Meet the Simon Quick Operations Team

Brandon Ayala

Analyst

Mr. Ayala joined Simon Quick in May 2022. He is currently a Technology Analyst.  His responsibilities include assisting in the administration of the firm’s CRM software, handling internal technical support requests, and exploring new technologies for the firm to adopt. Brandon sits on the firm’s DEI Committee which aims to foster an environment of inclusion and promote diversity in the workplace.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Ayala completed a technology internship in 2021. Additionally, he completed an intensive Cyber Security bootcamp at Fullstack Academy in May of 2022. This covered everything from the basics of networking to various coding languages, to how to facilitate a firm’s recovery after cyber-attack.

Mr. Ayala attended Temple University (Class of 2020) and majored in Management Information Systems. During his time in college, he volunteered with various organizations such as Big Brother Big Sisters. In his spare time, he likes to go hiking, travel, and learn new languages.

Jacqueline Balloutine

Executive Assistant

Ms. Balloutine joined Simon Quick in 2018, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in office management and executive assistance in corporate, nonprofit, and financial services industries. As the executive assistant to several of the firm’s managing partners, Jackie is responsible for a full range of executive support services. Additionally, she is a member of the Employee Experience Committee which aims to continuously improve the experience employees of the firm have at Simon Quick.

Ms. Balloutine began her career as a project manager at Sprint Corporate, responsible for the installation and upgrading of cell sites throughout the Northeast. She also served as the executive assistant to the former CEO/President of UBS PaineWebber and Chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, appointed by President Bush. Jackie also served as the office administrator to one of New Jersey’s most successful 4 star restaurants, organizing all media for major television, cable, print and radio, including appearances with Jet Set Sports at four Olympic Games.

Jackie graduated Magna cum Laude, with a degree from Montclair State University in Speech Communications and minor in Pre-Law. Outside of work, Jackie enjoys working out, is an avid reader and podcast devotee, and enjoys volunteering with organizations like The Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown and NJ Heartworks. She is devoted to spending time with and raising her two very funny sons and loves time with family and friends.

Mark D. DeLotto

Managing Partner / Chief Operating Officer

Mr. DeLotto joined  Simon Quick in April 2007 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer, with primary responsibility over the areas of Finance and Operations. He also oversees human resources, legal, compliance, technology and infrastructure and, as a member of the Management Committee, contributes to the firm’s strategic direction, business development and business planning. He also sits on the firms Operating Committee. In early 2013, Mr. DeLotto became an equity partner of Simon Quick.

Mr. DeLotto began his career with Fleet/Quick & Reilly as a Financial Advisor. At the Bank of America Investment Services, he managed and serviced client assets. He earned Series 7, Series 66 and New Jersey Life and Health Insurance Producer Licenses and was selected to partner with a successful team of advisors in 2005.

Prior to joining Simon Quick, Mr. DeLotto supervised, mentored and coached over forty financial advisors and sales assistants as a licensed market principal at Bank of America Investment Services, Inc.

Mr. DeLotto has a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Villanova University School of Business. He is an active member in the Morris/Somerset Chapter of the Villanova Alumni Association and was an active member of The Villanova School of Business and served as a mentor in the Commerce and Finance Counselor program. A graduate of the Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ, he currently serves on the Board of the Alumni Association and is the Co-Chair of the school’s annual fundraising effort. Mark currently sits on the Technology Advisory Board for both Pershing LLC (an affiliate of BNY Mellon) and Fortigent LLC (an affiliate of LPL Financial). Mark sits on the Board of Directors for the ARC of Morris County, an organization dedicated to people affected by intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in Morris County. In early 2013, Mr. DeLotto became an equity partner of  Simon Quick.

Mr. DeLotto began his career with Fleet/Quick & Reilly as a Financial Advisor. At the Banc of America Investment Services, he managed and serviced client assets. He earned Series 7, Series 66 and New Jersey Life and Health Insurance Producer Licenses and was selected to partner with a successful team of advisors in 2005.

Prior to joining Simon Quick, Mr. DeLotto supervised, mentored and coached over forty financial advisors and sales assistants as a licensed market principal at Bank of America Investment Services, Inc.

Mr. DeLotto has a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Villanova University School of Business. He is an active member in the Morris/Somerset Chapter of the Villanova Alumni Association and was an active member of The Villanova School of Business and served as a mentor in the Commerce and Finance Counselor program. A graduate of the Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ, he currently serves on the Board of the Alumni Association and is the Co-Chair of the school’s annual fundraising effort. Mark currently sits on the Technology Advisory Board for both Pershing LLC (an affiliate of BNY Mellon) and Fortigent LLC (an affiliate of LPL Financial). Mark sits on the Board of Directors for the ARC of Morris County, an organization dedicated to people affected by intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in Morris County.

Jesse Gerdes

Analyst

Mr. Gerdes joined Simon Quick in August of 2022 as an intern. After completing two internships with the firm, he was hired as a full-time Analyst on the Operations team in June of 2023. Jesse’s responsibilities include platform maintenance & support, reconciliation, and client report preparation.

Before joining full-time at Simon Quick, Jesse was a member of the firm’s internship program where he learned about the financial planning and investment research processes. He also gained first-hand knowledge on providing operational support for the Client Advisor, Investment Research, and Operations teams.

During his internship, Jesse completed his MBA from Rutgers University in May of 2023. At Rutgers, Jesse was a member of the University’s Baseball team and served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In his free time, Jesse enjoys the company of friends and family, stays active by playing baseball and basketball, and is a big Yankee and Knicks fan.

Thea Giardina

Executive Assistant

Ms. Giardina joined Simon Quick in February 2019, where she brings over 20 years of senior-level Executive Assistant and Office Management experience from the insurance and financial planning industries. As the Executive Assistant to both Peter Simon and Les Quick, Ms. Giardina’s primary responsibilities include providing extensive administrative support inclusive of calendar management, scheduling, expense reporting, travel arrangements, as well as other administrative tasks. Ms. Giardina is a member of the DEI Committee which aims to foster an environment of inclusion and promote diversity in the workplace.

Ms. Giardina is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania where she earned a B.S. degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, reading, playing pickleball, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Read Blog Posts by Thea:

• September 2019 Employee Spotlight
  

Erin Keller

Front Desk Receptionist

Ms. Keller joined Simon Quick in November of 2023 as the Front Desk Receptionist. Erin provides general administrative support to the Morristown office. Her primary responsibilities include scheduling and maintaining appointments for the conference rooms and meeting spaces, office and equipment maintenance, mail services, and office supplies procurement. 

Before joining Simon Quick, Erin focused on environmental education with groups such as the Montana Natural History Center, New Jersey Audubon, and the Raptor Trust. She led classes on ecological subjects such as Ornithology and Forest Ecology. She has also worked with native wildlife to teach classes of all ages. 

Erin has a BS degree in General Biology from Siena College. In her spare time, Erin enjoys hiking, birding, and identifying plant species along the trail with her partner.. She also enjoys reading, board games, and crossword puzzles.

Joe Petrone

Director of Technology

Joe Petrone joined Simon Quick in March of 2021 as a Director of Technology. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the support, troubleshooting, maintenance, and improvement of the firm’s network, IT infrastructure, and company devices. He also manages and educates staff on the implementation of system enhancements and upgrades.

Prior to joining the team, Joe worked as the Deputy Head of IT for Great Bowery, a global creative artist representation agency. There he helped found the global technology team and, with the blessing of their C-suite, brought about sweeping changes to the firm’s technology infrastructure. In his tenure, he managed multi-disciplinary projects ranging from website builds and rollouts to multiple large improvements to the business’s IT security posture.

Mr. Petrone received his BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In his free time Joe enjoys video and board games, traveling, and spending time with his wife Michelle and their cat Fiona.

Steve Pisano, J.D., AIF®

Managing Director / Chief Compliance Officer / Principal

Mr. Pisano joined Simon Quick in 2016 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the firm’s regulatory obligations. This includes developing and implementing written policies, conducting thorough reviews to assess their efficiency, and addressing any identified deficiencies. Mr. Pisano also remains abreast of evolving compliance regulations to ensure the firm operates within its established guidelines and diligently enforces adherence to these rules and procedures throughout the organization.

Before joining Simon Quick, Mr. Pisano worked at Dynasty Financial Partners where he served as Chief Compliance Officer of their Investment Operations and Platform. At Dynasty, Mr. Pisano was responsible for Platform due diligence and was appointed CCO of the firm’s broker dealer. Prior to Dynasty, Mr. Pisano spent 3 years at HSBC in their registered investment advisor and broker dealer Compliance Department. During his tenure he served as Regulation Coordinator for the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, leading Advisory Compliance efforts in the Private Banking, Wealth Management, and Institutional Business lines. Prior to joining HSBC, Mr. Pisano held various roles in Compliance over 7 years with New York Life Insurance Company and began his career in the Branch Examination team where he conducted mock regulatory focus exams, earning his series 7, 24, and 66 licenses. In 2017 he successfully completed the Center for Fiduciary Studies Program to earn the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation.

Mr. Pisano holds a BA with honors from York College of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Financial Management from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law. Upon graduation, Mr. Pisano was inducted into The Order of The Coif, an honor society for law school graduates who graduate in the top ten percent of their class.

Read Blog Posts by Steve:

• Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices For Our Modern Age

Kylee Scioscia

Director / Principal

Ms. Scioscia joined the Simon Quick team in December 2011. Kylee is a member of the Operations Team and primarily oversees client performance reporting and daily process management. She is currently a member of the Employee Experience Committee and Co-Chair of the Orion Committee.

Prior to joining Simon Quick, Kylee spent seven years in the golf industry at Somerset Hills Country Club and Trump National where she served as the golf professional shops’ manager and merchandiser.  

Kylee has received her certification for Fundamentals of Alternatives through the CAIA Association. Additionally, she has received her Lean Six Sigma White Belt and is currently working towards a Green Belt. Kylee enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and her three sons, Joseph Jr., Lachlan, and Cole. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, playing tennis, golf, and reading.

Read Blog Posts by Kylee:

• March 2019 Employee Spotlight: Kylee Scioscia