Christopher J. Macca, AWMA®

Client Service Manager

Chris provides dedicated client service support for multiple advisors and serves as a key member of the service team, focusing on building client relationships. Chris brings with him client-focused experience from both large and small firms, where the client was always at the heart of his daily work. Before joining Principle Wealth Partners, Chris worked in the insurance and financial services industries.

Giving back is a part of Chris’ daily routine. He is involved in multiple shoreline charities as well as volunteering at the Clinton food pantry.

Chris resides in Clinton and loves to cook Sicilian cuisine inspired by his time spent living in Italy.

Education and Certifications
Trinity College
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®)

203.227.7156 ext. 121
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Ellie Kasimir

Senior Client Service Manager | Retirement Plan Specialist 

Ellie has worked in the financial services industry since 1983. She has worked alongside Romaine A. Macomb, CFP®, AIF® since 1998.  Her professional responsibilities over the years have included practice management, portfolio account and support, account updates and reconciliation. In addition, Ellie specializes in implementation and ongoing coordination of group retirement plans.

Ellie resides in Killingworth and enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and horseback riding.

Education and Certifications
Morse School of Business

860.577.8555
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Romaine A. Macomb, CFP®, AIF®

Senior Wealth Advisor

Romaine has worked in the financial services industry since 1985. She focuses on investment, retirement, estate and pension planning. Romaine provides financial advice to individuals, families, foundations, endowments, and qualified retirement plans, and has been nationally ranked in the Financial Times Top 400 advisors list and PLANADVISER’s Top 100 retirement Plan Advisers list.  

Romaine lives in Madison with her wife, Ruth, and two Italian Greyhounds.

Education and Certifications
Southern Connecticut State University
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)

860.577.8555
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Amy Lawler

Senior Client Service Manager

Amy entered the financial services industry in 1998.  Since 2005, she has worked alongside Senior Wealth Advisor J McAraw, helping clients understand their current situation and potential financial opportunities. She has held various roles in the industry including relationship management, mutual fund product development, compliance, operational practice and service management, sales training, and marketing.

Amy resides in Branford with her husband Darren and daughter Madigan. She is active in the community, volunteering and fundraising for veterans’ organizations, youth sports, and scholarship organizations.

Education and Certifications
The College of Holy Cross

860.577.8555
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J Addison McAraw

Senior Wealth Advisor

J entered the investment industry in 1993. His knowledge of economic and market conditions enables him to proactively address each client’s unique situation and plan for a broad spectrum of investment, retirement, estate, business succession and charitable planning opportunities. In addition to wealth management, J’s experience includes working as a trader and research associate for a hedge fund and serving on investment committees for nearly 20 years.

J resides in Old Lyme, Connecticut with his wife Tammy, their daughters Elle and Emerson and two dogs Lola and Blue.

Education and Certifications
Seton Hall University

860.577.8555
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Liz Drega

Senior Client Service Manager

Liz began her career in wealth management in 1999. Liz partners with Senior Wealth Advisor, Theresa Donatelli, bringing her knowledge of operations, investments, and client service to help individuals and families, corporations, and their employees, reach their goals. Theresa and Liz also work with endowments and non-profit organizations.

Liz resides in Killingworth with her husband Mike, son Mark, and their dog Maddie.

Education and Certifications
Assumption College

860.577.8555
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Theresa V. Donatelli

Senior Wealth Advisor 

Theresa has worked in the financial services industry since 1992. Her focus is on investment, retirement, estate, and pension planning. Theresa’s practice has always focused on cultivating strong long-term relationships with families, corporations and their employees, endowments and non-profits. Her experience in investment management and commitment to client service have been focal points of her career.

Theresa resides in Groton with her partner, Paul. During her free time, she volunteers and serves on the Board of Directors for St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich.

Education and Certifications
University of Connecticut

860.577.8555
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Kimberly A. LaFrenais

Director | Client Services

Kim has more than 14 years of financial services experience and earned her State of Connecticut Insurance license. Kim will oversee the client service team, will focus on client relationships and assist advisors with additional service needs.

Kim lives in Old Saybrook with her husband Michael, of 43 years and their Boston Terrier, Crosby. She has 3 grown children and is passionate about respecting and caring for the environment, cycling, learning about and collecting wines from all over the world, gardening and cooking.

Education & Certifications
Pierce College
State of Connecticut Insurance License

203.318.8892
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Martin J. Wollack

Operations Manager

Martin is responsible for overseeing and managing the custodial platforms and CRM system. As the team lead on our custodians, Martin is responsible for new account openings, account maintenance, and client service processes. Lastly, Martin assists the Compliance Department with reviews and fillings, and oversight of satellite offices.

Martin and his wife Michelle have two daughters, Summer and Haley. They currently live in Old Lyme, CT.

Education & Certifications
Old Saybrook High School

203.318.8892
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Alissa Amara

Director | Operations 

Alissa is responsible for overseeing our daily operations to ensure an exceptional client experience. This entails managing our client service team, creating efficiencies and refining company processes and workflows. In addition, Alissa leads our Marketing and Community Outreach initiatives.

Prior to joining Principle Wealth Partners, Alissa spent 17 years in the Pharmaceutical industry in various roles ranging from Sales & Marketing to Training and Medical Affairs.

Alissa resides in Madison, CT with her husband John and their two children, Brody and Sydney.

Education and Certifications
Bentley University

203.318.8892
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Julina L. Ogilvie, CIMA^® CPWA^®

Wealth Advisor | Director of Business Development

Julina manages wealth for high net worth individuals and families in addition to guiding successful advisors through the firm’s succession planning strategy. Prior to joining Principle Wealth Partners, Julina held executive roles at J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Lord Abbett & Co. In these roles, she used her extensive knowledge of the capital markets to educate the country’s top advisors.

Julina is an accomplished speaker and strategist who has presented wealth management concepts to thousands of financial professionals and clients. She is recognized for her outstanding achievements and serves as a mentor for young women entering the business. Julina is an avid skier and triathlete.

Julina resides in Fairfield, CT with her husband Doug, their daughters Kaylin and Sidney and two dogs Mudd and Sierra.

Education & Certifications
Colgate University
Certified Investment Management Analyst®
Certified Private Wealth Advisor®

203.318.8892
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Barbara Gambino

Executive Administrative Assistant

Barbara has worked in a variety industries over the past decade, where she specialized in business operations and supporting executive staff members.

Barbara’s enthusiastic drive provides Principle Wealth Partners with administrative support and brand awareness. Her creativity and spirit enables her to provide a positive client experience.

Prior to Principle Wealth Partners, Barbara worked at an array of businesses ranging from client service, customer care, project management and event planning.

Barbara currently resides in Branford, Connecticut with her son, Tore.

Education & Certifications
University of Connecticut

203.318.8892
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Andrew Cialek, CFP® 

Director | Finance & Analysis

With almost a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Andrew specialized in operations and comprehensive financial planning.

Andrew is responsible for financial oversight and analysis. With his attention to detail and his efficiency with technology, he helps attain the firm’s financial goals, and develop financial planning software.

Prior to Principle Wealth Partners, Andrew was the Director of Operations at Olio Financial Planning.  His background is routed in compliance oversight and financial plan analysis.

Andrew is the Treasurer on the Board of Directors of The Madison Foundation. In addition, he also volunteers as a rugby coach for a regional high school.

Andrew currently resides in Madison with his wife, Luvie and their two dogs, Maple & Philo.

Education & Certifications
University of Vermont
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

203.318.8892
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Megan O’Marra Maruzo

Relationship Manager

Megan has worked in the financial service industry for over 20 years with a diverse background in retirement and wealth management as well as insurance and estate planning.

Prior to joining Principle Wealth Partners, Megan specialized in personal and commercial insurance and was a Financial Advisor at Prudential. She combines her passion for outstanding client service with her education and experience to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Megan is active in several Shoreline Chambers and serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit ACORD in Wallingford, CT and as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Bare Necessities in Clinton, CT.  She resides in Southington, CT and has two children, Joseph and Megan.

Education & Certifications
University of Connecticut

203.318.8892
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Katye Gemma, J.D., MBA, CTEP®

Managing Director

With over 20 years of experience in a broad range of professional roles, Katye specializes in operations, identifying inefficiencies within organizations, and streamlining policies and procedures. She is responsible for coaching and managing the staff and advancing strategic business objectives.

Prior to turning her career to the financial industry, Katye worked with startup pharmaceutical companies establishing efficient systems, policies, and procedures. Additionally, Katye held leadership roles in government, with the City of Providence, Rhode Island, and later as an attorney with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

Katye resides in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, with her husband Jim and their children, Jimmy and Ava.

Education & Certifications
Roger Williams School of Law
King’s College School of Business
J.D., MBA and CTEP®

203.318.8892
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Denise Cote

Executive Assistant

Denise has over 25 years of industry experience. In her role as the Executive Assistant to Robert Paolucci, Founder and CEO, Denise serves as the liaison and primary gatekeeper of the executive office. She is responsible for providing an extraordinary level of personal attention and service while managing client requests.  Additionally, Denise is in charge of the firm’s general bookkeeping and vendor contract management. Prior to Principle Wealth Partners, Denise was a relationship manager for a local financial services firm. Denise resides in Old Saybrook, CT with her two children Daniel and Taylor.

Education & Certifications
Franklin Pierce University

203.318.8892
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Colin M. Dugan, CFP^®

Wealth Advisor

Colin has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry where he has spent his career servicing high net worth individuals and families.

Colin’s positive and encouraging attitude is evident whether he is serving clients, assisting their business partners or giving back to his community. He works directly with clients attending to their day-to-day financial needs and works tirelessly behind the scenes to help our clients reach their goals.

Prior to Principle Wealth Partners, Colin held relationship and operational management positions for boutique, Connecticut-based wealth management firms.

Colin and his wife Liz reside in Old Saybrook with their two young children, Jack and Isla.

Education & Certifications
Endicott College
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

203.318.8892
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This is our newest employee

Nicole M. Armenia

Director | Practice Management

Analyzing investments, macroeconomic trends and uncovering operational inefficiencies is at the core of Nicole’s work. In addition to investment and economic analysis, she is responsible for our client reporting systems and planning tools. Nicole was an analyst and co-advised the student-managed portfolio within the Quinnipiac University Endowment Fund.

Education & Certifications
Quinnipiac University

203.318.8892
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Meg MacGregor

Director | Client Service

Meg has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is responsible for supporting our team in the servicing of client relationships and providing outstanding customer service on a day to day basis. Meg is committed to assisting the needs of clients and managing any issues that arise. She is organized, proactive, and attentive when it comes to problem solving and planning.

Meg resides in Madison, CT with her husband Scott.

Education & Certifications
University of Rhode Island

203.318.8892
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Michael J. Castiello

Chief Compliance Officer

Michael is responsible for the management of Principle Wealth Partners compliance program. He ensures the team has an ongoing understanding of current and developing advisory regulations and their relation to our clients and our business. Michael is charged with creating a culture of compliance achieved through maintaining up-to-date policies and documentation, ensuring free and open communications within the practice, delivering compliance education programs, and consistent review of adherence to policies.

Prior to Principle Wealth Partners, he was a Financial Advisor for a local firm as well as an assistant Branch Manager at a local bank.

Michael resides in Milford, CT with his wife Kim and their 3 children, Cole, Owen and Riley.

Education & Certifications
University of Connecticut

203.318.8892
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John P. Hannigan, CFP^® CDFA^®

Wealth Advisor | Director of Financial Planning

For the past 20 years John was a Vice President, Executive Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, providing comprehensive investment and financial planning services to top executives and their families at five Fortune 100 companies.

John is an accomplished public speaker. He has presented to thousands of individuals at hundreds of events over the years. Topics include: Retirement Readiness, Retirement Income Planning, Tax-Efficient Investing, Equity Compensation and Investing for Endowments and Foundations.

John resides in Milford, CT and is a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven. He is also very active in the Chamber of Commerce of Greater New Haven, the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison CT.

Education & Certifications
William Paterson College
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
CDFA®

203.318.8892
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Robert S. Paolucci, CFP^®

Founder & CEO

With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Robert’s focus is helping individuals and families plan for their financial future. By embracing a model of integrated wealth management, he addresses all of the relevant areas of financial planning including investment management, taxes, wealth accumulation, cash flow generation, insurance, and estate planning to generate comprehensive financial plans for his clients.

As a fiduciary, Robert has a passion for providing independent, unbiased advice and educating his clients on the importance of behavioral finance.

Prior to founding Principle Wealth Partners, Robert gained both small and large investment firm experience with responsibilities ranging from investment committee member to member of the Board of Directors. He also held senior roles at Fidelity Investments and Bank of America Investments.

Robert resides in Killingworth with his wife Danielle and daughter Giuliana.

Education & Certifications
Fairleigh Dickinson University
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

203.318.8892
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Retirement is different now than it was in past generations. These days, individuals have much higher expectations for how they wish to spend their retirement. It’s wise to have a plan for this exciting new phase of your life.  Many factors are interconnected, which require careful consideration when developing a plan. With our decades of retirement planning experience, we will create a plan that will empower you to accomplish your retirement goals. We focus on 3 controllable components : Saving, Spending and Investing. 

• Saving : The single most important decision individuals can make about retirement is to take responsibility for funding it themselves. Living expenses, health care costs, Social Security, pensions and future employment are all uncertain. Saving today is an effective way to prepare for a more stable tomorrow.
   
• Spending: Determining income needs throughout retirement is a complex equation. During your working years, the goal is to save and accumulate as much as possible for the future. During retirement, the challenge becomes managing a portfolio while withdrawing  money for today’s expenses and investing the rest for tomorrow.
   
• Investing : Invest for long-term growth potential and consider investing in a broader mix of assets. Financial risks don’t end when careers do. Individuals planning for a long, rewarding retirement must overcome the obstacles that are likely to arise along the way.  This is where clients trust us and our experience.
   

We understand that life happens fast. Periodic reviews are necessary to keep your retirement targets in sight. Our approach helps individuals understand how their everyday decisions directly impact their retirement outcomes and provides structure so that investing in one’s future is practical and effective.

If you truly wish to make an impact on your community and generations to come, you’ll need to have a clear strategy for philanthropic giving. Principle Wealth can help you use your wealth to efficiently and effectively support the charity or cause of your choice. We can even help you select a cause if you need assistance doing so. We’ll work with you and your family to determine the best charitable giving strategy for you. The goal is to come up with a long-term solution that you and your loved ones can feel good about.

Regardless of your level of wealth, estate planning is a vital part of your overall financial plan. Planning ahead can give you greater control, privacy, and an opportunity to leave more of your legacy to your loved ones. We will work with your attorney and tax advisor to ensure every aspect of your estate plan meets your needs.

Common estate planning documents include trusts, wills, advance medical directives and a power of attorney.

Reviewing your plan at regular intervals, in addition to major life events, will help ensure that your legacy, both financial and otherwise, is passed on in accordance with your wishes and that your beneficiaries receive their benefits as smoothly as possible.

Working with your tax advisor, we ensure that all pieces of your financial plan work together to ensure tax efficiency. In general there are three strategies we consider to better manage your taxes:

• Defer taxes with tax-advantaged accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, deferred compensation and health savings accounts (HSAs).
• Maximize return by strategic asset location, investment in lower turnover funds, utilization of charitable gift deduction opportunities and tax loss harvesting.
• Avoid taxes with federal income tax-free municipal bonds, Roth IRAs and 529 college savings accounts.

There are many tax moves an investor can make. The key is to formulate a number of strategies that make sense for your situation. We will work with you and your tax advisor to create a disciplined plan to help you keep more of your money.

Compensation decisions should always be made in light of other holdings, income, and your bigger financial picture. Our experienced team dives deep into your options, including deferred compensation planning, assisting with the determination of distribution times and lengths, and assessing and factoring in the inherent risks. We’ll review stock option strategy and long-term incentive plans; we’ll also clarify the impact contingencies – such as death, disability, forced and unforced separation, and retirement – will have on benefits for you and your family.

A carefully crafted and comprehensive plan provides a roadmap to financial security, allowing your goals to work in tandem, rather than at odds, with each other. In short, our team has the expertise and experience to serve as Chief Financial Officer for you and your family.

• We believe a written financial plan is a living breathing entity, not a static document.
• We start by learning about you and the goals that are most important to you.  We collaborate with you to create a plan that aligns your finances with your objectives, to help you enjoy life on your terms.  We’ll update your plan on a regular basis so we stay current with the changes in your life. Success is measured by progression towards your goals.
• Among other things, a sound financial plan addresses the matters of investments, tax, insurance, and estate planning.  We work closely with our client’s accountants and estate attorneys to ensure integration of all your financial affairs.

Emotions are the enemy of successful investing. As a result, many investors place their life savings into investment strategies that rarely align with their short and long-term financial goals. We work closely with our clients to minimize the financial toll of hasty, emotional investment decisions.

• We create diversified portfolios positioned for the long term and built on an asset allocation strategy that reflects each client’s objectives and risk tolerance while being held to the fiduciary standard.
• We spend substantial time with you creating your Asset Allocation policy. This is the single most important factor in assessing the long-term risk and return characteristics of your portfolio.
• Your portfolio will be broadly diversified. Our team is especially cognizant of correlation, making sure all your investments are not zigging or zagging in the same direction or to the same degree.
• To reduce the effect of fees on portfolio, we use a combination of passive investments (Index funds, ETFs) as well as active management vehicles.
• Periodically, we will rebalance the portfolio, to bring you back in line with your Asset Allocation policy, this process forces you to sell high and buy low which will keep you true to your risk tolerance.