Five Star award winners Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC

281 Farmington Avenue

Farmington, CT 06032

Office: 860.470.0290

info@CTWealthMgmt.com
www.CTWealthMgmt.com

Professional Approach

Our clients are at the epicenter of everything we do — they are the reason we love our work, the motivation for every decision we make, and the sole focus of our business. At Connecticut Wealth Management, you’ll work with a skilled, experienced team of credentialed advisors who are proud to have absolutely zero conflicts of interest. Our team provides complete financial planning and wealth management, minus the sales culture.

In our office, we share a common interest — making a difference in peoples’ lives. Every time we meet with you, we expect to be evaluated and held to the highest standard. We provide full transparency and encourage an open dialogue every step of the way.

When you work with our advisors, all aspects of your business and personal wealth are being managed, with no stone left unturned. We make sure your assets, investments, insurance plans, and legal documents are structured to support your goals, not hinder them.

Kevin C. Leahy, CPA, CFP®

President & CEO

Phone: 860.470.0383

Kevin C. Leahy has over 25 years of professional experience in wealth management, financial planning, and taxation. Kevin works with individuals with complex financial affairs including business owners, corporate executives, and medical professionals.

He founded Connecticut Wealth Management (CTWM) in 2010 and has been instrumental in developing the CTWM team and culture. As CEO of the Firm, Kevin is responsible for managing the firm according to its Mission Statement and Guiding Principles.

He is frequently asked to present to audiences including the Financial Planning Association of Connecticut, the University of Connecticut, the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford, and LPL Financial. Kevin‘s recognized expertise has resulted in numerous guest appearances on NBC Connecticut and WFSB.

Education

Kevin graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and earned a Master’s in Taxation with a concentration in Financial Planning from Northeastern University. Kevin is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) licensee.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Kevin C. Leahy is a member of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the University of Bridgeport, the Board of Trustees of Mercy High School, and the Investment Committee of the Middlesex YMCA.

Previously he has served on the board member of the Rushford Center, on various committees with the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford and on the Professional Advisory Committee of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

He is a devoted supporter of the Bridge Family Center, The Connecticut Forum, Hartford Youth Scholars, Farmington Land Trust and Mercy High School.

Kevin has been recognized as CEO of the Year for Businesses Under 100 Employees by the Hartford Business Journal (2019) and was selected as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2010-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine. In addition, he was selected as one of the top advisors by Medical Economics (2011-2017) and Dental Practice Report (2012). The Hartford Business Journal (2009) also chose him as one of the "40 under Forty".

He resides in Durham with his wife, Tracy, and their son and daughter.

Denis M. Horrigan, CFP®, CEPA®

Partner & Co-Founder

Phone: 860.470.0382

Denis M. Horrigan has more than 25 years of professional experience in the areas of financial planning and wealth management. Denis works with executives, business owners, medical professionals, families, and non-profit organizations.

Denis is a partner and one of the founders of Connecticut Wealth Management (CTWM). In addition to his role as Advisor, Denis works with the client service team ensuring that all clients receive consistent, meaningful, and quality service. Denis also serves on the firm’s Investment Committee.

Denis is often asked to present to various audiences including the University of Connecticut, Planned Giving Group of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Public Pension Forum. Denis’s recognized expertise has resulted in numerous guest appearances on NBC Connecticut, Fox61 and WTNH News 8. He has been quoted in articles in both local and national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Hartford Business Journal, Investment News, and thestreet.com.

Education

Denis graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) licensee and a Certified Exit Planning Analyst (CEPA®).

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Denis M. Horrigan is a member of the board of directors of the Hartford Youth Scholars, a member of the board of directors of the Connecticut Forum, a member of the Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club and is involved in volunteering to support the McLean Hospice Care in Simsbury. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Estate & Business Planning Council of Hartford., has served on the board of directors of Simsbury’s A Better Chance organization and was a member of the Investment Committee for the Harriett Beecher Stowe Center. In addition, Denis has volunteered on numerous Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity builds.

Denis has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2010-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine. He has been recognized as a top advisor by Medical Economics (2011-2017) and was selected as one of the "40 under Forty" by the Hartford Business Journal (2007).

Denis’s community involvement has included coaching the boys and girls rugby teams at Simsbury High School, a program he founded in 2007. He also coached the University of Hartford Rugby Club from 2001 – 2007 and was on the board of the Connecticut Rugby Union.

He resides in Simsbury with his wife, Kristen, and their three sons.

Michael A. Tedone, CPA/PFS

Partner & COO

Phone: 860.470.0392

Michael A. Tedone has more than 30 years of professional experience in the areas of wealth management and estate planning. Michael works with high net worth individuals, business owners and senior executives with a specialty in financial, estate and tax planning. As Chief Operating Officer he oversees the operations and finances of Connecticut Wealth Management.

Michael has been interviewed for both local and national publications, including Financial Advisor Magazine and U.S. News & World Report.

Education

Michael graduated magna cum laude from Bryant University with a degree in business administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a credential granted by the AICPA exclusively to CPAs who have the combination of extensive tax expertise and comprehensive knowledge of financial planning.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Michael A. Tedone is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), as well as a member of Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA). He has served as president of the Hartford Estate and Business Planning Council and was a chairman of the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving’s Professional Advisory Board.

Michael has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2013-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine. Michael is a runner and enjoys golfing, tennis and reading. In 2013 and 2016, he ran the New York City Marathon to raise funds for the organizations Think Pink Rocks and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He resides in Wethersfield with his wife Pam and he has four children.

Jarrett F. Solomon, CFP®, CIMA®

Partner

Phone: 860.470.0391

Jarrett F. Solomon has more than 17 years of professional experience in the areas of financial planning, wealth management, and investment analysis. Jarrett works with business owners, executives, physicians, and other individuals and families with complex financial needs.

Jarrett has authored pieces that have appeared in the Hartford Business Journal, Forbes, and Financial Advisor magazine. He has been quoted in articles in both local and national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Money magazine, U.S. News and World Report, and Investor’s Business Daily. He is frequently asked to speak about a variety of financial and business management strategies.

Education

Jarrett graduated magna cum laude from Amherst College with a degree in economics. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) licensee and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, which is granted by the Investment Management Consultants Association in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Jarrett has been a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association since 2007.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Jarrett has been recognized by Crescendo Business Services as a Five Star Wealth Manager* (2012-2020); the elite list appears annually in Connecticut Magazine. He was selected as a “40 Under 40” by Connecticut Magazine (2013) and as a “40 Under Forty” by the Hartford Business Journal (2014).

Outside of CTWM, Jarrett is the treasurer for the In-Home Addiction Treatment Institute, a non-profit dedicated to researching and advancing innovative methods of addiction treatment. He is on the Board of Directors for the West Hartford Library Foundation, and is a committee member for the Greater Hartford chapter of the Amherst College Alumni Network. Prior volunteer experience includes serving on the Oak Hill Foundation's Board of Directors, acting as the chairman of the Seminar Committee for the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford, and running the Endowment Committee for the Hartford Tennis Club in West Hartford. At Amherst, Jarrett was an outfielder on the baseball team, and for several years volunteered his time helping to coach the varsity baseball team at Hall High School in West Hartford.

A Simsbury native, Jarrett resides in West Hartford with his wife Samira, daughter Ella, and son Jack.

Kathleen M. Christensen, CPA/PFS, CDFA®

Partner

Phone: 860.470.0394

Kathleen M. Christensen brings over 25 years of experience in finance, tax planning and accounting to her position as a Partner at Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC (CTWM). She has a strong background in financial planning and investment management and provides wealth management services to high net worth clients with complex financial affairs.

Kathy oversees CTWM’s Charitable Outreach Committee and is a member of the CTWM Investment Committee.

Prior to joining CTWM Kathy worked for Filomeno Wealth Management, Deloitte, and Cigna. While at Cigna she advanced through numerous leadership roles and graduated from their respected Financial Development Program (FDP).

Kathy has appeared on NBC Connecticut and has been quoted by CNN Money and Financial Advisor Magazine.

Education

Kathy graduated from the University of Hartford with a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Taxation and earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fairfield University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS), a credential granted by the AICPA exclusively to CPAs who have the combination of extensive tax expertise and comprehensive knowledge of financial planning. In addition, Kathy is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®).

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Kathy is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the CT Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA). She sits on the Board of Directors of the Bridge Family Center, chairs their Development Committee, and serves on the Bridge Children’s Charity Ball Committee. Kathy is a member of the Connecticut Women’s Council and of the Hartford Estate and Business Planning Council.

Kathy has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2015-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine.

She resides in West Hartford with her husband, Curt, is a parishioner at the Church of St. Peter Claver and enjoys running, yoga and spending time with her three grown children.

Antonio DiSorbo, CLU®, ChFC®

Partner

Phone: 860.321.6252

Tony DiSorbo has more than 30 years of professional experience in the areas of financial planning and wealth management. Tony joined Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC (CTWM) in 2020 and works with business owners, executives and individuals and families with complex financial needs. His focus is on the financial planning process and on investment management and provides fiduciary advice to all his clients. He is a member of the CTWM Investment Committee.

Prior to joining CTWM, Tony was the managing partner at New England Capital Planners, Inc. He has been a frequent speaker at colleges and universities throughout Connecticut about career development. In addition, he has taught adult education courses about investments, insurance vehicles and estate planning. Tony has been a guest host on WTIC AM News Talk Radio discussing investing, financial planning and tax topics and has authored an article for Investment Advisor Magazine on practice management and client services.

Education

Tony graduated from the University of Connecticut and has his Bachelor of Science in Finance. He is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®).

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Tony is Director of Volunteers for the Burlington Mobile Foodshare program. He is a past board member of the Connecticut Financial Planning Association (FPA). In addition, he has served on the board of his town’s youth sports program and has implemented career mentoring programs for his town’s high school Future Business Leaders of America program and STEM department.

Tony has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager® by Crescendo Business Services (2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine.

Tony enjoys downhill skiing, road biking and many other outdoor activities. He resides in Burlington with his wife, Anne, and has three sons.

Megan Trask, CFP®

Managing Advisor & Director of Investment Committee

Phone: 860.470.0385

Megan Trask, CFP® is a Managing Advisor and Director of Investment Committee. She works with clients to develop financial plans and implements their investment strategies to help clients work towards achieving their goals. She has an interest in philanthropic planning, financial literacy with second generation clients, and socially responsible investing.

Megan leads the Connecticut Wealth Management (CTWM) Investment Committee and is responsible for the development and implementation of the firm’s target investment portfolios. She also oversees the firm’s retirement plans and participant education programs.

Prior to joining CTWM, Megan was a Senior Wealth Planner at Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC in Boston. Megan was responsible for communicating the firm’s proprietary research on public equities, private placement investments, as well as socially responsible strategies to individual clients. Megan also worked in the Investor Services Department of Brown Brothers Harriman with institutional clients.

Megan’s recognized expertise has resulted in numerous guest appearances on NBC Connecticut. In addition, she often contributes to financial articles in industry publications.

Education

Megan graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance with a minor in economics. She has a certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University. Megan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Megan sits on the Investment Committee for the Village for Families & Children where she helps to develop investment policy and due diligence for the organization’s endowment. Megan is the advisor to the Vice President of Academic Excellence of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She assists in developing the 100-person chapter’s scholastics expectations and requirements and visits quarterly to ensure adherence. Megan is a mentor and delivery angel for Healing Meals. She is also actively involved in CTWM’s charitable efforts.

Megan was selected as one of the “40 Under Forty” by Hartford Business Journal (2020) and has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2018-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine.

In her free time Megan enjoys yoga, snowboarding, and outdoor adventures with her husband, son, and German Shepherd.

Elizabeth A. DeBassio, CPA/PFS

Managing Advisor

Phone: 860.470.0393

Elizabeth A. DeBassio brings over 25 years of finance, tax planning and business experience to her position as a Managing Advisor at Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC (CTWM). Elizabeth’s role is to help high net worth clients identify goals and strategize how to achieve them through investing and tax and estate planning. In addition, Elizabeth is part of the CTWM Investment Committee.

Prior to joining CTWM, Elizabeth was an advisor at Filomeno Wealth Management, LLC. She was also a supervisor at Brown & Brown, LLP, served as a personal financial advisor to the former U.S. Ambassador to Austria and worked as a public accountant for Deloitte and Touche.

Elizabeth is often asked to present to various audiences including the Central Connecticut Business and Estate Planning Council and the Greater Hartford Probate Forum. She has been quoted in various publications including US News and World Report.

Education

Elizabeth graduated from Elkin B. McCallum School of Business at Bentley College, earning a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics/Accounting from the College of the Holy Cross. Elizabeth is a Certified Public Accountant and a Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS), a credential granted by the AICPA exclusively to CPAs who have the combination of extensive tax expertise and comprehensive knowledge of financial planning.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Elizabeth is a member of the America Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and a current member and a former board member of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford. She is a previous member of the Central Connecticut Business and Estate Planning Council.

Elizabeth has also been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2015-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine. She was also selected as one of the “40 under Forty” by the Hartford Business Journal (2006).

Elizabeth’s community involvement includes coaching her son’s team for Avon-Canton-Farmington Youth Ice Hockey and volunteering at their school. She also served as a board member and Assistant Coach of Connecticut Sled Hockey and Vice President of Our Children's Center.

Elizabeth resides in West Hartford with her husband, Dave, and their two sons.

Emily R. Wood, CFP®

Director of Financial Planning

Phone: 860.470.0387

Emily R. Wood joined the Connecticut Wealth Management team (CTWM) in 2018. Emily is chartered with providing a meaningful, comprehensive and client-centered financial planning experience for all initial planning engagements at CTWM. She is passionate about providing objective advice and proactive strategies that consider an individual’s entire financial picture. Emily primarily serves individuals and families with complex financial backgrounds including business owners, real estate investors, and corporate professionals.

Additionally, Emily directs the firm’s Financial Planning Committee, which collaboratively establishes and maintains planning solutions to turn client aspirations into financial realities.

Prior to joining the CTWM team, Emily was a Financial Advisor at Asset Strategies, Inc. and was responsible for developing comprehensive financial plans, conducting investment research, tax planning and preparation. Emily primarily served individuals and families with complex financial backgrounds including business owners, real estate investors, and corporate professionals.

Education

Emily R. Wood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Gender & Women’s Studies and International Studies from the Hollins University, in Roanoke, Virginia. She is currently working to complete her Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation at the University of Hartford. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Outside of CTWM, Emily is President of Connecticut Association of Human Services, and serves on the board of Advancing Connecticut Together.

Emily has been recognized by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) as their Genesis award member in 2016, an award that recognizes professional growth in fee-only financial planners under the age of 33. She has also been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager® by Crescendo Business Services (2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine.

A Virginia native, Emily now resides in New Hartford with her family. She is an outdoor enthusiast and yoga teacher.

John Shanley, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor & Assistant Director of the Investment Committee

Phone: 860.470.0290

John J. Shanley, CFP® joined Connecticut Wealth Management (CTWM) in 2019. He works with clients to gain a deep understanding of their needs, ambitions, and goals. John proactively works with and develops personal relationships with clients to ensure they are receiving excellent service. He also prepares and delivers client’s financial plans. Additionally, John is a member of the CTWM Investment Committee and is responsible for implementing firmwide portfolio strategies.

Prior to joining CTWM, John was a Financial Advisor at Pinnacle Investment Management in Simsbury, CT.

Education

John graduated with a Masters’ of Science in Financial Services from American College and earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

John is an Adjunct Professor in the MBA program at Elms College where he teaches classes for the Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) program. He is also a Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Connecticut Valley.

John has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager® by Crescendo Business Services (2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine.

Outside of work, John has volunteered his time at Family Reach, an organization that provides pro-bono financial planning to cancer patients.

In his free time John enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, Gavin and Emmett, at their home in Suffield.

Jennifer D. Barry, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor

Phone: 860.470.0363

Jennifer D. Barry, CFP® is a Senior Financial Advisor at Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC (CTWM). For more than 25 years, Jennifer has been creating comprehensive financial plans and investment strategies to support her clients’ objectives. Jennifer works as a team with her clients’ multi-generational family members and professionals to ensure all aspects of clients’ plans are considered.

Jennifer is a member of the CTWM Investment Committee and Charitable Outreach Committee.

Prior to joining CTWM, Jennifer was a Financial Planner and Investment Advisor Representative with Capital Strategies in Bloomfield, Connecticut. She was also President of a local investment firm, and earlier in her career, worked as an Information Director for Corporate Finance at Travelers.

Education

Jennifer graduated from Hartford State Technical College and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner and has a Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC®).

Affiliations & Community Involvement

Jennifer is on the Advisory Board of the Franciscan Home Care & Hospice Life Center, is a member of the Estate & Business Planning Council of Hartford and a member of the Connecticut Financial Planning Association (FPA). She was also the Coordinator of the FPA’s High School Financial Planning Program and continues to be an advocate for early education of financial management.

Jennifer has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager* by Crescendo Business Services (2015, 2017-2020); the elite list appearing annually in Connecticut Magazine.

She resides with her family in Bloomfield.

See Accomplishments

This award was issued on 11/1/20 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 2/17/20 through 9/18/20. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 3048 Connecticut-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 285 (9% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2019: 3147, 289, 9%, 11/1/19, 2/18/19 - 9/27/19; 2018: 3178, 293, 9%, 11/1/18, 2/15/18 - 9/21/18; 2017: 2218, 283, 13%, 11/1/17, 2/15/17 - 9/11/17; 2016: 1985, 417, 21%, 10/1/16, 3/25/16 - 9/28/16; 2015: 2398, 468, 20%, 11/1/15, 3/16/15 - 9/10/15; 2014: 3926, 515, 13%, 11/1/14, 3/16/13 - 9/10/13; 2013: 2263, 531, 23%, 11/1/13, 3/16/12 - 9/10/12; 2012: 2204, 503, 23%, 11/1/12, 3/16/11 - 9/10/11.

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Advisory Services offered through Connecticut Wealth Management, an SEC registered investment adviser.

Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria-required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP's consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP's consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client's experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria-considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager's future performance . Wealth Managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients' assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.