Contact Partner Development

Sheila J. Cuffari-Agasi
EVP, Partner Development
800-966-8737 x240
sjagasi@upfsa.com

Sheila is an Executive Vice President and is a member of the Executive Management Team. Her primary responsibilities include oversight of the sales, transition and advertising teams.  She is also engaged in many special projects and critical initiatives for the organization. She currently holds her Series 7, 24, 63, 66, and life and health licenses and AIF designation. Sheila started working for United Planners in 2006, but began her career in financial services in 1993. When not working, Sheila enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and playing outdoor sports such as volleyball and softball.

Scott O’Keeffe
Assistant VP, Partner Development
800-966-8737 x246
sokeeffe@upfsa.com

Scott is a Assistant VP of Partner Development and Succession Coach with United Planners. He currently holds his Series 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65. Scott started working for United Planners in 2011, but began his career in financial services in 1996. When not working, Scott enjoys spending time with his three children, Fiona, Kevin, and Declan, and wife, Stacy.

China Allen
Consultant
800-966-8737 x257
callen@upfsa.com

China is a Partner Development Consultant. She began her career in staffing and recruiting with a strong focus on recruiting high level finance professionals across the country.  She joined the United Planners Partner Development team in 2016.  When not busy at United Planners, China enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling and spending time with her family.



Michael Kneip
Consultant
800-966-8737 x299
mkneip@upfsa.com
 

Mike began his career in the financial services industry in 1995.  He has worked directly as a financial advisor as well as managing advisors in both sales and supervision.   HIs background in financial services includes time with Dain Bosworth, Charles Schwab, Wells Fargo Advisors and Allstate Life & Retirement.  He understands the needs of advisors in their daily practice and desires to help clients succeed  using a true open-architecture model.  Mike is originally from South Dakota, but has lived in Arizona since 1997.  He has been married over 20 years to his wife Rupa and they have two children, Logan and Nayana.  In his spare time, Mike enjoys just about every sport and loves to throw a line in the water fishing when possible.

Jane Erece
Transition Specialist, Partner Development

Jane joined the firm in March 2000. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Jane is a transition specialist serving as the primary contact point for Advisors and their staff transitioning to United Planners. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and a variety of outdoor activities.

Sonja Lockhart
Manager, Partner Development

Sonja joined the UP family in January 2015. She began her career in financial services in 1995 working at JPMorgan Asset & Wealth Management with institutional and retirement accounts and more recently at Edward Jones in their Operations unit. Sonja enjoys spending time with her two adult children and family.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, crafting and homebrewing  with friends.

Tracy Stout
Project Specialist, Partner Development

Tracy has been with United Planners since April 2014. She is originally from Utah and loves the outdoors, especially golfing, snow skiing, boating, camping and fishing. She also enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and working on DIY home projects.

Kris Cunningham
Advisor Experience Associate, Partner Development

Kris Cunningham has spent over 20 years affiliated with local Broker Dealers, Wire Houses and has worked on the Branch Office side of our business. She started her career with SunAmerica Securities in 1997 and has worked with firms such as: AIG, National Planning Corp, Commonwealth Financial Network, Genworth Financial Trust Company, Multi-Financial, Cetera, First Allied and Ameriprise Financial.

Kris moved to Tucson, Arizona from New Jersey in 1982 to attend the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!) and relocated to Phoenix in 1987. She has 2 grown children, Chelsea and Tyler who reside in Phoenix, and she was blessed with her first grandchild, Lincoln in 2017.  Her hobbies include live music, hiking, boating, reading, crocheting, strategic mind games and spending time with her family.