ETF Learning Center

Mr. Merlino is a seasoned software engineer and open-source enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in web development and data science. He specializes in finance and actuarial solutions, drawing on his role as an actuarial analyst at Oliver Wyman and his experience leading Tychobra, a software development consulting company. He holds a B.S. with special attainments in Commerce, Accounting, and Business Administration from Washington and Lee University.

Ms. Andrea is an Onboarding Lead at ETF Architect, providing administrative support and ensuring a high-quality customer experience. She brings over six years of onboarding and customer support across industries like digital dentistry and eCommerce. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from Quindío University.

Dr. Russell is a Senior Portfolio Manager for ETF Architect. Previously he was an Equity Portfolio Manager at Carson Group. He managed over $1.7 billion in assets across fourteen thousand accounts in this capacity. Before working in asset management, Josh worked on research grants for the Army, the Air Force, and NASA. Dr. Russell is a CFA charterholder. He earned a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Masters in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Emeka Oguh is the founder & CEO of PeopleJoy. PeopleJoy is an online student loan repayment platform, designed to help employees receive student loan assistance from their employers. Emeka previously built and successfully exited Apptempo, a mobile app studio that published over 500 apps and was the first business hire at DataMinr, a Fintech startup currently valued at $4.1B. Prior, Emeka was a fund of funds analyst at Merrill Lynch, providing due diligence on $317B in assets. He is a Huffington Post contributor, providing articles related to financial wellness and managing student debt. He holds an MBA from Harvard and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers.

Daniel Dorn is an Associate Professor of Finance at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. His research, which focuses on investments and behavioral finance, has been supported by the BSI Gamma Foundation and the European Central Bank’s Lamfalussy Fellowship program, and published in leading finance journals such as the Journal of Finance and Management Science, and discussed in media outlets such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Before his academic appointment, Daniel worked at J.P. Morgan in London and at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. He holds business degrees from WHU Koblenz (Germany) and EM Lyon (France), and earned a Ph.D. in Finance with distinction from Columbia University.

Dr. Pagano is The Robert J. and Mary Ellen Darretta Endowed Chair in Finance at Villanova University, where he has received awards for both teaching excellence and academic scholarship. Prof. Pagano is also involved with various professional organizations, such as FINRA’s Market Regulation Committee and Citadel FCU’s board of directors. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation and has experience both in commercial lending activities at Citibank and in investment valuation analysis at a financial consulting firm, International Capital Markets Corp., as well as Reuters PLC. Professor Pagano has also been interviewed by various media sources such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, Associated Press, CNBC, Bloomberg.

After serving as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Dr. Gray earned an MBA and a PhD in finance from the University of Chicago where he studied under Nobel Prize Winner Eugene Fama. Next, Wes took an academic job in his wife’s hometown of Philadelphia and worked as a finance professor at Drexel University. Dr. Gray’s interest in bridging the research gap between academia and industry led him to found Alpha Architect, an asset management firm dedicated to an impact mission of empowering investors through education. He is a contributor to multiple industry publications and regularly speaks to professional investor groups across the country. Wes has published multiple academic papers and four books, including Embedded (Naval Institute Press, 2009), Quantitative Value (Wiley, 2012), DIY Financial Advisor (Wiley, 2015), and Quantitative Momentum (Wiley, 2016). Dr. Gray currently resides in Palmas Del Mar Puerto Rico with his wife and three children.

Mr. Cleary is currently Senior Partner – Strategic Relationships, overseeing identification, screening, and ongoing relationship management for ETF Architect clients. Previously, Mr. Cleary served as Director of Strategy and Corporate Development for Algeco Scotsman, a multinational leasing and manufacturing company. Before Algeco Scotsman, he was a Project Leader for the Boston Consulting Group. In that capacity, he advised clients across various US, Europe, and Africa industries. Mr. Cleary also served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a MBA from Harvard Business School, a MS in Cybersecurity from Webster University, and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Sebastian is a Web Designer at ETF Architect with over ten years of experience in website design, user experience, and front-end development. Skilled in WordPress, responsive design, and modern web technologies, he creates digital experiences that are both visually engaging and user-friendly. Known for his attention to detail and creative problem-solving, Sebastian ensures ETF Architect’s online presence reflects the brand and supports its business goals.

Mr. Newell is a compliance Officer at ETF Architect, where he supports the firm’s compliance program and plays a role in maintaining strong relationships with our sub-advisors. His responsibilities include ensuring regulatory adherence, assisting the day-to-day compliance operations, and the oversight of sub-advisors on the ETF platform. Mr. Newell holds a B.A. In communications from Kent State University.

Nicole is a Compliance Analyst at ETF Architect, bringing over five years of professional experience in regulatory compliance, customer service, and procedural documentation. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Known for her strong attention to detail and clear communication skills, Nicole supports the development and implementation of policies that align with industry regulations and client needs. Her background in customer-focused roles and writing procedural documents adds value to ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance across operational processes.

Viviana Salcedo is a Compliance Associate and provides administrative and regulatory support to ensure internal processes align with compliance standards. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and International Relations from La Salle University in Bogotá, Colombia.

Mr. Hinderliter serves as the General Counsel of ETF Architect. Prior to joining ETF Architect, he served as a Vice President for U.S. Bank Global Fund Services as well as holding the officer positions of Vice President and Secretary for a Fund Services sponsored series trust focused on ETF issuers. Mr. Hinderliter began his legal career in the investment management group with Thompson Hine LLP in Columbus, Ohio, where his practice focused on registered investment companies and registered investment advisers. He holds a B.A. in history as well as a juris doctorate from the Ohio State University and its Moritz College of Law respectively. Mr. Hinderliter lives in Chicago, Illinois with his wife, daughter, and their dog.

Ms. Lostocco serves as a Senior Fund Operations Officer, where she assists the COO in orchestrating the daily operations and SEC reporting for the firm. She joined ETF Architect having most recently served as Vice President at Blackrock Inc. focusing on operations of the iShares ETF funds. Ms. Lostocco started her career as an investment management auditor with Tait Weller & Baker. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Misericordia University and is registered as a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania.

Ms. Moore is an ETF Regulatory Specialist at ETF Architect where she assists the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel by overseeing the regulatory administration filings of the Firm’s ETF sponsors. Prior to joining ETF Architect, Ms. Moore worked for U.S. Bank Global Fund Services and Ultimus Fund Solutions as a 1940 Act paralegal providing regulatory administration services for its clients. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.

Heidy Daniela Castaño Ramírez is a Junior Compliance Specialist at ETF Architect and a specialist in Project Management. She brings over eight years of experience in institutional strengthening, public policy design, and social innovation across Latin America. Prior to joining ETF Architect, she coordinated international cooperation projects, led capacity-building initiatives, and taught university courses in project management and public policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a specialization in Project Management from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia

Ms. Correa is an Onboarding Associate and Project Manager at ETF Architect. Ms. Correa provides administrative and customer support for all clients, along with process standardization and quality control initiatives. Prior to working at ETF Architect, Ms. Correa worked as a Procurement Lead in the market research industry with Offerwise. She holds a Business and International Relations degree from La Salle University, with a major in Project Management from Fundación Universitaria para el Desarrollo Humano – UNINPAHU and with a Certificate Program in Data Analytics from La Javeriana University. Ms. Correa resides in Bogotá, Colombia.

Ms. Montoya is an Onboarding Lead at ETF Architect and provides administrative and customer support to the sales process. Prior to working at ETF Architect, she worked as a project manager in the tax industry with Hubsync and as a key account manager for international banks like Bancolombia and Lloyds Bank. She holds an International Business degree with a major in finance from Universidad Eafit in Medellín, Colombia, and a masters degree in Brand Management from the Institute of European Design in Rome – Italy.

Mr. Martinelli is currently one of the ETF Architect’s Fund Operations Officers, where he assists the COO in orchestrating the daily operations and SEC reporting for the firm. Previously, Mr. Martinelli served as the Assistant Vice President, Mutual Fund Compliance Administrator at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services. He holds a BBA in Supply Chain Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Mr. Martinelli currently lives in Mequon, Wisconsin with his wife and three children.

Khushi Ror is a Financial Reporting Specialist at ETF Architect, where she supports the firm’s financial operations and ensures accurate and timely updates to financial reports. Prior to joining ETF Architect, Khushi worked as a Financial Analyst at Daloopa. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.

As the Director of Financial Operations (India) at ETF Architect, Ms. Benila Pearl supports the Financial and Regulatory Operations of the firm. Previously, Benila has worked in at Wells Fargo and BNY Mellon as a Lead Financial Analyst. She holds a MBA in Finance from SRM Business School, India and a Bachelors of Commerce Degree from the University of Madras.

Miss Quintero is an Onboarding Director at ETF Architect and provides administrative and operational support for the overall team. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from El Bosque University in Bogotá, Colombia.

Eric Wells is a Compliance Officer at ETF Architect where he provides support in developing and supporting the company’s compliance program. Mr. Wells is also responsible for maintaining relationships and assisting with oversight of sub-advisers on the ETF platform. He is also a dedicated U.S. Air Force Veteran with 6 years of service in Security Forces, specializing in security protocols and ensuring organizational adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Mr. Vishesh Choudhary is the Senior Legal Associate at ETF Architect where he assists the Legal and Compliance team by overseeing the legal and regulatory administration services of the Firm’s ETF sponsors. He has held senior legal associate positions with other service providers as well as Indian Law Firms. He earned his B.A. L.L.B (H) from UILMS, India.

Janey Ray is a Compliance Officer at ETF Architect where she provides support in developing and supporting the company’s compliance program. Ms. Ray is also responsible for facilitating website creation, maintaining relationships and assisting with oversight of sub-advisers on the ETF platform. She has considerable customer service experience. Ms. Ray holds a B.S. In Business Management from Slippery Rock University.

Ms. Zhang is the Compliance Officer of ETF Architect, developing and supporting the company’s compliance program and operational infrastructure. In addition, Ms. Zhang provides database programming and process design to support the firm. She received her M.S. in Applied Economics from Lehigh University and a BBA in Finance from the Macau University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Catherine Donaldson is a Compliance Analyst at ETF Architect. She is also an adjunct instructor at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan and has been a technical writer and editor for multiple companies. She has a PhD in Composition and Rhetoric with an emphasis on Technical Communication and an MA in Creative Writing from Wayne State University, an MA in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto, and a BA in Written Communications/English Literature from Eastern Michigan University.

Mr. Modglin is currently ETF Architect’s Fund Operations Officer, assisting the Chief Operations Officer with the firm’s daily ETF operations, SEC reporting and proxy oversight. Additionally, Mr. Modglin assists with coordination of 351 exchanges/reorganizations and is a member of the Trust Valuation Committee. Previously, Mr. Modglin served as a Compliance Officer at the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Modglin served as an Officer of Mutual Fund Administration at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ms. Moran is the ETF Regulatory Specialist at ETF Architect where she assists the Director of Legal and Regulatory Compliance and General Counsel by overseeing the regulatory administration filings of the Firm’s ETF sponsors. Prior to joining ETF Architect, Ms. Moran worked for U.S. Bank Global Fund Services as a 1940 Act paralegal providing regulatory administration services for its clients. She earned a B.S. in Public History from Lewis University and paralegal certificate from Loyola University Chicago.

Ms. Winske is currently ETF Architect’s Senior Fund Operations Officer, where she assists the COO in orchestrating the daily operations and SEC reporting for the firm. Previously, Ms. Winske served as the Vice President, Mutual Fund Compliance Administrator at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services. She holds a B.B.A. in Accounting and B.A. in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Ms. Gao is the Junior Portfolio Manager at ETF Architect, where she supports portfolio management operations and data processing for the firm’s investment strategy. She previously worked as an Investment Analyst at F&G Annuity and Life Insurance Company and as a Business Analyst at QVC. Ms. Gao holds dual master’s degrees in Finance and Business Analytics from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business in Philadelphia.

Luke Becker currently serves as a Junior Portfolio Manager for ETF Architect. Luke graduated from Liberty University in 2015 with an MBA in International Business. Before ETF Architect, he was an investment analyst in the Chief Investment Office at USAA. Prior to that, he worked as a research investment analyst at a mutual fund company trading equity options as a hedging strategy.

As a Junior Portfolio Manager at ETF Architect, Megan supports daily trading activities for all funds and strategies, programs algorithms, and maintains data system processes supporting quantitative investing operations. Before joining ETF Architect, Megan worked for iFresh Inc. as a Digital Marketing Analyst. Megan received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance and Master’s degree in Business Analytics from Drexel University, and she is currently a CFA Level I Candidate.

Mr. Knuese is a software engineer for ETF Architect. Prior to joining ETF Architect, he worked as a full stack engineer for Northwestern Mutual. Mr. Knuese holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Rich currently serves as a portfolio manager for ETF Architect. Rich Shaner, CFA®, graduated from The University of Colorado in 2001 with a Kinesiology and Applied Physiology degree. Before ETF Architect, he was a fundamental stock analyst that managed a value portfolio within a family fund and traded equity options as a valuation and hedging strategy. Before this role, he worked on the floor of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and spent several years as a market maker in equity options.

Ms. Feng serves as a portfolio manager at ETF Architect. In this capacity, Ms. Feng supports portfolio management operations for all funds and strategies, including 1940 Act Exchange Traded Funds, private funds, and separately managed accounts. In addition, Ms. Feng programs and maintains data processes and algorithms in support of the firm’s trading operations. Ms. Feng graduated from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University in Philadelphia with dual degrees in Finance and Business Analytics. She passed CFA Level I in 2018 and is currently a CFA Level II candidate. Previously, Ms. Feng was a Data Analyst intern for the Alibaba Group.

Mr. Massaro serves as the Chief Data Officer of ETF Architect, overseeing technical operations for the firm. Previously, Mr. Massaro served as Assistant Operating Officer of ETF Architect and Fund Administrator at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services. He holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from Marquette University and a B.S./B.A. in Applied Mathematical Economics and Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from Marquette University. Mr. Massaro currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife.

Dr. Russell is a Senior Portfolio Manager for ETF Architect. Previously he was an Equity Portfolio Manager at Carson Group. He managed over $1.7 billion in assets across fourteen thousand accounts in this capacity. Before working in asset management, Josh worked on research grants for the Army, the Air Force, and NASA. Dr. Russell is a CFA charterholder. He earned a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Masters in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Mr. Hegarty serves as the Chief Operating Officer of ETF Architect, where he orchestrates daily operations and SEC reporting for the firm. Previously, Mr. Hegarty served as an Assistant Vice President of Fund Administration at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services after three years as an auditor of investment companies with Cohen & Company. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Marquette University and is registered as a Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin. Mr. Hegarty currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife and three children.

Ms. Leighty is currently ETF Architect’s Chief Compliance Officer, overseeing the firm’s compliance program. Previously, Ms. Leighty served as the Chief Compliance Officer & Director of Operations for Snow Capital Management, L.P. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and an M.S. in Business Ethics and Compliance from New England College of Business.

Mr. Barolsky serves as the Chief Executive Officer of ETF Architect, where he oversees the firm’s strategic planning, service delivery execution, and client relationships. He joined ETF Architect having most recently served as Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Services for U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, where he led legal and compliance teams responsible for the firm’s ETF clients and played an integral part in the rapid growth of the firm’s ETF business. During his career, Mr. Barolsky has assisted more than 50 ETF sponsors in bringing more than 150 ETFs to market. Mr. Barolsky started his career as an investment management lawyer with Thompson Hine LLP in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a B.S. in business administration and a B.A. in global business and political dynamics from Boston University, as well as a juris doctorate from the George Washington University Law School. Mr. Barolsky currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife, two children, and their dog.