Zach Ripka, CPA/PFS, CDFA®, CEPA®, CFP®

Zach is a Partner in the West Des Moines, Iowa office. He brings a strong background in financial planning, tax strategy, and business owner advisory.

Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Zach served as Chief Operating Officer at Gilbert & Cook, where he led the firm’s day-to-day operations and promoted alignment across all departments to support the firm’s long-term vision and growth. Working closely with the firm’s Founder and Leadership Team, Zach played a central role in driving strategy, strengthening culture, and executing initiatives that enhanced both the client experience and the firm’s continued evolution.

Zach led the firm’s Leadership Committee in setting both short- and long-term priorities, reinforcing Gilbert & Cook’s core values, and guiding the team toward a unified vision of success.

His leadership is grounded in a belief that successful outcomes are the result of strong collaboration, clear direction, and a shared commitment to excellence. He began his career as a Senior Tax Associate, earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation before expanding his experience into comprehensive planning. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner, Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®), and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), Zach has developed a broad skillset that allows him to support complex client situations — particularly for business owners navigating growth, transition, and exit planning strategies.

Zach is passionate about continuous improvement and identifying opportunities to create greater value for clients. His ability to connect operational strategy with client outcomes helps ensure that Cerity Partners not only delivers sophisticated advice, but does so in a way that is thoughtful, coordinated, and aligned with each client’s life.

Zach and his wife, Krista, enjoy a full and active life raising their three sons. He values time spent with family and embraces the energy and joy that come with a busy and growing household.

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