About Osterweis
Our Client-First Focus
“We are singularly focused on helping our clients realize the full potential of their assets and simplify their financial lives.”
- Chris Zand
We understand every individual has distinct financial goals and objectives when it comes to leaving a lasting legacy. This is why we proactively work with our clients as their lives evolve, from building careers to retirement and beyond. We see ourselves as an extension of your team, providing a trusted resource available to address financial matters throughout your lifetime.
Our Investment Approach
“We put our faith not in the efficiency of markets, but in our ability to find good companies with hidden upside and solid business fundamentals.”
- John Osterweis
We believe picking the right companies matters. Our experienced in-house portfolio management team builds client portfolios to meet long-term wealth management goals with a focus on protecting on the downside as well as capturing upside. They rely on their experience, carefully building portfolios of 30-40 high conviction stocks, complemented by carefully selected bonds. They are not afraid to hold cash when there are too few compelling investment opportunities.
As fiduciaries, we hold a position of trust and always put your interests first. The advisory fee we collect from clients is our sole source of revenue, so our loyalty remains undivided.
Partnering with Osterweis
Getting Started
Unlike many investment companies that offer a one-size-fits-all management approach, we work with you to build a personalized strategy for investing, real estate, philanthropy, and other plans and assets. We specialize in a high touch, holistic approach that considers your needs, your goals, and the life you have worked to build.
After we develop a plan, we work carefully to implement it, taking into account potential tax implications or other factors (e.g., concentrated stock positions). Over time, based on regular discussions, we adjust your plan and manage your portfolio in light of market conditions and your evolving life, taking into account non-liquid assets, philanthropic endeavors, etc.
By looking at every asset you have as pieces of a puzzle, we ensure the pieces fit and complete the picture of your long-term plan.
Our Ongoing Commitment
As your goals and objectives change over time, we are committed to delivering personalized service through:
- Regular meetings focused on asking the right questions to ensure we are managing your investments to meet your goals
- One-on-one access to your portfolio managers
- On-demand access to our dedicated team for any service-related requests
Our Team
Our Investment & Planning Leadership Team
Christopher Zand, J.D., CFP®
Vice President & Director of Private Client
Chris Zand joined Osterweis in 2018 to lead the firm’s wealth management and investment management services for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals and families. As the head of Private Client, Mr. Zand applies his passion for deeply engaging with clients to help them meet their long-term goals through their investments and strategic planning. He brings invaluable perspectives to wealth management discussions based on his experience with capital markets, asset allocation, financial planning, law, and taxes. Recognizing how complex life can be, he has a reputation with clients for having direct, open conversations to overcome that complexity and creating prudent investment plans that focus on financial independence, maximizing tax benefits, and creating legacies.
Prior to joining Osterweis, Mr. Zand was Vice President and Principal at Brouwer & Janachowski, LLC, where he led several investment teams specializing in providing investment planning and management services to individuals, families, foundations, and endowments. He also helped formulate the firm’s investment strategy as a member of the Investment Committee. Before that, he was a Vice President with Bernstein Global Wealth Management and led a private client investment management team, providing financial and strategic planning advice to high-net-worth families and foundations.
Mr. Zand is a principal of the firm and is responsible for overseeing Osterweis Capital Management’s Private Client business. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.
He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and is a member of the California State Bar. Mr. Zand is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of Legal Services for Children, where he serves on the Finance Committee. He previously served as a member of the International House at U.C. Berkeley Board of Directors.
Mr. Zand graduated from University of California, Berkeley (B.A. in Political Science) and from Santa Clara University School of Law (J.D.). While in law school, Chris studied at the esteemed Magdalen College at Oxford University.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
John Osterweis
Founder, Chairman & Co-Chief Investment Officer – Core Equity
After graduating from business school, John Osterweis served as a Senior Analyst concentrating on the forest products and paper industry for several regional brokerage firms and later for E.F. Hutton & Company, Inc. In addition to his activities as an analyst, Mr. Osterweis served as Director of Research for two firms and managed equity portfolios for over ten years.
In late 1982, Mr. Osterweis decided to devote himself full time to his portfolio management activities, and in April of 1983 launched Osterweis Capital Management. Mr. Osterweis has served as Director of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Director on the Stanford Alumni Association Executive Board, Trustee of Bowdoin College, Director and Vice Chairman of Mt. Zion Hospital and Medical Center, and President of the Board of Directors for Summer Search Foundation. He currently serves as a Trustee of the San Francisco Ballet Association, Director of the San Francisco Free Clinic, and President Emeritus of the San Francisco Ballet Endowment Foundation, as well as Trustee Emeritus of Summer Search Foundation and of Bowdoin College.
He is a member of the firm’s Management Committee, a principal of the firm, and a co-lead Portfolio Manager for the core equity, growth & income, and flexible balanced strategies.
Mr. Osterweis graduated from Bowdoin College (B.A. in Philosophy, cum laude), and Stanford Graduate School of Business (M.B.A. with top honors in Finance).
Private Client Service Team
Our Private Client Team provides a seamless experience. They measure their success based on our clients' long-term success and are here to help with day-to-day transactions as well as comprehensive financial planning.
Sharon Sintchak
Vice President & Director of Private Client Service
As the Director of Private Client Service, Sharon Sintchak applies her over 25 years of experience working with clients to seamlessly facilitate the management of their accounts, whether that means coordinating gifting to charities and loved ones, collaborating with CPAs and tax advisors, or working through account changes to facilitate estate planning. Sharon is known by our clients for her deep understanding of their situations and proactive approach to making their financial lives easier. She is an integral member of the Private Client team and is dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations through a personalized client service experience.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2000, Ms. Sintchak worked as a portfolio accountant for Standard Pacific, a San Francisco-based hedge fund and as a portfolio operations manager for Hahn Capital. Prior to that, she was an associate portfolio accounting manager at Certus Asset Advisors.
She is a principal of the firm and oversees all aspects of Private Client service.
Ms. Sintchak graduated from California State University, Hayward (B.S. in Business Administration).
Brant Martin
Private Client Service Associate
As a Private Client Service Associate, Brant Martin applies his banking background to help facilitate financial transactions for our clients and provide the highest level of client service.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2019, Mr. Martin worked as a Senior Client Service Associate and then a Preferred Banker at First Republic Bank. Before that, he worked as an Assistant Site Director at Boys and Girls Club and a Program Manager at Best Buddies International.
He is a member of our Private Client team.
Mr. Martin graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A. in Philosophy, Ethics and Public Policy).
Nick Rivelli
Private Client Service Associate
As a Private Client Service Associate, Nick Rivelli leverages his depth of wealth management experience focused on researching, servicing, and responding to client needs in a timely and efficient manner. He works closely with our clients to help facilitate financial transactions and provide a high level of client service.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2023, Mr. Rivelli worked as a Senior Client Associate at RBC Capital Markets. Prior to that, he was a Senior Client Service Associate at First Republic within Private Wealth Management and has been assisting clients for over nine years.
He is a member of our Private Client team.
Mr. Rivelli graduated from San Jose State University (B.S. in Journalism).
Caroline Allen
Private Client Coordinator
As the Private Client Coordinator, Caroline Allen oversees a range of administrative responsibilities while cultivating client relationships. Her commitment to client satisfaction helps ensure our clients have an exceptional experience.
Prior to joining Osterweis in 2023, Ms. Allen worked as a Client Service Coordinator at a local financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, where she supported their client relationships.
She is a member of our Private Client team.
Ms. Allen graduated from San Francisco State University (B.S. in Business Management).
Leadership Team
Carl Kaufman
Co-President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer – Strategic Income & Managing Director – Fixed Income
Carl Kaufman
Co-President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer – Strategic Income & Managing Director – Fixed Income
Carl Kaufman joined Osterweis Capital Management in 2002 after almost 24 years in various positions at Robertson Stephens and Merrill Lynch. He has managed the Osterweis Strategic Income Fund since its inception in 2002. In addition, he is the Managing Director of Fixed Income and a lead Portfolio Manager for the Osterweis Growth & Income Fund.
In his management role at the firm, he is responsible primarily for investment matters and is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Mr. Kaufman is a principal of the firm. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Trustees for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Mr. Kaufman graduated from Harvard University and attended New York University Graduate School of Business Administration.
Catherine Halberstadt
Co-President & Co-Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Halberstadt joined Osterweis in 1994 as part of the Operations team. Since then, she has progressively assumed more responsibility at the firm, most recently in the role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Effective July 2017, Ms. Halberstadt assumed the role of Co-President & Co-Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Osterweis, Ms. Halberstadt worked in the Treasury Department at Westamerica Bank.
She is a principal of the firm and is responsible for the President and CEO functions related to the firm’s non-investment matters including Operations, Compliance, Finance, Technology, Client Relations, Business Development, Marketing, and Human Resources. Ms. Halberstadt is also a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Investment Advisor Association’s Board of Governors.
Ms. Halberstadt graduated from the University of San Francisco (B.S. in Business Administration).