With a diverse and unique set of skills, Chris Pelch combines expertise in teaching, operations management and financial planning to lead the firm into its next phase of growth. As Chief Operating Officer, Chris wears many hats – from leading a team of industry experts to managing a group of select clients.

After earning his bachelor’s degree at UC Irvine, Chris became a teacher with Teach For America, a program that places college graduates into disadvantaged school districts around the country with the goal of closing the education achievement gap. While teaching Chris earned his master’s degree in education. Chris eventually turned his focus to financial education and began working as a financial advisor for Edward Jones, and later as a financial planner for Vance Wealth.

Chris first came to work for Vance Wealth as a wealth advisor in 2013, and worked to streamline operations, implement a new trading platform, oversee investments and manage his own book of clients. He quickly learned that his passion lied in the business owner’s journey, and in 2017, he decided to deepen his knowledge by pursuing a second master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. While in school, Chris co-founded a startup called Eliqs, a personalized beer can design firm, so he could gain first-hand entrepreneurial experience. He also put his talents to work for a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm in Beverly Hills, where he focused on planning for business owners and professional trustees.

In March 2021, Chris returned to Vance Wealth – this time as COO. In this role, Chris helps strengthen and support the team, while driving the firm towards its growth objectives.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Manal, and their three children.