Mark Babin, B.Comm., CIM, FCSI
Senior Portfolio Manager
Mark joined CIBC Wood Gundy in 2013, after spending nearly 27 years with a leading bank-owned firm, where he was a Portfolio Manager and Branch Manager.
Mark’s background has shaped his investment philosophy and discipline. He grew up on the family farm near Eston, SK, where the importance of diversification and saving for a rainy day (or lack of rain) were stressed. He started as an investment advisor just before the stock market crash of 1987. This exemplified the need for proper asset allocation and investment selection to withstand market fluctuations no matter how large.
In 2010 he began the process to move his practice to a discretionary model as he found his clients’ busy lifestyle required an advisor who could make day-to-day decisions for their investment portfolios based on long term objectives. This transition has been embraced by his clients as it has freed them from routine investment decisions, all the while knowing their investments are taken care of.
Mark has served on many community projects and organizations including his church board, Terry Fox Tour of Hope, Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon and coaching minor hockey for 16 years to name a few.
Mark enjoys snowboarding, waterskiing, golfing and playing hockey in his leisure time. He and his wife Doreen have six adult children.
Eric Babin, B.Comm., CIM
Investment Advisor
Portfolio Manager
Eric joined CIBC Woody Gundy in 2017 as an Investment Advisor with the Babin Investment Management team. Throughout his first six years in the industry, he wrote all of the exams to attain his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation and earned the title of Portfolio Manager. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011, where he graduated with distinction.
Having grown up with a father in the industry, Eric learned about the importance of sound financial planning at a young age. Eric has a passion for building lasting relationships, and takes pride in being someone that people can trust. Whether it’s in business, sport, or personal relationships, Eric is seen as a leader and someone that people rely on when they are in need.
Eric also enjoys being active and spends his free time playing hockey, volleyball and baseball. He and his wife Pam love spending time at the lake with their kids Nolan and Lauren.
Scott Babin, B.Comm.
Investment Advisor
Scott joined the Babin Investment Management team in 2021, after spending almost 6 years as a finance manager with a leading automotive group in Saskatoon. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in management from the University of Saskatchewan in 2019 and has completed his Canadian Securities Course (CSC), and Wealth Management Essentials (WME). Scott looks to continue his education to expand his knowledge of the industry and work towards his portfolio management designation
Scott’s focus is on building and maintaining long-lasting relationships with his clients. He understands that clients feel more comfortable when they have an authentic relationship with their advisor. From a young age, Scott has excelled in social situations and has a passion for meeting new people from all different backgrounds.
Away from work, Scott enjoys keeping active, being outdoors, and playing sports, specifically hockey and snowboarding. He and his wife, Kayla, love taking their dog, Niyah, for long runs in the summer.
Erin Watts, B.Comm., CFP®
Financial Associate
Erin joined CIBC Private Wealth in 2016 after building a strong foundation during several successful years at another financial institution, where she gained valuable experience before seeking new opportunities to expand her expertise in wealth management. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance from the University of Saskatchewan and has continually enhanced her knowledge through industry certifications, including the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Wealth Management Essentials (WME), and Life Insurance qualification. Most recently, Erin achieved the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, providing her with the education and proficiency to assist clients in navigating complex financial landscapes with confidence and skill.
Committed to lifelong learning, Erin actively pursues opportunities to broaden her knowledge and refine her approach in the ever-evolving financial services industry. Her dedication to delivering exceptional service ensures clients receive personalized strategies tailored to their unique goals and circumstances.
Erin enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike and their two children, Avery, and Theo. Usually Erin and Mike can be found at the rink or gym, coaching and cheering on Avery and Theo in their respective sports. In their downtime they like to spend time together outdoors. Erin also dedicates her time to local organizations, including Saskatoon Minor Basketball and Ronald McDonald House.
Alisha Dubiel
Client Associate
Alisha grew up in the small town of Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. After graduating from high school she attended Saskatoon Business College where she obtained a Financial Services Assistant certificate. After spending 13 years working in the insurance and mutual fund side of the business, Alisha decided to join the Babin Investment Management team at CIBC Wood Gundy. With her Life Insurance license and financial services experience, she possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of the investment world.
Outside of her professional life, Alisha finds joy in her role as a loving wife to Nathan and a proud mother to Brynn and Wyatt. As an active member of her community, she serves as the treasurer for the St. Augustine School Playground Committee, where she contributes her financial expertise to support the development of a safe and engaging playground for the children.
During her leisure time, Alisha indulges in her passion for reading, finding solace and inspiration within the pages of a book. She also enjoys engaging in friendly competition through board games and unwinding with family movie nights. Summers at Fishing Lake hold a special place in her heart, where she relishes in the beauty of nature and creates lasting memories with her family.
Shelby Sawatzky
Administrative Assistant
Shelby joined the Babin Investment Management team in 2023. She has completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Conduct & Practices Handbook (CPH). She's actively working on the 30 Day IR Program to finish the registration process. Shelby is committed to learning and growing in the investment industry to provide excellent support to our clients.
Brianna Kahovec
Client Associate
Brianna joined CIBC Wood Gundy September 2024 but has been in the wealth management world for 11 years and the financial world for 16 years. She brings many years of experience in building client relationships as well as assisting with the management of advisors’ businesses. She holds her Canadian Securities Course and her Conduct and Practices Handbook Course which allows her to provide a deeper level of service to our clients.
Outside of her professional life, Brianna keeps busy raising 3 young children alongside her husband of 7 years, Matt. They enjoy spending as much time as they can at their Cabin on Lake Diefenbaker during the summer and in the winter, they stay busy with their children’s activities and sports. Brianna has been a top 5 fundraiser for the MS Society Walk for numerous years- a cause that is very dear to her heart.
Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
Michelle Unick, CFP, FMA
Financial Planning Specialist
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.Michelle holds both Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designations. She has spent the last 28 years working with several leading financial institutions in a variety of roles in Saskatchewan and Alberta providing financial planning, investment management, estate planning and banking advice to clients.
She is a lifelong learner who continues studying to maintain leading edge thinking. Michelle is from small town Saskatchewan and grew up working in the family business. She loves to travel and spend time with her family.
As a wealth planning specialist, Michelle works with individuals and business owners to provide comprehensive financial planning advice and solutions.
Kennedy Pocock, PFP, B.Comm.
Senior Private Banking Advisor
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.As a Senior Private Banking Advisor, Kennedy believes it is important to understand her clients’ values, dreams and goals, and to provide them with the financial stewardship to help realize them. Once she understand her clients’ goals, she engages her colleagues from across the CIBC Group of Companies to develop financial solutions and recommendations to best position their financial resources for today and the future.
Kennedy offers clients convenience, flexibility and peace of mind so they can focus on what’s important to them without worrying about their finances. Kennedy and her associate offer highly personalized, proactive attention, along with timely, professional and reactive services. She has been with CIBC since 2009.
Colin Aldorfer, BA, B.Comm.
Estate Planning Specialist
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.Colin Aldorfer is our Insurance Planner with almost 25 years of industry experience. He has earned the trust of clients and advisors alike, as a seasoned, respected and knowledgeable insurance professional. Armed with the knowledge and skills developed and honed over decades in the industry, Colin empathetically surveys each client's individual lifestyle and wealth position in crafting a personalized and customized protection plan.
Laural McDonald, CFP
Wealth Strategist
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.The planning process includes a review of the client's goals and objectives and a summary of their current financial situation. It also addresses one or more of the following areas: capital needs, investment planning, retirement planning, education planning, estate and trust planning, and risk management needs and coverage.
Caroline Obee
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Opens in your telephone provided application. caroline.obee@cibc.com Opens in your email provided application.As a CIBC Senior Trust and Estate Consultant, my goal is to provide you and your family with confidence and peace of mind.
We offer services as a professional executor, power of attorney for property or trustee. We can also support someone else you appoint for these roles.
Effectively administering a trust or acting as an attorney can require time and an understanding of investments and taxes. We have the expertise to execute or assist others to execute that role effectively and efficiently.
Katie Lazier, LLB
Wealth strategist
Opens in your telephone provided application. Opens in your email provided application.As the Director and Lead of Estate Planning and Philanthropy at CIBC, Kate specializes in assisting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families in crafting meaningful and effective estate plans and charitable gifts. Leveraging her extensive knowledge in estates, trusts, and charitable law, she assists clients in exploring strategies that facilitate seemless transitions and enhance tax efficiency. Kate is dedicated to helping families identify and prioritize the charitable causes that resonate with them, while also facilitating the communication of their values to future generations. She takes great pleasure in sharing her insights on topics such as wills, powers of attorney, charitable gifts, philanthropy, donor-advised funds, and private foundations.
Kate is a lawyer called to the Bar in Ontario and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. With 16 years of experience practicing law at a national law firm prior to joining CIBC, she has been recognized for her expertise by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Best Lawyers in Canada. Kate frequently writes and speaks on estate planning and charity and non-profit issues.