FORTIS MANAGEMENT GROUP - Key Persons
In his role at Fortis, Andrew is responsible for recording general ledger transactions for client entities, generating and analyzing client reports, and identifying efficiencies in the data management process. It gives him great satisfaction to know that his services are instrumental in helping clients make financially sound decisions, oftentimes in complex situations.
Before joining Fortis in 2019, Andrew spearheaded the international sales department of an educational publishing company in New York, where he began in financial analysis and accounting.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organization and Management Studies with a Minor in Business from Gettysburg College. He plays soccer and chess, enjoys running, New York Times crossword puzzles, and - like many of his Fortis colleagues-has developed a passion for cooking.
Job Titles:
- Client Administrator
- Fortis Client Administrator
As a Fortis Client Administrator, Anna oversees accounts payable and receivable as well as financial reporting for her clients, while acting as a liaison to their outside professional advisors. Often acting as a "problem solver" for her clients, Anna enjoys the regular communication and high level of trust that exists and the families with whom she works.
Before joining Fortis in 2005, Anna worked in the health insurance industry as well as for the local affiliate of a national non-profit focused on women's health care and policy advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut. She volunteers with the City of Boston, delivering food to those who are home bound and also devotes time to helping increase voting access and participation.
Anna's husband and two teenage kids keep her on her toes, but she will find any excuse to travel both inside the U.S. and internationally. She hopes to visit each state in the Union before she is done.
Chris is an early riser, beginning most days at 4:00 AM training in weightlifting and powerlifting. Though he was born and raised in the South, he has fallen in love with winter and has recently taken up skiing-and when his body tires out from all the physical exertion, he enjoys reading literature, history, and philosophy.
Job Titles:
- Financial Reporting Specialist
Dave wears multiple hats at Fortis. He is responsible for the design, construction, and review of all client reports ensuring that information is accurate and tells a useful story. Dave also works directly with clients to manage their day-to-day needs. He appreciates that each day at Fortis is new and different as he helps solve the unique challenges his team and clients face.
Dave came to Fortis in 2012 straight from Bentley University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Master of Science degree in Financial Planning. He is a Certified Financial Planner TM professional. Dave has been an active member of the Lions Club of Westwood, MA since 2013, where he has served in a variety of leadership roles.
Jay Goldfarb - Founder, Managing Director
Jay founded Fortis Management Group LLC in March 2005 along with three associates who remain with the organization today. Jay believes in the value of a small, nimble team and as such, is not afraid to get his hands dirty in the details and enjoys maintaining relationships with each of Fortis' client families. He most enjoys creating value for others and is proud of the smart, focused and thoughtful team that surrounds him and who continue to shape and execute the Fortis vision.
Prior to founding Fortis, Jay spent time at two New England-based multi-family offices where he provided and managed tax, estate and financial consulting services for high net worth families, including members of the Forbes 500. Jay cut his financial consulting teeth at the Boston office of Ernst & Young, LLP where he focused on income tax for families as well as financial and entrepreneurial services.
Jay is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and holds a Master of Science in Taxation from Bentley College. He is a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Mazie Mentoring Program-now part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central MA/Metrowest where he is a member of the finance committee.
Jay spends any remaining spare time with his wife, Beth and their four children at their home in Framingham-where he is often referred to around town as "Coach Jay" thanks to the many hours he has spent coaching everything from soccer to robotics. If he's not on a sideline with his whistle, he can usually be found working on a home project or indulging his unparalleled passion for researching, preparing, sharing and eating delicious food.
Job Titles:
- Fortis Client Administrator
- Wealth Planning Associate
As a Fortis Client Administrator, Kara maintains regular contact with her clients, manages the bill pay process and cash needs, prepares regular financial reports, and acts as a liaison between her clients and their other professional advisors. She is fulfilled knowing that each day she is providing valuable assistance and making a difference in her clients' lives.
Prior to joining Fortis in 2012, Kara helped manage summer programs at the Boston Ballet and held management positions at one of the area's largest car dealerships. Kara holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin Pierce University and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Financial Planner TM professional through Boston University.
Outside of Fortis, Kara dances for Onstage Dance Company, enjoys knitting, baking, camping and road trips-and most importantly, being Mom to son Logan.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Planning Associate
Matt is an integral part of the Fortis team, providing ongoing support to client families and their Lead Client Advisors. As a liaison between his clients and their advisory team, Matt helps to identify opportunities, implement decisions and ensure that deliverables are accurate, thorough and on-time.
Prior to joining Fortis in 2024, Matt was the Chief Operating Officer for a single-family office where he shaped the strategic vision of the organization and managed professional relationships with all business partners. He has also served as Senior Director of Operations and Director of Human Resources and Operations at a global software company, and in operations management roles in retail business operations. Matt Holds a B.A. from Stonehill College.
Matt lives on Cape Cod and enjoys activities in and around the water, especially sailing and sailboat racing.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Planning Associate
Melissa supports our client families and Lead Client Advisors by assisting with accounting, bookkeeping oversight and tax-related matters. She helps ensure the accuracy and timeliness of deliverables, conducts research, and identifies planning opportunities. As a curious, life-long learner she really enjoys rolling up her sleeves and diving into complex financial concepts and strategies to help clients navigate challenging decisions.
After spending 17 years in accounting and business management roles in small- to mid-size business and small non-profit sectors, Melissa transitioned into financial planning in 2020. At that time she helped found and build a single family office while maintaining a role in the operating business as corporate controller. Melissa holds a Master of Arts in French from the University of Louisville, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and French from the University of Indiana Southeast, and completed an Executive Certification in Financial Planning Program at Bellarmine University. She is currently working toward her CFP® certification.
Melissa is Mom to one daughter and parent to three bonus children. She is an active volunteer and enjoys orchestrating the kids' many activities, gardening, embroidering, yoga, cooking, and traveling with her family.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Fortis Office Manager
As the Fortis Office Manager, Monica is responsible for ensuring that the office is always running smoothly and that the Fortis staff has the administrative support they need. She wears a lot of hats in the organization with responsibilities including everything from running Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable to coordinating with offsite IT resources to the planning and execution of company events. She loves that each day brings something new, and appreciates the close-knit team that she gets to work with every day.
Monica has been with Fortis since 2018. Prior to that, she spent eight years as an Office Manager for an import company in Boston. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Cameron University.
When she is not holding down the Fortis fort, Monica is managing her teenage boys at home in Watertown, where she volunteers with the Middle School and High School PTOs.
Job Titles:
- Advisor for Several
- Lead Client Advisor
Joining the team in 2021, Nicole serves as a primary advisor for several of our client families with 20 years of business management, wealth management and family office experience. Her background allows her to bridge the gap between personal and business implications by collaborating with technical advisors at all levels.
Prior to joining Fortis, Nicole was the Managing Director and CFO for a single-family office, that she originally built as an embedded practice with an operating company, before lifting it out as a separate operation. This role involved quarterbacking sophisticated wealth planning strategies for a cross-border, multigenerational family with a high level of complexity. She has also served as the Head of Asset Management for Jump Ventures, Corporate Director of Strategic Planning for GlowTouch, Managing Director for Vigilant Capital Management, Chief of Staff for Endurance International Group and Managing Director for Ballentine Partners. Nicole holds a B.S. from Florida State University and attended the College for Financial Planning.
Nicole lives in the Lakes Region of NH with her family, seeking solace in the mountains through a variety of epic outdoor disciplines.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Planning Associate
Robert supports our client families and their Lead Client Advisors by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of deliverables, as well as identifying planning opportunities and implementing client decisions. He loves being a part of a team that provides a holistic approach to helping clients organize their financial lives. He also appreciates the remarkable team around him who are not only knowledgeable, but are also patient and willing teachers.
Prior to joining Fortis in 2022, Robert spent four years as a Financial Analyst for Stop & Shop supporting the Planning & Reporting and Commercial Teams. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in Financial Planning from Bentley University.
When not at work, Robert is learning new trivia, watching documentaries and reading. He enjoys travelling with his wife, especially when visiting family back in Hawaii.