Our Team

Susie Steel, CFP®

COO, Wealth Manager, & Senior Shareholder

Brad Cougill, CFP®

CIO, Wealth Manager, & Senior Shareholder

Marsha Kalasmiki

Business Manager & Chief Compliance Officer

Marcus Miller, CPA, CFP®

Wealth Manager & Shareholder

Matt Roop, CFP®, CEPA

Wealth Manager & Shareholder

Aidan Finet, CFP®

Associate Advisor

Hope Fry, WMS, AAMS

Associate Advisor

Shannon Ziegler, FPQP™

Office Manager

Linda Gehr

Administrative Specialist

Lori Kamminga, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Lori Conder, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Tracy Wailes

Client Services Associate
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Website

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Indianapolis

8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd, Suite 360
Indianapolis, IN 46240
P: (317) 469-2455

Chicago

Brick and Mortar Building            11 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 151    Park Ridge, IL 60068
P: (847) 789-5000

Susie M. Steel, CFP®

COO, Wealth Manager, & Senior Shareholder

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Meet Susie, whose unwavering commitment to the principle of “To whom much is given, much will be required” serves as the driving force behind her dedication, diligence, and empathy as a Wealth Manager at Deerfield. With a three-decade-long career in financial planning, Susie’s approach has always been rooted in a spirit of service, treating each client as an extension of her own family. Her distinctive perspective extends far into the future, enabling her clients to navigate the present with an acute awareness of the lasting consequences of their decisions.

With over 25 years as a principal shareholder and Executive Officer at Deerfield, Susie’s remarkable journey began at Ball State University. A distinguished CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Susie embodies the pinnacle of excellence in the financial services industry. In a landscape where only 29% of advisors nationwide hold the CFP® credentials, a mere 23% of whom are women, Susie’s credentials stand as a testament to her exceptional achievements.

Throughout her career, Susie has been an integral part of NAPFA (The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors), a premier association of fee-only financial advisors. Her commitment has seen her serve as a NAPFA Regional Board member, contributing to multiple leadership committees. Additionally, Susie’s expertise has been recognized through her Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) designation from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC), held from 2013 to 2018, which further solidified her impact within local estate planning councils.

In a landscape of professional involvement, Susie’s active memberships span diverse associations like the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Greater Indiana, Central Indiana NAPFA Study Group, Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis, Network Of Women in Business, Female Advisor Network, Professional Advisory Leadership Council (PALC), and the CICF Cornerstone Council. Her consistent recognition as one of Indianapolis Monthly’s “Five Star Wealth Managers” for the past decade attests to her outstanding accomplishments (2009-2023).

Yet, Susie’s impact extends well beyond her professional realm. Grounded in her belief in giving back, her community involvement has left an indelible mark on the Indianapolis landscape. From Financial Center First Credit Union (FCFCU) to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Planned Giving Council, Kiwanis Club of Northwest Indianapolis to Junior Achievement, Susie’s altruism knows no bounds. She extends her wisdom to mentoring women through the CFP® Board’s “WIN-to-WIN” Program, embodies the spirit of Rotary Club of Carmel, advocates for Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), and actively serves on the board of the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center (MRNC).

Celebrating 30 years of marriage, Susie and her husband Kevin reside in Carmel, Indiana, where they raised their three children. Her life beyond the office centers around family, spirituality, and fostering meaningful connections. Embracing the concept of the body as a temple, Susie’s personal growth is nurtured through practices like strength training, yoga, and meditation. Her leisure pursuits include strolls with her endearing 9lb Doxiepoo, Lulu, indulging in movies, podcasts, books, and the theater.

Susie’s journey embodies the spirit of dedicated service, financial excellence, and an unwavering commitment to both her profession and her community.

Brad Cougill, CFP®

CIO, Wealth Manager, & Senior Shareholder

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Meet Brad, a visionary leader at Deerfield, whose dedication to business and investment strategy has fueled the firm’s success for more than two and a half decades. His counsel is sought after by a select group of clientele who benefit from the wealth of wisdom he has accumulated throughout his three decade wealth management career.  

Having been a pivotal figure at Deerfield for more than 25 years, Brad proudly holds the titles of shareholder, director, and officer. His academic journey led him to Butler University, where he not only earned his degree, but also excelled on the gridiron. As a testament to his expertise, he is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and a NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor. Notably, Brad’s contributions extend to his decade-long service on the Plan Review Committee, as well as various committees and leadership task forces within the NAPFA community.

Beyond the realm of finance, Brad is deeply involved in philanthropy and community initiatives. He is a valued member of the Central Indiana Community Foundation’s Cornerstone Counsel and also serves on the board of the All American Cup, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to promoting the future of American Saddlebred horses. A passionate member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, Brad has won two national championships as an amateur owner and trainer. In addition, he was instrumental in establishing an endowment fund and scholar athlete award at his former high school in honor of his father. Brad also serves a crucial role as a board and executive advisor to HATCH for Hunger, Inc. This remarkable non-profit tackles the hunger crisis in America by delivering fresh protein from farms to food pantries, serving millions of meals to undernourished families.

As a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, Brad’s personal life is equally remarkable. He shares his life with Lorrie, his beloved wife of over 25 years, and together they have raised two accomplished daughters who now reside in Chicago. Adding to the household is Frankie, their devoted German Shorthaired Pointer, whom Brad is training as a skilled bird dog.

An avid conservationist, outdoorsman, and upland bird hunter, Brad embraces the title of “Gentleman Farmer” while delving into the study of regenerative farming practices. Currently, he is experimenting with producing nutrient-dense hay for horses while simultaneously improving soil health and fostering organic matter to sequester carbon on their farm on the outskirts of Indianapolis. When not in the office, Brad can be found shaping the future of food by addressing critical issues surrounding land conservation, sustainable farming practices, and mindful consumption, as well as tending to the farm and immersing himself in the tranquility of nature with dog walks and hikes.

Marsha Kalasmiki

Business Manager & Chief Compliance Officer

As Business Manager and Chief Compliance Officer, Marsha is focused on leading the firm’s financial management activities and maintaining client trust by ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory mandates.  In addition, Marsha works closely with the leadership team overseeing technology, facilities, and human resources.

Marsha has more than 40 years of experience in financial management and operations.  Prior to joining Deerfield in 2011, she worked as a Controller and Director of Information Technology for two large privately held corporations in the fields of healthcare and commercial real estate.  She is a graduate of Indiana University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.   

When not working at Deerfield, Marsha enjoys refinishing furniture and spending time with her family.  She has four grown children and three grandchildren, along with two dogs.  She loves to entertain family and friends and annually hosts a whiffle ball derby at her home in Westfield, IN.

Marcus Miller, CPA, CFP®

Wealth Manager & Shareholder

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Meet Marcus, a leader at Deerfield who is passionate about helping clients achieve and maintain financial independence for their families.  In his capacity as a Wealth Manager, he orchestrates a holistic financial framework encompassing strategic planning, income tax optimization, insurance and estate planning, and investment management across a diverse group of high-net-worth clients. A pivotal facet of this approach involves seamlessly coordinating the efforts of accountants, insurance specialists, estate attorneys, bankers, and other expert advisors.

With a trajectory that commenced at Deerfield in 2012, Marcus accrued invaluable insights during his tenure at a Big Four accounting firm, a nationally recognized brokerage house, and a distinguished independent advisory firm.

His academic journey led him through Ball State University, culminating in the acquisition of both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Accounting. Marcus holds the distinguished titles of Certified Public Accountant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. His engagement with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors is further underscored by his role as a NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor.

In the community realm, Marcus actively contributes as a member of the Professional Advisor Leadership Council at the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). His involvement extends to the Planned Giving Committee at the Indianapolis Zoo, a board position at Happy Hollow Children’s Camp, as well as his daughters’ school.

Residing in Carmel, IN, Marcus shares his life with his wife, Andrea, and their two young daughters. Andrea’s journey from a pediatric hospital to her current role as a school nurse within the local education system highlights her compassion. The family’s shared passion for outdoor pursuits, including hiking, bicycling, camping, and exploring national parks, fuels their ambition to visit all 63 of them (currently tallying at 17), with Yosemite reigning as a cherished favorite. Marcus channels his energy into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, likening it to a cerebral chess match intertwined with physical finesse. His voracious reading habits cover a wide spectrum, particularly gravitating towards non-fiction, historical narratives, and finance books.

Matt Roop, CFP®, CEPA

Wealth Manager & Shareholder

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Meet Matt, a seasoned Wealth Manager who assumes the role of a personal “chief financial officer” for his clients, orchestrating strategies to amplify their overall wealth. His mission revolves around meticulously overseeing every facet of his clients’ financial landscapes, eradicating blind spots, and enhancing their financial clarity. Matt’s expertise shines in catering to the distinct needs of lawyers, engineers, and business owners, empowering them to embrace their passions and lead their optimal lives.

Drawing from a career spanning back to 1997, Matt’s involvement in the investment and wealth management realm has been marked by his tenure at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., as well as a boutique Indianapolis-based independent advisory firm. Before joining Deerfield in 2015, he briefly ventured into his family’s closely-held business, adding valuable dimensions to his experience.

Matt’s educational journey encompasses a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from George Washington University. He’s not only a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional but also a NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor, emblematic of his dedication to financial excellence. His credentials further extend to the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation, a specialized domain focusing on the intricate preparation of privately held companies for seamless business transition. His active memberships within the Exit Planning Institute, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and the Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis underscore his commitment to staying at the forefront of his field.

Matt’s personal narrative intertwines with his wife, Kimberly, as they reside in Carmel, IN, nurturing four children who are all pursuing their college dreams, including their eldest daughter’s journey through medical school. Kimberly, a former officer in the United States Air Force, now holds a prominent position at Elevance Health.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Matt’s altruism takes center stage. He actively contributes to his Indianapolis community by delivering meals to seniors through Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County, championing senior well-being. He also assumes a role on the Executive Leadership Team for the Indiana Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, further exemplifying his commitment to meaningful causes. In his downtime, Matt’s passions include avid reading, quality time spent with family and close friends at their southern Indiana lake house, and embarking on family vacations comprised of fishing, hunting, hiking, and beach escapades.

Matt’s journey is a testament to his dedication to financial stewardship, continuous growth, and his unyielding commitment to enhancing the lives of both his clients and his community.

Aidan Finet, CFP®

Associate Advisor

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Meet Aidan, part of the driving force behind our investment analytics at Deerfield. With a boundless passion for numbers and data analysis, he helps lead our firm’s efforts in making informed and strategic investment decisions. As an Associate Advisor, Aidan utilizes his proficiency to manage investment assets and cultivate strong client relationships. Aidan is an integral part of every aspect of our firm’s wealth management processes, handling even the most intricate client situations with finesse. His expertise extends to providing valuable support to our Chief Investment Officer (CIO) as a member of the CIO Cabinet.

An alumnus of Indiana University, Aidan’s roots run deep as a lifelong Hoosier. He is a distinguished CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the financial services domain. During his college years, Aidan honed his expertise by dedicating four years to a boutique independent investment advisory firm in Fort Wayne, IN. This experience not only sharpened his skills in wealth management but also instilled in him a profound sense of service, leading him to discover and join Deerfield in 2018.

Currently residing in downtown Indianapolis, Aidan places immense value on physical health and an active lifestyle. His routine boasts weightlifting and golf, and his culinary inclinations result in flavorful yet health-conscious meals. He genuinely embraces urban life and the city of Indianapolis, often exploring new restaurants or savoring the simple joys of a warm summer evening over a cold beverage.

Outside of work, Aidan shares an adventurous spirit with his fiancée, Emily, a dedicated resident physician at Indiana University Health. Together, they work diligently to create a balance between their professional commitments and leisure time. Passionate about traveling, Aidan cherishes opportunities to embark on vacations with Emily, embracing new experiences and cultures with open arms. As a self-proclaimed minimalist, Aidan believes in simplicity and flexibility in life, possessions, and finances. This philosophy not only allows him to derive maximum enjoyment from the things he loves but also permeates into his financial planning approach when helping our valued clients.

At Deerfield, we take pride in having Aidan as a key asset on our team, providing exceptional financial expertise and a deep commitment to helping clients achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Aidan Finet, CFP®

Associate Advisor

Hope Fry, WMS, AAMS

Associate Advisor

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Meet Hope, an invaluable contributor to Deerfield’s mission of fostering robust client relationships. With unwavering dedication to meticulous analysis and strategic planning, Hope is committed to guiding clients towards a life designed on their terms, rather than left to chance. This aspiration lies at the heart of Deerfield’s core mission. By seamlessly integrating financial tools, risk management strategies, and growth opportunities, she crafts comprehensive plans that not only shield clients from uncertainties but propel them toward their desired destinations.

Hope’s journey began at the Kelley School of Business, where she earned her degree in Finance with a minor in Economics. Her fascination with the intricacies of financial markets eventually led her to embrace the role of a Financial Advisor. What truly sets Hope apart is her genuine passion for cultivating enduring relationships founded on trust and service.

Prior to joining Deerfield, Hope acquired a diverse background that included three years immersed in the corporate side of the financial industry and two years as a Logistics Analyst. This blend of financial acumen and analytical prowess enables her to deliver tailor-made, well-informed solutions to clients.

In tandem with her commitment to service, Hope has orchestrated and hosted numerous financial education events for communities, employers, and nonprofit organizations. Her vision is rooted in the belief that everyone should have access to fundamental financial literacy. Beyond her professional pursuits, Hope has generously devoted her time as a Guest Services Volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House and actively participated in volunteer work with the United Way of Central Indiana.

In her personal life, Hope has always been an avid traveler, exploring various corners of the globe, from South America and Europe to the Middle East and Canada. These global adventures have not only broadened her horizons but have also instilled in her a profound appreciation for the interconnectivity of our world. Her most cherished recent experiences involve hiking and camping across the United States, accompanied by her husband and their two spoiled canine companions, Jack and Yori.

Shannon Ziegler, FPQP™

Office Manager

In her role as Office Manager, Shannon works closely with our operations team ensuring that our back office runs efficiently and effectively, thus allowing our service teams to focus on delivering excellence to our clients.  She performs a wide array of critical functions in the areas of technology, facilities, financial management, compliance, human resources, and corporate insurance. 

Shannon joined Deerfield in 2005 and served as a Client Services Associate for more than a decade before accepting the role of Office Manager.  Prior to her career at Deerfield, Shannon worked in the hospitality industry as an Event Planner and also in the investment industry for Edward Jones Investments, bringing her tenure in the financial industry now to more than 25 years.

Shannon received an Associate of Arts degree from Ball State University and also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University.  In addition, she holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation through the College for Financial Planning.

Shannon lives in Tipton, IN and, when not working, she loves being with her grandchildren and spending time outdoors.  There, you’ll find her and her husband, Tim, gardening, camping, riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle and side-by-side utility vehicle, as well as Jeeping.

Linda Gehr

Administrative Specialist

In her role as Administrative Specialist, Linda works closely with our Client Services Associates ensuring that our back office runs efficiently and effectively so that they are able to serve our clients with excellence. 

Linda handles a little bit of everything here at Deerfield.  She performs a wide array of critical functions mostly related to establishing and maintaining accurate client records and processing the large inbound flow of correspondence and communications in a timely, personal, and professional manner.  In addition to being a resource for our Client Services Associates, she also provides administrative services for our operations team.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Computer Systems from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, Linda worked in the mortgage industry for a national home builder, ultimately managing their Cincinnati, Ohio office before relocating to the Indianapolis area.  She joined Deerfield in 2012.

Linda and her husband, Ed, live in Westfield, IN, where she enjoys walking her Golden Retriever, Ozzie, as well as riding her bike, hiking, and reading, whenever time allows.

Lori Kamminga, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Lori’s goal is to help clients live their WealthwhileSM by ensuring that they receive exceptional service and that all of their planning and investment needs are being met.  She enjoys getting to know clients on a personal level so she can help simplify their financial lives while building relationships. As a Client Services Associate, Lori works directly with clients alongside a team of Wealth Managers and Associate Advisors to assist with the implementation of their planning and investment strategies.  She spends most of her time responding to client inquiries, gathering data for detailed client-specific recordkeeping, processing distribution and account transfer requests, and researching special projects.  She also handles opening and closing accounts, as well as meeting scheduling for her team. Prior to joining Deerfield in 2016, Lori spent 15 years working in the banking and public accounting industries in various executive administration roles.  With her passion for professional growth, Lori obtained her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation through the College for Financial Planning in 2017. Lori lives in Fishers, IN with her daughter, Shelby, along with their dog and cat. She finds great joy in supporting non-profits and community initiatives that improve the lives of others, and is particularly passionate about children, elders, and people living with disabilities. Building strong traditions for Shelby is important, and they love finding ways to make memories by volunteering, cooking, and laughing together.

Lori Conder, FPQP™

Client Service Associate

Lori’s commitment to delivering exceptional service helps clients achieve their WealthwhileSM and ensures that all of their planning and investment needs are being met.  The most rewarding aspects of her job are the personal one-on-one interactions she has almost daily with clients as it helps her see the positive impact her role has on their lives. In her role as a Client Services Associate, Lori works directly with clients to help execute the planning and investment strategies developed by her team of Wealth Managers and Associate Advisors.  Main areas of Lori’s focus include: gathering client data, opening and closing accounts, maintaining detailed client records, scheduling meetings, processing deposits and distribution requests and account transfers, researching special projects, and fielding questions. When she joined Deerfield in 2018, Lori brought 12 years of experience in advertising and promotional product sales and then e-Commerce, most recently at Angie’s List.  Lori very quickly obtained her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation through the College for Financial Planning so that she would have the specific industry knowledge necessary for her to make an immediate impact for her clients and teammates. In her spare time, Lori can be found with her three pets Max, Tilly, and Gus. She also enjoys gardening, puzzles, dance, and walking. Whenever time allows, Lori lends a hand in the community as a valued volunteer for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build initiative.

Tracy Wailes

Client Services Associate

Tracy has a passion for helping others, which serves her well in her role at Deerfield. She enjoys connecting with clients and getting to know them on a personal level.  As a Client Services Associate, Tracy works closely with her team of Wealth Managers to help clients reach their financial goals. Her main responsibilities include gathering client data, maintaining detailed client records, opening and closing accounts, scheduling meetings, account maintenance, and communicating with clients about day-to-day needs. Before joining the Deerfield team, Tracy spent over 15 years in customer service and administrative roles, with 13 of those years in banking. Her background in the financial industry has provided her with a great foundation to build upon. She is looking forward to obtaining her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation in order to provide additional strength in her role. Tracy lives on the south side of Indianapolis with her husband Jim, 2 children, and their dog. She loves working in the yard, watching sports, and vacationing at the beach as much as possible.