Meet The Atlas Fiduciary Financial Team
About Dr. Mattia
With over thirty years of experience in finance, Laura is a fee-only comprehensive financial advisor, a member of NAPFA and a fiduciary advocate. She believes that all financial advisors should be willing to sign an oath committing to work as a fiduciary 100% of the time.
A former CFO and advisor to top CEO’s for their businesses and family office, Dr. Laura Mattia is passionate about influencing positive change in the financial industry and the need for competent and ethical advice. Dr. Mattia teaches CFP’s how to create financial plans as fiduciaries at Texas Tech University, for large national financial service firms and recently spent several years creating a new CFP registered program at the Muma Business College, University of South Florida in Tampa.
Though today Dr. Mattia is a visionary financial advisor, educator, speaker and author, her career journey was a circuitous one. After earning a B.S. in psychology with the intention of pursuing a career in counseling, she went on to obtain an MBA in accounting and finance, later accepting a position in the corporate world. As she tells it, it was this experience that ultimately served as the inspiration for her current area of focus:
“I worked for many years as a corporate executive. I really wanted to work in the helping profession with individuals. Though I had strayed from that dream, as a senor executive I had the opportunity to help management and others with their personal financial questions and became the CFO for a family office serving a well-respected businessman in Manhattan. I found that I enjoyed advising individuals much more than advising on the businesses themselves, so I went back to school and earned my CFP®. Later working as a fiduciary, I realized that an extensive knowledge base is fundamental to knowing what is in the client’s best interest so I continued to study, earning a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, the premier financial planning program in the country. Now I keep my knowledge sharp by teaching professionals in the industry. I would never consider giving people financial advise, affecting their lives, without this commitment to continuous learning.”
Dr. Mattia is the author of the book “Gender On Wall Street: Uncovering Opportunities For Women In Financial Services” published June 2018 by Palgrave Macmillan and has published many academic and nonacademic financial papers. She is recognized as an expert in the profession and often speaks at conferences held for financial services firms and associations such as; the national association of financial planners (NAPFA), the financial planning association (FPA) and the financial therapy association (FTA). She is also often quoted in industry periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times and and has published numerous articles and academic research in periodicals such as the Journal of Financial Planning and the NAPFA Advisor, to educate and support financial advisors seeking to elevate the profession.
She is also the creator and the director of the Women’s Money Empowerment program at the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), a not-for-profit and she serves as a board member of the Suncoast Financial Planning Association (FPA). Dr. Mattia feels she is truly fortunate to call Sarasota home and continues to look for opportunities to support the community.
“This is an incredibly dynamic industry. If professionals don’t stay on top of what’s going on by constantly reading and keeping themselves in the loop, they’re not going to feel as confident or be able to help as many people. I’m a lifelong learner; it’s a part of my identity, and it’s what pushes me every day. It’s why I got my Ph.D. People are surprised sometimes at how hard I push, but I really believe that’s what it takes to remain relevant in this field.”
Awards & Honors
- Women’s Choice Award® for Financial Advisors
- Five Star Wealth Manager, New Jersey Monthly (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010)
- Best 50 Women in Business, NJBIZ (2009)
- Five Star Wealth Manager, Sarasota, Florida (2015)
- Women of Influence in Sarasota (2015)
- Two times TEDx Speaker (2018, 2019)
Education & Certifications
- Texas Tech University, Ph.D., Personal Financial Planning (2016)
- Montclair State University, MBA, Accounting and Finance (1990)
- Montclair State University, B.S., Psychology (1982)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
Professional Affiliations
Current Involvement
- Founder, Women’s Money Empowerment offered at the Women’s Resource Center, Sarasota
- SRQ Impact100, Sarasota
- Board Member, Suncoast FPA
- Member, NAPFA
Recent Involvement:
- Treasurer for Parent Association at Pine View School
- Volunteer at Sarasota Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)
- Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
- National Association of Women (NOW)
- Planned Giving Advisory Board, Montclair State University
Get Started with Laura Today
About Stephen
Steve worked as an engineer for about 10 years before changing careers and joining Prudential. After a few years, he became disenchanted with the sales-oriented approach to delivering financial advice since it did not have the client’s best interests at heart and he believed strongly in the value of financial planning. In 1993 he left Prudential and founded a firm which later became Atlas Fiduciary Financial and in 1998 joined the National Association of Financial Planners (NAPFA).
Steve feels so strongly about NAPFA and its mission to “fix” the way advice is delivered to consumers that he has been involved as a volunteer for many years in many roles, serving as eastern region chair and president and gradually rising through the ranks of governance until he was elected to the highest position, Chair of the National Board (2018-2019). NAPFA membership was a natural fit for us since we believe the client comes first and that providing detailed financial planning is key to the success of our clients.
Steve loves helping people organize the financial aspects of their lives and planning for their future whether it will be for early retirement, buying a second house or even just helping to provide a feeling of security in knowing that you can achieve your goals and dreams in life. He particularly likes to work with executives, professionals and business owners.
Steve’s hobbies include photography, cooking and sports cars. He stays in shape through weightlifting and karate (black belt, Shotokan). He enjoys playing with his 3 dogs; don’t mention them or you’ll have to see their pictures! He is married and has a 19-year-old daughter attending George Washington University.
Education & Certifications
- Stevens Institute, BE, ‘77
- MBA, Finance
- MS, Financial Planning
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, (NAPFA)
- Served on NAPFA’s Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region; past Chair (2013/2014) and past President (2012/2013)
- Past Chair of the National Board (2018-2019)
- Member, CFA Institute
- Member, New York Society of Securities Analysts (NYSSA)
Professional Affiliations
- Appeared on CNNfn’s show “Opera House,” hosted by Gerri Willis
Get Started with Stephen Today
About Alison
Alison Hall is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008.
As the financial planning director at Atlas, Alison oversees the planning process, ensuring all plans are
accurate, relevant to the client’s needs, and actionable.
Alison had a modest upbringing and seeing people she cares about struggle financially was painful. She set out to help by arming herself with an education. Soon after graduating from university in 2008, Alison was introduced to the fee-only model. As an empath, it was imperative this be how she moved forward – as a fiduciary – always acting in the client’s best interest.
When the opportunity in personal finance presented itself, she jumped in feet first and began learning the ins-and-outs of what is now Atlas Fiduciary Financial.
As her career in finance evolved, it had become apparent that Alison’s propensity to organize information, overt attention to detail, and critical thinking skills were key strengths for a financial planner. After passing the Series 65, proving an established familiarity with the extensive rules and regulations that accompany the finance world, Alison honed her skills further – completing the CFP® certification process at Fairleigh Dickinson University and passing the comprehensive, 10-hour exam to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.
Over the last decade+ in the industry, Alison has educated & advised hundreds of clients and continues to find purpose in helping individuals gain understanding of their finances and actualize their goals.
Alison relocated to sunny Sarasota, Florida in 2020. In her spare time, she can be found playing with her bulldog, baking, and kayaking with her husband.
Education & Certifications
- Rider University, B.S., Business Administration (2008)
- Series 65
- Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) (2014)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, NAPFA
Get Started with Alison Today
About Gary
Gary Hirsh is a fee-only planner and began his professional career in 1979 as a CPA for Coopers & Lybrand. Upon realizing that he enjoyed working with smaller clients, he became a partner with 3 accounting firms. In 1987, after the sudden passing of his father, Gary realized that there was a tremendous need for financial planning and investment advisory services for clients with varying net worth. Shortly thereafter, Gary earned his certificate in financial planning from Adelphi University. Previously, Gary earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he graduated magna cum laude.
In addition to being a CPA, Gary is a financial planning specialist. The integration of financial planning expertise and accounting and tax knowledge enables Gary to bring the firm’s clients a unique, multidimensional perspective on accounting, tax and financial and investment matters. Gary provides comprehensive financial planning, including the construction of investment portfolios to assist clients in reaching their goals, improving current tax positions while minimizing estate taxes and preserving wealth. He provides advice in evaluating life insurance strategies, college planning, lifetime asset transfers, IRA distributions, long-term care alternatives and investment review with the goal of increasing wealth at manageable risk levels.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, New York and New Jersey State Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, (NAPFA)
Get Started With Gary Today
About Dean
Dean is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) working as such since 2011.
Prior to that, Dean worked in the nuclear industry, designing and analyzing nuclear power plants. His technical papers were published in national and international journals. Dean mastered his analytical techniques in the nuclear industry; skills that are highly valuable for use with today’s sophisticated investment tools.
As a financial planner, Dean has provided personal and objective financial guidance to several clients. Financial planning covers investments, insurances, estate planning, taxes, retirement benefits, and a variety of other topics that differ from client to client. An accurate financial plan helps individuals meet their long-term financial goals thus leading
to a prosperous life. Guiding clients to achieve their financial goals has been an extremely
satisfying job.
Dean is a strong believer in ethics and always keeps the client’s best interest above all else. Working for a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor makes it easy to serve as a fiduciary. Local newspapers and NJMoneyHelp.com have published Dean’s responses to readers’
questions.
He resides in Franklin Lakes, NJ with his wife. In his spare time Dean enjoys reading, playing golf and travel.
Get Started with Dean Today
Our Qualifications - Education Matters
For that reason we require each member of our team hold a Bachelor degree in Finance, or related degree and a CFP® designation.
And we go beyond. Our senior advisors, pride ourselves in our advanced, synergistic and complimentary educational backgrounds, enabling us to recommend smarter financial solutions so you can live your best life.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Financial Planning
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance
Masters and Bachelor in finance, accounting, and economics
Our Fees
As a Fee-Only and Fiduciary Firm we are compensated only by you – you are the boss and our interests are aligned with yours.
As an Independent Boutique Firm we have flexibility to design the compensation structure most suited to your needs.
Financial Planning
Ongoing Asset Management with Financial Plan Updates
We can manage your investments (they are held at our custodian) under a tiered fee schedule. View Fee Schedule >
Ongoing asset management includes updates to your financial roadmap on an as needed basis. We recommend that we revise your projections and roadmap when things change you (maybe you want to retire sooner) or perhaps because tax laws changed.
What are you paying now?
About Atlas Fiduciary
Our Purpose
We inspire and influence consumers, financial planners, and the profession to make S.M.A.R.T.E.R.™ financial decisions using scientific processes and modeling, which change lives.
Our Vision
As we partner with our clients, providing financial solutions to achieve a better life, our work inspires all involved in meaningful and measurable ways.
Our Mission
We partner with our clients to provide S.M.A.R.T.E.R.™ financial solutions to create financial confidence, peace of mind and fulfillment.
Our Goals
- To use the body of knowledge (the science of investment theory and household economic theory) to formulate trusted, educated & responsible recommendations
- To build trusting and fulfilling relationships with clients, each other and within our community and profession
- To help clients achieve their life goals and provide clarity about their financial circumstance
- To foster meaningful careers and a great work environment for our team
- To provide leadership for the profession and inspire others within it
- To continuously grow and improve as individuals and as a firm
- To grow profitably and sustainably for the next generation
OUR VALUES
Responsibility To Our Clients
- Fiduciary: We always put our client’s interests first. The client is our boss and the only person we are obliged to serve.
- Education: We require our staff to have university degrees in finance or related field and a CFP®designation. We encourage our team to seek advanced degrees, certifications, and embrace continuous learning, essential to delivering S.M.A.R.T.E.R.TM financial advice.
- Transparency: We provide disclosure of any potential conflict in the beginning and throughout the relationship.
- Integrity and Honesty: We are uncompromised in our values and will never waver, even if the choice adversely affects our firm.
- Empathy and Patience: We always take the time to listen and understand our client’s goals, preferences, and situation so we can provide the recommendations they require.
Responsibility To Our Team
- Our Atlas Team: We have a team of highly educated and experienced advisors who have complementary talents and skills and who are aligned and committed to a common purpose and mission.
- Our collective values and client focus capitalizes on our individual knowledge and our relationships with each other, resulting in better client service.
- Because clients work with and know the team, there is always someone they can speak to who knows their situation.
- Our Broader Team: Even with the Atlas brain trust, we do not know everything. Our network of other fee-only advisors, PhDs and economists, tax professionals, attorneys, and other specialists support us with advanced solutions. If you have a trusted advisor you work with, we work with them to make sure your “broader team” of experts are synchronized and consistently focused on your needs.
Responsibility To The Profession
- We are active members of the relevant organizations (NAPFA and FPA) shaping our profession. We serve in leadership roles (as chairman, board members, team leaders) in these organizations; We actively support the organizations by speaking at their conferences, writing articles for their publications, and participating in advocacy initiatives.
- We teach and develop curriculum for current and future financial planning professionals at universities and financial services firms based on investment/household economic theory and the practical application of the body of knowledge. Our firm is one of the few firms who understand the academic and practical aspects of the work, so we are obliged to share our knowledge.
- We employ an Internship Program for students studying to become financial professionals, providing real-world experience for nascent advisors so they learn how to best serve clients.
Giving Back
Optimizing Your Wealth on a Continuous Basis
Ongoing asset management includes updates to your financial roadmap on an as-needed basis. We recommend revisions to your projections and roadmaps when life, tax laws, etc. change or take place. Together, we’ll rebalance as needed so your portfolio does not become riskier and you receive the extra return by adhering to a strict buy/sell strategy.
Women’s Money Empowerment
Take The Women’s Money Empowerment Quiz
Discover you score towards financial empowerment. Fill out this quiz to gauge where you’re at and if it’s time to take control.
The Woman’s Money Empowerment Credo
These ten points uncover the power that women hold in the financial industry.
TEDx: Overcome Your Fears To Build Resiliency and Create The Life You Want
In this TEDx, Dr. Mattia encourages women to overcome their fears by leaning on their strengths (superpowers) to build resiliency and create the life they want.
TEDx Financially Empowered Women Have Influence on Their Own Lives and More
In this TEDx Dr. Mattia encourage women to engage in financial decisions so they have more influence in shaping their own lives, their work environments, their communities, the world.