News Releases

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS--(Marketwired - Aug. 18, 2016) - BMO Wealth Management (U.S.) today announced that it has made strategic appointments as part of its continued commitment to bringing clients the best financial planning. The appointment of Jason Miller as National Head of Wealth Planning, supported by four Regional Leaders of Planning in key markets, will help elevate client experience through stronger planning capabilities.

In his new role, Miller is responsible for strategic development and providing customized financial planning solutions to high-net-worth individuals and families. He joined BMO in 2010 and has more than ten years of experience in financial services. Miller continues to report to Caroline Dabu, Head of Enterprise Wealth Planning. He also serves as a member of the national senior leadership team under Darrel Hackett, President, BMO Wealth Management (U.S.).

"Wealth management is first and foremost about relationships, and as a trusted partner, Jason helps our clients and their families navigate a host of decisions and potential challenges," said Hackett, President, BMO Wealth Management (U.S.). "I have no doubt he will continue to provide exceptional leadership as we build upon our planning offerings."

Further, Dave Bensema, Kris Yamano, Steve White and Steve Williams have been appointed as Regional Leaders of Planning in their markets. As well as having responsibility for wealth planning, they will have accountability for leading and coaching planning teams. They will report to Jason Miller.

"I am excited to continue to build upon the momentum of our dynamic wealth planning capabilities," said Miller, National Head of Wealth Planning. "My team now has an increased capacity to provide advanced and sophisticated personal financial planning strategies to help our clients and their families reach their goals."

Miller earned his BS in Finance, cum laude, from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ and his MBA with an emphasis in Finance from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Miller is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Dave Bensema is the Regional Leader of Planning of Illinois. Since joining BMO 25 years ago, Bensema has been an award-winning, top-performing Financial Planner for the U.S. Private Bank. Bensema earned a BS in Accounting from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. He also earned an MBA in Finance from Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He is an active member of the DuPage Estate Planning Council. Bensema is a Certified Public Accountant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Kris Yamano is the Regional Leader of Planning overseeing the Sunbelt and Central states. Prior to joining BMO, she was the Senior Wealth Planning Strategist at another organization in Arizona and brings along rich experience in complex wealth planning strategies in her new role. Yamano has over 13 years of experience in the financial services industry. She earned her BS from the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned a JD and MBA from Chapman University.

Steve White is the Regional Leader of Planning for Northern States. White joined BMO in 2014 and has over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. He works closely with clients to gain a complete understanding of their lifestyle, career, philanthropic and wealth planning goals. He earned his BA from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI and earned his JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School. White is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Steve Williams is the National Director of Financial Planning Delivery. Williams joined BMO in 1998 and has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his revised role, he will continue to provide important centralized support for the Private Bank which includes oversight of tools and technology, thought leadership and quality control. He earned a BA in History from Bates College in Lewiston, ME. He earned an MBA in Finance from Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Williams is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Certified Investment Management Analyst(SM)professional. He is also a Certified Retirement Counselor.

For more information about BMO Wealth Management or to learn more about wealth planning, please visit: https://www.bmoharris.com/main/personal and the new Your Wealth Your Way resource center at www.bmoharris.com/yourwealth.

About BMO Wealth Management

BMO Wealth Management serves mass affluent, high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and families with a full suite of wealth management solutions including wealth planning, banking, investment management and trust and estate services. With 35 offices across 12 states and international offices in Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore, BMO Wealth Management provides guidance and planning advice combined with individualized service and local expertise. As of April 30, 2016, BMO Wealth Management had assets under management of US$48.1 billion and assets under administration of US$56 billion. BMO Wealth Management is supported by the resources and stability of one of North America's premier financial services organizations-BMO Financial Group. Visit www.bmowealthmanagement.com.

BMO Private Bank is a brand name used in the United States by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Not all products and services are available in every state and/or location.