Our People

A team of first-rate financial minds committed to providing first-rate care and attention.

At RZH Advisors, our team members have individual areas of expertise, are classically trained in different specialties, and are responsible for various components of our wealth management experience. We collaborate closely on all aspects of a client’s plan and portfolio.

This allows for differing perspectives and ideas as well as collective knowledge and skills. The seamless manner in which our principals and team members collaborate and the extent to which they coordinate their efforts helps our clients meet their goals and is an important way in which RZH Advisors stands apart as a wealth manager.

Carl Zuckerberg

Carl Zuckerberg Founding Principal, Chief Investment Strategist

Carl ZuckerbergCFP®AIF®CIMA®Founding Principal, Chief Investment Strategist

Phone: 203.355.0888

Email: carl@rzhadvisors.com

Special Recognition

InvestmentNews
  • Top Financial Advisor, 2024
Wealthmanagement.com
  • RIA Edge 100, 2023
Forbes
  • America’s Top RIA Firms, 2023
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2023
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2022
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2021
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2020
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2019
CNBC
  • Financial Advisor 100,  2021
Barron’s
  • America’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors, 2024
  • America’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors, 2016
  • America’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors, 2015
  • America’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors, 2014
Financial Times
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2017
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2016
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2015

See important disclosure information.

“I am motivated by giving our clients restful nights, knowing they have a plan in place that makes market fluctuations irrelevant to their financial security.”

Carl Zuckerberg was here at the beginning. A founding member of RZH Advisors, he has been passionate about the world of investing his entire career, focusing on investment design, analysis, management, and oversight.

As our Chief Investment Strategist, Carl oversees the investment assets of the firm’s clients and sees his role as a steward of their capital and their advocate to Wall Street. Disheartened by the financial industry’s often opaque approach to investing and wealth management, Carl seeks to demystify the process, enlighten clients, and remove the fear and uncertainty associated with investing. Driven solely by the desire to pursue each client’s particular financial objectives, Carl strives to be creative in portfolio design to increase their probability of success.

A graduate of Bucknell University with a BA in economics and finance, Carl is active in the investment management industry. Carl has been recognized as one of the top 10 financial advisors in the country by InvestmentNews and is among the nation’s top advisors by Forbes/SHOOK.

He also serves on the Board of Chancellors of the Greater New York Metro Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is a past member of the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Professional Advisors Council. He is also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County.

When he’s not researching investments and strategy, Carl most values spending time with his wife and children, classic cars, and rescuing Potcakes, a mixed-breed dog found on several Caribbean islands. He also enjoys playing men’s hockey (his favorite position is left wing).

Spencer Cooper

Spencer Cooper Principal, Chief Wealth Strategist

Spencer CooperCFP®CPAPrincipal, Chief Wealth Strategist

Phone: 203.355.0887

Email: spencer@rzhadvisors.com

Special Recognition

Wealthmanagement.com
  • RIA Edge 100, 2023
Forbes
  • America’s Top RIA Firms, 2023
CNBC
  • Financial Advisor 100,  2021
Financial Times
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2017
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2016
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2015

See important disclosure information.

“I never forget that by trusting us with their wealth, people are trusting us with their future and with their peace of mind.”

Spencer Cooper is a principal of the firm and our Chief Wealth Strategist, focusing on multi-generational wealth transfer and strategy, cash flow modeling, financial planning, estate planning and portfolio management.

Importantly, Spencer also mentors many of our clients’ children (and even grandchildren), guiding them on financial matters and helping them develop a better understanding of their finances so they can make informed decisions. He is an active member of the Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County and serves on the Board of Young Professional Advisors for Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

Spencer has a BA in Business & Accounting from Franklin & Marshall College, plus a Master’s Degree in Tax from Bentley University.

Spencer delights in spending time with his wife and three young sons, with whom he enjoys playing baseball, soccer, and tennis. He also enjoys taking trips with his family.

Lauren Rowland

Lauren Rowland Principal

Lauren RowlandCFP®CDFA®Principal

Phone: 203.355.0962

Email: lauren@rzhadvisors.com

Special Recognition

Wealthmanagement.com
  • RIA Edge 100, 2023
Forbes
  • America’s Top RIA Firms, 2023
CNBC
  • Financial Advisor 100,  2021

See important disclosure information.

“I approach my clients’ lives with a deep sense of responsibility, aiming to empower them, especially women, to fully embrace and enjoy their wealth, ensuring it enriches their lives with utmost happiness and fulfillment.”

Prior to becoming a principal at RZH, Lauren spent 10 years at Ayco/Goldman Sachs delivering strategic wealth management advice to high-net-worth clients. Lauren was a vice president in the Goldman Sachs Family Office where she was directly responsible for helping the company’s most senior partners manage their financial affairs. Lauren has extensive experience in all areas of financial planning including taxes, estate planning, wealth transfer, investment management and retirement planning. She loves connecting with her clients and is always there to help make those important life decisions. She works closely with Carl and Spencer in developing comprehensive financial plans for our clients.

Lauren received her Certified Financial Planner® designation (CFP®) in 2014 and her Certified Divorce Analyst® designation (CDFA®) in 2024. She is also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose where she earned her BA in History/Political Science and an MBA in Finance.

An accomplished lifelong soccer player, Lauren was the goalie for Saint Rose and achieved Scholar All-American honors. She also coached the team to their first National Championship and was inducted into the Saint Rose Hall of Fame.

Brendan McEwan

Brendan McEwan Senior Financial Advisor

Brendan McEwanCFP®CIMA®Senior Financial Advisor

Phone: 203.355.0886

Email: brendan@rzhadvisors.com

Brendan joined RZH Advisors in March 2022 as a Financial Advisor. Prior to RZH, Brendan worked as a wealth manager at LourdMurray, located in Beverly Hills, CA. He provided financial planning and wealth management advice, specializing in high-net-worth celebrities, professional athletes, and business owners. Brendan excels at describing complex financial topics in an easy-to-understand manner. He works closely with Carl and Spencer to help our clients achieve their goals through comprehensive financial planning.

Brendan graduated from Georgetown University in 2010 where he double majored in Finance and Management. In 2016, he earned his Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP). Brendan enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife, daughter, and their Golden Retriever rescue. He is also dedicated to physical fitness and is an avid rower. He competes at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston every year. While at Georgetown, he was captain of the rowing team and helped lead them to a bronze medal at the national championship. After college, he competed for the US at the under-23 world championship regatta. While in California, he coached the UCLA men’s rowing team for four years.

Jean Paul Atallah

Jean Paul Atallah Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

Jean Paul AtallahChief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

Phone: 203.355.0964

Email: jeanpaul@rzhadvisors.com

Jean Paul Atallah joined RZH in June 2022 as our Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. He brings more than 10 years of experience optimizing operations for similar firms within the industry. Jean Paul brings a fresh perspective to RZH’s operational side of the business, ensuring that all of our systems, resources, and people are working efficiently to benefit our clients.

Prior to joining RZH, Jean Paul spent 10 years at GYL Financial Synergies, most recently as its Chief Compliance Officer and Operations Manager. His role has provided the knowledge needed to streamline internal processes, which will benefit RZH as we continue to adapt to an ever-changing industry landscape. His experience and skillset provide our team with the tools needed to continue delivering superior client service.

Jean Paul graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in finance. He spends his free time working out, spending time with friends and family and traveling. He is also incredibly involved in his local Lebanese community. Bet you would never guess that less than 5.8% of the world population can solve the Rubik’s Cube and Jean Paul is one of them!

Dana Hanson

Dana Hanson Of Counsel

Dana HansonOf Counsel

Special Recognition

CNBC
  • Finanancial Advisor 100,  2021
Forbes
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2022
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2021
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor,  2020
  • Best-In-State Wealth Advisor, 2019
  • Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2022
  • Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2021
  • Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2020
  • Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2019
  • Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2018
Financial Times
  • Top 100 Women Financial Advisers, 2014
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2017
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2016
  • Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors, 2015

See important disclosure information.

“Many of our clients, especially women, need an emotional ally—someone who makes it acceptable to enjoy their wealth. I love being that person.”

A founding principal of RZH Advisors, Dana created the comprehensive and unique process we still use today to develop each client’s customized financial plan. One of our key objectives at RZH Advisors is to completely mesh each client’s wealth with the manner in which they chose to live. Dana was at the heart of developing this concept and crafting RZH’s unique process to deliver a differentiated wealth management experience.

Transitioning away from daily management and client service in early 2023, Dana continues to support RZH in a consultative capacity, sharing her guiding principles with our future generation of advisors.

With a little more time on her hands, Dana practices yoga, reads books on spiritual and metaphysical matters, and enjoys walking for exercise. She takes great pleasure in mentoring young women and, having minored in Art, enjoys traveling the world immersing herself in a country’s art, culture, and history. Dana’s most favorite and cherished activity is spending time with her family and friends.

Jane Michener

Jane Michener Director of Operations

Jane MichenerDirector of Operations

Phone: 203.355.0883

Email: jane@rzhadvisors.com

In 2016, RZH Advisors became an even more efficiently run business when Jane Michener joined as Director of Operations. In that role, she helps lead the company’s business operations, technology, marketing, and communications.

Prior to RZH Advisors, Jane worked at BNY Mellon for nearly nine years, rising to the position of VP, Global Marketing. There she focused on corporate branding, quality assurance, asset management communication, and international private client services.

Born and raised on Long Island, Jane graduated from Lafayette College (Easton, PA) with a BA in Business Economics. She is married with three delightful and energetic young children. In her spare time, Jane enjoys cheering at their many sporting events, running, golf, and cooking. She also volunteers for many school events and at the local library.

Breanna Gabriel

Breanna Gabriel Financial Associate

Breanna GabrielFinancial Associate

Phone: 203.355.0882

Email: breanna@rzhadvisors.com

Breanna Gabriel joined RZH Advisors as a Financial Associate in June 2020. In her role, she is collaborating with the RZH team to help empower our clients as they enjoy their wealth confidently. Breanna works with Dana and Spencer to construct client plans and monitor them on an ongoing basis. Her attention to detail and tax expertise helps her navigate our client’s intricate financial situations.

As an accountant, she has experience providing tax planning for both individuals and corporate clients. She has over eight years of experience handling complex individual, corporate, partnership and estate tax returns.

Breanna received a BA from the University of Connecticut, her Post-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate from Fairfield University and her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. As the daughter of a retired naval submarine captain, Breanna has grown up all over the United States but considers Connecticut as her home state. She loves acrylic abstract painting, traveling and attending concerts.

Alexander Lazieh

Alexander Lazieh Trader

Alexander LaziehTrader

Phone: 203.355.0963

Email: zander@rzhadvisors.com

Alexander Lazieh, better known as Zander, joined RZH Advisors in August 2021 as a trader. He works in tandem with Carl and Spencer to supervise and manage our investment portfolios. He has a terrific work ethic and makes it his goal to learn something new each day. Zander takes great pride in his work and approaches each day dedicated to making our client experience as good as it can be.

Prior to joining RZH, Zander worked for a similar investment advisor in Rhode Island. He has significant experience monitoring, re-balancing, and trading client accounts. Don’t let his quiet personality fool you, he is quite the student of the markets and is extremely detail-oriented.

Zander grew up in North Providence, RI, and loves to spend time outdoors hiking, fishing and hunting. In his spare time, he is also an avid reader, mostly investment or economic related of course. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University.

Susan Ecker

Susan Ecker Client Services Manager

Susan EckerClient Services Manager

Phone: 203.355.0880

Email: susan@rzhadvisors.com

Every company has that “go-to” person who can always be relied on when something must get done. At RZH Advisors, that person is Susan Ecker. As the firm’s Client Services Manager, she’s the primary contact for all our clients and handles any and all servicing matters regarding their RZH experience.

Susan is dedicated to assisting clients and to making sure day-to-day transactions and account documentation are taken care of in a timely manner. She takes tremendous pride in her work and greatly values the relationships she’s developed with RZH’s clients and business partners.

A native of New York City, Susan graduated from the University of Maryland. She enjoys a spirited game of tennis (she’s played with the same group for 18 years) and is an avid reader and animal lover. Susan also enjoys going to museums, loves spending time with her son and friends, and volunteers at a local nursing home.

Candice Fallon

Candice Fallon Client Services Associate

Candice FallonClient Services Associate

Phone: 203.355.0885

Email: candice@rzhadvisors.com

Candice Fallon joined RZH in December 2019 as a Client Services Associate. Candice is super-organized and can multitask like the best of them, and always with a smile. As a Client Services Associate, she works closely with Susan to ensure that our clients receive the attention they need. Her number one priority is making sure our clients come first.

Formerly, Candice was a Trust Administrator at Union Savings Bank. She loves working with clients and helping them navigate the administrative aspects of their everyday finances. Candice is a true team player, offering to help whenever needed.

Candice grew up in New Jersey and moved to Connecticut in 1999 where she now lives with her family. She loves to support her children in their many activities. She also volunteers within her community, consistently serving on the chairing committee for Relay for Life. With her spare time, she loves to be outdoors with her family and friends. Best of all, Candice is well-known for her delicious banana bread, both with and without chocolate chips!

What Those Letters Mean

Want to know what the 3- and 4-letter designations after the names 
of our principals mean?

CFP®

Certified Financial Planner

AIF®

Accredited Investment Fiduciary

CIMA®

Certified Investment Management Analyst

CPA

Certified Public Accountant

CFA

Certified Financial Analyst

CDFA®

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Please Note: Limitations. The achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, recognition by publications, media, or other organizations, membership in any professional organization, or any amount of prior experience or success, should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if RZH Advisors is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services.