Meet The Team
The team behind Mediate Financial Services, Inc. is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Christopher Mediate,
MBA, CWM, RFC
President
For over 25 years, Chris has helped clients create financial strategies to build and protect their wealth in retirement. He is a Chartered Wealth Manager, a Registered Financial Consultant, has passed the Series 65 securities exam and holds life, health, and property and casualty insurance licenses.
Chris is the managing member of Mediate Financial Investment Advisory Services, LLC, an Ohio Registered Investment Advisor. His licenses and certifications allow him to provide strategies designed to help his clients meet their retirement goals, no matter how complex their financial situations. As an Investment Adviser Representative, Chris is held to the fiduciary standard, which means he is required to put his clients' interests ahead of his own, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
However, this is just the surface of Chris' qualifications and doesn't reveal his unique connection with what he preaches to clients: always be prepared for the unexpected and plan accordingly. In 2013, Chris' life completely changed when he suffered an injury during a pickup basketball game that resulted in the loss of an eye. Despite the event's severity, it reignited his passion and commitment to helping others. It became his mission to ensure clients have a well-constructed financial plan primed to handle whatever life throws at them, as well as providing the financial freedom to live the life they desire.
A passionate family man, Chris wanted his business to reflect that devotion. His goal is to ensure each client is given personal attention from him and his staff. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science from Youngstown State University and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.
Chris and his wife of more than 20 years have two sons. When he's not in the office, he enjoys spending time with family and watching sports.
Be sure to watch Chris' "Retirement in Focus" and "Mediate Retirement Report" on WFMJ and WKBN for the latest financial news and updates.
Leslie Mediate
Director of Client Services
Leslie Mediate
Director of Client Services
Leslie Mediate has been a proud supporter of Mediate Financial Services, Inc., since her husband opened the firm in 1994. She currently works as the firm's director of client services, which includes all areas of handling client relations and event planning.
Throughout her life, Leslie has followed her passion of working closely with others and helping them achieve success. She earned her bachelor's degree in education, and she continues to use many of those skills today, following her personal mission to treat all clients with respect and care as she helps them pursue their retirement dreams.
Leslie and Chris live in the Youngstown area and have two sons. In her free time, Leslie enjoys traveling, working out, cooking and shopping.
John "J.R." Ryan, MBA
Financial Advisor, Director of Operations
John "J.R." Ryan
Financial Advisor
J.R. is passionate about lending a helping hand to others. He joined Mediate Financial Services in 2019 because he wanted to help people gain a sense of confidence in knowing their finances are at the right place. He appreciates working for a firm where everyone is treated like family.
J.R. is a graduate of Youngstown State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance and a minor in marketing. Away from work, he spends much of his time golfing, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.
Christopher E. Mediate
Financial Advisor, Director of Marketing
Christopher E. Mediate
Financial Advisor, Director of Marketing
A strong communicator, Christopher is passionate about serving clients to the best of his ability. He especially enjoys the close-knit company culture at Mediate Financial Services.
The oldest son of Chris and Leslie, Christopher has been around the family business his whole life. Growing up, seeing the impact his parents' financial practice had on its clients — even outside of the office — left an impression on him. The admiration he had for his parents' business transformed into a strong desire to be a part of it. Beginning in 2018, he worked part-time at the office in the summertime, first as a client services associate and then as a marketing intern. He rose to a full-time role in 2021.
A graduate of Ohio University, Christopher holds his Bachelor of Science in strategic communication with a minor in marketing. He is very close with his family and finds working with them highly rewarding. Christopher enjoys reading, writing, watching sports and spending time with friends and family in his free time.
Carson Mediate
Operations Associate
Carson Mediate
Operations Associate
Although Carson grew up in the family business, he has learned a lot about running a company since becoming an administrative assistant for the firm. He feels fortunate to work alongside his parents and brother and appreciates the valuable knowledge he gains every day.
A natural problem solver, Carson enjoys doing computer-related work and figuring out solutions for clients and co-workers. Carson graduated from Ohio University in 2023, where he studied business.
In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching shows and cheering on the Buckeyes.
Zach Ryan
Administrative Assistant
Zach Ryan
Administrative Assistant
Zach was inspired to get into the financial services industry after seeing how much his older brother, J.R., enjoyed his career as a financial advisor. He enjoys interacting with clients and his co-workers at Mediate Financial Services each day.
Zach studied finance at Youngstown State University. He lives with his dog, Cooper, in Boardman, Ohio, where he has been a lifelong resident. Zach enjoys playing golf, watching sports and hanging out with family and friends.
Melissa Kollar
Client Service Coordinator
Melissa Kollar
Client Service Coordinator
Melissa truly believes in making people feel seen, heard, valued and special. Since joining Mediate Financial Services in 2024, her role has allowed her to do just that — meet new people, build relationships and provide excellent customer service.
Throughout her career, Melissa has honed her administrative, organizational and people skills and uses them in her current role to help clients live their best lives. She graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree and earned her real estate license before focusing on financial services.
Melissa lives in Ohio, where she enjoys spending her free time supporting live theater, writing, baking, walking, spending time with friends and traveling.
Bruno & Gia
Client Experience Specialists
Bruno & Gia
Client Experience Specialists
Our pawsome Client Experience Specialists are serious about their jobs and always ready to greet clients with wagging tails. Bruno & Gia are known for their friendly demeanor, love of belly rubs, long walks and napping under desks. They can often be found playing with ice cubes and chasing each other around our office education room. Their presence has a calming effect on both clients and colleagues, putting everyone at ease. They have a way of bringing joy and comfort to all who meet them, making them an invaluable asset to our team.