ITFP - Key Persons

Becky is a graduate of Council Rock High School South (2011) and the University of Pittsburgh (2014) where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in Administration of Justice (Cum Laude). Becky's is ITFP's Office Manager. She supervises and coordinates the work of ITFP's administrative staff. She is a liaison between staff, suppliers and clients. Her responsibilities include client billing, accounts payable and receivables and overseeing the storage of electronic documentation and client records. She organizes and maintains ITFP's permanent files to ensure compliance. Becky is also responsible for the proper disposal of documents to ensure that the privacy of our clients is upheld. She participates in the planning of company activities and events. She provides support to the tax and financial planning professionals. Becky has been with ITFP since January 2015.

Bill Hubbard was born in Philadelphia & resident in Merchantville NJ. He attended Northeast Catholic High School and Temple University. In addition, he also attended Villanova University, where he completed course study for his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification. He is responsible for all computer-related issues, including purchasing of computer hardware and accessories, network administration, and software updates at ITFP. He constructed our web page and keeps it current with updates on additional features and enhancements. (Any suggestions or comments about our web page are welcomed, just e-mail Bill) He assists with the processing and tracking of daily transactions and periodic reconciliation. He processes tax returns for individual and business clients. Bill has worked with ITFP since 1997.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Carol M. Venuto was born in Philadelphia in 1963. She is a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School (1981) and LaSalle University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Maxima cum Laude) in 1984. She was the recipient of the LaSalle University Accounting Department Award for Outstanding Achievement. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State, State Board of Accountancy in 1986. Ms. Venuto's former experience includes senior positions with an internationally prominent CPA firm, where she served exclusively in the tax function. In addition she served as a tax analyst for a prominent Philadelphia based chemical company. More recently she has served as a tax manager, involved in tax and personal planning for members of a prominent family involved in residential and commercial real estate in the Greater Philadelphia area. She is also experienced in working with small businesses. Ms. Venuto is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. At ITFP, Carol is responsible for the review of client's accounting, tax & operational needs, as well as, the review of individual tax returns. She joined ITFP in 2015.

Job Titles:

• Director of the West Philadelphia Community Center
• Registered Representative

Denise Williams-Shannon attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls and received a Bachelors of Arts in English from Chestnut Hill College. In 1975 she obtained a Masters in Education from Antioch-Putney Graduate School of Education. Dr. Williams-Shannon began her career as an English teacher. Subsequently, she became the Director of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Upward Bound Program (a college-bound program for high school students). In 1988, Dr. Williams-Shannon became the Director of the West Philadelphia Community Center which housed a day care center for 300 children, a senior citizens program, a city sponsored social services program and a center membership of over 400 families. While in this position she became interested in exploring the socio-economic factors that affect the financial well-being of American families. As a result, in 1996, she completed a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware concentrating in community economic development. In addition, Dr. Williams-Shannon has been a training and development consultant for over fifteen years, designing and facilitating organizational and professional development models for non-profits and private corporations. As an extension of her goals to help families and individuals improve their financial well-being, Dr. Williams-Shannon has been integrating her training and community-based development skills within the financial planning arena. In recent years she has acquired a life insurance license as well as a Property and Casualty license. In addition, she is currently pursuing her Certified Financial Planner™ credential at the American College. She has passed her FINRA Series 6 and 63 exams. In affiliation with ITFP, Dr. Williams-Shannon operates an independent financial services business which focuses on three goals: 1) helping families as well as individuals define and implement strategies to save for retirement/college, manage debt and provide adequate insurance protection to meet survivor needs 2) designing and facilitating complimentary financial education seminars for the general public as well as for the constituencies/clients of small business and non-profit organizations, and 3) assisting small business and non-profit organizations in both establishing an affordable retirement plan and educating their employees about their respective plan.

Donna Atkins is a 1980 graduate of Nazareth Academy and attended the University of Pennsylvania with a major in Liberal Arts. She held a variety of positions in Human Resources during her 23 years at a major health insurance service company. During her 11 years at a global food company, Donna focused on executive compensation, proxy statement reporting and reporting for the Board of Directors. At ITFP, Donna's responsibilities include receptionist and administrative duties and supporting financial planners with drafting of client reports. Donna joined ITFP in May 2018.

Frank J. Salandria was born in Philadelphia in 1955. He graduated St. John Neumann High School (1973) and went on to LaSalle University (1977), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude). His Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of PA, Department of State, State Board of Accountancy in 1980. Mr. Salandria's prior experience included senior financial positions in the Audit function of a major banking organization from 1977 through 1994, where he was responsible for review of all major control and financial functions and managed a staff of 50. From 1995 through 1999, Frank managed several of the bank's technology functions and was also responsible for financial reporting for the credit function. From 1998 throughout 2000, Frank was an independent consultant, working in various financial and technology related areas. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). At ITFP since 2000, Frank is responsible for business client's accounting, tax & operational needs, as well as, the preparation of individual returns. Frank is responsible for the firm's various special projects.

Job Titles:

• Registered Representative

Joan Walsh-Smith attended Archbishop Wood High School and the Pennsylvania State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1981. Ms. Walsh-Smith's former experience includes senior positions with an internationally prominent CPA firm where she was responsible for audit engagements for her company's clients. Her clients included small to medium size businesses. Her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State, and the State Board of Accountancy in July of 1983. In addition, Ms. Walsh-Smith has held key financial management positions for a national telecommunications company. Her responsibilities included maintaining general ledger, payroll and accounts payable systems for small to mid-sized companies. At ITFP, Joan is responsible for business client's accounting, tax & operational needs, as well as, the preparation of income tax, estate and fiduciary returns. Joan has worked for ITFP since 1997.

Job Titles:

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Kevin F. Thornton was born in Philadelphia in 1957. He is a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School (1975) and LaSalle University (1979), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of PA, Dept. of State, State Board of Accountancy in 1981. Mr. Thornton began his career with an internationally prominent Big 4 CPA firm. Mr. Thornton then went on to a series of senior financial and operational positions with a publicly traded office furniture manufacturer. More recently, Kevin served as the CFO for a food manufacturer in Allentown, PA. Mr. Thornton is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). At ITFP, Kevin is responsible for preparing individual tax returns, responding to inquiries from the IRS, utilizing tax software to process returns, and performing various accounting services. He also provides support to the financial planners.

Job Titles:

• Registered Representative

Kimberly is a graduate of Council Rock High School South (2011), Rider University (2015) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude), and Rider University (2016) with a Master of Accountancy with concentration in Forensic Accounting (with Distinction). Her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State, and the State Board of Accountancy in January 2018. She is also a Notary Public. She has passed her FINRA Series 6 and 63 exams. Ms. Wagner's former experience includes a position with an internationally prominent CPA firm, where she served exclusively in the tax function. In addition she worked for one of the largest regional public accounting firms. At ITFP, Kimberly works on accounting and bookkeeping for individuals and small business owners. She is responsible for preparing business and individual tax returns, responding to inquiries from the IRS, utilizing tax software to process returns, and performing accounting services such as account analysis, adjusting journal entries and bank reconciliations. Kimberly provides ITFP's clients with investment management research and analysis, and she acts as a liaison with financial institutions to gather information. Her additional responsibilities will include assisting with ITFP's account receivables, billings and account payables, as well as, payroll. Kimberly is also responsible for carrying out various special projects as needed. Kimberly has worked for ITFP since May 2017.

Laura is a graduate of Ewing High School (1986) and comes from the consumer durables and biotechnology industries supporting C-suite executives. Laura also spent 15 years as the owner of an online business management company supporting leadership and corporate coaches across the United States. She brings her years of experience of team building and project management to ITFP. As a member of ITFP, Laura is responsible for daily administrative activities and project support. Laura joined ITFP in December of 2022.

Linda A. Rakszawski was born and raised in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School (1976) and LaSalle University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree (Magna cum Laude) in Accounting (1980). She also received designation as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) in February, 1984. Ms. Rakszawski's former experience includes a position with a prominent Philadelphia bank's Tax Department, as well as being on the Accounting staff for a major public accounting firm. She served as a Senior Internal Auditor for a national insurance firm. In past years, she has worked as an accountant with emphasis on tax preparation as well as general accounting services. At ITFP, Linda is responsible for business client's accounting, tax & operational needs, as well as, the preparation of individual returns.

Marston M. Bell is a graduate of Council Rock High School North (2012) and Temple University (2016) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting (Cum Laude). He is a member of the Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society. Marston is currently pursuing his CPA designation. At ITFP, Marston assists the Certified Public Accountants with general accounting and bookkeeping for individuals and small business owners. He is responsible for preparing business and individual tax returns under the guidance of the CPAs, responding to inquiries from the IRS, utilizing tax software to process returns, and performing accounting services such as account analysis, adjusting journal entries and bank reconciliations. Marston also provides support to the financial planners with investment management research and analysis, and he acts as a liaison with financial institutions to gather information. In addition, Marston works with administration on the maintenance and updating of ITFP's website, as well as with client follow up and interaction. Marston is responsible for various special projects as needed. Marston joined ITFP in December 2015.

Job Titles:

• Registered Representative

Matthew is a graduate of Conwell Egan Catholic High School (2011) and Rider University (2015) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Cum Laude) with a double major in Finance and Accounting. He also graduated Rider University's Masters of Accountancy program (MAcc. 2016) with a concentration in Finance. Matthew was conferred a license in Life & Health Insurance by the PA Dept. of Insurance in 2018. He has passed his FINRA Series 7 and 63 exams. At ITFP, Matthew provides ITFP's clients with investment management research and analysis, and acts as a liaison with financial institutions to gather information. In addition, Matthew assists with insurance applications, as well as with client follow up and interaction. Matthew assists the Certified Public Accountants with general accounting and bookkeeping for individuals and small business owners. He is responsible for preparing individual tax returns under the guidance of the CPAs, utilizing tax software to process returns, and performing accounting services such as account analysis, adjusting journal entries and bank reconciliations. Matthew has been with ITFP since December 2016.

Job Titles:

• CFP®, PFS, CCFS®, CFS, Registered Representative
• President of Independent Tax & Financial Planners

Michael J. Amato, President of Independent Tax & Financial Planners, P.C., was born in Philadelphia in 1957. Graduated Archbishop Ryan High School (1975) and went on to LaSalle University (1979), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude). Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of PA, Dept. of State, State Board of Accountancy in February of 1980. Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP® ) credential was conferred by the International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners in March of 1989. Life & Health Insurance license was conferred by PA Dept. of Insurance in July of 1991. Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) was conferred by the Institute of Business and Finance in December 2001. Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS® ) was conferred by the Association of Certified College Funding Specialists in October 2005. Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation was conferred by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in July 2006. He is also a Notary Public. He has passed his FINRA Series 6, 7, 24 and 63 exams. Mr. Amato's former experience includes senior positions with an internationally prominent big 4 CPA firm, where he was responsible for a full-range of tax and financial accounting services for his company's clients, which included individuals and small to medium size businesses. In addition, Mr. Amato has held key financial management positions for a national service company as a Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Buxmont Chapter of Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants. He started ITFP in 1981.

Patricia L. Keller was born in Princeton, New Jersey in 1960. She attended the Hun School of Princeton (1978) and continued her education at Bloomsburg University (1982) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was commissioned by the State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety, State Board of Accountancy on October 17, 1985. Patricia earned her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Rider University in 1991. Ms. Keller's former experience includes senior-in-charge positions with a large regional South Jersey based CPA firm where she was responsible for completing municipal and school district audits as well as preparing individual tax returns. In addition, Ms. Keller has held various financial management positions with a major Property and Casualty Insurance Company. Her responsibilities included maintaining the general ledgers for 20 companies, maintaining the fixed asset system, reconciling the budget and expense system, writing corporate policies and supervising ten employees. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA - Southwest Chapter).

Sandra is a 1975 graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School and a 1977 graduate of Pierce College with an Associate in Science degree (Magna Cum Laude). She continued her education at Holy Family College taking courses in accounting, finance and business management. She held the position of Administrative Assistant and Purchasing Agent for a Philadelphia life care institution for several years. Her duties there included management of several resident/patient support service departments as well as purchasing for their office, retirement and nursing home facilities. Her early experience included positions as legal secretary for the managing partners of a municipal bond department of a prestigious Philadelphia law firm. She also worked in the accounting department of a Philadelphia manufacturer. She has worked for ITFP since its establishment in 1981. She is Operations Manager for the company. Her primary responsibilities include staff and client coordination, operations management, accounts receivable, billing and accounts payable duties, as well as, payroll preparation and tax return organization. She is also Purchasing Agent for the firm.

Job Titles:

• Registered Representative

Steven is a graduate of Neshaminy High School (2017), The Pennsylvania State University - Altoona (2022) with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Economics and Entrepreneurship. He has passed his FINRA Series 6, 63, and SIE exams. At ITFP, Steven assists the Certified Public Accountants with general accounting and bookkeeping for individuals and small business owners. He is responsible for preparing individual tax returns under the guidance of the CPAs, responding to inquiries from the IRS, utilizing tax software to process returns, and performing accounting services such as account analysis, adjusting journal entries and bank reconciliations. Steven also provides ITFP's clients with investment management research and analysis, and he acts as a liaison with financial institutions to gather information. In addition, Steven works with client follow up and interaction. Steven is responsible for various special projects as needed. Steven joined ITFP in December 2022.

Tina Power is a 1988 graduate of Council Rock High School North and a 1992 graduate of LaSalle University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She previously worked in the Event Management industry as an Event Coordinator. Tina focused on planning and executing Corporate Events and Golf Outings. At ITFP, Tina's responsibilities include receptionist and administrative duties and supporting overall office production. Tina is also responsible for the proper disposal of documents to ensure that the privacy of our clients is upheld.

Tom O'Malia is a graduate of Council Rock High School North (2011) and studied at both Franciscan University of Steubenville and Temple University for International Marketing and Information Technology. His previous experience includes managing a large electronics retail store, as well as, business-class technical support and analysis for one of the nation's largest Internet Service Providers. Mr. O'Malia also works independently to provide live-streaming audiovisual solutions to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom is responsible for ITFP's software and hardware and troubleshooting IT issues. Tom is also responsible for managing our ShareFile portal; he assists clients and staff with this portal.

William F Dougherty is a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School (1973), West Chester University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting (1977), and St. Joseph's University, MBA in Finance (1985). He most recently served as Controller for a regionally prominent Health Insurance Company for 25 years, and has worked with a number of CPA firms preparing individual taxes. At ITFP, William is responsible for preparing individual tax returns under the guidance of the CPA's, responding to inquiries from the IRS, utilizing tax software to process returns, and performing various accounting services. He also provides support to the financial planners. He is also a volunteer at the Assumption BVM Church in Feasterville where he assists the elderly, taking them to doctor's appointments, food shopping, and sitting with the infirm.