Who We Are

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the Ohio Valley with clear, personalized financial guidance through trusted relationships and thoughtful planning.

Our Story

Commonwealth Financial Services was founded in 2003 by advisors who believed clients deserved advice free from product pressure and conflicts of interest. After leaving a large, insurance-owned broker-dealer that prioritized proprietary products over client needs, our founders chose true independence, even in the face of uncertainty. That commitment led to the creation of an RIA firm built to serve not only high-net-worth individuals, but everyday families as well. Today, our mission remains the same: to provide objective, unbiased advice guided by our core values of Integrity, Insight, and Innovation, while treating every client like family.

Our Foundation

Values That Guide Us

Integrity

As a fiduciary, integrity is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to acting in your best interest and providing objective, transparent advice you can trust.

Insight

We bring clarity and perspective to financial decisions. Our guidance helps replace emotional reactions with logic, discipline, and a long-term approach.

Innovation

We continually refine our investment and planning strategies by combining advanced technology with high-quality investment approaches and thoughtful financial planning.

Our People

Meet the Team

With our team-based approach, we strive to offer confidence to each and every person who walks through our doors.

Leadership

Michael C. Seese, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®

Co-Founder/Partner, CAO | Financial Advisor

Daniel L. Spurgeon, CFP®

Partner, CIO | Financial Advisor

Shanell Jeffrey, FPQP™, AWMA®

Partner, CEO

Tyler Brautigan, CFP®

Equity Owner | Financial Advisor

Cristin Self, APMA®

Director of Operations

Financial Advisors

B. Vincent McManus, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Madison Gontarek

Associate Financial Advisor

Zachary Seese

Associate Financial Advisor

Sierra Love

Associate Financial Advisor

Samuel Cremeans

Associate Financial Advisor

Client Services

Heather Jones

Client Services Assistant

Bridget Pigott, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Abigail Snedeker, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Trinity Smith

Client Services Coordinator

Operations

Tyler Szafran, CRPC®, CFP®

Paraplanner

Derek Bailey, APMA®

Research Analyst

Jared Ullom

Accounting & Billing Specialist

Molly Still, FPQP™

Operations Associate

Michael C. Seese, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®

Co-Founder/Partner, CAO | Financial Advisor

Q

Mike graduated from West Virginia University's College of Business and Economics in 1994. He has earned his CFP®, ChFC® and CLU® designations and holds Series 6, 7, 24 and 63 licenses. His significant experience helps him advise individuals, families and businesses on how to increase their personal and financial wealth.

  • (304) 422-3531
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Daniel L. Spurgeon, CFP®

Partner, CIO | Financial Advisor

Q

Daniel joined Commonwealth Financial Services in April 2014. He graduated from Marietta College with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting. He currently holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses, along with life and health and his CFP® designation.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Shanell Jeffrey, FPQP™, AWMA®

Partner, CEO

Q

As CEO of Commonwealth, Shanell leads all aspects of the firm's operations, from strategic planning and team development to delivering exceptional client service. She holds the FPQP™ and AWMA® designations and brings over 15 years of experience in financial services.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Tyler Brautigan, CFP®

Equity Owner | Financial Advisor

Q

Tyler has been serving clients as a financial advisor in the Ohio Valley for nearly a decade. Born and raised in Marshall County, he graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses and the CFP® designation.

  • (304) 230-2384
  • Email

Cristin Self, APMA®

Director of Operations

Q

Cristin serves as Director of Operations, guiding the firm's day-to-day operations and supporting long-term strategic initiatives. Originally from West Virginia, she holds the APMA® designation and a B.S. from WVU.

  • (304) 230-2384

B. Vincent McManus, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Q

Vince joined Commonwealth in 2022 after four years at J.P. Morgan. He holds a J.D. from the University of Florida and an LL.M in Estate Planning from the University of Miami. His legal and financial experience affords clients a unique perspective.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Madison Gontarek

Associate Financial Advisor

Q

Madison graduated from Western Kentucky's College of Business in 2023 with a B.S. in personal finance. Since joining Commonwealth, she has acquired her Series 65 license and is currently studying for her CFP designation.

  • (304) 422-3531
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Evan Brockmeier

Financial Advisor

Q

Evan is a Marietta native and graduate of Marietta College with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. A two-time National Champion baseball player and Academic All-American, he joined Commonwealth in 2023 and holds his Series 65 license.

  • (740) 373-4877
  • Email

Zachary Seese

Associate Financial Advisor

Q

Zach joined Commonwealth full-time in May 2024 after interning during 2022 and 2023. He graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Personal Finance and holds the Series 65 license.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Heather Jones

Client Services Assistant

Q

Heather has been with the firm since March 2013, bringing extensive experience in administration, payroll and accounting. She coordinates calendars, schedules appointments and is a key connection between clients and the firm.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Bridget Pigott, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Q

Bridget joined the firm in March 2015. Her primary responsibilities include opening new accounts and servicing life and annuity clients. She holds the FPQP™ designation as well as life and health licenses.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Abigail Snedeker, FPQP™

Client Services Associate

Q

Abby joined the firm in June 2024. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in finance and has earned her FPQP® designation. She is dedicated to providing exceptional support.

  • (304) 230-2384
  • Email

Tyler Szafran, CRPC®, CFP®

Paraplanner

Q

Tyler is a Wheeling native and Duquesne University graduate with over eleven years of experience in banking and finance, including five years at T. Rowe Price. He holds the CRPC® and CFP® designations.

  • (304) 230-2384
  • Email

Derek Bailey, APMA®

Research Analyst

Q

Derek joined Commonwealth in August 2021. He graduated from Ohio University in 2015 with a degree in geological sciences. In March 2025, he earned the APMA® designation, enhancing his expertise in portfolio construction and risk assessment.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email

Jared Ullom

Accounting & Billing Specialist

Q

Jared graduated from West Liberty University with dual degrees in accounting and financial planning. He joined Commonwealth in February 2024 after gaining experience as a financial auditor.

  • (304) 230-2384
  • Email

Molly Still, FPQP™

Operations Associate

Q

Molly is our Operations Associate in Parkersburg with over 10 years in customer service and administration. She holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation.

  • (304) 422-3531
  • Email