Team

Our multinational staff has over 100 years of combined First Wilshire research experience. We are dedicated to the value investing proposition and to providing like-minded investors with an opportunity for above market returns. First Wilshire has attracted, trained and retained talented individuals with diverse experience and education. The common thread is a passion for value investing and a commitment to providing exceptional client service. First Wilshire’s durability and success has resulted from our shared purpose, emphasis on continuing education and long tenures.

All Departments

Research and Portfolio Management

Client Services and Operations

Scott Hood, CFA®, CFP®

Portfolio Manager, Chairman

Scott Hood, CFA®, CFP®

Portfolio Manager, Chairman

Scott joined First Wilshire as an analyst in 1993, was promoted to CEO in 2001, and became Chairman in 2019. Previously he worked as a supervisory analyst with Merrill Lynch in Hong Kong. Scott is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a member of the CFA Institute. He is also a CFP® professional. He serves as a board member of The Mount Wilson Observatory and The Sierra Madre Mountain Conservancy. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science from The Stern School of Business at New York University.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Howard Lu, CFA®, CFP®

Portfolio Manager, President & CEO

Howard Lu, CFA®, CFP®

Portfolio Manager, President & CEO

Howard joined First Wilshire in 2004 as a research analyst, was promoted to Portfolio Manager in 2013, and became President and CEO in 2019. Prior to joining First Wilshire, he worked as an engineer for Intel Corporation and two technology startups in Silicon Valley. Howard is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a member of the CFA Institute. He is also a CFP® professional. Howard received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Howard is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Bill Caton, CFA®, CFP®

Portfolio Manager, Head of Trading

Bill Caton, CFA®, CFP®

Portfolio Manager, Head of Trading

Bill joined First Wilshire’s internship program in 1997 and became a research analyst in 1998. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager and Head of Trading in 2019. Bill is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a member of the CFA Institute. He is also a CFP® professional. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Business Administration from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Nicole Green

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer

Nicole Green

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer

Nicole joined First Wilshire as Vice President of Administration in 2017, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018, and was designated as Chief Compliance Officer in 2020. Prior to joining First Wilshire, Nicole was a principal and head of investment operations at Ares Management. She is skilled in building and leading global operations teams, continuously improving productivity and efficiency, and mitigating risks. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The George Washington University.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Tom Hanson

Senior Vice President

Tom Hanson

Senior Vice President

Tom joined First Wilshire as Chief Operating Officer in 2010 and transitioned to Senior Vice President in 2018. He provides investment management to a select group of clients. Previously, Tom was a senior officer and Portfolio Manager at Pacific Global Investment Management. He founded TriVest Capital Management, an investment advisory firm serving institutional clients. Tom holds a Bachelor degree from Marshall University and an MBA from The George Washington University

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Esther Johnson

Client Services Director

Esther Johnson

Client Services Director

Esther joined First Wilshire in 2006 as a Client Service Associate and was promoted to Client Services Director in 2015. Prior to First Wilshire, she worked at Roger Engemann & Associates, an advisory firm. She received a Bachelor of Arts from California State University at Los Angeles. Esther is fluent in Spanish.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Feliks Zlochistyy, CFA®, CFP®, CPA

Portfolio Manager

Feliks Zlochistyy, CFA®, CFP®, CPA

Portfolio Manager

Feliks joined First Wilshire in 2006 as a research analyst and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in 2023. He received a 5-year degree in Russian Literature and Language from Samara State University in Russia and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Southern California. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a member of the CFA Institute. He is also a CFP® professional and a CPA. Feliks is fluent in Russian.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Nancy Mckenzie

Accounting Manager

Nancy Mckenzie

Accounting Manager

Nancy joined First Wilshire in 1996. She is a 40-year industry veteran with experience in client relations, trading, portfolio administration, accounting, and office management. Nancy became an Enrolled Agent with the IRS in 2005.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Cristian Pedroza

Trader

Cristian Pedroza

Trader

Cristian joined First Wilshire in 2017 as a trader. He is responsible for trade execution and works cross-functionally with the investment team, client services, and operations. Cristian began his career in 2009 at Churchill Management Group and Lombardia Capital. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Finance concentration from California State University at Fullerton. Cristian is fluent in Spanish.

Phone:+1 (626) 796-6622
Email:info@firstwilshire.com

Katya Shaposhnik

Operations Assistant

Katya Shaposhnik

Operations Assistant

Katya joined First Wilshire in 2013. She has over 20 years of office management and administrative experience in both the public and private sectors. In addition, she was a co-founder of a local non-profit art center. Katya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from New York University. Katya is conversant in Russian, Hungarian and Hebrew.