Meet the Team

Meridith Hutchens

Founder

Wall Street was an unusual career path for women in the mid-eighties. When Meridith Hutchens went to New York for a college ballet audition at that time, she had no idea her career desire and direction would change forever after visiting the NYSE. After graduating from Tulane University, Hutchens began her career as a traditional stockbroker, an experience she credits today for her stock-picking capabilities, talent for identifying trends, and ability to read the financial markets.

Wishing to grow with the financial industry, work closely with investors, and focus on client education and satisfaction led her to form her own firm. Her ability to look ahead, scan the horizon, maintain intellectual discipline, and seize opportunities has carried through in her approach to investing. Putting fears, bias, and outside noise aside when she knows the numbers don’t lie—that is where she shines. 

We cut through the noise for you with the perspective you need to have a clear snapshot of the markets.

Providing sub-advisory portfolio strategy services to fellow advisors allows her to have the best of both worlds in her practice: the ability to focus on the analytics and strategy of investing, and the ability to empower other advisors. It’s no wonder why her clients and sub-advisors turn to her for insights and portfolio strategy options rooted in research and a risk-negating approach.

In her spare time, Mer enjoys exploring all Chicago has to offer, from museums to exquisite dining to boating on Lake Michigan with her husband and two children.

David Vincent Guzy

Cheif Operating Officer

David Guzy is the Chief Operating Officer and has been with the firm since inception. He oversees compliance as well as the movement of assets. David’s most recent professional background includes owning a financial/data consulting firm – The Guzy Group, LLC. David is our spreadsheet king. His deep understanding of the financial markets and the ability to quantify and organize research data is an important driver behind our proprietary research and analytics.
David has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Florida.

Dr. John Sena

Investment Counsel

Dr. John F. Sena is an English professor at The Ohio State University. We call him “The Professor” here at Fortis. An avid investor, Dr. Sena follows the market with us and brings a valuable voice of wisdom to the team and is often featured on our blog.

A successful author and lecturer, Dr. Sena has received three University-wide awards for outstanding teaching; he was also the recipient of the University’s Distinguished Affirmative Action Award.   Dr. Sena served as the Assistant Provost of the University.

In addition to publishing numerous scholarly books and essays, Dr. Sena has written three books dealing with the workplace.  From Campus to Corporation and the Next Ten Years; Transitions: Successfully Managing Career Changes from Mid-Career to Retirement; and Work is not a Four-Letter Word.

Dr. Sena was a consultant for the Educational Testing Service for 30 years and was the chair of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) writing committee (English section) for ten years. He has also created and evaluated numerous Advanced Placement exams.  Dr. Sena served as the chair of the College Board’s National English Advisory Committee.

Dr. Sena received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University.

Miranda Briski

Administrative Assistant

Miranda Briski is our director of first impressions. Her cheerful disposition and can-do attitude to assist with administrative duties is cherished by our clients.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Fortis Portfolio Solutions. LLC. (FPS) is an SEC registered investment adviser located in Schaumburg. Illinois. SEC Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. FPS only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or in compliance with applicable state regulations. Individualized responses that involve actual or contemplated securities transactions or the rendering of personal investment advice for compensation will not be made absent compliance with all applicable investment adviser regulation requirements. Please contact us if there are any questions.

FPS and its representatives are in compliance with the current registration requirements imposed upon registered investment advisors by those states in which it maintains clients. FPS may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Any illustrations used in this website are hypothetical unless noted otherwise. The results achieved by individual clients will vary and will depend on a number of factors including the particular underlying investments and their dividend yield, option market liquidity, interest rate levels, implied volatility, and the client's expressed return and risk parameters at the time the service is initiated and during the term Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in options involves risks that must be considered and reviewed with a professional prior to investing. This website is not intended for the giving of investment advice to any single investor or group of investors and no investor should rely upon or make any investment decisions based solely upon contents of the website.

Before engaging in the purchase or sale of exchange-traded options, investors should understand the nature and extent of their rights and obligations and be aware of the risks involved, including the risks pertaining to the business and financial condition of the issuer of the underlying stock. Listed options are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling options, a person must be provided with and review a copy of CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF STANDARDIZED OPTIONS. A copy of this document may be obtained from FPS Compliance Department. 1901N. Roselle Road. Suite 812. Schaumburg. Illinois 60195.

FPS services including its model portfolios should be considered in connection with its written disclosure brochure (i.e.. Form ADV Part 2A) and its Form CRS. copies of which are available for free by calling (713) 854-6442 or emailing David Guzy at david@fortisportfolio.com. No portion of this website should be interpreted as legal accounting or tax advice. Clients who need such services will be given a referral The information contained on this website, including links to third party websites and any data, have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the same.

The statistical information included in this website is based on model portfolios. They represent the hypothetical results that one may have achieved using this strategy for the specified time period. The performance is measured gross of commissions, transaction fees, and management fees.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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