Our People

David K. Laidlaw, Esq., CFA
Portfolio Manager/Analyst  
David serves as the lead portfolio manager to the firm and implements the investment decisions in each portfolio. He contributes research across industry groups and focuses on the sustainability of the underlying companies' business models. David co-founded the firm after three years with Fissell, Laidlaw & Co., Inc. where he was a Portfolio Manager and member of the Investment Committee. David Laidlaw received the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from the CFA Institute. He graduated with honors from Rutgers University School of Law Newark in 1994 and received a Bachelors of Arts from Reed College in Biology in 1989. He is also an attorney admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Benjamin D. Connard, CFA
Analyst/Assistant Portfolio Manager
Ben serves as lead analyst at the firm and brings strong quantitative skills to his research. He focuses on the valuation of companies. Ben joined the firm in March of 2004. Prior to his current position,Ben worked as an Associate Analyst with NERA of Marsh & McLennan Companies, an economic consulting firm, where he valued intellectual property for litigation purposes. Ben received the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from the CFA Institute in March 2007. He graduated from Williams College in 2002 where he was awarded a B.A. in both Mathematics/Statistics and Economics.

Jennifer E. Gall

Director of Business Development

Jennifer is responsible for overseeing the firm’s marketing and business development efforts. She believes that there is an opportunity to grow its business organically given Laidlaw Group’s strong investment management track record and client-centric business model.

Most recently, Jennifer was employed at KLS Professional Advisors of New York, NY as Business Development Manager. There, she was responsible for a wide variety of client acquisition activities including coordinating the sales process and developing relationships with clients. She conducted in-depth analysis of prospective client’s financial composition, risk tolerance, planning needs, and savings objectives given income and expenses.

Prior to joining KLS Professional Advisors, Jennifer was employed by ChildrenFirst of New York, NY and founded her own company; Time Favors, of Bethesda, MD. In her role as President and Founder of Time Favors, she was responsible for raising seed capital, overseeing the design and development of a web-based, corporate sponsored, personal service offering, and attaining clients. Jennifer received her BS in Marketing from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

Susan Vetere
Operations Manager
Ms. Vetere joined the firm at its inception. She reconciles each account within the firm’s internal portfolio accounting system to the custodial data. She also is responsible for opening custodial accounts and remitting funds as needed. Ms. Vetere holds an Associates Degree from Berkley College.