Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors Announces Plans for Leadership Transition

Derek J. Eichelberger to serve as Chief Executive Officer for $2.3 Billion AUM Practice

PITTSBURGH – Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors (SDWMA), a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, announced that Derek J. Eichelberger, CFA, CFP®, AIFA®, MBA will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective October 1. Mr. Eichelberger joined SDWMA in 2015 and has most recently served as Managing Partner of the wealth management firm.  He is also a shareholder at Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.

Mr. Eichelberger has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, and he has a lengthy history of advising high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments and retirement plans. He is a valued mentor to advisors and staff on the team, and he also serves on the Operating Committee for Schneider Downs & Co., the parent company of the wealth management practice.

Mr. Eichelberger will transition into the role, replacing current CEO Nancy L. Skeans, CPA, CFP® MBA. Ms. Skeans, also celebrating her 20th anniversary at SDWMA, will remain in a leadership role with the practice, focusing primarily on serving existing clients, as well as mentoring SDWMA’s growing team of wealth advisors. She also will remain as the practice’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).

With 26 full-time team members across two offices, Pittsburgh and Columbus, SDWMA is currently managing over $2.3 billion in assets. The firm provides personal investment management, financial planning and qualified retirement services for individuals and companies across the country. In the June 2023 issue of Accounting Today, SDWMA was ranked 21st of 150 “Top Firms by Assets Under Management.” These top 150 firms are wealth advisory firms associated with a CPA firm and are ranked by AUM as of 12/31/2022.

“Leadership transitions are a natural component of successful companies,” explained Skeans. “Our team has grown considerably over the last several years, adding three new Wealth Management partners and many talented employees.  Under Derek’s leadership, and with a strong team in place, I know that we are well-positioned to continue our high client service standards and our sustained pattern of growth.” 

“Nancy is a wonderful friend and confidant, and has been for many years,” said Mr. Eichelberger. “She was absolutely the catalyst in my joining Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, so it’s a special honor to become CEO in succession to her accomplishments. Our playbook is clear – we’ll continue with the same vision, management and service principles that we’ve held for 20 years.” 

Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, LP (SDWMA) is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). SDWMA provides fee-based investment management services and financial planning services, along with fee-based retirement advisory and consulting services. Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax or legal advice. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, this information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training.