A Message From Chris Lee

Dear FPA Connecticut Members,

As we begin a new year, I am honored to step into the role of President of the Financial Planning Association of Connecticut. It is a privilege to serve this chapter, and I am excited about the momentum we have built and the opportunities ahead.

Before looking forward, it is important to reflect on what was truly a strong and impactful year for FPA Connecticut.

2025 Highlights and Accomplishments

In 2025, our chapter experienced significant growth, strong engagement, and expanded impact across education, community, and pro bono service:

We hosted our statewide annual conference at the Aqua Turf, welcoming our highest attendance since the post‑COVID period.
In addition to the statewide conference, we successfully held two Advisor Education Symposiums, continuing our commitment to delivering high‑quality professional education.
This past year, the chapter spent more than ever before on bringing in outstanding speakers, raising the bar for the educational experience we offer our members.
Our NexGen Golf Tournament achieved its highest attendance ever, demonstrating strong support for the next generation of financial planners.
We brought members together through a holiday party and two Advisor Networking Nights in casual settings, helping foster connection, collaboration, and community.
Membership growth remained a bright spot, with 43 new members joining the chapter, including 10 individuals new to the financial planning profession.
Approximately 80% of our members now hold the CFP® designation, underscoring the professionalism and caliber of our chapter.
Our Pro Bono Committee continued to grow, and made a meaningful impact through expanded work with CT Veterans Legal Center, including assisting veterans in managing new disability payments and lump‑sum benefits.
We strengthened chapter leadership by adding two new board members for 2026, helping ensure continuity and a strong foundation heading into the year.

These accomplishments represent hundreds of volunteer hours and a shared commitment to advancing financial planning throughout Connecticut.

Thank You to Our Outgoing President

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to David Karachuk, who served as Chapter President for the past two years. David did a phenomenal job leading the chapter, particularly during a period of transition, and worked closely with our new Chapter Executive to keep the organization moving forward. He dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and effort behind the scenes, and his leadership has left FPA Connecticut in an excellent position as we move into the future.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, our focus will be to build on the momentum created this past year. Priorities for the coming year include:

Continuing to deliver high‑quality education and programming
Strengthening member engagement and connection
Supporting NexGen and professionals new to the field
Expanding our pro bono and financial literacy efforts
Maintaining strong governance and operational excellence

Most importantly, we want FPA Connecticut to remain a welcoming, collaborative home for financial planners at every stage of their careers.

2026 Officers, Directors & Committee Chairs

I am pleased to introduce the 2026 Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs, a dedicated group of volunteers committed to serving our chapter:

Officers (Executive Committee)

Christopher Lee – President
David Karachuk – Chair & Past President
Ann Marie Ocone – Secretary
Laura Sundquist – Treasurer
Paul Morrone – Director, Executive Committee
Timothy Stowell – Director, Executive Committee

Board of Directors

Daniela Cerasani – Director, NexGen Chair
Charles Failla – Director
Denis Horrigan – Director
Charlie Rocco – Director
Alec Rosen – Director, Membership Chair
Carlos Salmon – Director, Programs Co‑Chair
Jennifer Waldron – Director, Pro Bono & Financial Literacy Co‑Chair

Committee Chairs

Programs: David Karachuk & Carlos Salmon (Co‑Chairs)
Sponsorships: David Karachuk & Timothy Stowell (Co‑Chairs)
Communications: Timothy Stowell
Membership: Alec Rosen
NexGen: Daniela Cerasani
Pro Bono & Financial Literacy: Jennifer Waldron & Christopher Lee (Co‑Chairs)

I am grateful to each of these individuals for their willingness to serve and am excited to work alongside them in the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued involvement and support of FPA Connecticut. I look forward to seeing many of you throughout 2026 as we continue to learn, serve, and grow together.

Warm regards,

Christopher Lee, CFP®, CPWA®

Chris Lee

President, FPA of Connecticut

Financial Planning Association® is the leading membership organization in the US for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals and others engaged in financial planning. As the Chapter for our state, FPA of Connecticut is committed to meeting the national organization’s promise of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy and networking.