John F. Smitka, Jr.

John’s primary responsibilities at Signal Ridge Capital Partners include overseeing compliance efforts, as well as research efforts and monitoring investments made on behalf of clients.

John joined Signal Ridge Capital Partners in 2013. Prior to joining Signal Ridge, John operated Penguin Global Wealth Management, LLC, in part as a sub-advisor to Tiedemann & Associates Investment Advisors. Penguin was responsible for conducting investment research, generating portfolio analytics, and producing market commentary. John received his MBA from the Boston College Carroll School of Management in finance and securities analysis. He began his investment career as a portfolio manager for a large Rhode Island bank that is now part of Bank of America. He returned to Boston College to earn a law degree and enjoyed a successful career as an attorney with the Department of the Navy, as senior counsel for BostonEdison, corporate general counsel for Eastern Utilities Associates, and as a partner with McDermott, Will & Emery in Boston. In 2003, John decided to return to investment management. After receiving training and licensing from UBS and Bank of America, he launched Penguin Global.

John attended Colgate University where he was a dual major in history and international relations. After Colgate, John served as a destroyer officer in the Navy with a rank of lieutenant. John lives in Wellesley, MA with his wife and has two children and one little dog. He enjoys rowing, sailing, squash, tennis, hiking and a bit of skiing.