SFA Bios

Jim Adkins | President & CEO

Jim is the Founder, President and CEO of Strategic Financial Associates, LLC (SFA) and has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, having worked with some of the most sophisticated and well-regarded organizations and clients in the country. Jim and his team are committed to helping clients succeed in achieving their financial goals through the design and implementation of effective financial planning and wealth management strategies. Specializing in working with business owners, executives and affluent individuals and families, Jim offers expertise in the areas of holistic and comprehensive financial planning; investment advisory services; portfolio design & management; business succession planning; estate planning, retirement income and insurance design. Jim serves on several boards, including the Advisory Board of Eagle Strategies, LLC, New York Life Advisory Board of Directors, New York Life Agent Reinsurance Company (NYLARC), and is an active member of numerous civic organizations and associations.

Jim has been nationally recognized and speaks across the country about the processes and culture that have optimized results for so many clients. Jim has been the engineer behind developing the structure and professional team at Strategic Financial Associates.

Skerdi Kostreci, CFP^®, CLU^® | VP of Financial Planning and Associate Financial Advisor

Skerdi has been working in the financial services industry since 2005. He joined Strategic Financial Associates in January 2012, and has been instrumental in our growth and ability to provide comprehensive and holistic financial planning, investment advisory and wealth management advice and guidance to our clients. Skerdi has been the VP of Financial Planning and now will expand his responsibilities to have more direct client interaction as he provides clients with ongoing guidance.

Skerdi has an extensive financial education, with a BS and two Masters degrees in financial disciplines. In addition to his health and life insurance licenses, he holds his FINRA SIE, series 7, and series 63 licenses. He has been a Certified Financial Planner^® since Sept. 2011, and he also holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst^® (CIMA) and Certified Life Underwriter^® (CLU) designations.

Zachary Weaver | Associate Financial Advisor (AFA)

Zach is a dedicated Associate Financial Advisor with over 7 years of experience in the wealth management industry. Since 2016, Zach has been dedicated to understanding our client’s goals and their WHY to make meaning of their hard-earned dollars. With a deep understanding and diverse experience working with complex individual and business owner needs, Zach assists with providing tailored plans and guides our clients every step of the way to help them achieve their goals. No matter the phase of life you’re in, Zach has the experience, knowledge and commitment to help you succeed.

Zach holds a BS in Finance from Pennsylvania State University. He is a Chartered Financial Consultant^®, FINRA Series 7 and 66 Licensed.

Ryan Ohlin | Associate Financial Advisor (AFA)

Ryan is a dedicated Associate Financial Advisor with over 8 years of experience in the wealth management industry. Since 2015, Ryan has been helping high net worth individuals, families, and closely held business owners achieve their financial goals through comprehensive planning and strategic investment management. With a deep understanding of the complex financial landscape, Ryan provides personalized support and guidance to help our clients navigate the ever-changing financial markets. Whether you're looking to grow your wealth, plan for retirement, or protect your assets, Ryan is dedicated to providing outstanding service.

Ryan holds a degree in Finance and Financial Management from Radford University. He holds his FINRA Series 7, 65 and 63 securities licenses, and his Life and Health insurance license.

John Nocita | Vice President of Investment Operations

John has been in the Financial Services industry for over 12 years in various capacities and with SFA since 2020. In his role as Vice President of Investment Operations, he is responsible for Implementation of New Accounts, Trading, Account Maintenance and Client Relations. As an Associate Financial Advisor, John holds his Life & Health licenses, as well as the FINRA Series 7, Series 63, Series 66 securities licenses.

Tom Skibinski | Operations Specialist

Tom is an Operations Specialist at SFA. Prior to joining Strategic Financial Associates, Tom was responsible for running the Firm Operations at another financial company. Tom has over 16 years of extensive financial services industry experience and expertise. At Strategic Financial Associates, Tom is responsible for performing the day to day operations of the practice as well as providing a high level of client service and support. As a Registered Service Assistant, Tom holds his FINRA Series 7 license, as well as his Life & Health licenses.

David F. Edwards, Jr., CFP^® | Licensed Service Assistant

David's primary focus is to assist with analyzing our clients’ financial situation and determining the best approach to achieve their financial goals. David has earned a Certified Financial Planner™ designation and holds the FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, 63, and 65 licenses. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. David studied at the College for Financial Planning®, and holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Digisha Jobanputra, CFP^®, CM | Service Assistant

Digisha provides support to our Financial Planning team. She works closely with our Vice President of Financial Planning and provides excellent client service and support. Digisha has an extensive background in financial planning. She has her Masters in Finance, Masters in Business. Digisha has her Life and Health insurance license and is a Certified Financial Planner.

Brandon Butler | Director of Investments

Brandon is the Director of Investments for Strategic Financial Associates, joining SFA after holding leadership positions at other prominent investment advisory firms. Primarily, Brandon is responsible for conducting the research and analysis efforts of the firm, specifically directing the Investment Team’s focus. Under Brandon’s guidance, the Investment Team plays a critical role, providing careful research, analysis and due diligence, assisting in setting overall investment policy, and individual investment decisions of the firm. Brandon currently holds the Series 7 securities registration as well as the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC^®) designation.

Michael Dawson, CMFC^® | Financial Services Associate

Michael brings over eleven years of industry experience to our Investment Management Team. In addition to working with Jim and the Investment Team in the areas of asset allocation, investment research and portfolio design, Michael assists in the preparation of periodic internal tracking reports and client reviews. Michael currently holds the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC^®) designation.

Julian Bynoe | Service Associate

Julian is a member of the Investment Team with over 15 years of financial industry experience. In addition to providing support to Jim and our professional team, Julian focuses on supporting our client service, internal reports and client reviews. Julian holds FINRA Series 7, Series 65 and Series 63 security licenses, as well as Life & Health insurance licenses.

Jeffrey Fischer | Financial Services Associate

Jeff is a member of our Investment Management Team and brings over twenty years of industry experience to SFA. In addition to providing extensive support to Jim, primarily focusing on portfolio management, asset allocation and investment research.

Robin Willis | Business Manager

Robin began working at SFA in 2006 and plays an essential role in the organization of the Firm. Among her many duties and responsibilities are providing high-level administrative support managing office activities, conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests and performing clerical functions.

Ravenna Dods | Executive Assistant

Ravenna is the Executive Assistant to Jim Adkins. With a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Financial Services Industry since 2001, she provides daily administrative support which includes scheduling client meetings, assisting with daily operational functions, and various other office duties. Ravenna has her Life & Health licenses, as well as the FINRA Series 6 securities licenses.

Cindy Lovell | Registered Service Assistant and Customer Service Manager

Cindy brings over 24 years of experience and knowledge in the Financial Services Industry. Cindy is directly responsible for all of the firm’s individual policy services and specializes in Life, Disability and LTC insurance products. She holds the Life & Health license, as well as the FINRA Series 6 and Series 63 securities licenses.

Chuck Levine | Director of Group Benefits

Chuck is the head of SFA’s Group Benefits Advisory Division where he specializes in the design, implementation and maintenance of Corporate and Employer-Sponsored Benefit Plans. With nearly 300 corporate clients, the success of SFA’s Group Benefits Division is attributable to Chuck’s strong commitment to providing excellent customer service as well as demonstrating cost effective solutions for our clients’ benefits programs.

Caroline Carlin | Senior Account Manager (Group Benefits)

Caroline is a Senior Account Manager specializing in assisting clients' management and administration of their employee benefits programs. She is also experienced in the new business sales process, helping clients with their annual plan renewals, claims advocacy on behalf of members of group clients, compliance issues, carrier audits and daily benefits administration. Caroline holds her Life & Health license.

Charmen Rayford | Account Manager (Group Benefits)

Charmen is an Account Manager with SFA’s Group Benefits Division, responsible for assisting group clients with service needs and making changes to existing accounts, as well as upholding the quality and service standards developed by Strategic Financial Associates.

Nancy Adkins | Controller

Nancy oversees the financial management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for SFA. She is also responsible for all bill paying, payroll and bookkeeping services. Additionally, she records all tax withholding information and makes appropriate changes in compliance with internal policies as well as local, state and federal tax regulations.