Our Team

Samuel P. Varano, the Founder and President of Cypress Wealth Partners, has earned a wealth of experience as a seasoned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) with over 19 years dedicated to financial planning, investment management, tax management, client relations, and comprehensive wealth management for his clients. Graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a focus on finance, Sam pursued his studies while excelling on the NCAA Division II golf team, earning both academic accolades and athletic NCAA All-American honors.

Having earned his CFP® designation in 2010, Sam has upheld his status as a CFP® professional for 14 years. Before establishing Cypress Wealth Partners, Sam gained invaluable experience while serving clients and their families at several Family Offices and Wealth Management firms throughout the country. 

Sam's proficiency extends to guiding clients through the intricacies of comprehensive financial planning, empowering them to visualize their retirement potential and identifying necessary adjustments to achieve their familial and professional aspirations. He is deeply committed to fostering authentic and enduring relationships with his clients. His wealth of knowledge and dedication to client success in the areas of financial planning for Business owners, Family Wealth planning, Taxation, asset allocation and Investment management allow him to be an invaluable resource to the Cypress team and his clients. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Sam enjoys the outdoors and sports, with interests in golf, fishing, and traveling with his family. Presently residing in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife Allison and two daughters, Sam and his family enjoy spending time with their Labradoodle, Charlie.

Ed DiRugeris serves as Director of Investments and as a Financial Advisor for Cypress Wealth Partners. He has earned a wealth of experience as a seasoned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and CFA charterholder who is dedicated to serving clients in the areas of financial planning, investment management, tax management, client relations, and comprehensive wealth management. Graduating from Philadelphia University with a major in finance and minor in accounting, Ed pursued his studies while excelling on the NCAA Division II basketball team as well as the golf team.

Ed is responsible for building, analyzing, and maintaining Cypress Wealth Partners’ investment program as well as the evolution of the process and implementation for clients’ portfolios. He provides due diligence and manager selection analysis across the investment landscape and asset classes. Ed plays a vital role in developing and delivering investment analysis, educational pieces, and presentations for the Cypress Wealth Partners team as well as for clients and prospects.

Prior to joining the Cypress Wealth Partners Team, Ed served as a senior investment research analyst and relationship manager with the Pitcairn Family Office where he developed and implemented comprehensive financial plans for multi-generational families and their single-family offices. Ed was also responsible for building, analyzing, and maintaining Pitcairn's public equity, fixed income, real assets, and hedge fund investments solutions. While at Pitcairn, Ed has also held the roles of Financial Planning Analyst and Rebalancing Associate. Before joining Pitcairn in 2015, Ed was an Alternative Investment Analyst at SEI Investments.

Once a college basketball player, Ed still enjoys good competition, whether it’s cheering on the Philadelphia sports teams, or golfing with friends and colleagues. Presently residing in Philadelphia with his fiancé Dani, they enjoy exploring the culinary experiences the city has to offer as well as spending time with their Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd, Ruby.

Steve Miller is an experienced Certified Public accountant (CPA) bringing over five decades of experience to his role at Cypress Wealth partners. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia and has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for over 40 years. Throughout his career, Steve has been at the forefront of tax practice, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to his clients' financial well-being. Before establishing his own tax practice, Steve gained invaluable experience as an accountant for a local CPA firm and later served as CFO for a local business. 

Steve is a respected business owner and CPA in Lynchburg, Virginia where he has built a highly successful Tax practice, Miller & Associates, P.C. (www.millercpaforest.com).  At Cypress Wealth Partners, he serves as Director of Tax planning as well as a Financial Advisor. His wealth of knowledge and dedication to client success in the areas of Tax planning for business owners as well as Tax planning for family wealth is a valuable resource to the Cypress team and clients. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Steve enjoys an active lifestyle, with interests in golf, scuba diving, boating, and traveling. He cherishes quality time with his family, including his son Gus and Gus’s wife Melanie, who reside in Charleston. Adding warmth and companionship to his life outside the office is Steve's loyal English cream retriever, Seve.  

Allison Varano is the Marketing & Relationship Manager at Cypress Wealth Partners, where she draws on a strong background in education and human development to foster meaningful, people-first client connections. Her experience as an educator has shaped her ability to build trust, listen attentively, and support others—skills that translate seamlessly into her role supporting clients and the Cypress team.

Before joining the firm, Allison spent several years as an elementary school teacher, serving as both a Grade Chairperson and a member of the school’s Leadership Team. She earned her degree in Human Development and Learning from the University of Lynchburg in 2006 and is a member of the National Honor Society. In 2012, she completed her Endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education from the College of Charleston.

Outside of work, Allison enjoys staying active in her daughters’ school community through volunteer efforts. She lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband, Sam, their two daughters, and their Labradoodle, Charlie.