Your Team
“Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.”
– Steve Jobs –
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 individuals, families and institutional clients. 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.
gilbert.bong@zelosglobal.com
Kareen
Stangherling
CPA, CA, CFA, CFP, ICD.D
CEO, Portfolio Manager & Founding Partner
kareen.stangherling@zelosglobal.com
(403) 608-3487
Gilbert
Bong
CIM
President, Portfolio Manager & Founding Partner
gilbert.bong@zelosglobal.com
(403) 399-0181
More about Kareen
Voted Most Likely: To accept the challenge
Superpower: Her insatiable curiosity
Kareen 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.
Kareen doesn’t just talk about investing, she brings it to life in a way that instantly engages and inspires those around her. 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.
More about Gilbert
Voted Most Likely: To find enlightenment
Superpower: His steadfast patience
Gilbert leads the Corporate Advisory practice of Zelos while staying active with his Private Wealth clients. 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.
Pamela
Coquet
BSc, CFP, CEPA
Business Advisory Manager & Financial Planner, Insurance
pamela.coquet@zelosglobal.com
(403) 284-0494
More about Pamela
Voted Most Likely: To always be smiling
Superpower: Obstacle Obliterator
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.
More about TBD
Voted Most Likely:
Superpower:
At Zelos, we believe in the power of community. Every day we work to enhance the well-being and improve the quality of life of our clients and our community. Zelos dedicates a percentage of our revenue and time to advancing three interconnected causes:
Expanding Diversity and Inclusion
Empowering Women & Girls
Enhancing Financial Education
We are proud to be the inaugural founding donor of the Mount Royal University Student Fund (the Fund), an initiative that bridges academic learning with hands-on investment experience. Through this partnership, our team collaborates closely with students and faculty, offering mentorship, industry insights, and practical guidance. Together, we help students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world portfolio management, preparing them to enter the workforce with the confidence, skills, and experience to succeed.
The Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) delivers vital programs that help new Canadians integrate into the local workforce. To support their mission, Zelos provides internships through three of CIWA’s flagship initiatives: Pathways to Success, Bridging the Gap for Foreign-Trained Accountants, and the Fast Track Employment Training for Immigrant Women – Office Administration Program.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a nonprofit that supports women in business across Alberta through funding, mentorship, networking, and skills development. As a board member, we provide strategic guidance, governance, and oversight to help the organization achieve its mission and long-term impact.