Meet The Investment Team

The Investment Team
ICM's savvy, experienced investment team is focused on exploiting opportunities in the markets in order to add value and meet client objectives over the long run. The well rounded team conducts in-depth fundamental research in small-cap value, small- to mid-cap value, large-cap/globally dominant companies and a broad array of taxable and tax-exempt fixed income securities.

			"My entire career has been focused on opportunistically investing in segments of the markets that are poised to provide excellent returns for our clients. I firmly believe that my 30-year hunt has and continues to make a difference for our clients." Jim Simmons, CFA Chief Investment Officer/Chief Executive Officer
	ICM founder Jim Simmons, Chartered Financial Analyst, has over three decades of experience in financial services, investment and trust management. As the firm’s Chief Investment Officer, he also oversees strategy for all equity portfolios. Before founding ICM in 1981, Jim served as the head of Old National Bank’s trust investment department, and prior to that, was a portfolio manager with the bank now known as Comerica. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University, and is a member of CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Spokane.

			"Value is truly in the eye of the beholder. Our goal is to identify companies that are out of favor today, but have lasting worth, which the market will pay more for tomorrow." Greg Eisen, CFA Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Equities
	ICM’s Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Greg Eisen, CFA, brings an impressive 27 years of experience in the financial services arena to the team. Prior to joining ICM, Greg was the small-cap value portfolio manager at Safeco Asset Management. In addition to portfolio management, his significant experience also includes equity analysis, credit analysis, and accounting. Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Rutgers University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and a member of CFA Institute.

			“Thinking as company owners, rather than simply stock traders, allows us to focus on individual company dynamics while making objective investment decisions for our clients.” Kyle T. Knigge, CFA Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager/Senior Research Analyst/Equities
	Kyle Knigge, CFA brings a broad perspective to ICM’s investment team, serving both as Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst. Since joining ICM in 1998, Kyle’s responsibilities have expanded from in-depth fundamental sector and company analysis to portfolio construction and management. He is a former president and a current board member of the CFA Society of Spokane, and is a member of CFA Institute. Kyle earned a Bachelor of Arts in business management, and an M.B.A. with concentrations in investment management and finance from Washington State University.

			"Solid fundamental research underlies every investment decision we make on behalf of our clients at ICM." Michael R. Brown Vice President/Director of Research/Equities
	Since joining ICM in 2004, Michael R. Brown has focused on the analysis and due diligence of companies. Prior to joining the firm, Michael worked as a sell side analyst covering telecommunications equipment and software at RBC Capital Markets. Michael brings 14 years of previous experience as an independent telecommunications consultant to enterprises, OEMs, and telecom service providers. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, a Master’s degree in Mathematical Ecology from the University of California at Davis and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth.

			"While stock market investing is not defined as a zero sum game, there are often winners and losers to each transaction. Our goal at ICM is to win more than we lose. We have found that the best way to do this is through unrivalled focus and a meticulous approach to the harvest of information." Spencer T. Shelman Research Analyst/Equities
	As a Research Analyst for ICM’s Investment team, Spencer analyzes, performs due diligence, and recommends portfolio investments to our portfolio management team. He also monitors all relevant company and industry developments on existing companies held within the portfolios. Spencer is currently a Level II candidate in CFA Institute’s charter holder program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in finance and economics from Washington State University.

			“‘Best Execution’ is not just a popular term in today’s equity markets — It is a practice we adhere to each day on every order we execute.” Timothy Olsen Senior Vice President/Head Trader
	Tim Olsen brings over two decades of buy and sell-side securities industry experience to ICM. Prior to joining ICM in 1998, Tim worked as an account executive at Jefferies & Company for nearly 10 years. Tim has served as ICM’s head equity trader since 2000, and also sits on the firm’s executive management committee, which plans and executes the firm’s strategic and tactical decisions. He is a member of the Pacific Northwest Security Traders Association.

			"Fixed income investment management is an intricate science. Our ultimate goal is to add value—we do this by structuring portfolios in ways that can achieve our clients’ current and long-term financial objectives." Weiling Zhu, CFA, CPA, MAcc Senior Vice President/Portfolio Manager/Fixed Income
	Weiling Zhu, CFA brings more than 16 years of combined investment and financial management experience to ICM’s team. She leads and directs the fixed income portfolio management and research efforts for our taxable, tax-exempt and Asset Liability Management strategies. Weiling previously held the position as Chief Investment Officer and Vice President for a $1 billion life insurance company. She earned a Master of Accountancy from Gonzaga University and her Bachelor of Arts in finance from Shenzhen University in China. Weiling served as President of the CFA Society of Spokane, and is currently on the board of the Society. Weiling holds memberships in both the CFA Institute and American Institute of CPAs.

			“Our goal is to deliver customized, active investment strategies and solutions based upon our clients’ objectives. We strive for excellence and consistency in research, management, performance, and relationships.” Torsten Lippoldt Research Analyst/Fixed Income
	Torsten Lippoldt, fixed income analyst for ICM, is responsible for securities and investment analysis, and ongoing monitoring of clients’ portfolio holdings. Prior to joining ICM, Torsten was a bond analyst for a Washington-based life insurance company, where he helped to manage over $500 million in assets, and acted as a liaison to financial advisors and outside investment managers. Before coming to the U.S., Torsten earned his Professional Financial Advisor degree from the Professional Business School Chemnitz in Germany. Graduating summa cum laude from Eastern Washington University, Torsten holds an M.B.A. and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in business administration and economics. Additionally, he is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for business alumni. Torsten is preparing to enroll in the CFA Institute’s charter holder Level I exam.