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
Heather Hansen
Client Services Associate
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
Mike graduated from West Virginia University's College of Business and Economics in 1994 and holds the CFP®, ChFC®, and CLU® designations. As Co-Founder, Partner, and Chief Administrative Officer, he helps guide the firm's strategic direction while providing personalized financial planning and investment advice to individuals, families, and business owners. His extensive experience and commitment to client relationships are central to the firm's approach to wealth management.
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Daniel L. Spurgeon, CFP®
Partner, CIO | Financial Advisor
Daniel joined Commonwealth Financial Services in April 2014 and is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer. He graduated from Marietta College with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting and holds the CFP® designation. Daniel helps guide the firm's investment philosophy and portfolio management strategies while providing personalized financial planning and investment advice to individuals, families, and business owners.
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Shanell Jeffrey, FPQP™, AWMA®
Partner, CEO
As CEO of Commonwealth Financial Services, Shanell leads the firm's strategic direction, daily operations, and organizational growth. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, she is dedicated to developing a high-performing team, strengthening operational excellence, and ensuring an exceptional client experience. She holds the FPQP™ and AWMA® designations and is committed to the firm's continued success and long-term vision.
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Tyler Brautigan, CFP®
Equity Owner | Financial Advisor
Tyler is an Equity Owner and Financial Advisor at Commonwealth Financial Services, providing personalized financial planning and investment advice to individuals and families. A native of Marshall County, he graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a bachelor's degree in accounting and holds the CFP® designation. With nearly a decade of experience serving clients throughout the Ohio Valley, Tyler is committed to building lasting relationships and helping clients achieve their financial goals.
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Cristin Self, APMA®
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Cristin oversees the firm's daily operations, drives process improvements, and supports strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and the client experience. She plays a key role in strengthening operational consistency and supporting the firm's continued growth. A West Virginia native, Cristin holds a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University and the APMA® designation.
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B. Vincent McManus, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Vince joined Commonwealth Financial Services in 2022 after four years with J.P. Morgan. He holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Florida and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning from the University of Miami. Combining his legal education with financial services experience, Vince brings a unique perspective to comprehensive financial planning, helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions and develop strategies to preserve and transfer wealth.
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Madison Gontarek
Associate Financial Advisor
Madison graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Personal Finance. As an Associate Financial Advisor at Commonwealth Financial Services, she supports the financial planning process, helping develop personalized strategies to meet clients' financial goals. Madison is committed to expanding her expertise and is currently working toward earning her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification.
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Zachary Seese
Associate Financial Advisor
Zach joined Commonwealth Financial Services full-time in May 2024 after completing internships with the firm in 2022 and 2023. He graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Personal Finance. As an Associate Financial Advisor, Zach supports the financial planning process, assists in developing personalized financial strategies, and works alongside the advisory team to help clients pursue their long-term financial goals.
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Sierra Love
Associate Financial Advisor
Sierra serves as an Associate Financial Advisor in Commonwealth Financial Services' Wheeling, WV office. With over four years of experience in financial services, she supports the financial planning process and works closely with the advisory team to develop personalized strategies tailored to clients' needs and goals. Sierra is committed to building strong client relationships and helping individuals and families navigate their financial futures with confidence.
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Samuel Cremeans
Associate Financial Advisor
Sam joined Commonwealth Financial Services full-time in May 2025 after interning with the firm since June 2024. He graduated from Marietta College with a bachelor's degree in Finance and a minor in Information Systems. As an Associate Financial Advisor, Sam supports the financial planning process, assists in developing personalized financial strategies, and works alongside the advisory team to help clients pursue their long-term financial goals.
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Heather Jones
Client Services Assistant
Heather has been with Commonwealth Financial Services since March 2013, bringing extensive experience in client service and relationship management. As a Client Services Assistant, she coordinates scheduling, manages appointments, and serves as a key point of contact for clients. With a strong focus on delivering an exceptional client experience, Heather helps ensure every interaction with the firm is welcoming, professional, and seamless.
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Bridget Pigott, FPQP™
Client Services Associate
Bridget joined Commonwealth Financial Services in March 2015 and plays an important role in supporting clients throughout their relationship with the firm. As a Client Services Associate, she specializes in establishing new investment accounts, facilitating account transactions, and coordinating ongoing service needs. Bridget is dedicated to providing an efficient, seamless client experience and holds the FPQP™ designation along with life and health insurance licenses.
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Abigail Snedeker, FPQP™
Client Services Associate
Abby joined Commonwealth Financial Services in June 2024 and serves as a Client Services Associate. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Finance and holds the FPQP® designation. Abby works closely with clients and the advisory team to coordinate account servicing needs, facilitate transactions, and ensure a seamless client experience. She is committed to providing attentive, responsive service and building lasting client relationships.
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Trinity Smith
Client Services Coordinator
Trinity joined Commonwealth Financial Services in September 2025, bringing a background in customer service. As Client Services Coordinator, she serves as a welcoming first point of contact for clients and visitors, coordinates appointments, and supports daily office operations. Trinity plays an important role in creating a positive first impression and ensuring every client interaction reflects the firm's commitment to exceptional service and a personalized client experience.
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Heather Hanson
Client Services Associate
Heather joined Commonwealth Financial Services in October 2026, bringing more than 28 years of experience in banking, customer service, management, and operations. A lifelong resident of Williamstown, WV, she brings extensive knowledge of client relationship management and a strong commitment to personalized service. As a Client Services Associate, Heather supports clients with their account servicing needs and works closely with the advisory team to ensure a seamless and exceptional client experience.
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Tyler Szafran, CRPC®, CFP®
Paraplanner
Tyler is a Wheeling native and graduate of Duquesne University with over 11 years of experience in banking and finance, including five years at T. Rowe Price. As a Paraplanner at Commonwealth Financial Services, he works behind the scenes to support the advisory team through financial plan development, research, and analysis. Tyler brings valuable industry experience and technical expertise to the firm's comprehensive financial planning process and holds the CFP® and CRPC® designations.
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Derek Bailey, APMA®
Research Analyst
Derek joined Commonwealth Financial Services in August 2021 and serves as the firm's Research Analyst, supporting investment research, portfolio management, and trading operations. He plays a key role in executing trades, monitoring portfolios, and supporting the firm's investment strategies. Derek graduated from Ohio University in 2015 with a degree in Geological Sciences and earned the APMA® designation in 2025, further strengthening his expertise in portfolio construction and risk management.
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Jared Ullom
Accounting & Billing Specialist
Jared joined Commonwealth Financial Services in February 2024, bringing experience in financial auditing and accounting. He graduated from West Liberty University with dual degrees in Accounting and Financial Planning. As the firm's Accounting and Billing Specialist, Jared manages advisory fee billing, supports financial reporting, and helps maintain accurate financial records. His attention to detail and analytical skills contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of the firm's financial operations.
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Molly Still, FPQP™
Operations Associate
Molly serves as an Operations Associate at Commonwealth Financial Services, bringing over 10 years of experience in customer service and administration. She plays an important role in supporting the firm's daily operations, with a focus on compliance coordination, marketing initiatives, and administrative processes. Molly works closely with the leadership team to ensure operational efficiency, maintain organizational consistency, and support the firm's continued growth. She holds the FPQP™ designation.
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