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News/January 26, 2022

Congratulations Melissa Fernalld, CFP®

Strategic Financial Announces Lead Advisor, Melissa Fernalld, Receives CFP® Designation

Utica, NY, January 26, 2022– Strategic Financial Services, Inc. (“Strategic”), an independent, Central New York-based wealth management firm, is proud to announce that Melissa Fernalld, has achieved her CFP® designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. This designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial exams, then continue ongoing annual education programs to sustain their skills and certification. This formal recognition further positions Fernalld as an expert in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning and retirement.

Fernalld joined Strategic in 2007 as an operations specialist working with individual clients and not-for-profit organizations, specializing in on-boarding, case design, scenario building and financial plan development. In 2010 she was promoted to Senior Operations Specialist where she excelled in a leadership role over the client service team. Since 2011, Fernalld has served as a Financial Advisor and today serves in a Lead Financial Advisor role.

“Melissa Fernalld is a talented advisor who always prioritizes the needs of her clients,” said Alan Leist, III, CEO Strategic Financial Services. “She embodies our values and mission to serve, grow and help our clients live their best life. We are proud of the growth she has achieved in her time at the firm. It is a direct reflection of her dedication to hard work and passion for ensuring our client’s success,” added Leist.

In business since 1979, Strategic has a team of over 37 wealth management professionals, servicing more than 1,000 clients and managing $1.8 billion in assets. Of our 37 team members, Strategic now has 5 with a CFP® designation and 5 with a CFA designation. Areas of focus include Investment Management, Financial Planning and Corporate Retirement Plans.

With offices in Utica, NY, Syracuse, NY, Rome, NY and West Palm Beach, FL, Strategic is an established wealth management firm and regional leader in the investment industry. While successfully growing from established roots, it continues to expand its geographic footprint and influence across the northeast and throughout the United States.

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