At Albany Advisor Group, we provide our clients with a comprehensive and easy-to-understand approach to financial planning and investment management. Our goal is to achieve our client's financial objectives in the most efficient way possible. One of our greatest strengths is correctly interpreting the financial planning process, ensuring we provide the appropriate risk profile. We understand each financial situation is unique, and we work closely to develop a customized plan that fits the specific needs and goals to meet client expectations.Our team of certified financial planners and investment managers are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and expertise. We believe that clear communication and transparency are the essential building blocks for a strong and lasting relationship with our clients. Whether planning for retirement, saving for a child's education, or simply looking to grow wealth.
A good analogy to describe our relationship to our clients is this: We believe that every client owns a company called, “My Retirement Inc.” The sole purpose of this company is to accumulate wealth and distribute it during the client’s retirement years. The client is the owner of the company; we want to be the CEO. We do not own the company, but rather are in charge of managing it for maximum efficiency. Like the CEO of a regular company, we are in charge of hiring and firing the employees of the company (the asset managers) to keep the company as profitable as possible to the owners. Just as CEO’s need to have a strong vision, we never lose sight of the fact that it is not our company; we are simply running it at the request of the owners.
As a CFP®, Marc is committed to designing customized, goal-oriented, financial plans for his clients. Prior to forming the AlbanyAdvisor Group of PKS Advisory Services, Marc worked for McDonald Investments (a division of Key Bank), Fidelity Investments, Putnam Investments, and New York Life’s ADQ pension consultancy. He holds his series 6, 63, 65, and 7 securities licenses and is a graduate of Hartwick college. Marc has been a member of the Financial Services Professionals (FSP) Eastern New York chapter since 2004 and served as that chapter’s president during the 2011-2012 season. Marc enjoys competitive volleyball and lives in the capital region with his wife of 20 years and his two daughters.
Lori is a true partner to her clients with a vested interest in their overall financial security. Lori is valued for her solid business practices and personal involvement. Lori began her career in finance after graduating cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Business Management in 1986. After a budget career with NYS Division of the Budget and the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, she began her wealth management career with Purshe Kaplan Sterling in 2006. In 2009, she joined the AlbanyAdvisor Group within the firm. Lori has met the rigorous professional and ethical standards and requirements of the CFP® Board and the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. As a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, she has studied investment retirement planning, insurance planning, risk management, estate and income tax planning, and employee benefits. She holds her series 7, 63, 65, and life, accident, and health insurance licenses, including the NY Partnership for Long Term Care designation. Unlike many in the wealth management world, she enjoys having her family and friends and their referrals as clients because she believes they will be best served by her and the group. Lori resides in Clifton Park with her husband. She has two grown daughters. Lori has served on many Capital Region community-based Board of Directors. Lori is currently a member of the Society for Financial Services Professionals (Eastern NY chapter) as well as the Financial Planning Association. Lori enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, and physical fitness.
Susan’s financial industry experience spans more than two decades, commencing at First Albany Corp. in 1998, where she started as a Stock Record Control Associate in Operations. After that, she held positions at First Union Securities, First Albany Corp. Institutional Sales & Research Dept., Key Private Bank and McDonald Investments.Since obtaining her CFP® designation in 2004, she has employed the financial planning process as a way to help her clients turn their goals into actionable steps. She believes in educating and informing clients at every step of the process, so they become active participants in securing their financial future. She has gained insight from multiple bull/bear market cycles throughout her career, which she shares with her clients by providing clear guidance during turbulent market environments and instilling confidence when it’s calm. As a trusted advisor in an independent firm, Susan has access to the tools and resources that allow her to make objective recommendations that align with her clients’ best interests. Outside of the office, Susan enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks and spending time with her family. She resides in Albany with her husband and four children. Susan holds a B.S., Finance from Siena College Series 7, 63, 65 Securities Licenses Life, Accident and Health Insurance License.
Mike began his career in financial services in 2001 as a Client Service Representative for Sanford Bernstein. Prior to joining AlbanyAdvisor Group, Mike was the Director of Operations and subsequently Chief Risk Officer for Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. Mike is a SUNY Oneonta graduate and currently holds Series 7, 63, 65, 24. He and his wife live in Guilderland.
Kari has spent the past 15 years facilitating and supporting numerous brokerage and advisory functions for registered representatives and advisors of Purshe Kaplan Sterling, PKS Advisory Services and the team at AlbanyAdvisor Group. A mother of four, Kari balances a demanding role in and outside of the workplace with great precision. She holds Series 11 & 63 licensure.
Ian grew up in North Greenbush and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He then went on to complete an MBA from the University at Albany. After graduating, Ian entered the financial services industry in a back-office setting and worked his way up to become client advisor. With over a decade of providing financial and tax advice, Ian continues to give outstanding service to help members of the Capital Region community and beyond.
