David Velanoff, President and CEO

President and CEO Dave Velanoff has more than 30 years of experience in the Canadian financial services industry. With more than 15 years of leading notable public and privately held companies and divisions within them, Dave has been an integral part of a number of major financial companies' successes. Additionally, having experience in both MFDA and IDA environments, Dave brings extensive knowledge and value to every level of management within the company. A robust leader and a frequent speaker at industry events across the country, Dave has been chosen to hold several key positions within industry committees. Some of these include: Chairman of the Distribution Structures Committee of the MFDA; Chairman of the Regulatory Committee for the Federation of Canadian Independent Deposit Brokers; Member of the IFIC Retail Council of Governors; Chairman of a Life Underwriters Ethics and Practice Committee; Member of the IDA Franchising and Independent Contracting Committee; and Member of the IDA Financial Planning Sub Committee. Dave also brings the experience of having participated in several company acquisitions, been President and/or President & CEO of a mortgage brokerage company, MGA, financial planning firms, and deposit brokerage operations. In addition to his tenure on the board of one of Canada's first publicly traded financial planning firms, Dave has consulted to a number of companies with respect to strategic planning and corporate initiatives.

Cheryl Hamilton, CFP, Senior Vice President, Compliance

With a career that spans more than 30 years in the industry, Cheryl has held a number of executive positions in the mutual fund, investment dealer, and life insurance sectors. Her background includes five years of executive, operations and compliance responsibilities with one of Canada’s leading Managing General Agencies and has served as Chief Compliance Officer for two of Canada’s recognized mutual fund dealers. As Senior Vice President, Compliance, Cheryl leads Rice Financial’s compliance team and provides strategic direction to the firm’s field force on mutual fund, fixed term, and life insurance products and services.

Patty Houle, Senior Vice President, Business Development

With 18 years experience in the financial services industry, Patty's knowledge spans both the private investment sector and the dealership environment. Beginning her career as a financial advisor, Patty effectively grew the investment and pension divisions of one of Ontario's top financial planning businesses. These successes later accelerated her career into several senior management positions in both the branch and dealer setting. As Senior Vice President, Business Development, Patty oversees Rice Financial's overall business development, including the Strategic Learning Centre, marketing department, and all product and advisor service offerings.

Jack W. Murray, CA, B.Comm (Hon.), Chief Financial Officer

Jack joined Rice Financial in 1999 with 20 years' experience in various management positions. He has served as vice president of a major western Canadian real estate developer and a director of finance for one of Canada's oldest private learning institutions. Jack is now responsible for the overall management, reporting and daily operations of Rice Financial's administration and finance teams. He is also on the board of Rice Financial and is a member of the board for the Cancer society's Manitoba chapter.

Brian Thomson, Senior Vice President, Retail Sales

Brian joined Rice Financial in 2000 with over 28 years of experience - nine with Manulife (formerly Maritime Life) and 19 as owner of Halmac Financial. He is a founding member and past president of the Federation of Independent Deposit Brokers and has completed the Canadian Investment Funds course, the Canadian Securities Course, and the Officers, Partners & Directors course. Brian is responsible for corporate growth by way of acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures as well as attracting independent financial advisors to Rice Financial. He sits on Rice Financial's board.

James D. MacPherson, B.Sc., Vice President, Information Systems & Privacy Officer

Jim joined Rice Financial 17 years ago, following time spent as an educational software developer. He oversees the daily operation and strategic planning of the information systems department and is also responsible for the development and maintenance of Rice Financial's fully-integrated, proprietary client tracking and corporate information systems - CENTRAC.

Karen Vince, Vice President, Administration

Karen joined Rice Financial in 2005 with over 20 years experience including 14 with Assante Asset Management where she was responsible for strategic planning in backoffice functions. There she managed mutual fund operations and Investment Counsel operations for approximately $7 billion in assets under management. Karen has completed numerous management and industry-related courses including the IFIC operations and CSC course and is now responsible for Rice Financial's administration and processing, including strategic planning for future growth.