Leadership
Shawn West, AIF®, CPFA®
Founder, ERISA Director
With almost two decades of ERISA plan management, fiduciary process, and legislative advocacy, Shawn is responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction, client services, and growth. He has considerable experience with ERISA plan mergers & acquisitions, public and private companies from enterprise to small family businesses in all industries.
Shawn studied Psychology at Southern Illinois University, has obtained his series 6, 63, and 65 licenses, holds a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designation through the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) certification. He is a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) and serves on their Governmental Affairs Committee. Shawn is a founding ambassador for TGen (Translational Genomics Research Institute), a member of PCH50 (Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation), and the Phoenix Business Journals’ Leadership Trust.
Susan Abbass, IACCP®, MBA
Compliance Manager
As a key member of the leadership team at CuraFin Advisors, Susan assists the Chief Compliance Officer with overseeing and managing the firm’s compliance program. This includes maintaining the firm’s disclosure documents, information security policies that ensure the safekeeping of client data, vendor due diligence, compliance, and HR training (at the time of hire and ongoing).
Susan holds the Investment Advisor Certified Compliance Professional® designation. Prior to joining CuraFin Advisors, LLC, Susan held various CCO and senior management positions at registered investment adviser firms, including TMD Wealth Management and One Charles Private Wealth. She is fluent in German and previously held positions in securitization finance for investment banking divisions of various German banks.
Andy Warning
Chief Compliance Officer
Andy has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, specializing in risk management and compliance. He has held various CCO, director, and senior management positions at broker-dealers and registered investment adviser organizations, including Fidelity Investments, Western & Southern, Securities America, and Merrill Lynch/Bank of America. His previously held professional licenses include the FINRA Series 7, 63, 24, 9, 10, and 66 licenses.
Tania Barrera
Manager, Client Services
Tania serves as CuraFin’s Manager, Client Services. She is pivotal in ensuring clients receive unparalleled support and personalized services with over 20 years of experience, including nearly a decade at two of the country’s top 5 retirement plan providers. During this time, she honed her skills in managing client relationships in the bustling New York City Metropolitan area.
Her commitment to excellence extended to conducting employee education meetings across diverse industries, from landscapers to doctors to professional athletes. Fluent in Spanish, Tania connects with a broader range of clients and stakeholders.
Kate Aragon
Manager, Plan Operations
She is committed to excellence in compliance, fiduciary stewardship, process, and current and pending legislation. In this capacity, she is an ambassador to the executive and committees.