Our success—and your success—all begin with one thing. Our people.
From our advisors, who are part of the top 1% who hold both CFP® and CFA® designations to our CPAs with over 100 years of combined experience, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest level of expertise and education. However, we know that knowledge is only half of what is needed to create success. The other half is trust. Trust that starts with getting to know you, your goals, and your situation. Trust that our fiduciaries are legally bound to serving your best interests.
The Team
President
Drew Grider, CFA
Purdue University alum and CFA Charterholder
Proud husband and father of three
Die-hard Cubs, Colts, and Purdue fan
Wealth Advisor
Timothy F Crandall, CPA
Founding member of Leelyn Smith’s investment advisory firm
Husband and proud father
Photography enthusiast
Chief Investment Officer
Brian Dorn, AIF®
Investment experience at Morningstar, Rydex Funds, and Arrow Funds
Proud husband and father of two
Martial arts enthusiast
Chief Operating Officer
Chris McManama
Lives in La Grange, IL with his wife and two young children
Purdue University alum
Cubs and Bears fan and season-ticket holder
Director of Tax Services
Zach Gordon, CPA
Undergraduate degree from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business
Joined Leelyn Smith in January 2021 from Northern Trust Corporation, where he focused on tax compliance and tax planning for high-net-worth individuals
Lives in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, IL
Wealth Advisor
Christopher J Crandall, CPA
Founding member of Leelyn Smith’s investment advisory firm
Master's in finance from Northern Illinois University
Loves spending time with family and his dog, Nala
Wealth Advisor
Jean Baert, CPA, CFP®, AIF®
Northern Illinois University alum
Jean is from a big family that just keeps getting bigger. She cherishes her time with them and the laughter, joy and love that they bring her
Enjoys gardening and traveling
Wealth Advisor
Charles Hartman
Wheaton Fire Dept pension board member
DePaul University
Die-hard White Sox and Bears fan
Wealth Advisor
Kevin Prendergast, CFP®, CFA
Lives in Park Ridge, Illinois, with his wife and young son
Grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Palatine, Illinois
Enjoys learning about business, psychology, and tech, as well as all things sports, health, and fitness
Wealth Advisor
Chris Dieckow, CFA®, CWS®
Joined Leelyn Smith in 2021
Lives in Hinsdale, IL with his wife and two young boys
Undergraduate degree from University of Colorado Boulder
Relationship Manager
MaKinzie Stack
U of I Springfield alum
Joined the firm in 2013
Grew up on a farm in Central Illinois
Relationship Manager
Wendi Svitak
Lives in Geneva, IL, with her husband, daughter, and son
Grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois
Earned her B.S. in business management from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from Elmhurst College
Operations Analyst
Perry Argiropoulos
Lives in Asheville, North Carolina
University of Wisconsin-Madison undergrad; University of Leicester MBA
Avid world traveler and bona fide chocolate milk sommelier
Client Service Specialist
Kelly Kovasic
Lives in Geneva, Illinois, with her golden retriever, Wrigley
Associates degree from Lewis University
Licensed private pilot with a passion for aviation
Client Service Specialist
Connor Longust
Joined Leelyn Smith in 2021 from Fifth Third Bank
Lives in Yorkville, IL with his fiancée, Emily
Undergraduate degree from Illinois State University
Client Service Specialist
Laura Chamness
Lives in Oswego with her husband and four children
Die-hard Cubs fan
Office Manager
Kathy Maddox
Lives in Maple Park with husband and two young children
Bachelor’s in elementary education from Northern Illinois University
Enjoys exploring small towns throughout the Midwest
