Cordis Team

Ingrid Strauss, CFP^®

I have always enjoyed connecting with people – learning about their story and what is important to them.  Combining that with financial planning has been a great fit for me.  I’m intrigued by the challenge of creating financial strategies for clients that align with their personal goals and values.  No two situations are the same.

Ingrid first began in the financial planning industry in 2006.  When she joined Paul Leighton’s financial planning practice in 2011, she was drawn to the comprehensive, life planning approach that Cordis embraces.  She earned her CFP® credentials in 2014.  In June 2018, Cordis became an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm.  Ingrid continues to appreciate the impact that a well-designed financial plan can have on their clients' lives.  She is actively involved in the Minnesota chapter of the Financial Planning Association, currently serving as a board member.

Ingrid grew up in Rochester, Minnesota as the youngest of 5 children.  She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, with a major in Political Science.  She spent a semester studying abroad in Rome, which sparked her love for travel.  Today, Ingrid lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband Nick and their four children – Nina, George, Arthur, and Maeve.  On the weekends, Ingrid and family can be found cheering on the Hawkeyes, Gophers, and Vikings, trying out a new restaurant, exploring the city’s playgrounds and parks, and occasionally even finding time to squeeze in a game of tennis.

Jeanna Fifer, CFP^®, CPWA^®

I love sitting beside people and helping them learn about the decisions they are making.  I think as a great financial planner your most meaningful work is in educating people so they feel confident both in where they are currently and where they are going.

Jeanna joined the Cordis Team in June of 2018 during the firm’s transition to becoming a Registered Investment Advisor.  Her past experience with other financial planning groups brings valuable insights to our business and clients.  Jeanna started in financial planning after graduating from University of Minnesota in 2008.  Through an internship in college with a planning firm in Edina she saw first hand the impact that holistic financial planning can have on people’s lives.  After college, Jeanna set out to work in small, independent and team-oriented financial planning firms.  Over the years as a financial planner, Jeanna has enjoyed working with clients helping them to better understand their position and supporting them as they make decisions.

Jeanna grew up in Huron, South Dakota and goes “home” often to spend time with her family.  During her time at the University of Minnesota she relished in all that the Twin Cities have to offer and decided to make it her new home.  Jeanna and her husband, Will, live in Minnetonka with their son, Wesley.  After renovating their 1960s rambler together they are happy to be just 'living' there and spending time with a little one bumping into the corners. Jeanna feels strongly about giving back to the world around her and does so in many different ways.  For fun she will play a board game anytime, immerse herself into a tv show, take in a concert or a musical (if she has the choice) and cheer on the MN sports teams.  

Community Involvement:

• Financial Literacy Coalition of MN - Steering Committee Member
• Financial Planning Association of MN - 2016 Chapter President
• Financial Planning Association of MN - Programs Committee Member
• Minneapolis Foundation - Fourth Generation Member (previous)
• Jeremiah Program - Life Skills Program Presenter (previous)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters - Big Sister 2009 - 2016

Kristin Baker, CFP®

I am fascinated by people. Each individual is inspired and driven by unique motivations. Connecting these motivations to appropriate financial strategies is immensely rewarding. When someone realizes what is possible in their financial life and it aligns to who they are;
it is delightful.  

Rob Spah

I feel a great deal of joy and satisfaction being able to help people. I love coming into the office every day knowing I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life and help them achieve their goals.

Rob joined the Cordis Financial team in October of 2021 as the Operations Manager. His prior experience in the financial industry aids him as he focuses on our client experience and business operations. Rob’s interest in the financial planning industry was sparked when he served as the treasure of the Investment Club his senior year at the University of Minnesota Duluth. After graduating in 2014 with a finance major and a marketing minor, he gained experience working for other small businesses and financial companies. Rob’s favorite aspect of work at Cordis is getting to know our clients and their individual stories and helping them work toward their financial and life goals. 

Rob grew up in Champlin, Minnesota as the oldest of 5 siblings where he enjoyed fishing, biking around the neighborhood and playing sports with his friends. While studying at the University of Minnesota Duluth Rob’s love for the outdoors grew. He tries to visit the north shore as often as possible with his wife Kelly, where they enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, and visiting the local breweries. Rob and Kelly live in Minnetonka, Minnesota with their dog Eleven (named after the character from Stranger Things). When he's not working on a project around the house, Rob relaxes by cooking with his wife, playing golf with friends, seeing live music and spending time with his family.