The Bernzott U.S. Small Cap Value Fund Team
Kevin Bernzott
Founder & Chairman
Mr. Bernzott founded the firm in 1994. Previously CEO of McGaelic Group, a multi-generational family investment office, he focused on real estate development and asset management. Mr. Bernzott earned a doctorate in law from the University of West Los Angeles.
Founder & Chairman
Mr. Bernzott founded the firm in 1994. Previously CEO of McGaelic Group, a multi-generational family investment office, he focused on real estate development and asset management. Mr. Bernzott earned a doctorate in law from the University of West Los Angeles.
Scott T. Larson, CFA
Chief Investment Officer - Portfolio Manager / Analyst
Mr. Larson joined the firm in 2007. Previously he was a Principal with Grayhawk Venture Partners, a venture capital firm, where he was responsible for investment due diligence, research and analysis. Mr. Larson graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a BS in Finance and a BA in Psychology. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles (CFALA).
Chief Investment Officer - Portfolio Manager / Analyst
Mr. Larson joined the firm in 2007. Previously he was a Principal with Grayhawk Venture Partners, a venture capital firm, where he was responsible for investment due diligence, research and analysis. Mr. Larson graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a BS in Finance and a BA in Psychology. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles (CFALA).
Thomas A. Derse, CFA
Portfolio Manager / Analyst
Mr. Derse joined the firm in 2004. Previously president of Channel Islands Capital Management, Inc. and a partner in an accounting firm, he managed portfolios and assisted clients with tax, estate, retirement, and business planning. Mr. Derse obtained a BS in accounting from California State University - Fresno and an MS in taxation from Golden Gate University. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles (CFALA). Mr. Derse currently serves as co-editor of the bi-monthly CFALA E-newsletter.
Portfolio Manager / Analyst
Mr. Derse joined the firm in 2004. Previously president of Channel Islands Capital Management, Inc. and a partner in an accounting firm, he managed portfolios and assisted clients with tax, estate, retirement, and business planning. Mr. Derse obtained a BS in accounting from California State University - Fresno and an MS in taxation from Golden Gate University. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles (CFALA). Mr. Derse currently serves as co-editor of the bi-monthly CFALA E-newsletter.
Ryan J. Ross, CFA
Portfolio Manager / Analyst
Mr. Ross joined the firm in 2014. Previously he worked at Madison Investment Advisors and American Century Investments, where he was responsible for equity research and analysis. Mr. Ross has an MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles (CFALA).
Portfolio Manager / Analyst
Mr. Ross joined the firm in 2014. Previously he worked at Madison Investment Advisors and American Century Investments, where he was responsible for equity research and analysis. Mr. Ross has an MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles (CFALA).
Joseph P. Karpinski, CFA
Director
Mr. Karpinski joined the firm in May, 2016. Previously Area Executive Vice President at the Investment & Fiduciary Services practice of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., he was responsible for providing investment consulting services. Prior to that Mr. Karpinski held key leadership positions with major carriers including National Director for a capital management firm and Managing Director in Consultant Relations for an investment firm. He also served as a National Director and Principal for the investment consulting division of a multinational professional services firm and was a Portfolio Manager for a major insurance company with responsibility for equity and fixed income investments. Mr. Karpinski earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Gannon University. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. Mr. Karpinski is registered with IMST Distributors, LLC which is not affiliated with Bernzott Capital Advisors
Director
Mr. Karpinski joined the firm in May, 2016. Previously Area Executive Vice President at the Investment & Fiduciary Services practice of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., he was responsible for providing investment consulting services. Prior to that Mr. Karpinski held key leadership positions with major carriers including National Director for a capital management firm and Managing Director in Consultant Relations for an investment firm. He also served as a National Director and Principal for the investment consulting division of a multinational professional services firm and was a Portfolio Manager for a major insurance company with responsibility for equity and fixed income investments. Mr. Karpinski earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Gannon University. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. Mr. Karpinski is registered with IMST Distributors, LLC which is not affiliated with Bernzott Capital Advisors
Hans T. Walsh
Chief Operating Officer / Chief Compliance Officer
Mr. Walsh joined the firm in 2006. Previously a career US Navy SEAL officer, he is a decorated combat and disabled veteran. Mr. Walsh earned a BS in biology from Marquette University and an MA in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He has been awarded the Investment Foundations™ Certificate by CFA Institute and has been designated an Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional®. He speaks fluent Spanish.
Chief Operating Officer / Chief Compliance Officer
Mr. Walsh joined the firm in 2006. Previously a career US Navy SEAL officer, he is a decorated combat and disabled veteran. Mr. Walsh earned a BS in biology from Marquette University and an MA in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He has been awarded the Investment Foundations™ Certificate by CFA Institute and has been designated an Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional®. He speaks fluent Spanish.
The investment team profiled here is augmented by additional support and client service professionals.
