Executive Team

Investment Experience: 1987 to Present

Bruce Dereschuk is the President/CEO and founder of Sierra Investment Partners, Inc., with over 37 years of experience in driving asset growth and delivering innovative financial solutions.  As a visionary leader, Bruce has built a reputation for collaborating with top CEOs in the asset management industry and forging strategic partnerships that foster long-term success.  His expertise spans portfolio management, risk mitigation, and navigating complex financial landscapes to maximize value for clients. Throughout his career, Bruce has worked closely with unions and companies across the country, providing tailored investment strategies that align with the unique needs of diverse clients.  His ability to bridge the priorities of labor organizations and businesses has earned him the trust and respect of Taft-Hartley Pension and Welfare funds nationwide. Under his leadership, Sierra has achieved sustained growth, expanded its offerings, and delivered measurable results in the Taft-Hartley Marketplace.  Prior to Sierra he joined ULLICO Inc. in 1987 to market investment products.  Then, in April 1990, Bruce, along with two other key individuals, directed the startup of Trust Fund Advisors. Since Sierra’s founding in 1996, he has been in charge of all aspects of Sierra and its multi-billion-dollar Taft-Hartley operation.  Bruce is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management.

Investment Experience: 1980 to Present

Denise Suihkonen has been a cornerstone of Sierra Investment Partners, Inc. since its inception in 1996, serving as the company’s Certified Public Accountant and working closely with the President/CEO to ensure financial integrity and regulatory compliance.  With a career spanning decades of financial expertise, regulatory oversight, and corporate governance, Denise brings unparalleled leadership and a deep commitment to excellence in her role as Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  In 1997, Denise founded Suihkonen CPAs and Consultants, LLP.  Her leadership extends beyond her firm; she was a founding director of Solano Bank, where she served as Chairman of the Board guiding the institution through its growth and strategic development, and served on the Board of NorthBay Bancorp, as well.  A graduate of California State University, Sacramento, Denise earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, graduating with honors. She obtained her Certified Public Accountant license in 1984, launching a distinguished career in finance and leadership.

Investment Experience: 1996 to Present

James Anisi is a trusted and results-driven investment leader with over two decades of experience in the financial sector.  James is renowned for driving multi-billion-dollar portfolio growth through his high-level strategic leadership, business development, and expert collaboration with C-suite executives. He has a proven track record of navigating the complexities of investment offerings, compliance, and firmwide initiatives, focusing on sustaining growth and high performance across volatile markets.  Throughout his tenure at Sierra Investment Partners, Inc., James has built a robust client base and helped lead strategic decision-making in areas such as risk management, market trends, and compliance. His leadership has consistently delivered measurable financial results and strengthened key partnerships with top-tier clients and sub-advisors. Prior to Sierra Investment Partners, James was Vice President at The Northern Trust Company.  He also served as an Assistant Administrator for the Local 705 I.B. of T. Pension and Health and Welfare Fund.  James holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics from Purdue University. 

Investment Experience: 1992 to Present

Jim McGuire serves as a Vice President for Sierra Investment Partners, Inc., where he is responsible for business development and client servicing across the Western United States.  With a focus on building lasting relationships, Jim ensures clients receive tailored investment solutions and exceptional service. Working hand-in-hand with Sierra’s President/CEO on a daily basis, his extensive experience and client-focused approach make him an integral part of the Sierra Investment Partners, Inc. leadership team.  Before co-founding Sierra Investment Partners, Inc. in 1996, Jim held the role of Client Servicing Executive at Trust Fund Advisors and previously at ULLICO.  Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento.  

Investment Experience: 2002 to Present

Pete Mastandrea is a trusted investment professional with over two decades of experience in the financial sector.  As a Vice President at Sierra Investment Partners, Inc., Pete has spent the last 15 years helping Taft-Hartley funds achieve their objectives through high quality investment solutions and strategic collaboration with union and management trustees and professionals. Pete is an expert in navigating complex investment landscapes, leveraging his expertise in portfolio management, client servicing, and business development to drive measurable growth.  His tenure at Sierra has been marked by a deep commitment to building long-term relationships and delivering results.  Before joining Sierra, Pete worked at The Marco Consulting Group, a leading Taft-Hartley investment consulting firm, where he honed his skills in investment research and consulting. His financial career also includes roles in the Private Equity division at Northern Trust Company and at Wachovia Securities, where he earned his Series 7 license.  Pete holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Dayton in Ohio.

Investment Experience: 2015 to Present

Bret Tretten is the Vice President of Operations and Consultant Relations.  He is responsible for the daily operations of Sierra Investment Partners, Inc., supervising office staff and ensuring timely and efficient delivery of information and service to clients, consultants, and other Plan professionals. Bret also works hand-in-hand with Sierra’s Chief Compliance Officer, creating policies and procedures to meet the ever-changing regulatory environment’s requirements.  Additionally, he oversees the firm’s IT needs and works closely with Sierra’s IT consultant. Bret holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Menlo College in Atherton, California, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from St. Mary’s College of California.