Max Cooper Novak

Zach is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional™ who helps clients align their money with their values so that they can live more intentionally now and in the future. With a background in psychology and a deep belief in access and equity, he brings both heart and strategy to every plan. Zach’s approach is collaborative, thorough, and solution-oriented. He’s worked with hundreds of families over his 10+ year career, and he’s especially passionate about demystifying complex topics so clients feel confident making decisions that reflect what they care about most. Prior to Novak Financial Partners, Zach spent over a decade at nationally recognized Registered Investment Advisors, where he became increasingly focused on delivering planning in a way that’s transparent, approachable, and deeply human. Outside of work, Zach enjoys reading, exercising, traveling with family, and cheering on Chicago’s sports teams. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

Mary Swearingen is a financial advisor with Alliance Wealth Advisors in Carbondale, Illinois. She holds a Series 65 designation and has been with the firm since 2016. Alliance Wealth Advisors provides investment supervisory services and discretionary portfolio management primarily for individual clients and pension and profit-sharing plans. The firm develops individualized investment policies using a combination of fundamental and technical analysis and routinely exercises discretionary authority to implement trades.

John Alongi II is a financial advisor with Alliance Wealth Advisors in Carbondale, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and 17 years of industry experience. He has been with Alliance Wealth Management LLC since 2019 and has also worked with LPL Financial since 2008. Outside of his advisory role, he is a partner in a family-owned Italian restaurant. Alliance Wealth Advisors provides investment supervisory services and discretionary portfolio management primarily for individuals and pension and profit-sharing plans. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis to establish individualized investment policies and routinely exercises discretionary authority to implement client trades.

Bradley Wills is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) with 19 years of industry experience. He is currently with Alliance Wealth Advisors in Carbondale, IL, where he has worked since 2019, and has also been affiliated with LPL Financial since 2008. Alliance Wealth Advisors provides investment supervisory services and discretionary portfolio management primarily for individual clients and pension and profit-sharing plans. The firm employs a mix of fundamental and technical analysis to develop individualized investment policies and routinely exercises discretionary authority in managing client portfolios.

Sheila Lautenbacher is a financial advisor at KCPAG Financial Advisors LLC with 20 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at KCPAG Financial Advisors since 2015. Her prior experience includes roles at Securities America Inc. and Kemper Capital Management LLC. KCPAG Financial Advisors LLC serves individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and business clients with financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement plan consulting. The firm manages approximately $22.5 million in discretionary assets and operates through a team of 13 advisors across 27 offices, employing fundamental analysis and a combination of long- and short-term strategies.

Jolene Johnson is a financial advisor with KCPAG Financial Advisors LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 28 years of industry experience. She has worked at Kemper Capital Management LLC and KCPAG Financial Advisors LLC since 2008 and was also affiliated with Securities America, Inc. from 2007 to 2019. KCPAG Financial Advisors LLC provides financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement plan consulting for individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and business clients. The firm manages approximately $22.5 million in discretionary assets, serving around 405 clients through a team of 13 advisors across 27 offices, employing a blend of fundamental analysis, long- and short-term strategies, and both discretionary and non-discretionary management.