David Elefant, CPA, MBA, PFS, ADPA
Founder & Managing Director
David is the visionary leader propelling the success of our organization.
At the age of 21, David simultaneously earned two degrees from Temple University; Accounting and Business Law, graduating #1 in that curriculum. He further advanced his education by earning an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Houston. At the undergraduate level, David studied Economics and European Financial Markets in Vienna, Austria, and attended the London School of Economics in London, England, at the graduate level.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he gained extensive tax knowledge working with KPMG’s Philadelphia, Houston, and Washington DC’s National Tax Practice. He fulfilled the requirements and became a CPA by age 22. While in Houston, David worked for the Small Business Administration while earning his MBA on a full scholarship. David believes his work ethic and leadership skills were developed by his day-to-day assignments and role at the Washington Post during a period when the newspaper was privately owned and operated by Katherine and Donald Graham and the newsroom was led by Ben Bradley. David left the Post launching into entrepreneurship at the age of 28.
David holds an array of FINRA securities registrations, including Series 6, 7, 63, and 65, through Commonwealth Financial Network®. He is also a licensed Insurance Producer in multiple states, specializing in Life, Health, and Variable lines of authority.
As a licensed CPA, David has earned the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™) credential from The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), a distinction awarded to CPAs who excel in various areas of financial planning. David also holds the Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor designation (ADPA) from the College of Financial Planning which addresses wealth transfers, federal taxation, and financial planning for domestic partners.
With nearly 40 years of industry experience, David possesses a profound understanding of the financial needs of affluent individuals and families. His expertise has been instrumental in transforming our firm into the comprehensive wealth management practice it is today. David continues to oversee all daily operations, ensuring our clients receive top-tier service and personalized financial strategies. He is also the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the tax side, orchestrating complex financial strategies for our clients.
David has been the recipient of many awards over the years. During his previous affiliation with Genworth Financial Securities Corp. and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, David was a multi-year recipient of the President’s Award to celebrate his high level of annual production. David was also nominated for AssetMark’s Community Inspiration Award for his charitable work with Green Vision, Inc. He has also been a multi-year recipient of awards and acknowledgements from business partners such as Jackson National Life & Prudential Insurance Co.
Beyond his professional achievements, David enjoys listening to classical music and has recently taken up golf and pickleball.
Have a question for David? Feel free to reach out to him directly.
Ian S Baird
Financial Advisor
Ian has been a valuable member of our team since January 2011, starting as a Financial Services Assistant and quickly advancing to the role of Wealth Service Associate. He graduated Cum Laude from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.
Ian holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations through Cambridge Investment Research and is also a licensed Insurance Producer in New Jersey, specializing in Life, Health, and Variable lines of authority.
Ian plays a crucial role in our organization, handling a wide range of responsibilities. He expertly responds to client service requests, prepares and executes post-meeting actions, gathers and analyzes financial data, develops tailored recommendations, and implements and monitors investment strategies. Additionally, Ian is instrumental in evaluating and vetting new products, portfolios, and services to enhance our offerings for existing clients.
In his spare time, Ian is a devoted Father to his two young children and active member of the local community. He also loves to golf and is an avid New York Giants and Rangers fan.
Have a question for Ian? Reach out to him directly.
Isabelle Justin
Client Service Associate
Isabelle joined our team in December 2023 as our Client Service Associate. As the first person you see when you visit our office, Isabelle always greets everyone with a warm smile, setting a positive tone for our clients' experience. She plays a vital role supporting our team through a variety of essential duties and offers critical support to both the tax and wealth management teams, ensuring day-to-day workflows run smoothly.
With a degree in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Isabelle brings a unique perspective to our client interactions, enhancing the overall client experience with her insights and understanding. Additionally, she serves as a Notary Public, further enriching her skill set and credentials.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Isabelle enjoys staying active through workouts and values quality time with her family, especially her son. Her dedication to both her work and personal life exemplifies a balanced approach to achieving excellence.
Isabelle's enthusiasm and commitment make her a valuable asset to our team, and we look forward to her continued growth and contributions in her role.
Have a question for Isabelle? Feel free to reach out to her directly.
Lori Drago
Operations Manager
Lori's journey with our team commenced in January 2008, initially serving as David’s assistant. Over the years, her role has organically evolved into that of Operations Manager, showcasing her adaptability, dedication, and proficiency in managing multifaceted responsibilities.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Thomas Edison University, a testament to her commitment to education and professional development. Lori is a licensed Insurance Producer in New Jersey, specializing in Life & Health insurance, demonstrating her expertise in extended care planning.
Within our organization, Lori's responsibilities span a wide spectrum, from overseeing daily operational functions to providing invaluable support to our clients in navigating their insurance needs. She seamlessly collaborates with both our Tax and Wealth Management teams, showcasing her versatility and dedication to delivering exceptional service.
Outside of work, Lori finds solace in nature, indulging her passion for hiking amidst the scenic trails of Wawayanda State Park alongside her husband and beloved dog. A devoted bibliophile, she also immerses herself in the world of literature, frequently exploring the offerings of her local library.
For inquiries or assistance, reach out to Lori directly.
Matthew Haywood, CPA
Kate Parlej, Enrolled Agent
Dan Karch, Tax Preparer
