Our Team
We understand no two investors are alike. That is why our approach begins with listening to you, understanding the whole picture and then responding in a way deemed suitable for your needs and circumstances. Sometimes that means developing a complete investment strategy while at other times it means designing a specific solution to help meet a unique need. At Oppenheimer, we appreciate and respect these differences.
JOEL BREITER
Joel provides service to his clients from his offices in Westhampton Beach, New York and Boca Raton, Florida, Joel brings over 35 + years of financial services experience to offer wealth management strategies to high-net-worth clients, small business owners corporate executives and retirees.
His focus is on comprehensive wealth management and long-term investing and appropriate asset allocation he also incorporates insurance and estate planning strategies where appropriate. Joel collaborates with his clients and their other trusted advisors to account for all aspects of a client’s life, beyond their finances. Nothing gives him greater satisfaction than helping his clients work toward their goals, knowing his contributions extend beyond just finances. Although Joel no longer practices as a CPA, that experience helps him collaborate with clients’ tax advisors.
Joel has worked with a number of prestigious firms including Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, the Bank of New York, KPMG and UBS. Joel earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Psychology from the State University of New York, at Albany, and his MBA in Taxation from Pace University and he successfully completed the CPA exam in 1986.
He holds the FINRA General Securities Representative (Series 7) and the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam (Series 65) registrations. Joel is licensed as an agent for Life and Health Insurance in several states.
Outside the office, Joel is both Treasurer and a Board member for Human Understanding and Growth Services Inc. (HUGS), a charitable foundation that empowers middle and high school students to make healthy decisions about drugs and alcohol. Joel is also a member of the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce. He is an avid golfer and was the Hampton Hills 2008 Club Champion.
DIANA WATERS
Diana’s primary focus is enhancing our clients’ day to day experience. She began her career in 2000 with PaineWebber and joined with Joel in 2001. She prides herself on attention to detail and a desire to listen to our clients, to fully understand their needs and goals. Accordingly, she coordinates the administrative responsibilities for our team.
Her intention is to have clients engaged, informed and treated with the utmost respect. The group credits her with enabling and reinforcing long term relationships and growing our client base.
Within the community, Diana volunteers for Meals on Wheels regularly. She enjoys reading and traveling with her husband and two daughters.
PATRICIA DEGENNARO
Patti joined Oppenheimer in January 2014 as a Senior Client Service Associate in the Hauppauge branch.
She assists Joel, Melissa and Diana in the daily administrative duties, and is a New York State Public Notary. With professionalism and knowledge of the industry, she provides high quality customer service for clients.
Patti began her financial services career in 1982 at Kidder, Peabody. Since then, she has worked at some of the leading firms in the industry, including Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley and UBS.
Patti is married and has three sons. She has volunteered in various capacities with her church for over twenty years, including as a Faith Formation Catechist. She enjoys cooking, crafts and spending time with her family and dogs.