Derek Blakely
Director of Wealth Management, Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, B. Comm. (Hons.)

Launching his impressive career in the investment industry in 1993, Derek is the founder and main strategist of Blakely Wealth Management. He takes a conservative approach to ensure clients' long-term goals are met. Derek's focus is on the client experience: he has been recognized throughout the industry for his customer-care philosophy and his investment approach. Moreover, he has regularly presented his commitment to an enhanced level of client-service nationwide; which has brought him industry-wide notoriety. Overall, Derek has a passion for the business, through which he continues to establish service and investment practices that are industry-leading.

As one of only an exclusive handful of advisors firm-wide, Derek has received the Portfolio Manager designation, which allows him to offer discretionary management to his clients.

In addition, Derek is devoted to his young family that includes his lovely wife Melanie, their two sons Curtis and Will, and their dog Penny. He enjoys an active lifestyle that includes coaching his sons' soccer teams and watching them play hockey; while playing squash, running, and golfing himself. Derek is also an active and dedicated supporter of charities such as the United Way of Oakville, as well as The Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life and The Terry Fox Foundation. He is also an avid Alumni Member of the Queen's University Varsity Rugby Club.

Chad Allison
Investment Associate, FCSI, CIM

Chad joined Blakely Wealth Management in March of 2005, quickly becoming an integral member of the team. His current role includes the active management of clients' investment portfolios, which includes frequent client contact, analysis of portfolios, investment recommendations, research of investments, proactively managing clients' expectations, and conducing annual client reviews. Drawing on his experience in the investment industry, he has developed many procedures that have become essential to the team's success. Chad joined the investment industry in 1997, and has held roles as an Associate Portfolio Manager and Equity Trader. He graduated from Sheridan College in 1997 with a degree in Accounting and holds titles from the Canadian Securities Institute including Canadian Investment Manager (CIM), and Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).

Aside from his dedication to his clients, Chad was born and raised in Oakville. He enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle by visiting his cottage near Huntsville, snowboarding, golfing, and fishing.

Kevin Shao
Investment Associate, B. Comm. (Hons.)

Kevin has been in the investment industry since 2001, and joined Blakely Wealth Management in 2006. Within his role as an Investment Associate, Kevin is actively involved in managing client accounts to ensure he delivers exceptional personal and customized service. His upbeat personality is a breath of fresh air to clients, and he thoroughly enjoys his client-interaction on a daily basis. Kevin is a longtime resident of Oakville, and is an Honours graduate from McMaster University, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Away from the office, Kevin is a big supporter of the Toronto Raptors, a keen photographer, and shares an active lifetsyle with his wife Vivien.

Rachel Neale
Associate

Rachel has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Specifically, she moved to the investment side of the business in 2002, where she has provided superior client service ever since. In addition to being a fully licensed Associate, Rachel is also responsible for all administrative transactions, tax reports, client-event planning, and marketing.

During her time away from the office, Rachel is an avid reader, enjoys golfing and being active, travelling, and spending time with her husband Steve and their two sons Davis and Everett.

Arlene Chua Henahan

Arlene joined Blakely Wealth Management at the end of 2009 as Senior Associate. Arlene is a licensed representative with significant investment industry experience. Prior to joining ScotiaMcLeod in 2008, she worked for seven years in Calgary at a boutique wealth management and investment banking firm catering to both institutional and high net worth retail clients. She will be assisting Derek with administering discretionary portfolios and assisting clients with day-to-day requests.