MEET THE TEAM
The GGA Retirement team brings extensive experience in corporate retirement plans and wealth management. As an independent financial advisory and company, we avoid conflicts inherent in many financial firms and are dedicated to personalized service that prioritizes the interests of both the employer and employees.
LYLE HIMEBAUGH
Co-Founder
A co-founder of Granite, Lyle is thirty year veteran of the private wealth management industry. Lyle was Vice President of Private Client Services at Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) where he managed and originated customized investment strategies for families, endowments and institutional clients. Previously, he was with Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, the predecessor to CSFB. Before DLJ, Lyle was with Janney Montgomery and Scott in New York. Lyle serves as a past Trustee of the US Scholarship Fund, Inc. of Ridley College in St Catharines, Ont., past board member of the Wilton Congregational Church and of the Past President of the Presbyterian Church of Pelham Manor, New York and is active in other community organizations. Lyle received his B.A. in Business and Economics from Washington College.
RICHARD ZIPKIS
Co-Founder
A co-founder of Granite, Richard has thirty years of Private wealth management experience. He most recently served as Head of the managed equity and fixed income business of the Private Client Services at Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB). He served as chief of quantitative analytics and chair of the manager selection committee. He also served on the Global Tactical Asset Allocation committee and the trust advisory board. Prior to CSFB, Richard was head of the performance analytics division for 13 years at Sanford C. Bernstein and Co., where he was involved in every aspect of the wealth management business. Before Bernstein, Richard was with State Street Bank and Trust. Richard is a member of the Economic Club of New York. Richard earned his B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Philosophy and Business from Boston University.
SHARLENE KELLY
Director of Retirement
Sharlene manages the operations and communications for Granite Group's Retirement Services Division including record keeper, TPA and custodial relationships, participant and plan sponsor communications and enrollment meetings. Sharlene was previously at Bowne & Company where she was most recently Director of Marketing and Communications for the Marketing Business and Communication division. Sharlene helped large financial providers prepare and manage their retirement plan communication process from enrollment to statements. Prior to Bowne, Sharlene was a National Sales Representative with IBM. Sharlene earned her MBA from New York University, Stern School of Business and her B.A. from the University of Arizona.
PATRICE HOLLAND
Director of Operations
Patrice joined Granite Group Advisors in 2004 and is responsible for all day to day Granite operations, communications and client support in our private client division. Before joining Granite Group, Patrice handled operations and marketing for small to midsized companies. Prior to that, she was a paralegal in both corporate and litigation settings. Patrice graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a BA in Government.
DAVID BARD
Director of Institutional Wealth Management
David is the Director of Institutional Wealth Services for Granite Group Advisors. He is responsible for leading the growth strategy of the firm. David will spearhead the firm’s initiatives to broaden relationships with retirement plan fiduciaries, individuals, families, foundations, and endowments. Prior to joining Granite Group, David was a Senior Account Manager supporting Paychex’s large market, Strategic Retirement plans. David began his career over 20 years ago at Oppenheimer where he became a Director of Investment Grade, Corporate Bond Trading. David has earned an “Accredited Investment Fiduciary” (AIF) designation, is a “Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist” (CRPS), and a designated “Wealth Planning Specialist.” David also held NASD Series 6 & 63 licenses. He graduated from Hobart College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
DAVID GERSTEN
Relationship Manager
David Gersten joined Granite Group in May 2017. He has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, servicing retail and professional clients. He previously worked at Credit Suisse First Boston, Bear Stearns/JP Morgan, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and Neuberger Berman. David spent 9 years at Bear Stearns/JP Morgan and 5 years at RBC where he was responsible for providing client service, operations and trade support, and performance reporting for Registered Investment Advisors. David graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering.
MARK KOEPPEN
Director of Strategic Wealth
Mark joined Granite Group Advisors to accelerate Granite Group’s growth with retirement plan clients. In his 30 years, Mark has managed institutional relationships and provided consulting services for large and mega retirement plans in the corporate, healthcare, and government markets. Mark has extensive knowledge and brings a unique, “insider” perspective to his client’s plan design and operational efficiency. He has built successful teams in account management, implementation, asset transfers, plan compliance and developed participant education and enrollment campaigns for Plan Sponsors. Mark has five children and recently one grandchild, and a wife, Michelle, of 33 years who has the patience of a Saint. Mark has a BA in Economics and Finance from the University of Northern Colorado.