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About
James O'Gara is a Partner at Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors in Glenview, Illinois, where he draws on over 25 years of investment experience to advise clients across a range of asset classes. His current responsibilities include managing complex investment portfolios, conducting in-depth portfolio audits, and providing advanced financial planning services for a primarily high-net-worth and institutional clientele.
James specializes in fixed income, commodities, and alternative investments, having previously worked extensively with hedge funds, primary dealers, and proprietary trading operations. His expertise includes risk management, portfolio construction, and helping clients optimize returns through allocation across equities, bonds, and alternatives.
A former member of the Chicago Board of Trade, James holds a BA in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and pursued graduate studies in International Relations at University College of Dublin. His career achievements include supporting day-to-day risk and volatility management for traders and consulting for B2B financial technology start-ups, underscoring his versatility and deep industry knowledge.
Career History
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors | Partner | Oct 2021 to Present | — |
| Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors | Managing Director | Nov 2019 to Present | — |
| Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors | Senior Advisor | Aug 2014 to Nov 2019 | — |
| X-Change Financial Access | Broker | Mar 2009 to Dec 2011 | — |
| Bank of America | Senior Vice-President | Sep 2008 to Jan 2009 | Have been a member of the Chicago Board of Trade since 1992. In addition, have close to 22yrs of experience in the financial futures and options industry. |
| BNP Paribas Fortis | Broker | Jan 1999 to Jan 2002 | — |
| BMO Harris Bank | Broker | Jan 1995 to Jan 1997 | — |
| Ausecure | SVP Sales | Jan 2013 to Aug 2014 | — |
| Pallet Wrapz | Account Executive | Jan 2012 to Jan 2013 | — |
| Cube Financial/Newedge | Broker | Jan 2002 to Jan 2008 | — |
| Geldermann Inc | Broker | Jan 1989 to Jan 1995 | — |
Education
College of the Holy Cross
BA, Political Science
1984 — 1988
University College of Dublin
International Relations, Foreign Diplomacy
1988 — 1988
Loyola Academy
1980 — 1984
OLPH
1975 — 1980
Skills & Expertise
Others at Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC (10)
| Name | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
D Daniel Toledo | Partner | Chicago, IL , United States |
| Partner | Chicago, IL , United States | |
J John Nicholas | Partner | Chicago, IL , United States |
| Partner | Wilmette, IL , United States | |
| Partner | Naples, FL , United States | |
| Partner | Chicago, IL , United States | |
| Partner | Chicago, IL , United States | |
| Partner | Winfield, IL , United States | |
S Steve Nelson | Partner | Tampa, FL , United States |
W William Proskow | Partner | Stratham, NH , United States |
Similar Fund Managers
| Name | Role | Fund | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner | North Star Investment Management Corp. | Highland Park, IL , United States | |
| Chief Investment Officer | North Star Investment Management Corp. | Chicago, IL , United States | |
A Andrea Wirth | Research Associate | Oak Ridge Investments LLC | Chicago, IL , United States |
A Anne Finley | Trader | Oak Ridge Investments LLC | Chicago, IL , United States |