Westport Resources (www.westportresources.com), a leading independent investment and financial planning firm serving individuals, families, municipalities and institutions around the world, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Christopher DeLaura, CFP® to Chief Operating Officer of its wealth management division, the Private Client Group. Additionally, the firm welcomes Mr. Ashley Schexnaildre as Controller of both Westport Resources Management, Inc., which includes the Private Client Group, and its broker/dealer division, Westport Resources Investment Services, Inc.
Mr. DeLaura joined Westport Resources in 2010 as a Financial Planning Specialist in the Private Client Group. In addition to his new responsibilities, DeLaura will continue to manage the firm’s Global Tactical Asset Allocation Investment Strategy.
DeLaura’s promotion comes not long after the Private Client Group expanded in mid 2012 with the addition of three financial planning specialists.
John Adams Vaccaro, CEO of Westport Resources, said: “This is an exciting time for our Private Client Group. We’re growing, our capabilities are broader and stronger than ever, and Chris’ leadership skills will drive our personalized performance culture to an even higher level. His expertise in financial planning, technology and asset management promises to serve our clients well.”
DeLaura added: “I am excited to be working together with John as we shape the future of the firm and continue to meet the needs of our clients in these constantly changing times.”
DeLaura said plans for growth of the Private Client Group include adding Junior Planning Specialists to the team (the firm is recruiting recent college graduates with a Certified Financial Planning major for the positions) and investing in new technology and social media to enhance communication in-house as well as with clients.
“We are striving to present information to our clients in the ways they want it,” DeLaura said. “Whether it’s an in-person meeting, on their iPads, through LinkedIn or video conferencing, we want our lines of communication to be open, efficient and convenient.”
Prior to joining Westport Resources, DeLaura worked at UBS for 13 years in several roles in the corporate offices on strategy and different technologies. He also worked with and managed assets for high net worth individuals. Prior to UBS, DeLaura attended New York University where he earned his bachelor of science degree – double majoring in finance and information systems – from New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
Mr. Schexnaildre joined Westport Resources on April 1, 2013. He comes to the firm with solid financial experience, most recently having served as Interim Controller for M6 Partners / Capital Lodging, a $50+ million portfolio company in North Dakota. At the same time he served as Controller for that Company’s owner, Commonwealth Advisors, a $200+ million RIA and $30+ million hedge fund in Baton Rouge, La. Schexnaildre is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA®) and a Level II CFA® candidate. He holds a master of science degree in accounting from University of Virginia and a bachelor of science degree in finance from Providence College. He also taught corporate finance at Louisiana State University.
Vaccaro said: “We’re pleased to welcome Ashley to our Westport Resources senior management team. We’re confident his experience in both managing the financial activities of a family office advisory business and also one of its operating businesses will provide the perspective our firm will use to great advantage.”
