Team VNFA Adds Relationship Manager Role

Join us in welcoming Al Jackson to the newly created Relationship Manager position. “Since joining us in June, Al is already making a positive impact on VNFA’s strong tradition of client service,” said Matthew Petrozelli, Chief Executive Officer. Al brings with him a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for building and nurturing strong relationships. Al joined the team from Fidelity and has extensive client service and sales experience within the financial services industry.

Al is a Caldwell University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He started his career in insurance and banking and has moved into the finance world over the years. “It is exciting to see someone of Al’s caliber join the firm as a Relationship Manager. His background with Fidelity brings a fresh perspective to the team and our clients,” said Jackie Gerstung, Client Service Manager.

Al, originally from New York, lives in the greater Lehigh Valley. He enjoys spending time with his wife and son. In his free time, Al dives into technology, specifically robotics and drone technology. Al is based out of our Bethlehem headquarters, and he can be reached at 610-868-9000 ext. 116 or ajackson@valleynationalgroup.com.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Matthew E. Petrozelli, was featured in Lehigh Valley Business as one of the Region’s Power Players in their Banking, Finance, Accounting, and Wealth Management Power List.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Matt’s hard work and dedication to Valley National Financial Advisors. His leadership has inspired us all,” said Founder & Chairman Thomas M. Riddle, CPA, CFP®.

Matt oversees all the company’s operations and executive leadership. Under Matt’s leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence, our company has achieved tremendous success, and this recognition reflects his remarkable contributions. #TeamVNFA celebrates his continued success!

“Each employee is proud to be part of his team. This acknowledgment confirms the success of the company’s leadership transition as part of the long-term succession plan. Valley National Financial Advisors is celebrating its 38th year of serving its clients. Many more years are assured under Matt Petrozelli’s leadership,” said Founder & Chairman Thomas M. Riddle, CPA, CFP®.

Learn more about our Chief Executive Officer, Matthew E. Petrozelli, and Lehigh Valley Business Region’s Power Players.

Our Chief Investment Officer, William Henderson, will be a speaker for The Titan Investors 2023 NYC Active Exchange Luncheon on March 2, 2023.

Bill Henderson will speak on a panel about Private Credit Investments, including investment opportunities, market implications, and opportunities in the space for investors. #TitanInvestorsExchange

We Are Hiring!

Team VNFA is seeking a Relationship Manager to work as part of our Client Service Team. Read more about this opportunity:Relationship Manager- Valley National Financial Advisors

We are pleased to announce the promotions of three of our VNFA team members. Ashley Santiago, SHRM-CP, has been promoted to Vice President, Human Resources & Organizational Development, Ildebrando E. Cruz has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Trading & Operations, and Debra Almack, CPA, has been promoted to Corporate Controller.

Ashley Santiago, SHRM-CP, has been with the company for five years and has contributed greatly to the employee experience by creating a performance-driven workplace.  In her new role, she will work closely with our CEO on organization, culture, employee development, and executive transparency.  Ashley is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Human Resource Management at Moravian University and was recently named an honoree to Lehigh Valley Business 2022 Forty under 40.

Ildebrando E. Cruz began his career in the banking industry and worked as a Service Manager in the Private Banking Division. Mr. Cruz has worked in operations and trading in the investment advisory industry for 34 years. He has been employed with Valley National Financial Advisors for 16 years. In his new role, he will oversee the back-office operations and the trading platforms and execute and supervise two of the firm’s proprietary investment strategies. He also sits on the compliance committee, investment committee, investment department, and operations team. Ildebrando enjoys spending time with his family and is married to his childhood sweetheart of 49 years.

Debra Almack, CPA, joined Valley National in June 2021 as a Senior Accountant. In her new role, she will be responsible for the direct supervision of all daily, monthly, and annual accounting and financials. She has worked in accounting since graduating from Messiah College in 1989. Debra worked in various industries, starting as a tax accountant before spending over 20 years in a not-for-profit organization as their Controller. She moved to the Lehigh Valley with her husband in 2018. They enjoy walking their dog on the many trails in this area, and she loves reading books in her spare time.

Senior Vice President, Laurie A. Siebert, CPA, CFP^®, AEP^®, had the opportunity to present a program for Morningstar Living residents and guests.  Laurie introduced the concept of looking beyond the numbers on your tax return with “What Story Does Your Tax Return Tell and What Can We Learn?”. Laurie said, “Knowing your tax return’s story will allow a better understanding of the impact of your financial decisions.”  Take the time this year to learn your story and engage with your tax return! You might find opportunities to save taxes!

On January 2nd, VNFA offices will be closed for the holiday. All of us at Team VNFA wish our clients and community a very Happy New Year!

Join us in welcoming Avani Dattani, MPAcc to the position of Senior Tax Accountant. Avani is a Western Sydney University Alumna, where she graduated with a master’s degree in Accounting.

Avani has more than 11 years of corporate experience in accounting & income tax preparation. She has experience in the preparation and review of tax returns, both for individuals and businesses. “Our Tax Department team is pleased to welcome Avani to VNFA in this full-time role,” said Amanda Pugliese, CPA, Director of Tax Services.Originally from India, Avani has lived in New Jersey for more than 12 years. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband & daughter. She loves to travel and has already been to 10 countries, so far. Avani will work a full-time remote schedule and she can be reached through our Bethlehem headquarters at 610-868-9000 ext.104 or adattani@valleynationalgroup.com. 

Team VNFA is excited contribute to the 2022 Volunteer Center Holiday Hope Chests. This will the 22nd year celebrating the delivering of joy and laughter with their shoeboxes to over 8,000 youth here in our community. Every box donated makes a difference in a child’s life. The Volunteer Center makes it easy for anyone that wants to participate and bring extra smiles to kids in our community. Team VNFA is happy to share a little magic this year. If you are interested in being part of this amazing cause visit the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

Our CFO, Elizabeth Wilson will be a panelist for Adapt+Grow on November 17, 2022, for a 360 Tactical Business Prep for 2023. She will be in front of business owners around the U.S./ Tri State to show them how they can level up their business for 2023. With economic uncertainty ahead, the key to success is preparation and execution. Experts will touch on Finance, Legal, Executive Coaching, and Marketing. Get your ticket to event at: https://adaptingsocial.com/adapt-grow-2022/#