Barrett Wadsworth

President & Founder

After graduating from Hamilton College Barrett spent several years working in economic development before beginning his career in finance in 2008 as a Financial Advisor at a large Broker/Dealer firm in Buffalo, NY.  Eventually learning the fundamental flaws and limitations of the Broker/Dealer model, Barrett founded North Woods in 2015 as an independent, fee-only RIA with a fiduciary duty to its clients.  

Barrett believes strongly in Modern Portfolio Theory and the importance of an academic approach to investing.  He has studied various aspects of investment management through programs at Concordia University and the Yale School of Management.  In addition to writing North Woods quarterly "Market Commentary", Barrett is a member of the Investment Committee and enjoys rolling up his sleeves to help with fundamental research from time to time.  Barrett also enjoys applying critical thinking skills to tax and estate planning situations, and is known amongst clients for proactive & creative planning strategies.

A proud father of two, Barrett lives with his wife and sons in beautiful East Aurora.  As part owner of Camp Pathfinder in Algonquin Park, Barrett and his family enjoy spending time at the lake in the beautiful Canadian backcountry.

Barrett has served as Trustee and Treasurer of the Board of Trocaire College, and as a Trustee for the Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club.  

- Bachelor’s Degree: Hamilton College
- Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC): Concordia University
- Investment Management Theory and Practice: Yale School of Management

 

Jeremy Wadsworth, CFA®, CIPM®

Chief Investment Officer

Jeremy's passion for finance began in undergrad at Carleton College, where he majored in their world-renowned economics department. After graduating, Jeremy worked as a financial analyst in the wealth management industry while he pursued his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. After becoming one of WNY's youngest Charterholders, Jeremy continued to hone his skills by pursuing and obtaining his Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC), Certificate in ESG Investing, & Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement.

In 2017, with four years of experience as an analyst, Jeremy joined North Woods as Chief Investment Officer. Jeremy is responsible for North Woods' overall portfolio management which includes strategic asset allocation, fund/manager research & selection, and trading. Additionally, Jeremy directly advises many of the firm's high net worth clients allowing him to integrate the portfolio construction process with a client's unique goals, tax situation, and income needs. 

Away from the office, Jeremy is very active on the soccer field and has a true passion for travel. He can commonly be found sneaking away for the weekend to the woods or planning another international adventure. Jeremy currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Journey's End Refugee Services.

- Bachelor's Degree: Carleton College
- Chartered Financial Analyst: CFA Institute
- Certificate in ESG Investing: CFA Institute
- Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement: CFA Institute
- Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC): Concordia University

 

Fred Fadel, CFP® 

Senior Investment Advisor

Before joining North Woods as a senior advisor, Fred owned Willink Asset Management, also operating under a fiduciary standard.  At the time of its formation, it was one of Western New York's few fee-only investment and financial planning firms.

After attending the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Fred was recruited to a re-energized Buffalo City Hall.  There he had the opportunity to help plan and finance key private and public development projects.  He served as City Planning Director and City Commissioner among other important assignments.

After eight years he traded in the politics of municipal government for finance in the private sector.  Fred held the Series 7 stockbroker's license at two securities firms before earning the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation from the College of Financial Planning Board of Standards in the early 2000's.

Fred and his wife Mary Ellen, a nurse practitioner, live in Williamsville, NY and have four sons.  He has served in leadership positions on community boards including Shea's Buffalo Theater, St. Benedict School, the former Jazz Institute, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.  Fred has been a ski instructor, licensed soccer coach and longtime rock climber.  These days he prefers flat water canoeing and sunny ski slopes from a view in the lodge.  And of course, all things related to the economy and securities markets.

 

 

The CHARTERED FINANCIAL ANALYST™ (CFA®)

The CFA charter is a graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. To earn the CFA charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. High Ethical Standards. The CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, enforced through an active professional conduct program, require CFA charter holders to:

•              Place their clients’ interests ahead of their own

•              Maintain independence and objectivity

•              Act with integrity

•              Maintain and improve their professional competence

•              Disclose conflicts of interest and legal matters

Additionally, regulatory bodies in 22 countries and territories recognize the CFA charter as a proxy for meeting certain licensing requirements, and more than 125 colleges and universities around the world have incorporated a majority of the CFA Program curriculum into their own finance courses.

The CFA Program curriculum provides a comprehensive framework of knowledge for investment decision making and is firmly grounded in the knowledge and skills used every day in the investment profession. The three levels of the CFA Program test a proficiency with a wide range of fundamental and advanced investment topics, including ethical and professional standards, fixed-income and equity analysis, alternative and derivative investments, economics, financial reporting standards, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program curriculum is updated every year by experts from around the world to ensure that candidates learn the most relevant and practical new tools, ideas, and investment and wealth management skills to reflect the dynamic and complex nature of the profession.

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

A Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) is a professional designation established in 1985 and awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) to individuals who meet rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements in the field of financial planning. To earn the CFP® certification, candidates must: 1) complete a comprehensive financial planning education program registered by the CFP Board; 2) pass the CFP® certification examination, which tests proficiency across a broad range of financial planning topics; 3) have at least three years of qualified professional experience in financial planning; 4) adhere to the CFP Board's ethical standards, and 5) pass a background check. High Ethical Standards. CFP® professionals are required to act as fiduciaries, placing their clients' best interests ahead of their own. The CFP® certification is governed by the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, which requires CFP® professionals to:
- Provide clients with financial advice that is in their best interest
- Maintain integrity and professionalism in all client interactions
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest
- Continue their professional development to stay current with evolving financial strategies and tools
- Treat clients with respect and dignity at all times


The CFP® designation is recognized across the United States as a mark of excellence in the financial planning profession, and the knowledge and skills gained through the CFP® program ensure that professionals are equipped to address a wide range of financial planning needs, including retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies, risk management, and investment management. Each year, the CFP Board updates the curriculum to reflect the latest trends and best practices in personal financial planning, ensuring that CFP® professionals remain prepared to help clients navigate complex financial decisions in an ever-changing environment.

SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION (SIPC)

The Sustainable Investment Professional Certification program is designed to meet the needs of professionals in finance, investment or other functional areas in business through a rigorous training curriculum in the field of sustainability. The program offers 70 to 80 hours of self-study curriculum material, online study guidance and certification testing, culminating in the award of the Sustainable Investment Professional Certificate. Topics covered include sustainability, governance, ethics, corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

CERTIFICATE IN INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT (CIPM®)

The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®) Program leverages the expertise of CFA Institute, the respected global leader in investment education, ethics, and standards, to deliver practice-based approaches and develop skills for effective investment performance evaluation and manager selection.

CERTIFICATE IN ESG INVESTING

The Certificate in ESG Investing offers both practical and technical knowledge in the field of ESG Investing. The certificate and learning materials were developed by leading practitioners for practitioners, and have been recognized by the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), an independent body that seeks to encourage investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage business risks. The Certificate in ESG Investing is owned, administered, and awarded globally by CFA Institute.