Chris Ornée

My passion for investing and personal finance began early—I began reading budgeting books and Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor while still in high school. After earning a degree in Economics from the Naval Academy and serving as a Navy helicopter pilot, I pursued a master’s in Finance to deepen my expertise. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the honor of helping clients craft meaningful financial strategies that drive lasting impact.

What I find most fulfilling is translating the often overwhelming world of money and markets into clear, actionable strategies. It's about demystifying complex financial jargon and helping clients understand their options so they can make informed decisions with confidence. For non-profits, this often involves crafting sophisticated investment policies designed to align with their core values while aiming to provide sustainable funding that fuels their mission and amplifies their societal impact for years to come. When working with individuals and families, my role shifts to being a trusted advisor, guiding them through life's most significant financial decisions and milestones—whether that's planning for retirement, funding a child's education, purchasing a home, or creating a lasting legacy. It's a deep, personal connection built on understanding their unique aspirations and providing the clarity they need to achieve them.

I work with entrepreneurs, executives, families, and non-profit organizations to design strategies that integrate investments, tax planning, estate considerations, charitable giving, and retirement goals.

My favorite part is watching confidence grow over time. Whether it’s a family gaining clarity around college planning or a non-profit seeing its endowment support new initiatives, it’s incredibly rewarding to see thoughtful planning translate into real impact. I value the long-term relationships that form along the way—being a steady presence clients can rely on as their goals and lives evolve.

I understand that building wealth is about more than numbers—it’s about clarity, confidence, and long-term vision. My diverse career as a Navy helicopter pilot, hedge fund trader, investment banker, and wealth advisor gives me both the discipline and perspective to help clients navigate opportunities and challenges. I also love talking about markets and I'm passionate about making complex financial topics easy for clients to understand and apply.

I design strategies that integrate investments, tax planning, estate considerations, charitable giving, and retirement goals.

When I searched for a new firm, I wanted one with impeccable client service, a shared investment philosophy, a robust service offering, and modern technology. Savvy offers all of that and more. Our collaborative, tech-enabled team brings together expertise across investments, taxes, and comprehensive financial planning, and our client dashboard makes it easy to see your entire financial life in one place.