Our People

Gustavo Alfonzo, Managing Director, serves as Director of Firm Administration and Infrastructure, and has also served as the Director of Operations and IT Systems Manager. Mr. Alfonzo is responsible for overseeing the firm’s day-to-day administration activities and is the department head for the Information Technology team. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in 2007, Mr. Alfonzo was a Consultant with Blackwell Consulting Services in Chicago and a Customer Support District Manager at Hewlett Packard de Venezuela. He holds a BS in Electronic Engineering from Simón Bolivar University and a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute.

Benjamin Bielawski provides research for the firm’s listed infrastructure strategies and is a portfolio manager for the Duff & Phelps Global Clean Energy Strategy. His research focuses on global utilities and communications sectors, especially on companies and technologies expected to power the energy needs of the future. Mr. Bielawski joined the firm in 2017 and began his career in the investment industry in 1995.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Bielawski served as a senior global equity analyst at Institutional Capital LLC (ICAP), covering global utilities, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors and as the co-manager for global high dividend yield portfolios. In addition, he worked in institutional services at Harris Associates.

He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.S. in business administration from Wayne State University. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Matthew Bleskin is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and institutional, retail, and managed account business relationships. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2019 and began his career in the investment industry in 2001.

Previously, he worked at UBS Asset Management, where he managed an extensive operations team and served as the lead point of contact for front office and investment functions in the U.S. He also served as a vice president of portfolio operations at Institutional Capital, LLC.

Mr. Bleskin holds a B.S. in finance from Illinois State University.

Rodney Clayton provides research for the firm’s listed infrastructure strategies and is a portfolio manager for the Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund. His research focuses on conventional and clean energy infrastructure companies. Mr. Clayton joined the firm in 2016 and began his career in the investment industry in 2004.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Clayton served as a senior manager due diligence analyst at UBS Financial Services, covering MLP, large cap value, and equity income strategies. In addition, he served as an equity research analyst at JP Morgan Securities, covering the exploration and production, engineering and construction, and environmental services industries.

He completed his undergraduate studies and holds an M.B.A. from Florida A&M University. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

John Creswell is responsible for business development, marketing, and client service at Duff & Phelps and is a member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Creswell joined the firm in 2016 and began his career in the investment industry in 1997.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Creswell managed another investment affiliate of Virtus Investment Partners. Prior to joining Virtus, he served as the head of North American consultant relations and product strategy at BNP Paribas. In addition, Mr. Creswell previously held several senior positions at Nuveen Investments. Prior to his investment career, he was an auditor and management consultant for Ernst & Young.

Mr. Creswell holds an M.A. in public policy from Claremont Graduate University and a B.A. in business administration from the California State University, Fullerton. In addition, he is a certified public accountant (CPA, inactive).

Geoffrey Dybas heads the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team and serves as a senior portfolio manager for all strategies managed by the team. He is a co-founder of all REIT strategies managed by Duff & Phelps. He is a member of the Executive Committee and chairs the Responsible Investment Committee.

Mr. Dybas joined Duff & Phelps in 1995 and began his career in the investment industry in 1989. Previously, he served as a corporate banker at Bank One.

He holds an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in finance and marketing cum laude from Marquette University. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Mr. Dybas is a member of NAREIT’s Real Estate Investment Advisory Council (REIAC), the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), and the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA). He is also a member of the Wolcott College Prep Board of Trustees and the CareerSpring Chicago Regional Advisory Board.

Stephen Dye provides research to the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team with a primary focus on the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2021 and began his investment career in 2010.

Previously, Mr. Dye worked for MetLife Investment Management, where he underwrote and presented real estate acquisition and development opportunities to internal management and separate account clients. He also served as a corporate earnings analyst with Condor Hospitality Trust Inc., where he developed and maintained the company’s earnings model and coordinated a $50M equity offering. Mr. Dye also has experience in equity research with Robert W. Baird & Co., with an emphasis on the industrial, office, data center, multifamily, storage, and manufactured housing sectors.

He holds an M.B.A. from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina and a B.A. in business administration cum laude from the University of Notre Dame. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Ellen Elberfeld provides research for the firm’s listed infrastructure strategies and is a portfolio manager for the Duff & Phelps Utility & Infrastructure Fund Inc. Her research focuses on global transportation and utilities sectors. Ms. Elberfeld joined the firm in 2016 and began her career in the investment industry in 2006.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Ms. Elberfeld served as the lead transportation analyst for the global infrastructure group at Deutsche Bank Asset Management. In addition, she worked in debt capital markets at Credit Suisse and in risk management services at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

She holds an M.B.A. in accounting and finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in applied economics and management cum laude from Cornell University. In addition, she is a CFA charterholder.

Eric Elvekrog is the Chief Investment Officer for the Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund. His research focuses on global utility and infrastructure companies. Mr. Elvekrog began his career in the investment industry at Duff & Phelps in 1993.

He holds an M.S.A from DePaul University and a B.A. from the University of Chicago. In addition, Mr. Elvekrog is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and he is a CFA charterholder.

Timothy Fitzgerald is a Senior Managing Director at Duff & Phelps and is responsible for the trading of equity investment portfolios. He joined the firm in 1994 after having served as an equity trader for Stein Roe & Farnham Incorporated. He began his investment career in 1981. He holds a BS degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from St. Xavier University.

Eric Fogarty provides research for the firm’s listed infrastructure strategies and is a portfolio manager for the Duff & Phelps Global Clean Energy Strategy. His research focuses on global utilities, especially on companies and technologies expected to power the energy needs of the future. Mr. Fogarty joined the firm in 2018 and began his career in the investment industry in 1997.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Fogarty served as a portfolio manager at Goldman Sachs, specializing in utilities, consumer staples, and ESG and he was responsible for integrating ESG factors into Goldman's investment processes. In addition, Mr. Fogarty served as a management development program associate at Chase Manhattan Bank.

He holds a B.S. in business administration from Binghamton University. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Susan Ford is responsible for representing the firm’s listed real asset strategies to institutional clients and consultants across the United States. She joined Duff & Phelps in 2021 and began her career in the investment industry in 2010.

Previously, she worked at Cohen & Steers, where she was responsible for relationship management and business development in the public, endowment/foundation, corporate, and sub-advisory channels. She also served as a senior analyst for strategy and enterprise solutions at Marsh McLennan and as a global strategy analyst at Aon Hewitt.

Ms. Ford holds a B.A. in international relations and Spanish with a concentration in economics from Bucknell University. She has passed Level II of the CFA Program.

David Grumhaus is the president and chief investment officer of Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. He is responsible for setting and executing the firm’s strategic initiatives, overseeing the investment strategies, and leading the Executive Committee. In addition, Mr. Grumhaus is a senior portfolio manager on the firm’s energy infrastructure strategies. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2014 and began his career in the investment industry in 1989.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Grumhaus served as a partner and portfolio manager at Copia Capital, an energy and utility-focused hedge fund. He previously served as an investment banker with both William Blair & Company and Goldman Sachs.

Mr. Grumhaus holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School where he was a George F. Baker Scholar and a B.A. in history cum laude from Princeton University.

Frank Haggerty is responsible for portfolio management for all dedicated REIT strategies managed by the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team. He is a co-founder of the firm’s international and global REIT strategies. Mr. Haggerty joined Duff & Phelps in 2005 and began his investment career in 1996. Previously, he was a REIT portfolio manager and senior analyst for ABN AMRO Asset Management.

He holds an M.B.A. with distinction from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Management at DePaul University and a B.S. in business administration and management from Illinois State University. Mr. Haggerty is a CFA charterholder. In addition, he serves on the advisory board of the Driehaus Center for Behavioral Finance at DePaul University and is a member of the FTSE EPRA Nareit Americas Regional Advisory Committee.

Christopher Hayes serves as a research analyst focusing on corporate bonds for the firm's fixed income strategies. He began his career in the investment industry at Duff & Phelps in 2014.

Previously, Mr. Hayes worked at the Travelers Company as an underwriting intern. In addition, he was a part of Morgan Stanley's 2013 Early Insights Program.

Mr. Hayes holds a B.S. in accounting (dean's list) from Xavier University of Louisiana. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Kathleen Hegyi is the chief compliance officer for Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and its closed end funds. She joined Duff & Phelps in 2022 and began her investment industry career in 1989.

Previously, Ms. Hegyi served as a senior compliance officer at William Blair & Company for 12 years, following her work as chief compliance officer at Managers Investment Group and as a vice president of compliance at Northern Trust & Company. Prior to this, she held sales and marketing positions at ABN AMRO Asset Management, Kemper, and Oppenheimer & Company.

She holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.A. in history from DePauw University. In addition, she holds the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing and chairs the Commodity Pool Operator Committee for the Investment Company Institute.

Robert Hiebert is responsible for serving institutional clients and consultants across the United States and Europe. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2014 and began his career in the investment industry in 1988.

Previously, he worked at Kansas Public Employees Retirement System as an investment officer for equity strategies. He also served as a fixed income portfolio manager for Legal & General Investment Management America, a fixed income strategist for Raymond James & Associates, and a proprietary fixed income trader for Bank of America.

Mr. Hiebert holds an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Kansas and a B.A. in accounting and finance from Tabor College. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Sarah Honold serves as the head of marketing and supports key investment consulting relationships at Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. She joined the company in 2013 and began her career in the investment industry in 2004.

Previously, Ms. Honold was responsible for consultant relationships at the firm. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Ms. Honold was a client service and marketing associate at Security Capital Research & Management and an operations specialist at The Northern Trust Company.

Ms. Honold holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Illinois.

Jieren Huang provides research to the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team with a primary focus on the U.S. and Asia-Pacific regions. In addition, she is a member of the firm's Responsible Investment Committee. She joined Duff & Phelps in 2018 and began her investment career in 2014.

Previously, Ms. Huang worked at Mizuho Securities USA, where she jointly covered and managed detailed earnings and valuation models for 40+ companies, including health care, multifamily, office, retail, single-family rental, and triple-net lease U.S. REITs. She also served as an audit assistant manager at KPMG in Xiamen, China, where she conducted financial statement audits for major telecom and utility companies.

Ms. Huang holds an M.B.A. from the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Economics with honors from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. In addition, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a CFA charterholder.

Robert Kokoszka is a Junior Trader at Duff & Phelps and is actively engaged in the trading of equity investment portfolios. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in 2021, he served as a product operations specialist at UBS O’Connor. Mr. Kokoszka holds a BS in agricultural and consumer economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the university’s NCAA Division 1 ice hockey team.

Ryan Kokoszyna serves as a junior research analyst for the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team. He joined the company in 2021 and began his career in the investment industry in 2017.

Previously, Ryan worked as an investment consultant at Nuveen, where he conducted research on potential investments for client portfolios and prepared investment proposals.

Ryan holds a B.S. in finance and real estate from Florida State University. He also holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and is a Level II candidate of the CFA Program.

Seth Kopf is responsible for managing and coordinating reporting to the firm's institutional clients. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2022 and began his investment industry career in 2004.

Previously, he served as a client services & operations account manager at Sawyer Falduto Asset Management and as a sales manager at Wells Fargo Financial. He also founded Kopf Running, a firm that provides consulting and coaching services to US-based charities focused on starting, growing, and maintaining running endurance programs.

Mr. Kopf holds a B.A. in economics from Knox College.

Eric Landwehr is a global analyst on the Duff & Phelps Global Infrastructure Team. His research focuses on the utilities and communications sectors. Mr. Landwehr joined Duff & Phelps in 2022 and began his career in the investment industry in 2018.

Previously, Mr. Landwehr served as global equity analyst at Waddell & Reed, where he covered health care providers, homebuilders, building products, and utilities. He also served as an equity analyst intern at Associated Bank, where he focused on the utility sector.

He holds an M.S. and a B.B.A. in finance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Evan Lang is a portfolio manager and senior research analyst for the Duff & Phelps Water Strategy. His research focuses on supply, quality, and efficiency in the water sector. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2022 and has been actively following the water sector since he started his investment industry career.

Previously, he was a portfolio manager at TortoiseEcofin, where he managed a sustainable global water strategy. He also built a water universe that eventually evolved into an index that launched a global water ESG ETF.

Mr. Lang holds a B.B.A. in finance and entrepreneurial management from Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business and John V. Roach Honors College. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Connie Luecke is a senior portfolio manager for multiple infrastructure strategies at Duff & Phelps. Ms. Luecke joined the firm in 1992 and began her career in the investment industry in 1983.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Ms. Luecke served as a valuation consultant at Coopers & Lybrand Consulting and as a research assistant at Harris Associates.

She holds an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at Loyola University and a B.S. in finance from DePaul University. In addition, she is a CFA charterholder.

Alan Meder joined Duff & Phelps in 1985 and leads risk management and quantitative research for the firm’s equity and fixed income strategies. He also serves as Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of the Duff & Phelps-advised closed-end funds: DNP Select Income Fund Inc., Duff & Phelps Utility & Infrastructure Fund Inc. and DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps he was an auditor with National City Corp. He holds a BBA from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College. Mr. Meder is a recipient of the CFA Institute’s 2017 Distinguished Service Award and The Hortense Friedman, CFA Award for Excellence 2019 from the CFA Society of Chicago.

Daniel Petrisko heads the Duff & Phelps Portfolio Solutions Team and serves as a senior portfolio manager. He is responsible for oversight and management of fixed income and passive equity products. In addition, he is a senior officer of the firm’s closed-end funds and a member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Petrisko joined Duff & Phelps in 1995 and began his career in the investment industry in 1983.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Petrisko held positions in the treasury and investment areas at Citibank.

He holds an M.B.A. from DePaul University a B.A. from St. Xavier University. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Jason Ren provides research to the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team and is a member of the firm's Responsible Investment Committee. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2012 and began his investment career in 2008.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in 2012, Mr. Ren served as a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, where he co-managed REIT coverage. During his tenure at Morningstar, he also co-developed the firm’s REIT credit rating methodology and assisted in credit coverage of REITs.

He holds a B.A. in economics and history cum laude from Williams College. In addition, Mr. Ren is a CFA charterholder.

Akin Rojugbokan is a Managing Director and serves as investment analyst, responsible for fundamental credit analysis of all corporate bonds held across all fixed income portfolios managed at Duff and Phelps. He is also responsible for the fundamental equity analysis of large-cap equities. Prior to joining Duff and Phelps in 2005, Mr. Rojugbokan was with National City Corporation where he was responsible for fixed income credit analysis for the corporate bond portfolio and was also an associate within the bank’s Mergers and Acquisitions group. He holds a BS degree from Texas A&M University and an MBA degree from the University of Michigan.

Ronald H. Schwartz serves as a portfolio manager responsible for the DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund, Inc., as well as investment-grade tax-exempt strategies for a Duff & Phelps affiliate.

Mr. Schwartz has worked in the investment management industry since 1982, and has more than 30 years of experience focused on investment-grade municipal strategies. He is often quoted and featured in national financial publications, including The Wall Street Journal and Bond Buyer, and has been a frequent guest on Bloomberg.

Mr. Schwartz earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Adelphi University and is a CFA charterholder, as well as a member of the CFA Society of Orlando and National Federation of Municipal Analysts.

Dusty L. Self serves as a portfolio manager responsible for the DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund, Inc., as well as investment-grade tax-exempt strategies for a Duff & Phelps affiliate.

Ms. Self previously worked as a portfolio specialist, and then as a performance analyst. Prior to beginning her investment management career in 1992, she worked for Barnett Bank in the commercial loans division.

Ms. Self earned a B.S. in business management from the University of Maryland. She is a member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts and the Southern Municipal Finance Society.

Shalini Sharma serves as a Senior Managing Director and portfolio manager of the Duff & Phelps' Investment Grade Fixed Income & Large Cap Equity institutional separate accounts. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in 2000, she was an Associate Director and Statistical Coordinator at Brinson Partners. She holds a BS degree from the University of New Delhi and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago.

Ron She provides research to the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team with a primary focus on the Asia-Pacific region. He also covers U.S. companies with a global reach or other complementary characteristics. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2007 and began his investment career in 1998.

Previously, Mr. She was a senior research associate at FBR Capital Markets, where he covered various U.S. REIT sectors including retail, industrial, office, and health care. He also held roles at Capital One Financial and Government of Singapore Investment Corp. (GIC) Real Estate Inc., where he engaged in investment and asset management functions involving both public and private real estate markets. In addition, Mr. She worked for a state-owned real estate developer in China.

He holds an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with honors. He also holds an Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch) from the University of Notre Dame and graduated first in his class with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Tsinghua University in Beijing. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Michael Slater provides research to the Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Team with a primary focus on Europe and Canada. He also covers U.S. companies with a global reach or other complementary characteristics. He joined Duff & Phelps in 2008 and began his investment career in 1992.

Previously, Mr. Slater was an associate portfolio manager at Goodman & Company Investment Counsel, where he was responsible for advising on a global real estate security fund. He also worked at Great West Life Insurance Company in various positions, most recently as director of asset management. In addition, he was a valuation consultant at a boutique real estate and property tax valuation firm.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance degree (B.Comm.) from the University of Toronto. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Brian VanderMeulen is a Director at Duff & Phelps and is responsible for the trading of equity investment portfolios. He joined the firm in 2000. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. VanderMeulen served in options and currency operations at First Options Chicago. He began his investment career in 1997. He holds a BS degree from Trinity Christian College and an MBA from St. Xavier University.

Kyle West, Managing Director, serves as co-Portfolio Manager for the DNP Select Income Fund and the firm’s MLP and energy infrastructure strategy. He is a Senior Research Analyst for North American midstream energy and utility companies.

Previously, Mr. West, who started with Duff & Phelps in 2005, served as an Institutional Relationship Manager and Product Specialist for the firm’s Investment Grade Fixed Income, Large Cap Equity, and Global Listed Infrastructure strategies. Mr. West holds a B.A. in Mathematics, cum laude, from Wabash College and an MBA, magna cum laude, from The Mendoza College of Business at University of Notre Dame. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder.

Wendy Williams is responsible for all HR activities including recruiting, hiring and onboarding, performance and compensation management, training, and supporting senior leadership development. She joined Duff & Phelps and began her career in the investment industry in 2013.

Throughout her career, Ms. Williams has held several human resources, office management and event planning roles at companies, such as Sony Pictures, Showtime Networks, Caesars Entertainment, and L’hoist North America.

Ms. Williams holds an A.A. in Paralegal Studies from Merritt College.

Steven Wittwer heads the Duff & Phelps Global Infrastructure Team and serves as a senior portfolio manager for the Duff & Phelps Global Listed Infrastructure Strategy. In addition, he is a member of the Executive Committee and the Responsible Investment Committee. Mr. Wittwer joined Duff & Phelps in 2017 and began his career in the investment industry in 1997.

Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, Mr. Wittwer served as a portfolio manager and senior equity analyst at Great Lakes Advisors. He also held several roles at UBS Global Asset Management, including head of their global telecom team.

He holds an M.B.A. from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a B.B.A. in accounting from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin. In addition, he is a CFA charterholder and a certified public accountant (CPA, inactive).