Our Team

Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors incorporates decades of experience and a philosophy of partnership to offer an efficient blend of wealth and asset management services for clients with net investable assets of one million to twenty million dollars.

Brooks Nelson

CFA - Principal

Brooks Nelson has over 30 years’ experience in portfolio management and securities research. Brooks graduated with a BS from Princeton University and worked at IBM, Damon Raike, and Kidder Peabody before, in 1985, joining Nelson Capital Management, the firm founded by his father. He became president of Nelson Capital in 1990. A large west coast bank acquired the firm in 2002, and Brooks served as vice president there until he left to found Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors with Brian in 2004. Brooks is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a member of the CFA Institute. He is a devoted family man and an avid swimmer and cyclist.

Brian Roberts

CFA, MBA - Principal

Brian Roberts has over 25 years’ experience in securities research, private client services, and firm management. Brian earned both a BS and an MBA from Santa Clara University, and has since taught courses in investment ethics and equity analysis for the St. Mary’s College Masters of Science in Financial Analysis and Investment Management program. Brian was a partner at Nelson Capital Management prior to founding Nelson Roberts with Brooks in 2004. Brian is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a member of the CFA Institute, and serves on the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business Advisory Board. He and his wife are the proud parents of three children.

Steve Philpott

CFP®, MBA — Principal

Steve Philpott has extensive expertise in wealth analysis, asset management, and securities trading. Steve graduated with a BS from Santa Clara University and later earned an MBA from the University of San Francisco. He began his investment management career at Nelson Capital Management, where he served as a research analyst and portfolio manager before joining Nelson Roberts in 2005. Steve is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, a member of the Financial Planning Forum, Inc., and served as president of the Santa Clara University Alumni Association Board of Directors. A Bay Area native, Steve enjoys hiking, golfing, and spending time with his wife and children.

Ann B. Oglesby

MD, MBA — Senior Analyst

Ann Oglesby has 25 years of experience in the health care delivery and 10 years’ expertise in risk management, mergers and acquisitions, business analysis, and quality improvement within the industry. Ann graduated with a BS from Stanford University, an MD from St. Louis University, and an MBA from Indiana University. She completed her clinical training in internal medicine at the University of Iowa and worked in primary care before moving to health care management. Ann served for 15 years as a vice president and director of quality improvement at a large integrated health care system before joining Nelson Roberts in 2006. In her free time, Ann enjoys singing, studying classical music, and spending time with her family.

Brooks Nelson, CFA - Principal

"One of my favorite stories is about a client who called me one day to debate a financial decision. He had long dreamed of buying the house next door to the home of the president of his alma mater, and the house he had been eyeing was on the market. He called to ask if I thought he should buy it, certain I would talk him out of it. Instead, I talked him into it, and today he is thrilled to be living his dream."

Brian Roberts CFA-Principal

“A couple I’ve now worked with for some time came to us with a concentrated position in the technology sector, and our early discussions centered on how and when to diversify what had been a great asset. I was able to show them how they could soften their technology sector risk and diversify most effectively to achieve their financial goals. Today, they are comfortable with their financial independence and our conversations focus not on wealth accumulation, but passing their wealth on to the next generation.”

Steve P. Philpott, CFP®, MBA — Principal

“I’ve learned that life’s transitions make our services the most valuable. One couple I was working with was concerned that their lifestyle would have to change for them to retire. After extensive discussions and planning, we developed a portfolio strategy that made them comfortable with not only their ability to continue traveling but also their ability to help support the college education of their grandchildren.”

Darcy Nelson Smoot, CFA

By employing primary research on individual securities, we keep our costs down and create a tailored approach to asset management. I enjoy getting into the weeds with the research team, identifying investable themes and coming up with creative solutions. Each of us brings a unique perspective and diverse experience set to the table.

Evan Nelson, CFP® — Assistant Relationship Manager

"I believe Nelson Roberts' commitment to philanthropy and education has made a huge difference in the lives of our clients and the community as a whole. Whether it is sponsoring the local elementary school fun run, throwing events surrounding the preparation for college admission, or volunteering at a food bank, our firm has had a positive impact that extends beyond the advice we give to our clients."

Erin Rodriguez

Sarah Sinclair

Evan Nelson

CFP® — Relationship Manager

Evan Nelson comes from a background in sales and marketing. After graduating from The University of Southern California, Evan worked on various marketing campaigns and as an outside sales manager. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and a member of the Financial Planning Association. In his spare time, Evan enjoys running, hiking, playing basketball, and cooking.

Darcy Nelson Smoot

CFA — Research Analyst

Darcy Smoot has extensive experience in equity analysis and securities trading. Darcy graduated with a BA from Swarthmore College, majoring in Mathematics and English Literature. She began her career at Bloomberg LP in New York City, and in 2009 went on to work as an equity derivatives sales trader at Susquehanna International Group. She currently serves on the board of the San Francisco Security Traders Association.

Sarah Sinclair

Assistant Portfolio Manager

Sarah Sinclair joined Nelson Roberts in 2012 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from University of San Francisco with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Sarah’s favorite activities include wakeboarding, water skiing, and baking. She loves exploring outdoors and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

Erin Rodriguez

Office Manager

Erin is a California native who lived in New York for five years, where she worked for Citigroup as a financial analyst. Erin earned her BA in Communications from California State University, Long Beach. Erin is happy to be putting down roots in California where she can cheer on the Golden State Warriors. She enjoys baking and shopping, and spending time with her loved ones.

Chrissy Domingo

Assistant Portfolio Manager

Chrissy Domingo joined Nelson Roberts in 2017 after graduating from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Finance. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Chrissy enjoys snowboarding, hiking and volunteering with local animal rescue organizations.

Our Community

Nelson Roberts is a proud supporter of organizations within the communities we serve.

Peninsula Humane Society

PHS/SPCA, a private non-profit organization guided by the humane ethic, builds healthy relationships between people and animals. Each year thousands of animals pass through our doors. We provide a warm bed, nutritious food, veterinary care and a gentle touch for the lost, stray, unwanted and injured domestic and wild animals in our community. Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors supports the PHS/SPCA Annual Mutt Strutt and Annual Gala Ball.

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Menlo-Atherton Little League

The Menlo-Atherton Little League is committed to teaching and improving the fundamental baseball skills of its children in a fun and constructive environment. The League is dedicated to managing the balance between winning and learning life lessons through sport as part of our core values.

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Wildlife Conservation Network

The Wildlife Conservation Network supports “conservation entrepreneurs,” conservationists without institutional backing who seek new approaches to protecting endangered species and managing their coexistence with humans. WCN provides these individuals with a shared back office that helps them incorporate as nonprofits, write grant proposals, raise money, manage donor databases, and fulfill legal requirements and connects them with conservation experts around the world to help the entrepreneurs efficiently refine and expand their causes.

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