Our Team

William “Bill” Forte is a Senior Director – Investments with the WelFort Private Client Group of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., based in the firm’s Jericho, NY office.

With a strong focus on helping families, high net-worth individuals, small- to mid-sized business owners, and professional athletes, Bill specializes in serving consultants across the business, healthcare, and technology sectors. He is particularly attentive to the unique demands of their professions—accommodating complex schedules and time-sensitive needs while helping them navigate industry-specific financial challenges.

Bill’s practice is rooted in building trusted, transparent relationships. He takes a holistic approach to wealth management, beginning with an in-depth understanding of each client’s circumstances, goals, risk tolerance, and long-term vision. Leveraging the fi rm’s robust platforms, he provides customized strategies that include asset management, insurance solutions, and financial planning services. Bill began his career at AXA Advisors and joined Oppenheimer in June 2018. He earned his degree from the Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University, and he holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations, as well as Life, Accident, and Health Insurance licenses.

A resident of Mt. Sinai, NY, Bill enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and their busy toddler. He is also passionate about community involvement—volunteering with children with special needs and mentoring students through alumni initiatives at his alma mater, St. John’s University.

Elyse Wels is a Director - Investments with the WelFort Private Client Group of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., based in the fi rm’s Jericho, NY office. Her clients include high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporate executives, small- to mid-sized business owners, and professional athletes. Elyse also collaborates closely with a network of professionals—including CPAs, estate planning attorneys, business brokers, and trust officers—to deliver coordinated, client-centric solutions.

Elyse takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to private wealth management, beginning with a deep understanding of each client’s goals, financial situation, and risk profile. Her holistic, goals based strategy fosters strong client-advisor relationships built on trust, transparency, and purpose-driven investing. She is committed to delivering practical results while acting as a true steward of her clients' capital.

Elyse’s team-based practice integrates thoughtful communication, tailored strategies, and a high standard of service—helping clients navigate evolving financial needs with confidence.

She began her financial career in 1996 with Hambrecht & Quist LLC and has since held roles at Bear Stearns, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Morgan Stanley before joining Oppenheimer in 202

Elyse holds a degree in Economics with a minor in Business from Florida State University. She maintains FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 registrations, along with Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license

A former college athlete, Elyse lives in Roslyn Heights, NY. She is an avid tennis player who especially enjoys playing with her family, and she also loves golf, traveling, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.