Erin Candler
Sr. Financial Advisor Wilmington Advisors @ M & TErin Candler is a seasoned financial advisor with Wilmington Advisors @ M&T, where she helps individuals, families, and organizations achieve their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management. Based in Trumbull, Connecticut, Erin has built a career marked by dedication and expertise, previously holding positions at People’s Securities, Inc., People’s United Advisors, Inc., and LPL Financial LLC. She is fully licensed, having passed the Series 63 and Series 65 regulatory exams, and is registered to provide advisory services in Connecticut and Texas.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Erin is an active leader in the Catholic community. She serves on the board of Young Catholic Professionals Fairfield County, where she contributes her expertise and passion to supporting the spiritual and professional growth of young Catholics in the area. She is also a parishioner at St. Jude Parish in Monroe. Erin and her husband, Robert, reside in Shelton. Together, they are proud parents of three adult children.
Erin’s work reflects her deep commitment to empowering others through financial education, mentorship, and community involvement. She joins us tonight to share her insights on personal finance, offering practical strategies for financial success grounded in her years of experience and her Catholic values.
Michael O'Rourke
Executive Director-Investments, Financial Advisor of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.Michael O’Rourke is a highly accomplished financial professional with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., where he helps clients achieve their financial goals through holistic planning and tailored investment and insurance strategies. Specializing in high-net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, and businesses, Michael employs a comprehensive discovery process to design personalized solutions that align with each client’s unique goals, time horizons, and risk tolerances. Leveraging Oppenheimer’s extensive resources, he excels at addressing complex financial challenges and guiding clients toward long-term success.
Michael is also deeply committed to his faith and community. An active parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, he is one of the founding members of Malta House, a nonprofit organization providing housing and support for mothers and their babies. He serves as a board member of Young Catholic Professionals Fairfield County, fostering professional and spiritual growth among young adults. Additionally, Michael and his wife A.C. are members of the prestigious Order of Malta and are the proud parents of an adult son.
A lifelong resident of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Michael earned his undergraduate degree from Fairfield University before completing his MBA at Columbia University, bringing both academic rigor and practical expertise to his financial practice.
Maddy Pidel
Business Development Manager at I.M. Financial, LLCMaddy Pidel is a skilled Business Development Manager with I.M. Financial, where she focuses on empowering individuals, families, and business owners to create and execute strategic financial plans that build lasting legacies. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Maddy began her career in finance and accounting, supporting nonprofits in New York City with growth and strategic planning.
Following her work in the nonprofit sector, Maddy spent nearly a decade as an entrepreneur, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners. Today, she brings this experience to her role at I.M. Financial, where she specializes in helping high-achieving individuals and families—especially women—take control of their finances and realize their goals. Her passion extends to supporting business owners in navigating the intersection of personal and professional financial planning.
Outside of her professional work, Maddy is a wife, mother of five, and health coach, dedicated to inspiring others to lead lives filled with energy, joy, and purpose. Her holistic approach to coaching and financial planning helps clients align their values with actionable strategies for success.
Scott Wright
Real Estate Professional at RE/MAX Right Choice and previously an owner of The Wright Company, Realtors.Scott Wright is a seasoned real estate professional with 37 years of experience, currently an agent with RE/MAX Right Choice and previously the owner of The Wright Company, Realtors. A native of Trumbull, Connecticut, Scott specializes in the resale of homes, condominiums, and new construction throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Known for his perseverance and attention to detail, Scott handles every aspect of the sales process, from coordinating with attorneys and lenders to working with inspectors and appraisers, ensuring a seamless experience for his clients.
Scott is a strong advocate for professional development and holds multiple certifications, including Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS). His commitment to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. He has also been recognized as the #1 RE/MAX agent in Connecticut and #4 in New England.
Beyond his professional success, Scott is dedicated to giving back. He donates a portion of every transaction to the Children’s Miracle Network, supporting the local Children’s Miracle Hospital in Hartford. He was honored as Connecticut’s Children’s Miracle Agent of the Year for his contributions.
A graduate of Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Economics, Scott is married to his high school sweetheart, Beverly, and they have two children, Ryan and Megan. A member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Scott enjoys music, singing, golf, and running. His faith, community involvement, and passion for service define his personal and professional life.