Rabbi Sacks

• Have you ever had a surprise party? My claim to fame is throwing the best surprise parties. Waiting for someone to return the favor…

Kendra Biller

Financial Advisor

kbiller@jgpwealth.com

Kendra is among the best in the business. She is passionate about ensuring our clients’ experience is unsurpassed. She accomplishes this by actively engaging with clients throughout the investment planning process. She takes responsibility for proactively coordinating communication with our clients at times when there are complex financial and business service relationships. 

Kendra joined JGP Wealth Management in 2015, bringing with her almost two decades of experience in the industry to the team. Her teammates appreciate her accountability and willingness to share her seasoned knowledge.  

A graduate of the University of Idaho, Kendra has spent most of her life in the Portland area. Married with one daughter, she is a strong supporter of the Oregon Humane Society and SOLVE. She also volunteers in her daughter’s classroom as often as possible. Kendra and her family enjoy traveling, wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest, cooking at home and taking long walks in their neighborhood.

• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? My dad.
• Do you have a favorite family recipe? Corn cakes.
• What is your favorite holiday? Good Friday.
• Do you collect anything? Street change walking to work. A quarter is a big day.

William Paustian, CFP®

Financial Advisor

503-446-6450
wpaustian@jgpwealth.com

Since joining the JGP family in 2020, Will has played an integral role in the firm by combining his knowledge of the financial world with a strong and dedicated work ethic in order to help our clients achieve their financial goals. Will is known for his commitment to walking our clients through everything they face in their financial lives, celebrating their victories along the way. He specializes in serving winery and vineyard owners, as well as business owners planning to pursue an exit, tailoring his solutions to fit their unique financial challenges and opportunities.

When it comes to tailoring plans, Will and the JGP team offer customized solutions to help clients achieve their goals. Vineyard and winery owners benefit from JGP's Cash Flow Planning, Investment Management, Tax Coordination, Retirement Planning, Transaction Analysis, and Lending Guidance, amongst many other offerings. Will's industry knowledge and broad network generate confidence and high quality results for our clients, particularly leading up to, and directly after, a transaction event or a cash windfall.

Will graduated from the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College and the Lundquist College of Business studying Finance and Entrepreneurship with a minor in Economics. He also spent six months in the U.K., studying behavioral economics at the University of Oxford. He attended the University of Oregon as a recipient of the Stamps Leadership Scholarship. During his four years at the University of Oregon, he served as the student trustee on the Universities Board of Trustees. In the summer of 2018 Will also worked as an Intern with Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis in the Financial Advisor Practice Consulting Group.

Will's interests include wine, music, travel, fishing, hiking, and Duck football. Will volunteers with the University of Oregon Lundquist College of Business 40 Under Forty Advisory Board, ¡Salud! The Oregon Pinot Noir Auction and the Central Catholic High School Alumni Board.

• Favorite way to spend a free day?Hiking the Gorge with family and friends followed by lunch and a beer at Sugarpine Drive-in
• Favorite sports team? Oregon Ducks football and the Portland Trailblazers.
• Do you have a favorite quote? “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” –Roger Staubach
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? The Dalai Lama, John Wooden, or Lady Gaga

Christopher Jones, CFP®

Financial Advisor 

(971) 414-7224
cjones@jgpwealth.com

Chris joined JGP Wealth Management in 2022 and brings over 15 years of experience in Financial Services, including over a decade with Fidelity Investments. Whether it’s family dynamics or crunching the numbers, Chris thrives in complex situations that require the next level of depth with family and financial planning.

Chris was born and raised in Virginia and has spent most of his professional career living in the Southeastern U.S.

Chris obtained dual bachelor’s degrees from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in North Carolina focusing on Business Management and Psychology. He also has the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation.

Chris enjoys getting out on the trails for a long run, playing guitar and singing, and traveling to see sporting events or live music performances with his wife, Shannon. They also enjoy coffee shops, breweries, and wineries.

• Favorite way to spend a free day? Anything and everything with my wife, Shannon. It could be a simple and relaxing day at home, heading out to a trail for a run/hike, traveling to a new city to explore, or dinner with friends.
• Favorite sports team? I grew up in Northern Virginia and am a fan of all Washington sports teams.
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? I would love to have had the chance to meet Carl Sagan. Neil deGrasse Tyson can still happen!
• What’s your favorite holiday? Christmas, everything else is a distant second!
• What kitchen appliance do you use every day? I make pour-over coffee every morning at home. I use a scale/timer, water kettle, bean grinder, and the Chemex Glass Pour-Over Coffee Maker. The best way to start the day!
• Dream travel spot? Switzerland where we would take the trains through the mountains to the different small towns.

Shannon Jones, CFA, CFP®

Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Consultant

sjones@jgpwealth.com

Shannon joined JGP Wealth Management in 2018 from Atlanta, GA as the Senior Research and Planning Analyst. Now our Senior Portfolio Manager, she is the head of our investment committee and oversees key areas such as investment research and analysis, portfolio management and performance, and capital market assumptions.

Shannon is someone you can rely on for well-researched and accurate information. Starting in the industry in 2005, she previously worked as an Associate Wealth Manager at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where she was responsible for the management of high-net-worth client portfolios and relationships. Her prior experience also includes time at Fidelity Investments and Bank of America.

Shannon received both her bachelor’s degree in finance and M.B.A. from Florida State University. She is a lifelong learner and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designations.

Shannon enjoys cooking, pilates, and hiking with her husband, Chris. They also enjoy craft beer and wine tasting. Shannon is an avid sports fan, but is most passionate about soccer and FSU sports.

• Favorite sports team? My favorite sports team is Atlanta United.
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? Audrey Hepburn.
• Do you have a favorite quote? “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” — Henry David Thoreau
• Do you have a favorite family recipe? My grandmother’s chocolate meringue pie.

Andrew Bennison, M.B.A., J.D

Associate Advisor & Portfolio Management Strategist

503-446-6450

Andrew joined JGP in June 2021 during his final year of law school at Pennsylvania State University. He completed his MBA in finance in 2020, also from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining the team, Andrew worked in corporate finance for a large multinational firm headquartered in the Northwest where he gained invaluable experience in financial statement analysis and modeling.

Andrew’s diverse range of experience provides unique value to JGP’s portfolio management process and enables him to serve a wide array of client needs.

Andrew grew up in Northeast Portland and attended Central Catholic High School. He graduated cum laude from Syracuse University in Philosophy/Logic. Andrew also ran Division I cross-country and track, receiving ACC honors in track and capping off his career with a team national title win in cross-country.

Andrew enjoys a good book, golf in the summer, skiing in the winter, and spending time with his dogs and family year-round.

• Favorite way to spend a free day? Early morning coffee and crossword (my Mom’s routine) followed by a round of golf (my Dad’s routine), grilling, and an after dinner walk with the dogs.
• If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? Hands down, no sleep. Imagine how much you could accomplish! Of the traditional powers, time travel. Investing would be so much easier!
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? Any of the constitutional framers. So many issues could be resolved!
• Dream travel spot? Playing Augusta National Golf Course.

Emma Priser

Chief of Staff

503-446-6450
epriser@jgpwealth.com

Emma serves as Chief of Staff at JGP Wealth Management, where she is dedicated to cultivating a strong company culture, overseeing firm improvement initiatives, and supporting strategic planning. Her passion for operational excellence and team collaboration drives her to continuously enhance the company’s internal processes and culture.

She joined JGP in 2020, bringing with her wide-ranging experience in real estate and finance. Prior to this, Emma spent four years as a licensed real estate agent managing Class A properties in downtown Portland, where she built strong relationships with members of the Portland community while leading commercial space improvement projects and construction at TMT Development. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Emma received the TMT Development President's Award in 2019. In 2020, she was honored as one of the International Institute of Real Estate’s 30 Under 30. Earlier in her career, Emma worked at UBS Financial Services from 2014 to 2016, gaining valuable experience across multiple roles.

Emma firmly believes in the value of working to individual strengths within a collaborative team environment. She is a Kolbe Certified™ Consultant, a Working Genius Certified Facilitator, and an Associate Professional in Human Resources, bringing expertise in both team dynamics and organizational development. With a strong focus on organizational communication and global leadership, Emma earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from the University of Portland. Her passion for cross-cultural experiences also led her to spend a year studying abroad in Austria, further enriching her global perspective.

In her free time, Emma enjoys paddle boarding, baking, and spending time outdoors with her husband Tait, and their son Teddy.  

Ryan Coffee, CFP®

Senior Financial Planner

rcoffee@jgpwealth.com

Ryan joined JGP Wealth Management in 2019. Before coming to JGP, Ryan was a financial manager at Opus Agency, a brand events and marketing agency based in Portland. He enjoys building out plans to help our clients stay on track to reach their financial goals.

Ryan graduated from Miami University with bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Spanish. He obtained his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2021. A lover of the outdoors, he spent a year in Peru traveling, hiking and working on his Spanish before moving to Portland in December of 2016. 

In his free time, Ryan enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, baking bread, and spending time with his wife, children, and dog. 

• Favorite way to spend a free day? Drinking coffee, hiking with my wife and dog and ending the day with some good food and wine or beer.
• Favorite sports team? Portland Trail Blazers.
• If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? My head says pizza, but my heart says bahn mi.
• Have you ever had a surprise party? Yes, my wife totally surprised me with a birthday party last year. She got me good, and I was totally shocked.

Sarinah Gigliotti, CFP®

Financial Planning Associate

971-257-6383
sgigliotti@jgpwealth.com

Sarinah joined JGP in 2021 on the operations team and has since transitioned to her current role as a Financial Planning Associate. During her time at JGP, Sarinah has developed a strong passion for making finance more accessible and approachable, particularly for those, like herself, who were not exposed to economic principles growing up. As a Financial Planner, she is dedicated to providing clients with peace of mind regarding their savings and spending decisions, ensuring that financial planning is both inclusive and empowering. Sarinah aims to help clients achieve financial stability while pursuing their personal passions without financial stress.

Sarinah holds a BA in Psychology with Honors from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In 2024, she earned her CFP®, a significant milestone that reflects her commitment to excellence and her dedication to serving clients with the highest standards.

Outside of her professional life, Sarinah enjoys discovering Portland's best restaurants, practicing yoga, brewing beer with her husband, and indulging in her love of reading. Her balanced approach to life enhances her ability to connect with clients and support their financial journeys, ensuring they have the freedom to explore what they are truly passionate about.

• Favorite way to spend a free day? Relaxing with my husband and dog – preferably outdoors hiking or spending time in the backyard with a good book and a beer.
• If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? Having the ability to fly would be amazing, but I would really love to always have exact pocket change for whatever I am purchasing no matter the price. Pocket change as a superpower is less flashy, but more functional.
• Do you have a favorite family recipe? Pumpkin pie – my grandfather was a baker and passed down the recipe to my mom. I try to make it at least once a year.
• What was your first job? Assistant preschool teacher

Salle Smith

Senior Client Service Associate

503-446-4478
ssmith@jgpwealth.com

Salle joined JGP Wealth Management in 2018 as a senior client service associate. She began her career in the financial services industry in 1995 as a financial advisor, yet she found her passion within client service, operations and account management.  

Salle plays an important role as a part of the operations committee. She assists with answering administrative questions and interfacing with clients’ professionals. You will find Salle to be thoughtful and organized, delivering concierge-level service to our clients.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge. Her favorite things to do outside of the office include cooking and entertaining and participating in the various arts events around Portland, as well as giving back to the community by volunteering at the food bank. She is a dog lover and enjoys having fun with Ruby, who has become a welcome mascot at JGP. 

Karen Comfort

Operations Project Manager

After a three-year break from the financial industry to raise her two sons, Karen rejoined the JGP team in 2018 to assist with special projects. Karen’s attention to detail and industry knowledge are two of the many things people appreciate about her. She has over 15 years of industry experience, six of which have been with JGP. Karen’s ability to prioritize and work quickly and efficiently make her a valued member of our team.

A graduate of the University of Puget Sound, Karen got her start in the financial industry after college, beginning with an internship where she worked for her family’s financial advisor.  Karen enjoys working in a team atmosphere, which eventually led her to JGP Wealth Management. In her free time, Karen and her husband enjoy playing with their boys, going to Timbers games, playing recreational league softball and reading.  

• Do you have a favorite quote? “Loving people well means living with constant interruptions.” — Bob Goff
• If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Mindreading and the ability to move at super speed to get things done quickly.
• If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be? My mom.
• What’s your favorite holiday? Christmas — I love finding the perfect present for someone.

Kim Davies

Business Operations Lead

(971) 213-8654
kdavies@jgpwealth.com

Kim became a part of JGP Wealth Management in 2022, leveraging four years of prior experience in the public accounting sphere. Her passion for intricate financial details serves as a cornerstone in providing our team with reliable and robust business-side planning tools. Kim's primary focus lies in nurturing our exceptional team members, offering them assurance and support in all matters pertaining to Human Resources and finance.

With a rich 35-year career in finance, Kim's journey commenced in the local film industry before venturing into extensive work in manufacturing finance. Her tenure at a prominent accounting firm in Portland added depth to her expertise. Yearning to engage with a single client once again, Kim embraced the opportunity to join JGP.

Portland, Oregon, holds a special place in Kim's heart as her hometown. A dedicated mom to an adult son, she cherishes moments they spend together. Kim's interests include traveling, hiking, music, and indulging in audiobooks. Her greatest joy stems from quality time shared with her incredible family and cherished friends.