Who Is Newey Nielsen Leishman Wealth Management Group?

Our financial advisors have more than 45 years of combined wealth management experience as well as academic and industry learning that contribute to a deep understanding of business, markets, the economy, and wealth planning. Our team approach means that our clients have access to a broad range of experience and knowledge, as well as genuine care.

Chris Nielsen Headshot

M. Chris Nielsen, CRPC

Senior Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(435) 565-4560

About Me

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Management, University of Phoenix
Licenses and Certifications
  • Series 7, General Securities Representative
  • Series 9 & 10, General Securities Sales Supervisor
  • Series 63, Uniform Securities State Agent
  • Series 65, Uniform Investment Advisor Representative
  • Life, Health, and Variable Insurance: CA Insurance License #0B90094
  • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ Designation
Experience
Chris has nearly 30 years of experience as a financial advisor. He is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of management experience. Chris has led teams and built businesses, including founding and operating a successful software and computer company. With a lifelong entrepreneurial mindset, he brings innovation, strategic thinking, and a passion for growth to every endeavor.

A proud veteran, Chris retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves after 23 years of distinguished service, including eight years on active duty. As an electronic warfare and inertial navigation systems specialist, he served across the globe, contributing to national defense with technical expertise and unwavering dedication.

Chris is deeply committed to giving back. He has supported several charitable organizations, including as a board member and president, supporting causes such as youth development, homelessness, and youth participating in Special Olympics. Chris’s work with the Stifel U.S. Olympic Ski Team has included providing athletes with financial education and internship opportunities, helping them prepare for life beyond competition.

An active member of his church and a devoted family man, Chris cherishes time with his children and grandchildren. He is also an avid motorcyclist, outdoor enthusiast, skier, and passionate musician who enjoys playing guitar.

Philosophy
Chris utilizes his education and experience to provide his clients with objective guidance tailored to their specific needs. He is committed to establishing long-term relationships and helping build wealth for his clients and their families.

Chris Newey, CFP, CRPC

Senior Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(530) 273-9877

About Me

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (Finance), California State University, Sacramento
Licenses and Certifications
  • Series 7, General Securities Representative
  • Series 9 & 10, General Securities Supervisor
  • Series 63, Uniform Securities State Agent
  • Series 65, Uniform Investment Advisor Representative
  • Life, Health, and Variable Insurance; CA Insurance License #0F90138
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification
  • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ Designation
Experience
With more than 15 years in the financial services industry, Chris specializes in retirement income planning, wealth planning, and wealth management. Starting his career just before the 2008 financial crisis, he gained valuable experience navigating turbulent markets and helping clients manage through uncertainty – lessons that inform his steady and thoughtful approach today.

Chris is known for being candid, transparent, and relatable. He meets clients where they are, breaking down complex financial topics into clear, understandable terms without jargon. Clients consistently appreciate his communication style and feel empowered to make confident decisions.

A lifelong resident of Grass Valley, Chris grew up in the community where he now lives with his wife and three children. After a brief time in Los Angeles working and studying at UCLA, he realized that small-town life is where he wanted to raise his family and build lasting relationships. Outside the office, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors and camping with his family. He also makes it a priority to spend time volunteering at his children’s school.
 
Philosophy 
Chris approaches his client relationships as collaborative, educational, and long term – often spanning multiple generations within families. He believes financial resources are tools to create meaningful life, not simply means to accumulate wealth for its own sake.

During market volatility or complex financial decisions, Chris remains calm and grounded. He relies on experience, logic, and thoughtful research to guide clients beyond fear and uncertainty, helping them focus on their goals and avoid impulsive decisions driven by emotion.

Chris’ goal is to provide clients with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions, so they can spend more time on the things that truly matter to them.

Stephanie Leishman headshot

Stephanie Leishman, MBA, MS

Financial Advisor

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(530) 273-9877

About Me

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University
  • Master of Business Administration, Boston University
  • Master of Science, Boston University
Licenses and Certifications
  • Series 7, General Securities Representative
  • Series 63, Uniform Securities State Agent
  • Series 65, Uniform Investment Advisor Representative
  • Life, Health, and Variable Insurance: CA Insurance License #4445652
Experience
Stephanie has spent nearly a decade working in entrepreneurial environments as a business owner advising organizations on digital strategy and playing key roles in launching major institutional projects, including Boston University’s Online MBA program. She also spent several years at MIT, where she advised departments and labs across the university.

Beyond her professional work, Stephanie has served on school and nonprofit boards and in other community volunteer roles. She enjoys sharing music with others by playing piano at local churches and singing at events, including at the Nevada County Fair, as well as in historical costume at Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas.

Philosophy
Stephanie brings a wealth of experience in the business, nonprofit, and education worlds. She enjoys helping families and businesses with investments, wealth management planning, retirement accounts, life insurance, and more. Stephanie cares about looking at the full financial picture, which incorporates your current situation and future goals, assets and liabilities, and beneficiaries, such as family and charities. She wants to help you understand yourself through the lens of behavioral finance and risk tolerance and seeks to use those insights to make sure your investments are suited to you.

Angela Kropf Headshot

Angie Kropf

Client Relationship Manager

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(530) 273-9877

About Me

Licenses

  • Series 7, General Securities Representative
  • Series 63, Uniform Securities State Agent
Experience
Angie began her investment industry career at Stifel in 2007. In her role, she is responsible for managing the daily operations of the office, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and supporting the financial advisors in delivering high-quality service to clients. As a registered representative, Angie executes trade requests and is known for her client-focused approach, combining efficiency and empathy.

Her duties also include overseeing account administration, onboarding new clients and accounts, preparing documentation and maintaining accurate client records, coordinating with internal departments, ensuring timely execution of client requests, and resolving operational issues efficiently.

Angie provides high-quality service, always striving to create a positive and supportive experience for clients.

Outside the office, Angie enjoys traveling, camping, boating, and attending Broadway theater productions. She is also an avid reader and values time spent with her family. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and client-first mindset make her a vital part of the team and a trusted resource for both clients and colleagues.

Molly O'Connell Headshot

Molly O'Connell

Client Service Associate

Contact Me

E-Mail Address

[email protected]

Phone Number

(530) 273-9877

About Me

Molly was born at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and, like any true military brat, got to see a lot of the United States before coming home to Grass Valley, where her family roots run very deep.

Molly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justic from California State University Sacramento, followed by her Paralegal certificate from Pacific College of Legal Careers. After a litigation and corporate paralegal career spanning nearly 30 years, she joined the Grass Valley branch of Stifel as a Client Service Associate.

Outside the office, Molly enjoys spending time with friends and family, and taking walks with Liam, her English Lab. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, watching sports, and traveling.