Team News
Our team is undeniably our most invaluable asset. At the heart of our organization, they are the driving force behind our success, and we hold their unwavering dedication and commitment to both the firm and our clients in the highest regard. It is through their collective expertise, skills, and shared vision that we can excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of our industry.
Promotions and Designations
We’re excited to be announcing the following new promotions and earned designations in our JFS team.
Manish Upadhyay, CAIA®, CIMA® has been promoted to Partner. Joining the JFS team in 2015 after Comprehensive Investment Solutions (CIS) merged with JFS Wealth Advisors, Manish serves as Chief Investment Officer. In his role, Manish is responsible for the development of firm strategies, due diligence, portfolio construction, and ongoing performance monitoring. In addition, he provides support and leadership to the advisors and portfolio management team. He also serves as chair of the JFS Investment Committee.
Kristen Devlin has been promoted to Tax Manager, where she is responsible for the preparation and review of tax returns and tax planning, and related activities for clients. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kristen brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to strive to provide the best service possible.
Greg Klipstein, CFP®, Casie Merchant, CFP® and John Sciarrone, CFP® deserve big congratulations for earning their CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING® designation, which recognizes advanced knowledge in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement saving.
Rob Willis, CIMA®, AIF® has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®). Designees demonstrate that they have met educational, competence, conduct, and ethical standards to carry out a fiduciary standard of care and serve the best interests of their clients.
Nathan Lochstampfor and Joseph Kloecker recently passed their Series 65 exam. The Series 65 exam, known formally as the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, covers laws, regulations, ethics, and various topics important to the role of a financial adviser.
Casie Merchant, CFP® and Joseph Kloecker have also recently been promoted to Associate Wealth Advisor. As Associate Wealth Advisors, each will work in conjunction with lead advisors and other technical specialists to develop advice for clients, assisting with the coordination of financial planning, tax planning, personal financial plans, and investment strategies.
Ashley Cline and Nathan Lochstampfor have been promoted to Financial Planning Associate. In this role, they will continue to deepen their knowledge of financial planning and expand the level of support they provide to the team of Wealth Advisors.
Jessica Linton is continuing to expand her role as a Client Relationship Specialist (CRS) and has been promoted to CRS – Level 2. Jessica works closely with clients on a regular basis, assisting with various questions regarding financial accounts. She also supports multiple custodians to process requests, such as deposits, distributions, new account processes, or account maintenance.
New Hires
It has been a busy quarter at JFS. We’re excited to be announcing the following new hires to our JFS team. We’re growing and that means building a team that will support us well into the future.
Hermitage
Rebecca Smalley, Client Service Specialist
Pittsburgh
Joseph Kloecker, Financial Planning Associate
Doylestown
Sean Wilson, Associate Wealth Advisor
JFS Wealth Advisors – Team Member Anniversaries
JULY 2023
Casie Merchant, 3 years
Josh Vass, 9 years
Michelle Wright, 10 years
Manish Upadhyay, 11 years
Barbara Glover, 18 years
Debra Meixell, 19 years
AUGUST 2023
Jesse Tonkay, 1 year
Chuck Zuzak, 2 years
Constance Amstutz, 6 years
Kevin Renne, 6 years
Sarah Marsh, 6 years
Laura Blaire, 21 years
Steve Lee, 29 years
SEPTEMBER 2023
Tiffany Wells, 1 year
Rachel Balentine, 2 years
Melanie DeCiancio, 2 years
Greg Klipstein, 3 years
Nicole O’Connell, 4 years
Kristin Cooper, 8 years
Tom Wilson, 9 years
Patti Chupak, 15 years
Gary Dalessandro, 25 years
Rachel Bargebuhr, 28 years
Sean Gibbon – 7 years
Ted Rhinehart – 7 years
Thank You for Your Ongoing Trust!
Thank you for continuing to trust us as we assist those closest to you. Our advisory team remains ready, willing, and able to help any of your friends, family, or business associates in this unusual and challenging environment. If you know someone who may need our help, please speak with your advisor about the best way to connect us.
