WHO WE ARE | Our Team
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THE REAL DEAL on
RETIREMENT.
Over the past twenty five years, VanWeeldenden Financial Group has evolved into the completely independent, highly focused, and truly comprehensive retirement specialists we are today. We’ve assembled an exceptionally talented team of professional associates and strategic partnerships that enable us to deliver unparalleled expertise and personalized care across the entire spectrum of retirement services, all under one roof.
We are independent, holistic Financial Fiduciaries. Our team of experienced professionals offers a “hands-on” approach to financial guidance. Not only will you find us knowledgeable, but you will also discover that we truly care about your vision for your life. We will do everything in our power to keep you focused on where you want to go, advise you on how to get there, and continually remind you of the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to realizing your retirement dreams.
JOHN VANWEELDEN, MBA, CAP, AIF
As Founder and Principal of VanWeelden Financial Group, it’s my job to guide you through a truly holistic planning process, developing comprehensive solutions that integrate every aspect of your financial situation. My role is to fully understand your circumstances then provide you with information and advice to make the best possible decisions. Working together, we’ll focus on your unique, personal objectives; analyze your situation; develop strategies for you to consider; implement your plan; and then review it regularly to ensure you stay on track.
Professional Background.
John earned his MBA with an emphasis in John earned his MBA with an emphasis in Finance, as well as two undergraduate degrees from Miami University, Oxford. He holds the designation of Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, a post graduate degree combining advanced studies in Estate and Charitable Planning, as well as that of Accredited Investment Fiduciary*. John has spent over twenty five years teaching and advising clients about retirement. He serves the community as an ordained chaplain with the International Fellowship of Chaplains, served as Board Chair for Cincinnati Christian Schools, and is a West Chester Citizens Police Academy Alumnus.
*The AIF designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program, which includes a comprehensive final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agreement to abide by the Code of Ethics.
DIANE VANWEELDEN, Managing Partner
As Managing Partner, I oversee the intricate details that keep our firm running smoothly as well as create strategic plans that keep us headed in the right direction. As a small business, we all wear many hats. You will see that in my case, I handle everyday tasks like appointment setting and office management, as well as executive planning and business development pertaining to our growth as a holistic financial firm.
Professional Background.
Diane earned a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications from Miami University, Oxford. She worked for many years in both the for-profit and not-for-profit arenas in Public Relations, Marketing Communications, and Organizational Management. Diane actively serves as a lay minister, community organizer and small group facilitator.
JIM CONNELL, CFF
My primary role is to develop your holistic plan addressing all of your financial, tax, insurance, and legal needs. This planning process includes everything from determining the best Social Security claiming strategy to evaluating ways to minimize your tax burden throughout your lifetime. I’m also the resident Medicare expert. In this role, I guide our full-service clients through the often confusing landscape of healthcare after age 65. The thing I love most about my job is the chance to help people make some of their most important life decisions.
Professional Background.
Jim received a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford and worked in the Media Industry for 23 years. At WKRC (Local12), Jim served as an Account Executive for many years and finished up his career as National Sales Manager. In the media sales arena, Jim adapted to a constantly changing environment and developed his skill of listening to clients’ needs in order to deliver results they want. Jim and his wife, Julie, have been married 25 years and have 4 children. In his free time, Jim enjoys coaching his son’s football and basketball teams.
*CFF is a professional designation for financial professionals, namely, those who have successfully completed a rigorous certification and training process established by NACFF and AFEA (the American Financial Education Alliance), and who agreed to uphold the highest moral, ethical, and fiduciary standards of service when providing advice to potential existing clients.
JANA THOMAS, Client Service Manager
As Client Service Manager, I handle the day-to-day operations of money movement based on direct communication with clients for money transfer requests, deposits, and various details relating to their accounts. I coordinate and track all new business applications, as well as maintain client files, databases, and advisor licensing in each state. I love the small-family setting of our office and the fact that our team works so well together!
Professional Background.
Jana brings 28 years of professional experience in the financial services industry to her position as Client Service Manager. Jana was a key team member of a firm that serves both institutional and high-net-worth clientele and offers a variety of investment management strategies. Jana specifically coordinated projects, managed various databases, and met specific deadlines on a regular basis. In her free time, Jana enjoys being active outside, boating, venturing out on motorcycles, and shopping for antiques.
PAM AMLUNG
Independent Attorney
Pam is a Mom to five amazing daughters, three of which are adopted from China. A 1987 graduate of Hanover College, she graduated from University of Cincinnati College of Law in May 1991 in the top 10% of the class. She began her career with a large, downtown law firm (Thompson Hine) then moved to a small firm in Hyde Park (Finney, Stagnaro, et. al.), and now practices in Blue Ash, Ohio. With over 20 years experience in the area of Wills, Trusts, Probate, Pam loves her work because she gets to work with great people, creating a plan tailored to their specific needs.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill