


Mark S. Dolfis, CFP®, AIF®
Executive Vice President At the core, I’m an analytical person. Data and logic are important to me. I have an Electrical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University. But I also really like talking to people and learning about their lives. In addition to...
Tom Natoli, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®, CPFA
Executive Vice President With over 40 years of experience in the financial services and telecommunication industries, I have a proven track record of applying innovative financial management skills in both corporate and individual settings. The cornerstone of that...
Mark Swartz, JD, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, AIF®, CPFA
President & CEO With my background in Law and Business, I have worked with businesses, business owners and professionals for over 30 years. In addition to the needs that successful individuals have, e.g., wealth management, retirement and estate planning...Gavin Fung
Consultant Before I joined Ascend Planning & Consulting, LLC, I spent eight years in public accounting. As a former public accountant, rules and details are important to me. However, the one thing that excites me the most is the opportunity to hear about an...Scott Swartz
Planning Coordinator After studying and earning my degree at the University of Miami in Florida, I spent a decade working in Los Angeles in the film and commercial space. I have since taken my economic acumen from balancing film budgets to working with financial...Connor Williams
Marketing & Media Coordinator As the social media and marketing coordinator I proudly lead our digital presence and marketing initiatives. With a degree in Graphic design and a concentration in business from James Madison University, I excel in content creation,...Shawn Freshley
Planning Coordinator As a dynamic professional who joined Ascend Planning & Consulting, LLC in May 2023 as a planning assistant. I grew up in Gaithersburg, MD and pursued an education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where I studied Music Business and...
Cyber Security Webinar Information
Thank you for attending our Cyber Security webinar. Please review, and if desired, download and share the attached summary. Click here for more information The attached information has been furnished by a third-party and is being provided to you for your general...
Don’t need your 529 plan anymore? Consider converting it to a Roth IRA
If you find yourself in a situation where you no longer need your 529 plan for education expenses, converting it to a Roth IRA may be a smart financial move. One of the significant advantages of a Roth IRA is the potential for tax-free growth and withdrawals in...
Understanding Wealth and Planning Management in the Financial Industry
Wealth and planning management are essential components of the financial industry, enabling individuals and organizations to optimize their financial resources as they strive to achieve their long-term goals. Wealth management involves the professional management of...
Asset Location: Helping to Maximize Returns and Minimizing Taxes
Introduction: Asset location is a crucial decision in investment planning that involves placing different types of investments in various types of accounts to help maximize returns and minimize taxes. Utilizing the correct asset location will allow you to optimize...
Financial Wellness in the Workplace: Strategies for Employers and Employees
Financial wellness is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it plays a significant role in the workplace. Employers and employees can work together to improve financial well-being by implementing practical strategies that promote financial stability and...