Learn about Solaris Wealth Strategies’ talented financial advisors and the strengths they bring to financial planning.
Start a Conversation
Raymond Pavicich
CFP®, CLU®, CExP, CPWA®, Founder & Head of Advanced Planning, Solaris Wealth Strategies
Raymond Pavicich is the founder and Head of Advanced Planning at Solaris Wealth Strategies. Working in financial services since 2007, Ray serves high-net-worth families, closely held business owners, and executives navigating complex equity decisions. These are the engagements where the stakes are highest, and the questions reach well beyond the balance sheet.
Ray’s work centers on advanced estate planning, multi-generational wealth planning, and family governance. Much of his value lies in the work surrounding the plan itself: navigating family dynamics, preparing the next generation, and helping families reach alignment on decisions that carry both financial and personal weight. He approaches each engagement as the family’s lead strategist, directing the broader advisory team and integrating his planning with the client’s tax and legal counsel so that every element of the strategy moves in concert.
His method is deliberate and consultative, grounded in a disciplined process of education, discovery, and action. Above all, it is oriented toward clarity and conviction in the decisions that matter most.
Prior to financial services, Ray pursued a distinguished academic path, graduating summa cum laude from Boston College with degrees in Philosophy and English. He studied at Oxford and held a Fulbright Scholarship in Germany before beginning a doctorate in comparative literature, which he ultimately left for a career with greater human impact. He remains a dedicated reader, a lifelong fine artist, and a student of foreign languages, and spends his time outside the office with his family.
Derek Szczupakowski
CIMA®, Financial Advisor/Investment Specialist
Derek Szczupakowski leads the investment research and strategy that inform client work at Solaris Wealth Strategies. A Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), among the profession’s most demanding credentials in advanced investment consulting and analysis, Derek has specialized in investment management since 2010 and is recognized for the depth of research and discipline he brings to the firm’s investment approach.
His perspective pairs rigorous, top-down research with close attention to investor behavior, drawing on industry-wide analysis across economics, capital markets, and sector trends while recognizing that human factors, as much as the data, shape real-world results. He is a strong advocate for thinking beyond conventional allocations: “So much of the financial advisory industry revolves around the 60/40 stock/bond portfolio, heavily overweight US equity and US corporate bonds. There are so many more asset classes that simply don’t get the correct portfolio weighting, based on lack of familiarity. I’m a proponent of tactical sector rotation, as well as opportunistic purchasing of alternatives, including real assets and real estate.”
A University at Buffalo graduate who built his career in the city after developing a deep affinity for its people and character, Derek lives in Williamsville with his wife, Jackie, and their two sons, Jude and Rory. He is actively involved with the local Alzheimer’s Association and is an avid golfer, bowler, and Bills fan.
Alexei Heringer
MBA, Financial Advisor
Alexei (Alex) has been advising clients in medical and surgical practices across the US for the past 13 years. He has a strong passion for helping physicians and medical practitioners grow and protect their wealth. He understands the unique tax and financial needs of the highly compensated, as well as the liability and asset protection planning that are needed to round out their financial picture. In addition, he has an appreciation for the demands on their time, the stress brought about by long and irregular hours and the commitment necessary to achieve financial success.
After growing up in Russia, Germany, and Luxembourg, Alex emigrated to the United States in 2007. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and later achieved his MBA from Niagara University. Prior to coming to the United States, Alex was a professional soccer player in Germany. He is fluent in Russian, German, and English.
Jonathan Jones
Investment Director
Jonathan brings a disciplined, research-driven approach to the investment process at Solaris. A Level II candidate in the CFA® Program and licensed with his FINRA, Series 7 and Series 66 registrations, he is responsible for investment due diligence, asset allocation analysis, model construction, risk tolerance assessment, and designing tailored investment solutions for clients.
A Syracuse native now calling Sanborn home, Jonathan has been serving clients in financial services since 2021. He is a proud graduate of the University at Buffalo and is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence.
When he’s not working, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his growing family, including his daughter and newborn son.
Owen Smardz
Paraplanner / Operations
Owen joined Solaris in 2025, supporting the advisory team in their investment and planning processes and assisting in the development of strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a degree in Finance, he was drawn to the mechanics of serving clients through thoughtful, comprehensive guidance. Owen holds his Life, Accident & Health Insurance license as well as his Series 7, and is currently preparing for the Series 66 examination.
Owen thrives in the technical side of the work—he enjoys report building, plan crafting, market research, and ensuring seamless client service. Outside of the office, Owen spends most of his time in the outdoors, whether hiking, skiing, or fishing.
Christine Bellagamba
New Business Coordinator
Christine joined Solaris in 2017 and supports the firm in a variety of ways, focusing her time on new business processing, client service, and working with clients to gather documentation and assemble the building blocks of their planning. Before joining the firm, Christine worked in the telecommunications industry, primarily with Verizon Wireless, and brings a myriad of skills to the team, including her devotion to enhancing the client experience. Christine lives in Boston, NY with her husband and their daughter, Lilly.
Ready to Reach Your Financial Goals?
When you are, we’re here to help. Contact our team to schedule a consultation.