Rita Lee, CPA, CDFA®, CGMA®, PFS

Partner

North Bay

Client Advisory

Biography

Rita is a Partner in the North Bay office. She provides comprehensive investment and planning advice to high-net-worth individuals and their families, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Rita works with a wide array of clients and has expertise in working with professionals, tech executives, and business owners. She has deep experience helping clients reach their financial goals through customized asset allocations and strategies that participate in growth markets and protect in down markets.

Before joining Cerity Partners, Rita was a Principal and Director of Research for Brouwer & Janachowski, responsible for investment research and portfolio construction. She was a member of the company’s senior management team, Investment Committee, and the Portfolio Management Group, which directs the investment management of all client portfolios. Rita was also a wealth advisor to individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations.  She is passionate about helping women write their financial success stories. She co-hosted the Women’s Money Circle, a networking and support group for women who seek partnership and guidance in putting their financial house in order. Rita directed the company’s outreach to women who are rebuilding their financial lives following divorce or death of a spouse. Prior to joining Brouwer & Janachowski, Rita worked at Northern Trust Company in Chicago.

Education

  • Master's degree in Finance from St. Mary’s College of California (summa cum laude)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from University of Wisconsin (magna cum laude)

Highlights

  • Former lecturer of Accounting at St. Mary’s College
  • Board member of the Financial Planning Association of San Francisco
  • Board member of FACES SF, a non-profit organization benefiting parents and families in San Francisco’s underserved communities
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Personal Financial Specialist
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant
  • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

Q & A

Q:

What should your clients know the most about you?

I want you to flourish. I want to help you raise your financial game and let you focus on what brings you joy. I will send positive energy your way and cheer you on in your financial journey. I am also passionate about helping women of all life stages write their financial success stories.

What kind of clients work best for you?

People who don’t have time or interest in organizing and doing finance. Delegators who appreciate expertise and relationship. Women who want to up their financial games.

Who inspired you to pursue your career in financial management?

My mother. She modeled for me how to be a lifelong learner, to have compassion, be generous, appreciate others, and have some humor. She was a self-made woman and had a rich soul.

Was there a specific incident in your life that made it clear you were made for this career?

Divorce in the family crystallized for me the importance of having professional help during stressful times.

What differentiates Cerity Partners from other firms?

We appreciate you. We think no two people are the same. We get to know you and always put your interest first. That’s our true north.

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By clicking “Submit”, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.