Relationships that go beyond trends and money

Lifelong Advisors

The importance of human interaction

The Right Advisor for the Right Client

From the outset, Essex Financial has realized the importance of human interaction in our work. To this day, a key factor for us is to match the right advisor to the right client.

We’ve also built a team of top-flight advisors that continues to expand in a prudent and measured fashion. In this way, Essex Financial advisors are equipped to provide the levels of engagement and expertise our clients come to expect and value.

Stephen W. Bates

Steve has over 30 years of experience in the financial advisory and wealth management business, and joined Essex Financial in 2008. His practice consists mostly of working with high net worth clients to ensure that their investment and income goals as well as wealth transfer objectives are effectively integrated and are being met. He also works with a number of local not-for-profit organizations, and brings his own personal experience to bear, having previously served as the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee of a $20 million foundation.

Steve received his undergraduate from Dartmouth College and, after serving as a naval officer aboard destroyers in the Pacific, returned to Dartmouth to earn an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. He is actively involved in fund raising and alumni affairs at both Dartmouth and Tuck.

Stephen is supported by Senior Relationship Manager Julie Bauman.

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Dave Delfino, CFP®, CAP®

Dave believes that by maintaining a disciplined approach to a comprehensive financial plan, clients have the highest likelihood for successfully reaching their personal and financial goals. He provides comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to cover a wide variety of topics. His passion for goal based investing and financial planning is exemplified by his dedication to being a student of the trade. He holds an MS in Finance with a concentration in financial planning from The American College. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®. He also holds the Series 66 securities license as well as the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts Licenses. He joined Essex Financial after a decade of serving clients in the Private Client Group at Fidelity Investments.

Dave lives with his wife Jennifer & two boys in Orange, Connecticut. In their free time they enjoy the outdoors while skiing, cycling, hiking, playing golf and dinners at the beach. Having a passion for classic cars, he has spent countless hours with his father restoring them in his father’s garage

Dave is supported by Senior Relationship Manager Julie Bauman.

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David C. Donaldson, Jr. CRPC®

David’s career in the investment industry spans more than 30 years including both national brokerage firms and bank brokerage platforms. He maintains his 65 securities license, graduated from SUNY Purchase, NY and has an MBA in finance from Fordham University, NY. David currently serves as the President of the Farmington River Watershed Association, a non-profit organization. He was a nationally ranked platform tennis player and also enjoys fishing, tennis and skiing, as well as writing and performing music.

David currently resides in Farmington, CT.

Dave is supported by Relationship Manager Wendy Smail.

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Sean Flynn, CCPS®

Sean is a Financial Advisor with Essex Financials’ Southport, Connecticut office. With more than ten years of experience in the industry, Sean gives his clients the unique insights necessary to bridge the gap between their overall financial plan and the design of their investment portfolio. An investment philosophy deeply rooted in academia provides the framework for constructing efficient and diversified portfolios based on client’s personal and financial goals and objectives.

Prior to joining Essex Financial, Sean worked as a Financial Advisor at Apella Capital, an RIA in CT. Prior to Apella Mr. Flynn worked at Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor in Manhattan, NY. A Fairfield University graduate, he holds a B.S. degree in finance from the Dolan School of Business. He is also a certified College Planning Specialists (CCPS) through the National Institute of Certified College Planners.

Mr. Flynn is originally from Newport, RI, and currently resides in Fairfield, CT  with his wife and their two children. Sean is member of the Alumni leadership council at his high school alma mater Portsmouth Abbey School and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Sean is also a member of Friends of Fairfield Lacrosse.

Sean is supported by Relationship Manager Elena Newman and Senior Registered Relationship Manager Courtney Walsh.

To connect with Sean on LinkedIn

Email Sean

Anthony J. Fortuna, CRPC®

Anthony serves as an Investment Advisor and brings over two decades of experience in the financial service industry to Essex Financial. He works with clients to design financial plans based on their life goals. This strategy focuses on helping his clients become more confident about managing their financial objectives. Anthony’s areas of focus include estate planning, retirement income strategies, wealth preservation, business succession planning, and tax management strategies.

Anthony is a lifelong resident of the Hartford area.

Anthony is supported by Relationship Manager Nicole Konopka

 

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W. Timothy Furgueson

Tim began his career in the investment industry while attending Roanoke College, working for Wheat First Securities. Upon graduating, he joined Smith Barney’s New Haven office, and more recently, the Essex office, where he worked as a Senior Portfolio Manager and Financial Planning Specialist for 16 years. Subsequently, Tim joined Essex Financial where he has been able to attain his goal of finding a better way to meet clients’ needs through a service oriented, client-centric, and independent financial services firm.

Tim is a lifelong resident of Essex where he and his family are active members in the community.

Tim is supported by Senior Relationship Manager Julie Bauman.

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Kristin E. Green, AIF®, CRPC®

Kristin is a Financial Advisor with over 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Kristin joined Essex Financial in March 2014 working closely with James Sullivan and the Retirement Plan Services team in assisting business clients with management of their employer sponsored retirement plans while also offering personal financial planning to all employees who participate. Kristin offers comprehensive financial planning to individual clients and acting as a fiduciary, assists retirement plan clients through their transition into retirement. Kristin also focuses on planning for women and millennial investors.

Kristin earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies and the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) from the College of Financial Planning. She currently holds her 65 securities license as well as the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts Licenses.

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David F. LaMay, CFP® CPWA®

Dave started his career as a Financial Advisor in 1991. Acting as a Fiduciary, he provides portfolio management, financial planning and consulting to individual, family, corporate and not-for-profit clients.

Dave received his Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management from Franklin Pierce University and his MBA from the University of Connecticut. He has completed supplemental education programs at The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, Columbia University and the Yale School of Management and is a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute™

Dave is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional. He holds the Series 65 securities license, as well as the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts licenses.

Active in the community, Dave is a Middlesex Health, Corporator and is an active member of the Old Saybrook Fire Department and Old Saybrook Ambulance Association. Dave served for sixteen years as a member of the Old Saybrook Board of Finance, including ten as its chairman. A graduate of Xavier High School in Middletown, Dave served six years on the Xavier High School Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Central Connecticut State University.

Dave is supported by Senior Relationship Manager Julie Bauman

To connect with Dave on Linkedin

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Michael R. LaRiviere, CFP®, AIF®

Michael LaRiviere is a Financial Advisor who joined Essex Financial in 2013. He has close to 20 years of financial services experience. Michael’s primary focus is on understanding the unique concerns and objectives of high net worth investors as they plan their financial futures. Michael specializes in comprehensive retirement income planning, investment planning, personal finance, taxes and wealth management.

Michael is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a professional designation he attained through Boston University’s Professional Education Program. Michael also holds the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses as well as the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts Licenses. Prior to joining EFS, Michael spent 13 years with Fidelity Investments in a variety of roles including that of Vice President, Senior Account Executive in their Private Clients Group.

Michael and his wife, Laura, are parents to two children, Amanda and David. The LaRivieres live in Haddam, CT.

Michael is supported by Senior Registered Relationship Manager, Pauline Peterson.

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Kevin Looby, CFP®

Kevin is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a professional designation he attained through Fairleigh Dickinson University. Kevin has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a fiduciary, Kevin works closely with accountants, estate planning attorneys, and insurance specialist to provide independent, unbiased advice in building and maintaining comprehensive financial plans for his clients, that will assist in achieving their best financial future in a tax efficient manner.

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is the standard of excellence in financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow.

Prior to joining Essex Financial Services, Kevin held the titles of Director of Financial Planning and Managing Director/Private Wealth Advisor at local Registered Investment Advisory firms. Kevin was also a Vice President, Regional Planning Consultant for Fidelity Investments in Manhattan, New York and several New Jersey branch locations.

Kevin, his wife Lori and their two daughters reside in Madison, CT. He is a member of Madison Country Club; he also enjoys skiing and traveling with family and friends, as well as watching his kids enjoy lacrosse, soccer, and dance.

Kevin is supported by Relationship Manager, Eva Lamb.

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Jeffrey Ludka

Jeff Ludka is an Associate Financial Advisor who joined Essex Financial in 2024. He specializes in wholistic financial planning with a focus on guiding clients towards their financial goals. Jeff assists clients in making informed decisions by providing personalized support and tailoring financial strategies to meet individual needs. By providing exceptional service, Jeff aims to empower clients on their journey to financial success.

Jeff holds the Series 65 securities license and the State of Connecticut Life and Health Insurance License. He is currently in the process of obtaining the Certified Financial Planner designation. Prior to joining Essex Financial, he spent time servicing advisors and clients as a Financial Paraplanner for Lighthouse Financial Management. He also served as a Financial Planner at Johnson Brunetti.

Jeff is a Mystic, CT native where he loves to spend time with his nieces and nephews. He played basketball in college, and enjoys skiing and visiting the beach. Jeff also volunteers at his church where he mentors youth to live with purpose.

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Robert J. Marcinek, CFP®

Bob is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant and holds a variety of securities registrations and insurance licenses. Bob’s areas of expertise include Lifetime Financial Planning, Investment Management, Business Owner Planning, Wealth Transfer, and Estate Planning. His clients include a variety of business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs, both active and retired, and their families.

Bob resides in Essex, CT with his wife Alison.

Bob is supported by Senior Registered Relationship Manager Liz Haas.

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Nathaniel Morris, JD, CFP®

For over a decade, Nate has been working to help families to save, plan, invest and retire. He has become a leader in leveraging financial technology to educate, empower and help clients achieve their goals. A member of the Financial Planning Committee and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Nate’s focus is on establishing and executing a financial plan for individuals, families, and organizations to help them realize their financial potential.

Nate earned his undergraduate degree at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and his law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he was a Beasley Scholar. Nate and his wife Allison live in Glastonbury. When he has free time, Nate loves to hike, read, and travel.

Nate is supported by Relationship Manager Wendy Smail.

To connect with Nate on LinkedIn

Email Nathaniel

Nicholas L. Naumann

Nick is a Financial Advisor with Essex Financials’ Southport, Connecticut office. Prior to joining Essex Financial in 2018, Nick developed an extensive variety of skills throughout his 7 year career with Fidelity Investments’ Private Client Group in Fairfield, Connecticut. His focus is on income generation, protecting wealth, and creating effective portfolios for a wide range of financial goals. Nick believes a comprehensive financial plan and investment strategy go hand in hand. He strives to build the foundations for financial freedom with every individual, family, or institution searching for a true fiduciary.  

Nick is an avid golfer and currently resides in Norwalk, Connecticut.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business and the Series 65 registration.  In addition, Nick holds the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts Licenses.

Nick is supported by Relationship Manager Elena Newman and Senior Registered Relationship Manager Courtney Walsh.

Email Nick

Kevin Nolan, CFP®

Kevin is a Financial Advisor with Essex Financials’ Southport, Connecticut office. With nearly three decades of experience in Financial Services he has developed an extensive and well-rounded background. Kevin has a B.A. in Economics from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from Fordham University where he was recognized for outstanding achievement in the field of Economics. Kevin is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and has achieved the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation from the College of Financial Planning. 

He resides in Fairfield, CT with his wife, Fran and 5 children. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, skiing and loves coaching his children’s various sports teams.

Kevin is supported by Relationship Manager Elena Newman and Senior Registered Relationship Manager Courtney Walsh.

 

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Vice President

Tony G. Russo, CRPC®

For more than 30 years Tony’s career as a wealth manager has been dedicated to helping individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations achieve their varied financial goals. His investment philosophy begins with the careful listening of his clients’ life paths, financial requirements and concerns before formulating a personalized and comprehensive action plan designed specifically to address their situation. Tony’s systematic monitoring of this wealth plan is based on constant client education and communication. He also utilizes innovative reporting technology to ensure that his clients’ personalized portfolios remain consistent with their financial destinations. This process also helps to identify investment opportunities created by the ever-changing economic environment.

His previous financial industry experience includes being a past president of a SEC registered investment advisory firm as well as serving as a member on several investment advisory committees. He has achieved the designation of Certified Retirement Planning Consultant (CRPC®) from the College of Financial Planning and is a past member of the Securities Industry Association (SIA) Marketing Roundtable. Tony maintains series 7, 24, 53, 63 and 65 securities licenses as well as Connecticut State life, annuity and long-term care insurance licenses.

Tony is a member of the Essex Financial Investment Committee.

He believes strongly in giving back to the community.  His extensive civic involvement has included serving as president, board director, committee member and chairman for several Hartford area non-profit organizations. He is a graduate of St. Michaels College in Winooski, Vermont.  Tony is a life-long resident of the Hartford area.

Tony is supported by Relationship Manager Nicole Konopka.

 

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Vice President

James M. Sullivan, AIF®, CPFA®

James joined Essex Financial in 2009 and is a Vice President and Financial Advisor. James has over 20 years of experience in financial services, specializing in comprehensive retirement planning and investment advice. James is responsible for the Retirement Plan Services Department at Essex Financial which provides Advisory services to Employer-sponsored retirement plans. He has been recognized by Financial Times and PLANADVISER as one of the top Retirement Plan Advisors nationally. James holds his Series 7, 9, 10 and 66 securities licenses as well as his State of CT Life and Health Insurance license. He earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. James also earned the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designation from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). He has been quoted by various publications including U.S. News & World Report, PLANADVISER and ThinkAdvisor.

The Sullivans live in West Hartford, CT.  James is a member of the PJ Day committee that raises funds annually throughout CT to support kids fighting cancer and the team at Connecticut Children’s that provides care for them.  He and his family have worked extensively to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research that focuses on finding a cure and safer treatment for Rhabdomyosarcoma.

 

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Bill Tait, CFP®

Bill is a Financial Advisor with Essex Financial. He received his BSBA from Western New England College, his MBA from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford and his CFP® Certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

He has over 20 years of client relationship management, having most recently spent nine years advising clients with HPE Financial Services. In addition to achieving the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, Bill holds the Series 7 and 63 securities licenses as well as the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts licenses.

Bill is a member of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford, and is also active in his local community volunteering for the Deep River Ambulance Association.  He and his family live in Essex.

Bill is supported by Senior Registered Relationship Manager Pauline Peterson.

 

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Anthony J. Vocalina III, AIF®

Anthony serves as a Financial Advisor and brings over three decades of experience in the financial services industry to Essex Financial. He provides his clients with comprehensive financial planning and portfolio construction that is based on their financial objectives.

Anthony earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) Designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. He currently holds his Series 65 securities license as well as the State of Connecticut Life Insurance and Variable Contracts license.

Anthony and his wife Malissa reside in Waterford, CT.

Anthony is supported by Senior Relationship Manager Julie Bauman.

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