An Advocate for Clients and Women in Finance
Annie Seelaus
Chief Executive Officer, R. Seelaus & Co., Inc.
Seelaus is the partner of choice for individuals and institutions. Under CEO Annie Seelaus, the firm has become certified as a women-owned business in N.J. and nationally. Our mission is two-fold: to be a high-quality, experienced option for clients seeking diversity in the firms with whom they do business, and to support and empower women in the financial services industry and in the community.
Annie believes we need to change the mindset around women re-entering the workforce. Our goal is to be an on-ramp for qualified women in the financial services industry who have taken a hiatus, and to support them with a flexible working environment. Annie is also committed to supporting community organizations that share our goal of empowering women.
Leadership Team
Combining decades of experience with a forward-looking outlook, the Seelaus team is focused on bringing new opportunities to clients every day.
Benjamin Seelaus
Chief Operating Officer
Karolina Pajdak
Chief Compliance Officer
Quentin Murray
Head of Sales and Trading
Jim Brucia
Co-Head of Capital Markets
Leslie Graves
Co-Head of Capital Markets
Kenny Klein
CEO, Seelaus Asset Management
Tara Freshwater
COO, Seelaus Asset Management
Mayya Molchan
Chief Financial Officer
Meet the Founder
Richard Seelaus
Founder and Chairman Emeritus, R. Seelaus & Co., Inc.
Rich began his career in the investment department at the Insurance Company of North America (INA) in Philadelphia, where he rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a municipal bond trader and a portfolio manager. Rich then worked for a number of Wall Street broker dealers, including the American Securities Corporation.
In 1984, Rich founded R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. in Summit, N.J. With Rich at the helm, the firm has experienced phenomenal growth. From its start as an institutional municipal bond dealer, it has grown to become a full-service firm that includes a broker-dealer and asset management business. Rich has worn many hats, serving as trader, salesman, compliance officer, FINRA-designated financial principal and FINRA executive representative. He is a Certified Financial Planner and was also an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Rich is a former member of the board of directors at the Oak Knoll School, the Summit Child Care Center and the Beacon Hill Club. Additionally, he is a former member of the FINRA District 9 Committee, having been elected by the FINRA member firms to serve a three-year term.
Rich is a U.S. Army veteran and holds a B.S. in economics from Villanova University and a J.D. from the Delaware Law School at Widener University.
A Family Firm With Enduring Values
Founded by Richard Seelaus and now run by daughter Annie Seelaus, the name on the door still stands for service, integrity and innovation.
Founded by Richard Seelaus as a municipal bond dealer. The firm is part of the underwriting group for its first New Jersey municipal bond for the NJ Highway Authority.
Hires first retail broker with a focus on municipal bonds, expanding on institutional business.
Launches an institutional MBS and ABS sales and trading business.
Launches an institutional Credit sales and trading business.
Moves corporate headquarters to 25 DeForest Avenue in Summit, NJ.
R. Seelaus opens office in Boston, establishing a regional presence.
Annie Seelaus joins the firm.
Launches an institutional Interest Rate sales and trading effort.
Acquires Granite Spring Asset Management (now Seelaus Asset Management).
Ben Seelaus joins the firm.
Annie Seelaus named CEO.
Seelaus named state-certified Women's Business Enterprise by New Jersey.
Seelaus certified as a national WBE by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Launches Debt Capital Markets practice.
Acquires Sunnymeath Asset Management (now Seelaus Asset Management).
Launches automated investment service.
Firm grows to 60 employees.
Launches Money Markets business
Acquires Sterling Wealth Advisors (now Seelaus Asset Management)
C-suite becomes 75% women
Seelaus Asset Management launches Apple/SAM Analyst Program
Our Mission
Seelaus’ mission is to provide the individualized service our clients deserve, advocate for women in financial services and in the community, and partner with companies seeking to work with a women-owned firm.
