Our Bourgeon Team

Meet the Team

John A. Zaro, III CFA®, CIC

Managing Member, General Partner

jzaro@bourgeoncapital.com


I founded Bourgeon in 1999 with one goal: to develop a true partnership with every client through honest and inquisitive conversations and by honoring their interests at all times. After 20 years in the investment world, I was determined to provide a better way to help wealthy individuals, their families, and foundations meet their objectives.

 

Prior to Bourgeon, I enjoyed a successful career at the highest levels of the investment management business. As senior managing director and partner at Warburg Pincus Asset Management, I assisted in the implementation of a new investment process for the Private Client/High Net Worth Client Group. I also served as a portfolio manager and alpha target manager for J.P. Morgan Investment Management, and was vice president at Morgan Stanley, at Jefferies & Company and at Smith Barney.

 

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Economics from Stanford University. I am a Chartered Investment Counselor, member of the New York Society of Security Analysts, and a Chartered Financial Analyst. When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my three daughters. I look forward to teaching my grandson how to fish and golf.

 

Laura K. Drynan CFA®,CFP®, CIC

Partner 

ldrynan@bourgeoncapital.com


I bring over 25 years of investment experience to Bourgeon, but since 2003, my primary focus has been exclusively on helping ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals achieve their multi-generational investment goals using customized portfolios designed for their specific needs.

 

I consider myself a trusted advisor as a result of my long tenured relationships and client focus. I believe my ability to connect with people going through a transition, such as retirement, divorce, or death of a loved one has been instrumental to my success.

 

My career began at Credit Suisse First Boston, where I became a key member of a top-ranked investment research team. After leaving Wall Street, I joined Barbenco Investment Advisors, a Connecticut-based family office, rising to the role of President and Chief Investment Officer. I joined Bourgeon as a partner in 2010.

 

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Mandarin from Georgetown University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. I’m a Chartered Financial Analyst®, Certified Financial Planner™, and Chartered Investment Counselor. I’m a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and a member of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Professional Advisors Council. In 2021, I was elected to the Board of Governors of the Investment Adviser’s Association, where I also serve as a member of the IAA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and as Vice Chairman of the IAA’s Government Relations Committee. In 2020, I proudly received  the Woman with Impact Award given by the Women’s Business Development Council.

 

I enjoy reading a book with my feet in the sand and game night with my family and friends.

 

 

Christie Gammill

Concierge Services

cgammill@bourgeoncapital.com


I joined Bourgeon Capital Management in the fall of 2021.  My path to Bourgeon is not the traditional financial sector yet similarly in the client support and management.   I began my career managing client-owned trade shows of 56,000 attendees and 3,200 exhibitors with over 200 meetings managing all marketing, logistics and sales. I transitioned from the trade show market to be the founder of Details by CLG, LLC, where I offer individuals, corporations, foundations, and non-profit organizations a management process that conserves today’s most important commodities - time and resources. Developing a close partnership with each client, I focus on managing all aspects of any project and provide comprehensive services that ensure that even the smallest details are flawlessly executed.   My experience extends from running large scale events to managing the details of individuals’ homes to handling holiday cards to bill paying and even to coordinating a new driveway.   I am here to help you achieve peace of mind.
 
I am fortunate to be raising my three children in the community I grew up in and watching their sports of hockey, soccer, lacrosse, tennis and field hockey.

 

 

Spencer Mallozzi

Financial Planner & Associate Portfolio Manager

smallozzi@bourgeoncapital.com


I joined the Bourgeon team in 2022 with 20 years of investment and finance experience. I am excited to work with our clients to help them achieve their goals primarily through financial planning. I am of the belief that the combination of a trusted advisor with a collaborative and comprehensive financial plan is the best way for families to navigate the complexities of wealth management.

 

I began my finance career at Deutsche Bank Alex Brown supporting three brokers with uniquely different businesses: private client sales, middle market sales and institutional sales. The next 13 years were spent on the institutional side of the business as a hedge fund trader at Accipiter Capital Management, Iridian Asset Management and Columbus Circle Investors. Just prior to Bourgeon, I worked for 4 years at Oppenheimer & Co Inc. as part of an advisory group providing investment advice, financial planning, and custody services to high-net-worth individuals, investment advisors and family offices.

 

I graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. I am deeply committed to the non-profit Horizons at New Canaan Country School serving 9 years on the Board of Directors and currently on the Board of Governors. My time out of the office is largely spent watching my elementary school aged daughter and son grow up too fast and coaching their hockey and skiing interests.

 

Rheema Pike

Operations Director and Compliance Analyst

rpike@bourgeoncapital.com


Since 2018, I have been dedicated to assisting clients and ensuring day-to-day transactions along with account documentation are taken care of in a timely manner at Bourgeon. I assist in the operation of Tamarac, the firm’s portfolio management system. As a compliance analyst, I monitor that the company is compliant with our governing rules and regulations.

 

I joined Bourgeon with over 20 years of experience in the investment advising community. Prior to Bourgeon, I worked at Spruce Investment Advisors, LLC in Stamford, Connecticut where I was the Operations Team lead that managed clients’ data within Advent across multiple assets, ensuring daily reconciliation to meet trading and reporting needs. Additionally, I assisted on compliance surveillance regulatory reporting and dealt with client queries.

 

I received a Master of Arts in International Political and Economic Development from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in French from Manhattanville College. I love watching my twin sons play high school soccer and club soccer. Plus, I am the team manager for their teams too.

 

 

Laura Pollack CPA

Controller

lpollack@bourgeoncapital.com


Prior to joining Bourgeon in 2001, I worked for Eisner LLP (now EisnerAmper LLP) specializing in tax accounting. I received my Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University, Los Angeles. I enjoy attending concerts and am an avid Lakers fan.

 

Reilyn Zaro

Client Service Specialist

rzaro@bourgeoncapital.com


I joined Bourgeon Capital Management in March of 2020. In my role, I provide clients with real time account support and consistent portfolio monitoring. I also manage marketing initiatives, client communications, and special client driven projects. My work includes, but is not limited to, Advisory Review of Non-Discretionary Management of Assets, Investment Policy Statements, Trading, Quarterly Reports, constant coordination with Charles Schwab on daily account details. In addition to my work in the financial sector, I have spent years in retail as I have a passion for collaborating with clients and helping understand their needs and enhance their experience. This directly correlates to my work with the clients at Bourgeon as I enjoy getting to know each one and supporting their portfolios.

 

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Virginia. When I am not in the office, I love all animals and especially spending time with my 13-year-old dog. I enjoy watching college basketball.

 

 

For more information, please contact us: 
320 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
203.280.1170 info@bourgeoncapital.com
// accordion script