CARPENTER FINANCIAL SERVICES - Key Persons


Annie Yoder

Job Titles:
  • Financial Services Assistant
Annie is our team's Financial Services Assistant. She works on processing client forms and applications, preparing for appointments, and managing client files. Annie is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance Specialization, and minored in Consumer Family Financial Services. While at Ohio State, Annie was a member of their NCAA Division I Rifle Team and was a team captain her senior year. During her time on the team, Annie received many academic awards such as Academic All BIG10, Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association Academic All-American, and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete. Annie resides in Boswell with her husband Ryan and enjoys skiing, golfing, and being outdoors.

Christiana J. Sekerak

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant

Cindy Wissinger

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Specialist
Cindy Wissinger is our team's Wealth Management Specialist and has been with the firm since 1996. She is a registered Representative of Avantax Investment Services SM and is insurance licensed for the lines of Life, Health and Annuities. Among her many responsibilities, her primary focus is making sure client's plans are implemented and running smoothly according to their customized retirement planning goals. Cindy also processes applications and can often be found researching the answer to any operational questions a client may have. Cindy resides in Windber with her husband Joe and three children Jonas, Jason and Josie.

Dean Carpenter

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
  • Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Dean Carpenter is a financial advisor working alongside his father, Sam Carpenter. He joined the firm in early 2014. Prior to coming into the family business, he was an auditor for five years during which time he gained invaluable knowledge and experience both domestically and internationally. In 2009, Dean graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Honors Program at West Virginia University with a major in Accounting. He also received a certification in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations from WVU. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Registered Representative with Avantax Investment Services SM, our broker dealer. He earned his Series 6, Series 7 (General Securities Representative), and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam) licenses, which enable him to provide support on mutual funds, annuities, stocks, life insurance, and health insurance. Dean is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a lifelong member of the West Virginia University Alumni Association. He enjoys playing hockey and tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Heather L. McClelland

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Specialist
Heather L. McClelland is our team's Wealth Management Specialist. She is responsible for the quality and timeliness of our client service performance. She is a registered Representative of Avantax Investment Services SM and is insurance licensed for the lines of Life, Health and Annuities. Among her many responsibilities her most notable tasks are interacting with investment service companies to ensure a more customized approach to our client's investment portfolios. Heather also processes all applications and the accompanying forms for clients, maintains client files and prepares the team for appointments. She can often be found researching the answer to any operational questions a client may have. She resides in Johnstown with her husband Marc and daughters, Jillian and Ava. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, tennis and chasing after her young daughters.

Joseph A. Carpenter

Job Titles:
  • Co - Owner
  • Financial Advisor
  • Community Member of Johnstown
Joseph A. Carpenter, co-owner of Carpenter Financial Services, has empowered families, individuals, and businesses for over three decades by working with them to create comprehensive wealth management strategies, setting them on a better and more informed financial path. Based in Joe's hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, his firm has grown to serve clients in more than 25 states across the country. Joe advises clients to "Pay Yourself First" and helps them prioritize their financial goals using his knowledge as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®, a Certified Fund Specialist®, a Certified Senior Advisor, and Federal Retirement Consultant SM. With a focus on professionalism, leadership, and commitment, Joe has been recognized by Avantax Investment Services SM as an Elite Advisor for over 15 years, a distinction given to the top 100 advisors nationally. Joe's passion is sharing his understanding of the financial world. He serves as a mentor to the next generation of financial advisors and speaks to high school and college students on the importance of financial literacy and independence. He has been featured in publications including Accounting Technology, National Underwriter, Life & Health, Practical Accountant, and in Johnstown's The Tribune-Democrat. In addition, The Road to Success, co-authored by Joe, Jack Canfield, and 30 other professionals, was recognized in 2016 as an International Best-Seller by The National Academy of Best-Selling Authors. Joe has been recognized for his outstanding service, dedication, and performance by financial institutions including Allianz Life Insurance Company, MetLife, Prudential, Invesco, Greek Catholic Union (GCU), Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), and Greater Beneficial Union (GBU), where he serves on the advisor board. As a lifelong community member of Johnstown, Joe is honored that Carpenter Financial Services has been repeatedly voted Simply the Best Financial Firm for Greater Johnstown by the local community, continuing the firm's legacy which began with his father, Samuel C. Carpenter, in 1953. He regularly volunteers his time, from serving on local boards to helping create public art projects. When he's not spending time helping his clients protect and grow their wealth, Joe enjoys ice skating, playing pickleball, traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife, Chris, their four children, and six grandchildren.

Kayla M. Burkett

Job Titles:
  • Client Relations Coordinator
Kayla M. Burkett is our team's Client Relations Coordinator. Her primary goal is to ensure clients have a rewarding experience in all their interactions with Carpenter Financial Services. She is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with clients as well as coordinating events, seminars, and all other client appreciation programs. She also processes forms and applications, prepares for client meetings and manages client files. Kayla resides in Windber. She enjoys movies, reading and spending time with family and friends.

LINDSAY CARPENTER

Job Titles:
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Financial Advisor
  • Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Lindsay is a financial advisor working alongside her father, Sam Carpenter. She joined the firm in early 2014. Prior to coming into the family business, she was working as a tax associate for a Big 4 accounting firm in Pittsburgh. She prepared and reviewed corporate, partnership, personal and state tax returns for a variety of clients. She brings her tax planning strategies and knowledge to our financial planning team. Lindsay graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in 2011. She was a recognized member of the Dean's List for all four years and also earned a minor in Spanish. Lindsay is a Certified Public Accountant and a Registered Representative of Avantax Investment Services SM, our broker dealer. She earned her Series 6 (Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam) licenses, which enable her to provide support on mutual funds, fixed and variable annuities. Lindsay is insurance licensed in PA in the lines of life, accident, health, and annuities. Lindsay is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a lifelong member of the Penn State Alumni Association. She enjoys running, skiing, traveling and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Lisa A. Wirfel

Job Titles:
  • Client Services Manager
Lisa A. Wirfel is our team's Client Services Manager. She examines and executes client retirement plans, facilitates client operations, and processes applications. Lisa is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Marketing. She is a life-long resident of the Johnstown Area with her husband and two young daughters. In her personal time, she enjoys camping, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Michelle Maksymik

Job Titles:
  • Office Administrative Coordinator

SAM CARPENTER

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
  • Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Sam Carpenter, born and raised in Johnstown, PA, is the co-owner of Carpenter Financial Services. He has been involved in the financial and accounting business for over 30 years and is very passionate about helping people plan for their future. After graduating from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, he continued his education, became a Certified Public Accountant, and joined the family business in Johnstown, PA. Carpenter Financial Services has evolved from its start in 1953 as an accounting practice into a comprehensive financial services firm. In 1987, Sam received his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM certification and earned his Master of Science in Financial Planning (MS) in 1998. He is also a Personal Financial Specialist and Certified Senior Advisor. Sam holds securities licenses for Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam) with Avantax Investment Services SM, as well as life, health, accident, annuities, and insurance licenses. He is an Investment Adviser Representative* (IAR) with Avantax Advisory Services SM. Sam has been named a member of Avantax's Premier Advisors' Forum for the past 16 years. This annual award of excellence recognizes its top 75 advisors across the country. Sam is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Financial Planners, and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has sponsored the Greater Johnstown Tennis Association for the past 15 years. In his leisure, Sam enjoys skiing, cooking, traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with his family.