Everyone at Deerfield is here for the same reason – you. Our singular purpose, as individuals and as a firm, is to help you achieve your financial goals, and never to be forgotten, your personal dreams. Financial planning requires both breadth and depth of knowledge. We have that knowledge. Perhaps even more importantly, we bring it to life through the power of collaboration – working as a seamless team, blending our unique experience to offer the confident advice, the step-by-step guidance, and the efficient implementation that allow you to make effortless decisions. We are committed to our clients, to one another, and to our profession. It is a commitment we honor with integrity, clarity, and the desire to continually enhance our wisdom and our services.

Financial Advisors

Richard L. Bellmer, CFP®, President (Indianapolis Office)
Susan M. Steel, CFP®, Executive Vice President (Indianapolis Office)
Brad R. Cougill, CFP®, Executive Vice President (Indianapolis Office)
Gary N. Bowyer, CFP®, Executive Vice President (Chicago Office)

The Client Services Team

Ryan J. Jeffries, CFP®, Financial Planner (Indianapolis Office)
Benjamin J. Hockema, Financial Planner (Chicago Office)
Shannon S. Ziegler, RPsm, Paraplanner (Indianapolis Office)
Linda E. Kathan, Paraplanner (Indianapolis Office)
Pamela S. Lutz, Paraplanner (Indianapolis Office)
Daria L. Harrison, RPsm, Paraplanner (Chicago Office)
Zuzana Birova, MBA, Investment Operations Manager (Indianapolis Office)

The Administrative Services Team

Tami L. Babcook, Office Manager (Indianapolis Office)
Leta I. Thompson, Front Office Administrator (Indianapolis Office)

The Principals

As President of Deerfield Financial Advisors, Inc., Dick Bellmer, along with his partners, has quietly developed the firm he founded in 1985 into one of the Leading Financial Planning Firms in the Indianapolis area.

Dick utilizes more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry to provide overall direction to the firm and its clients. Whether indirectly through the guidance and mentoring of his partners and staff or directly through his personal involvement in strategy development and specific client recommendations, each and every one of Deerfield's clients is a beneficiary of the experience and wisdom he has gained through his many years within the industry.

Worth Magazine and Medical Economics have recognized Dick numerous times as one of the top financial advisors in the country. He was named one of Indianapolis Monthly's "Five Star Wealth Managers" in 2010. Dick is a sought-after source of objective information on financial topics for various media professionals, having been quoted in popular periodicals such as the Wall Street Fournal, MSN Money Central, the Indianapolis Star, and Morningstar Investor. He has also been quoted several times and/or featured in industry trade journals such as the NAPFA Advisor, the Journal of Financial Planning, Financial Planning Magazine, and Dow Jones Investment Advisor. In addition, Dick has been featured in video reports with both the Wall Street Journal and Fox News.

Dick has given a substantial amount of his time to the advancement of the financial planning industry. He has served as an adjunct faculty member of the College of Financial Planning and has served on the exam writing committee for the CFP Board of Standards. In addition, he is an active National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)-Registered Financial Advisor where he has held various leadership positions including Midwest Region President, Midwest Region Board Member, Midwest Region Board Director, Chairperson of the Membership Committee, and Co-Chairperson of the Member Benefits Committee. He served as Chairman of the National Board of Directors of NAPFA and was awarded the organization's most prestigious honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the organization.

"Over the years, I've had the opportunity to advise many individuals on their financial and investment affairs. One thing I've seen time after time is that those clients who are ultimately the most successful have focused not solely on rate of return, but on fundamentals such as their goals, objectives, and their ability to take risk. Thus, we have uniquely structured our firm so that every single client relationship is based upon these grounding fundamentals."

Susie Steel is an Executive Vice President of Deerfield Financial Advisors, Inc. with more than 20 years of experience in providing comprehensive financial planning services. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to consistently providing clients with professional and responsive solutions to their financial needs.

Susie has been instrumental in servicing Deerfield's existing clients as well as positioning the firm to substantially increase the number of clients it can effectively serve. Her excellence in client service, strict attention to detail, and organizational effectiveness enhance Deerfield's commitment to maximizing the value of its advisory services and strengthening its relationships with clients. In addition to her client responsibilities, she supervises the firm's financial operations and compliance functions and is actively involved in the firm's investment activities.

Accepted to Ball State University as an honors student, Susie obtained an undergraduate degree from the School of Business. She later obtained the Certified Financial Planner designation, which provides a very thorough and detailed foundation for providing financial advice, through postgraduate study in the fields of investment, insurance, taxation, retirement, and estate planning.

Since 1993, Susie has been involved in one of the industry's premier professional organizations, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and was elected to serve as a Regional Board Member. Among other criteria, being a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor requires adherence to high standards of competency, a fiduciary oath and commitment to client-centered relationships, and a fee-only method of compensation. Susie is also a past Board Member of the Financial Center Credit Union, serving the Indianapolis community. In addition, she has been active in various leadership positions that support local Christian ministries. Currently, Susie invests her time locally through active membership in the Financial Planning Association of Greater Indiana and Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis.

"I understand how difficult it is for successful, busy people to achieve a satisfying balance between their personal and financial lives. I find it both professionally and personally rewarding to help our clients accomplish their financial goals and ultimately help them achieve more balance in their lives."

In his role as an Executive Vice President of Deerfield Financial Advisors, Inc., Brad Cougill brings to the firm more than 20 years of financial planning and investment experience in the Indianapolis community. Prior to joining the firm in 1997, he focused on retirement and investment planning with the Indiana office of a national employee benefits consulting firm.

Brad's background and experience enable him to effectively design objective financial strategies, customized to each client's particular circumstances. More importantly, though, he has the unique ability to communicate these sophisticated concepts in a thoughtful, concise, and easily understood manner. In addition to his client responsibilities, he Chairs the Investment Committee and leads the Investment Operations.

Having attended Butler University on a football scholarship, Brad graduated with High Honors from the College of Business with an undergraduate degree in Finance. Following graduation, he went on to obtain the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor professional designations through postgraduate study in the fields of tax, investment, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.

Brad has been quoted in the Indianapolis Business Journal on the future of the estate planning profession and in Investment News on the use of alternative investments. He has also served as a panelist on the topic of retirement planning for the Indianapolis Star/News sponsored investor conference, Money Watch. In addition, he is an active National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)-Registered Financial Advisor where he currently serves on the Financial Plan Review Committee and has participated in various membership standards related Task Forces. Brad invests his time locally with the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) through his position on the Professional Advisors Leadership Council (PALC).

"Effectively advising a family on their financial and investment matters requires more than just specialized knowledge. It requires the ability to listen - to learn about each person's goals and dreams; fears and concerns. Only then can a truly effective, personal plan be developed. You see, there are many great strategies, but ultimately, only one will be best for you."

Gary N. Bowyer joined Deerfield Financial Advisors, Inc. in 2010 as an Executive Vice President and Financial Advisor, upon the acquisition of his fee-only financial planning firm located in Park Ridge, Illinois. Mr. Bowyer founded Bowyer, Weydert Wealth Planning Partners, Inc., formerly Gary N. Bowyer & Associates, Inc., in 1987. Gary oversees the Park Ridge office and is a Financial Advisor servicing and cultivating client relationships supported by this Chicago area office. He holds the Certified Financial Planner designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in Denver, Colorado. Prior to obtaining his CFP® designation, Gary received his BA degree from Purdue University in 1969; and after military service, received his MBA in Finance from Boston University.

Mr. Bowyer served on the board of directors for the National Association of Personal Finance Advisors (NAPFA) from 1994 to 1997 and has been a member for 23 years. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Midwest Region of NAPFA and as Chairman and President of the Chicago Society of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP).

From 1994 to 2002, Gary had the honor of being selected by Worth Magazine as one of the “60 Best Financial Advisors in America.” Medical Economics Magazine has also slected him as one of the “120 Best Financial Advisors for Doctors.” In 2001, Mutual Funds Magazine named him one of the nation’s “100 Great Financial Planners” and Bloomberg Wealth Manager Magazine named him to its list of the nation’s top wealth managers. Gary is also one of the 55 financial advisors profiled in the book, Best Practices of Financial Advisors.

Mr. Bowyer is a well-recognized speaker on investments, financial and retirement planning. He has conducted financial planning seminars and lecture series at Sara Lee, Nalco Chemical, Tellabs, Peoples Energy, and Hewitt Associates and has been quoted in a number of national and Chicago area publications.

Previously, Gary was also a member of the adjunct faculty of the College for Financial Planning where he taught the investments course which leads to the completion of the CFP® designation. He served on the Practitioners Advisory Board for the school of Financial Planning at Purdue University from 1996-2000.

Before starting his financial planning firm, Mr. Bowyer held management and marketing positions with Control Data Corporation, International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, and the Mellon Bank.

The Client Services Team

Ryan J. Jeffries, CFP®, Financial Planner

As a Financial Planner, Ryan’s primary role at Deerfield is to assist the firm’s Financial Advisors with the analysis, development and execution of clients’ financial plans and investment portfolios. Ryan graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics. Since graduation, Ryan has completed the requirements to obtain the Registered Paraplanner designation, and more recently, his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. Prior to joining Deerfield in 2002, Ryan worked in the brokerage and retail banking industries. Outside the office, Ryan enjoys blowing bubbles under water (commonly known as scuba diving) with his wife and teaching his young son how to turn wrenches on classic American cars.

Benjamin J. Hockema, Financial Planner

As a Financial Planner, Ben’s primary role at Deerfield is to assist the Firm’s Financial Advisors with the analysis, development and execution of clients’ financial plans and investment portfolios. Ben recently graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, with concentrations in Business Management and History. During college, Ben was employed by Deerfield as a Financial Planning Intern and now, post-graduation, has been hired as a Financial Planner in the newly acquired Chicago office. Currently, Ben is studying to acquire the Certified Financial Planner designation. Outside the office, Ben enjoys spending time with friends and family. He will be getting married in June, 2010.

Shannon S. Ziegler, RPsm, Paraplanner

As a Paraplanner, Shannon's primary role at Deerfield is to assist Dick Bellmer with the day-to-day tasks associated with the development and monitoring of clients’ financial plans and investment portfolios. Prior to joining Deerfield, Shannon gained over 8 years of financial planning related experience while working in the life insurance and securities brokerage industries. She recently obtained her Registered Paraplanner professional designation from the College for Financial Planning. In addition, Shannon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University as well as a degree in Business Management from Ball State University. In her free time, Shannon likes to enjoy the great outdoors by gardening, boating and riding her husband's Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Linda E. Kathan, Paraplanner

As a Paraplanner, Linda's primary role at Deerfield is to assist Brad Cougill with the day-to-day tasks associated with the development and monitoring of clients’ financial plans and investment portfolios. Linda started her career at Deerfield as the Front Office Administrator and now enjoys applying that knowledge and experience in her role as Paraplanner. Prior to joining Deerfield, Linda worked in the Carmel Clay School Disctrict and prior to that, she gained over ten years of experience in the Banking and Mortgage fields in Dallas, Texas. Outside of the office, Linda cherishes her time with her two wonderful sons and gardening. Linda also breeds and exhibits West Highland White Terriers under the Kennel name of "WindCrest" and is an active member of various Kennel Clubs, past Chairman of the National Rescue Committee and past Board Member of the National Club.

Pamela S. Lutz, Paraplanner

As a Paraplanner, Pamela’s primary role at Deerfield is to assist Susie Steel and Dick Bellmer with the day-to-day tasks associated with the development and monitoring of clients’ financial plans and investment portfolios. Prior to joining Deerfield, Pamela gained over 14 years in the insurance industry, including the areas of customer relations and compliance. Pamela has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Butler University and recently completed the requirements for her Paralegal Certificate from the Indiana University School of Law, IUPUI. In her personal life, she is a caregiver for family members and enjoys many activities including music and dancing, working with animals (domestic and wild), and home projects and crafting.

Daria L. Harrison, RPsm, Paraplanner

As a Paraplanner, Daria’s primary role at Deerfield is Chicago is to assist Gary Bowyer with the day-to-day tasks associated with the development and monitoring of clients’ financial plans and investment portfolios. Prior to joining Deerfield, Daria worked at Bowyer, Weydert Wealth Planning Partners, Inc. with Gary Bowyer for over 7 years, preceded by 5 years of experience in the banking industry and over 15 years in the import and export industry. Outside of the office, Daria enjoys gardening, home projects, exploring new areas of interests and spending summer weekends with her husband, Pat, their sons, Andrew and PJ, family and their boxer-mix, Roxy. She and Pay enjoy RV camping and boating with family and friends on the Chain O’Lakes in Illinois, and enjoying relaxing moments while everyone else fishes. Daria is involved with the “Women’s Association for Defense of Four Freedoms of Ukraine”, and organization that promotes human and national rights in Ukraine and conducts fundraisers for various charity organizations involved with children, the elderly and their medical needs in Ukraine.

Zuzana Birova, MBA, Investment Operations Manager

Zuzana is currently responsible for the implementation of a new trading system within the company that should allow for easier and more efficient allocation decision making and more accurate cash management. Once the system is fully integrated with all the company’s processes, she will take on more investment research, monitoring and reporting responsibilities. A recent MBA graduate in Finance from Butler University, Zuzana obtained her Bachelor degree in International Finance in Slovakia, her home country, and spent a few months on scholarship at the Radboud Unversiteit of Nijmegen in the Netherlands. She plans to continue in her studies to acquire the Certified Financial Planner and/or Certified Financial Analyst designations(s). In her free time, Zuzana enjoys volunteering at the Wheeler Mission or the Muscular Dystrophy Association, spending time with her little American siblings or you can spot her on her rollerblades “violating the speed limit” on the Monon Trail.

The Administrative Services Team

Tami L. Babcook, Office Manager

As Office Manager, Tami’s primary role at Deerfield is to manage the firm’s information technology, day-to-day compliance, human resources, financial and accounting administrative activities, and office administration functions. Prior to joining Deerfield, Tami gained 15 years of experience, primarily in the investment reporting and administration fields, while working, most recently, for a money management firm and, prior to that, another fee-only financial planning firm. Tami is a native hoosier and graduate of Indiana University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Policy and Administration. When not working, Tami and her husband Jeff enjoy spending a lot of time with their black lab, Cooper, and participating in the following outdoor activities – camping, hiking, kayaking, snow skiing, swimming, biking and running.

Leta I. Thompson, Front Office Administrator

As the Front Office Administrator, Leta is the first to greet our clients and other guests - whether in person or by phone. She helps coordinate all office administration along with administering the firm’s contact management database and electronic document management system. In addition, she conducts a multitude of other essential tasks on a daily basis that ensure the efficient delivery of services to our clients from assisting with marketing administration to the coordination, production and distribution of our Quarterly Newsletter. A graduate of Butler University with a degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting, Leta has over 19 years of Administrative, Customer Service and Public Relations Experience. In her spare time, she enjoys working as a professional musician in various Jazz, R& B and Christian groups, spending time with her friends and family and volunteering her time as a member of “Supporting Heroes”, an organization dedicated to serving families of fallen firefighters and police officers.

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