At Zelos, our team is composed of highly skilled finance professionals with a wide range of expertise in wealth management, corporate advisory, compliance, and investment strategy. With decades of experience across diverse sectors, our team brings deep financial acumen, analytical rigor, and a commitment to delivering tailored solutions for financial advisors, strategic partners and business owners. Our collective background spans leadership roles in top financial institutions, board memberships, and specialized certifications in areas such as investment management, accounting, financial planning, and corporate governance.
CPA, CA, CFA, CFP, ICD.D kareen.stangherlin@zelosglobal.com Voted Most Likely: To accept the challenge Kareen is proud to lead a diverse group of finance professionals at Zelos Capital. She oversees the firm’s strategic direction, leads the firm’s wealth and portfolio management, and serves Zelos wealth management clients. In addition, Kareen frequently serves on institutional investment committees and boards, such as the $18 billion Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Pension Plan, where she is Co-Chair of the Investment Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees. She previously served the $18 billion Alberta Teachers Retirement Fund (ATRF) as Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee, member of the Investment Committee, and member of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee, among other Governance and Advisory roles such as the Canadian Advocacy Council of the CFA Society of Canada. When people meet with Kareen they frequently remark that her passion for investing is palpable. She is a self-described life-learner, and can frequently be found completely immersed in a new topic of interest. Outside the office, Kareen enjoys outdoor adventure and served the Calgary Search and Rescue Association as a ground search volunteer for the past 12 years. Kareen loves exploring new cultures around the world and cherishes spending time with her young family. Kareen is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a CFA® charterholder, a Certified Financial Planner, and holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. CIM® gilbert.bong@zelosglobal.com Voted Most Likely: To find enlightenment Gilbert is responsible for the execution of the firm’s vision and strategy while staying active with his Private Wealth clients. This includes managing daily operations, business performance and major initiatives. He has a unique ability to see new possibilities for entrepreneurs and is dedicated to helping them meet their objectives. When people meet Gilbert, they often walk away feeling calmer and more focused. When not in the office, Gilbert can be found spending time with his young family, at the gym, and volunteering in his community. Gilbert has a number of incredible accomplishments beneath his understated demeanor; he currently sits on the Board of Directors on Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and is a part of their budget and audit, governance, and ownership linkage committees, he’s earned a blackbelt in Hapkido, and he has fundraised and built a school in Guatemala with his wife, Doreen. Prior to co-founding Zelos, Gilbert worked for several top-tier financial institutions in both investment banking and equity research roles. Gilbert holds a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Risk & Insurance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Director of Business Advisory & Financial Planning pamela.coquet@zelosglobal.com Voted Most Likely: To always be smiling Pam leads our business advisory division and has spent nearly two decades helping business owners navigate the intersection of personal wealth and business value. She works closely with clients to align their business, wealth, and future goal, ensuring everything moves forward in sync, especially when planning for a successful exit. Her passion for entrepreneurship began early, inspired by her father who owned a specialized transportation company. At just 11, she launched her first business painting, and by 20, she had co-founded and eventually sold another venture, gaining firsthand experience and hard-earned lessons along the way. Moving on, she worked as a marketing manager for a large national company, contributing to branding, TV, and radio campaigns for a national company, including navigating the challenges of a complex acquisition. Still seeking more, she returned to her entrepreneurial roots, launching her own firm focused on helping business owners with strategic planning and long-term success. Her passion extends beyond business as she embraces challenge and exploration in all areas of life. This spirit has taken her trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, kayaking in the waters of Thailand, volunteering to build homes in rural Mexico, and completing a triathlon through the mountains. Financial Analyst marek.nielsen@zelosglobal.com Voted Most Likely: To be the steady hand behind the numbers Marek is a Financial Analyst at Zelos, currently completing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Mount Royal University with a focus in Financial Analysis. Set to graduate this upcoming academic year, Marek brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the team, grounded in both academic rigor and real-world experience. Prior to joining Zelos, Marek spent two years working in the immigration industry, where he developed a strong foundation in client service, regulatory analysis, data entry, and record keeping. Outside of work, Marek enjoys staying active and playing many sports.
Kareen M. Stangherlin
CEO, Portfolio Manager & Founding Partner
(403) 608-3487
Superpower: Her insatiable curiosity
Gilbert Bong
President, Portfolio Manager & Founding Partner
(403) 399-0181
Superpower: His steadfast patiencePamela Coquet
(403) 968-8443
Superpower: Obstacle Obliterator
Marek Nielsen
(403) 966-7338
Superpower: Superhuman attention to detail
