Gene Dongieux

Gene began his career as a broker in the early 1980s in his hometown of New Orleans. By 1985, he had become Chief Investment Officer for what would grow into one of the largest independent investment firms in the country. Over the decades, Gene has played a pivotal role in helping thousands of clients achieve their financial goals.

As CIO, Gene is passionate about bridging academic research in financial economics with cutting-edge investment strategies. He has been an early adopter of approaches that are now industry standards, including factor-based investing and tax-managed direct indexing. His commitment to innovation continues today, with a focus on sophisticated alternative strategies and private market investments.

Gene’s dedication to research, continuous improvement, and client-centered service is at the heart of Ariadne Wealth Management’s philosophy.

Gene serves on the board of the Santa Barbara chapter of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization).

Adam Stempel, CFP®, CPWA®

Adam has served hundreds of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients across a wide range of backgrounds for more than 20 years. He is passionate about delivering personalized, objective financial guidance—recognizing that no two clients share the same goals or circumstances.

With deep expertise in comprehensive wealth planning, Adam supports clients through every stage of life, from launching careers and growing families to navigating business exits, retirement transitions, multi-generational wealth transfers, and advanced estate planning. He is skilled in integrating complex financial strategies, including tax optimization, concentrated stock management, charitable giving, and risk mitigation.

Adam also brings strong technical capabilities to his advisory work, including financial modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and scenario-based planning. He leverages advanced planning software and data analytics to deliver clear, actionable insights tailored to each client’s unique financial landscape.

He is an NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor and serves on the board of the Goleta Education Foundation.

Rick DuBreuil, CFA

Rick began his career as a bond trader in 2005 and later joined the investment committee of one of the largest Registered Investment Advisors in the U.S.  With deep expertise in portfolio management and execution, he has helped shape investment policy across thousands of client accounts.

At Ariadne, Rick provides rigorous analysis, portfolio construction, and trading of fixed income, equity, and alternative investments. He has been instrumental in designing our customized direct indexing strategies and vetting new investment opportunities. He developed the firm’s customized direct indexing strategies and evaluates new investment opportunities. His insights and execution have empowered financial advisors to deliver exceptional results for their clients.

Rick is a CFA Charterholder and serves on the board of CASA of Santa Barbara, where he chairs the Finance Committee.

Cody Bahr, CFA

Cody has been with Ariadne Wealth Management since 2015. As an Associate Portfolio Manager, he focuses on enhancing the firm’s tax-aware trading systems and plays a key role on Ariadne’s Investment Committee. He conducts manager due diligence for alternative and real estate investments, ensuring that client portfolios reflect the firm’s high standards for quality and performance.

Cody is actively involved in the research and trading of fixed income securities, helping to manage duration, credit exposure, and tax efficiency across client portfolios. He also supports the execution of equity and direct indexing strategies, with a focus on rebalancing and tax optimization.

In addition to his trading responsibilities, Cody contributes to investment research and the evaluation of new strategies. He manages key aspects of client data and portfolio technology, helping to streamline reporting, analytics, and operational workflows. His combination of technical skill, investment insight, and attention to detail makes him an essential part of the Ariadne team.

Cody is a CFA Charterholder.

Lily Frischmuth, CFP®

Lily joined Ariadne in 2022 as a Client Service Specialist, where she manages client communications and oversees account operations with precision and care. She holds a degree in Financial Mathematics and Statistics from UC Santa Barbara.

In addition to her operational responsibilities, Lily supports the development and implementation of comprehensive financial plans. She works closely with Adam and the Portfolio Management team to help clients understand their financial picture, align their goals with actionable strategies, and execute those strategies effectively. Her analytical background and client-first mindset make her a valuable resource for both the team and the clients she serves.

Gabi Hutchens

Gabi joined Ariadne in 2024 as a Client Service Specialist, bringing strong organizational skills and a client-first mindset to the team. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Economics.

Gabi plays a key role in managing client communications, ensuring that every interaction is timely, clear, and responsive. She oversees the onboarding process and works closely with clients and custodians to ensure accounts are set up accurately and efficiently. Gabi also helps maintain the integrity of client data and supports the firm’s commitment to privacy and security.

Her attention to detail and dedication to service make her an essential part of the client experience at Ariadne.