BBFG Team Biographies
John H. LeBlanc, CFP®
“Our diverse client base knows that the integration of financial planning and goal setting into our investment recommendations provides them with the best overall advice.”
—John H. LeBlanc
John LeBlanc is a principal and co-founder of Back Bay Financial Group, Inc. (BBFG). He specializes in retirement planning, real estate and mortgages, small-business owners, and unmarried/same sex couples. Along with his responsibilities as a wealth manager, John is the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Treasurer.
John has a 20-year background in corporate finance and treasury positions. In 1994 John started an independent financial planning practice, LeBlanc Financial Services, located in Boston’s South End. In 1997, he joined Bob Siefert, CFP® in founding BBFG.
An active member of the financial planning community, John holds membership in the Financial Planning Association and the Boston Estate Planning Council. John was the program chair for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors of Massachusetts study group. He is an established instructor of financial and investment workshops in adult education centers, community groups and corporate settings. John has contributed to the local community as a former director of the Greater Boston Business Council and chaired their annual business expo. He is also a member of the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.
John is widely quoted on wealth management and planning strategies for same sex/unmarried couples. He has participated in the Boston Globe’s “Money Makeover” series as well as Financial Planning Association chats on Boston.com. John has been quoted in such publications as the New York Times, Investment News, and Financial Advisor Magazine. He has also appeared on WCVB-Channel 5 and Fox25 News television in stories related to investments.
John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and sociology from the State University of New York at Albany. He received his Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 1997 and completed the financial planning program at the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colo. He has also taken graduate courses in business administration at Suffolk University and graduated from the Entrepreneur Course at the Enterprise Center.
John currently resides in Winthrop, Mass., and previously lived in the South End of Boston for more than 20 years. His interests include gardening, real estate, landscape photography and travel. John spends his summer weekends at his cottage in southern Maine.
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Philip C. Lee, CFP®
“Putting a client's interests first in a fee-only environment is incredibly powerful and effective. It's all about offering objective advice not about selling the latest hot product — this truly helps clients achieve their financial goals.”
— Philip C. Lee
Phil Lee is a wealth manager who maintains close relationships with his clients, conducting initial and ongoing financial planning and investment analyses to create individualized solutions for clients’ goals. Phil specializes in issues related to divorce and blended families, while also working with recent inheritors of wealth and those experiencing the financial responsibilities of providing for their children’s future while ensuring the care of their elderly parents.
As chair of the firm’s Financial Planning Committee, Phil oversees the development and implementation of best practice standards and methodologies for all clients. Serving on the firm’s first Donor Advised Fund Committee, Phil helped to develop its charter, ensuring BBFG’s financial support to local community organizations.
An active member of the financial planning community, Phil is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. He has been quoted in Kiplinger’s magazine and has participated in NAPFA’s “Tips from the Top” Web series. Phil co-authored an American Executive article about alternative investments with BBFG’s Bob Siefert and has contributed to the Boston Globe’s “Money Makeover” series.
Prior to joining BBFG in 2001, Phil spent nine years at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare in business planning and strategy. Phil spent five years working for a United States Congressman who was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College in Michigan and completed the financial planning program at Boston University. He received his Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2004.
Phil has two sons and currently resides in Marblehead, Mass. with his partner, Kristen, and her daughter. He enjoys spending his free time gardening, listening to classical chamber music and traveling. Phil has a personal goal to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 ft. peaks.
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George T. Padula, CFA®, CFP®
“Client relationships start with listening, asking the right questions, understanding their key objectives and then identifying the new opportunities to help and strategize the best solution for their unique needs and goals.”
— George T. Padula
George Padula is a wealth manager with more than 20 years in the financial industry. George has a deep understanding of investment planning and portfolio management strategies, specializing in owners of small-businesses, college planning, philanthropy, and charitable giving. Along with his wealth manager responsibilities George oversees Back Bay Financial Group’s business development initiatives and enjoys working in a team atmosphere where the focus is putting the client first.
He has been quoted in several national and local publications including the New York Times, Journal of Financial Planning, Reuters, Financial Times, Bloomberg Markets and Boston Globe magazine. He has also been interviewed by WBZ-TV Channel 4. His professional affiliations include the Financial Planning Association, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, The Boston Security Analysts Society and the CFA Institute. George also serves on the board of directors for the Chernobyl Children Project USA.
Prior to joining BBFG, George spent 10 years at Danforth Associates, an investment advisory firm, serving as president from October, 2004 to July, 2008. While there, he was responsible for developing and directing multifaceted wealth strategies for high net worth private clients and providing leadership and expertise on investment strategies, markets and economic trends.
George earned both the Chartered Financial Analyst® and Certified Financial Planner™ professional designations. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College, in Maine. He is also a graduate of Boston College High School.
George lives in Westwood, Mass. with his wife Margie, and their two daughters. His personal interests include running, hockey and coaching youth soccer. George has run eight marathons and four Mount Washington Road Races.
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Robert D. Siefert, CFP®
“We take pride in our skills but we most value the relationships that develop from our professional activities.”
—Robert D. Siefert
Bob Siefert is a principal and co-founder of Back Bay Financial Group, Inc. (BBFG). Specializing in portfolio construction, retirement accumulation and distribution strategies, Bob works with clients to preserve and grow their assets. His interest in philanthropy includes investment advisory services for foundations, trusts and charitable organizations. Along with his ongoing client responsibilities, Bob also serves as the firm’s Chief Investment Officer as well as Wealth Management Director.
In 1994 Bob founded his own financial planning practice. In 1997 he joined John LeBlanc, CFP® in founding BBFG. Bob takes pride in having founded a firm small enough to enable personalized service delivery to clients, but large enough to ensure a broad and thorough knowledge of financial planning issues.
As an active member of the financial planning community, he is often invited to speak on topics related to portfolio construction using efficient asset management techniques. Bob also participates in a peer study group of national wealth management principals.
Additionally, Bob is a member of the National Association of Tax Practitioners, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the Boston Estate Planning Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Boston Children’s Chorus.
He is often called upon by national and industry publications, such as Investment News, Financial Planning magazine and Investment Advisor. He has also been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and co-authored the American Executive article titled “Branching Out” with BBFG’s Philip Lee.
Prior to BBFG Bob worked in personal trust management, pension and retirement planning and mutual fund administration. Bob has worked for well-known organizations including SEI Corporation, State Street Bank, The Boston Company and Mellon Bank.
Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Holy Cross College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Boston College. He completed Boston University’s program for Financial Planning and earned his Certified Financial Planner designation™ in 1995.
An avid runner, Bob enjoys running in a variety of geographic environments. In his spare time Bob listens to music and plays acoustic guitar. Bob currently resides in Boston, Mass. with his wife Maureen.
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Jeanne Gibson Sullivan, CFP®
“I joined Back Bay Financial Group very simply because of the staff as well as the clients in our firm. We have a diverse client base and offer objective advice and customized solutions for each client's circumstances. It is a privilege and a joy to be a part of the lives of our clients.” —Jeanne Gibson Sullivan
Jeanne Gibson Sullivan is a wealth manager who appreciates the holistic approach of evaluating individual financial issues in a larger context. She has developed specialties in college planning, investments and portfolio design and currently serves as chair of Back Bay Financial Group’s Investment Committee. Jeanne also writes Back Bay Financial Group’s quarterly market and economic commentary.
Joining Back Bay Financial Group, Inc. (BBFG) in 2000, her expertise in investments reflects more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has worked with multiple clients on sophisticated stock option analysis and families with special needs.
Jeanne serves as the Director of Consumer Awareness for the Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts. She is also a frequent speaker at the Boston Public Library on financial planning topics and often presents basic financial planning seminars that she has designed for recent college graduates and adult education groups. She frequently participates in the Boston Globe’s “Money Makeover” series and has been interviewed by Fox25 News and WHDH Channel 7.
Her prior corporate experience primarily consists of consulting for mutual fund company executives on a broad range of issues. Jeanne was a consultant with Financial Research Corporation and Funds Distributor, Inc. and has worked for The Boston Company, Fidelity Investments, BayBank Investment Management and American Express.
Along with her Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 1996, Jeanne earned a Master of Arts degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Mount Holyoke College. She completed the financial planning program at Boston University.
Originally from the Midwest, Jeanne currently resides in Reading, Mass. with her husband Bill and their two sons. Her interests include guitar, swimming and keeping up with her children. Jeanne’s love for travel has taken her to 47 states, several Caribbean islands and overseas.
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Mary M. Evans, MSFP, CFP®
“I am fortunate to work with such a bright, talented group – fully committed to delivering first-rate client service and applying the most current innovations in financial planning to all client matters.”
—Mary M. Evans
Mary joined Back Bay Financial Group in February of 2007 as a financial planning associate and has since been promoted to a financial advisor. In her role she works closely with the Wealth Managers in designing and maintaining client portfolios by building successful, long-term financial projections and retaining appropriate allocation of investment models. Mary is also a member of the Financial Planning Committee at BBFG, working to implement best practice standards and methodologies for all our clients.
Before BBFG, Mary was a career services director for both Bentley College’s McCallum Graduate School of Business and Babson College’s MBA Center for Career Development at the F. W. Olin Graduate School of Business, where she worked closely with graduate students on career planning and placement services. She spent eleven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in a variety of roles as a member of the audit staff, in human resources and also led the campus recruiting program for the Boston office.
She holds her Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll School of Management at Boston College, with a concentration in accounting. In December of 2006 she completed her Master of Science degree in Financial Planning from the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley College, now Bentley University. In 2010, Mary earned her Certified Financial Planner™ designation.
Mary is a life-long resident of the Boston area. She is an avid Boston sports fan and enjoys reading and traveling to Ireland.
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Emily R. O'Hara, MSFP, CFP®
“As a member of BBFG, I am afforded the opportunity to work with accomplished professionals in a unique, collaborative environment. I am proud to be a part of a firm that provides qualified, fee-only financial advice to its clients.”
—Emily R. O'Hara
Emily O’Hara joined Back Bay Financial Group in April, 2005. As a financial advisor, Emily works on a wealth management team supporting client relationships. Among others, her responsibilities include working closely with clients to respond to specific requests, preparing and presenting recommendations in client meetings, and performing additional financial planning analysis. Emily is also a member of the BBFG Financial Planning Committee and Trading Processes Team.
The field of financial planning has always interested Emily. Prior to joining BBFG, she held various positions in the financial industry. Most recently, Emily was a Paraplanner at a financial services firm in Quincy, Mass. She also served as an administrative assistant to a Certified Financial Planner™ and a financial planning intern for a fee-only advisory firm.
Emily received her Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Stonehill College, with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Economics and graduated from the Bentley College Master of Science in Financial Planning program in 2008.
Originally from Los Angeles, Calif., Emily now resides in South Boston with her bulldog, Bullger. She is the third generation in her family to pursue a career in financial planning and investment management. Her interests include, traveling, snowboarding and the Red Sox.
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Kevin P. Sweeney, J.D.
“My background as a lawyer affords me a unique perspective on wealth management issues, especially as they relate to those areas most directly affected by statutes and other legal matters.”
— Kevin P. Sweeney
Kevin P. Sweeney joined Back Bay Financial Group, Inc. (BBFG) in December 2007 as a financial planning associate. In his role he works with wealth managers to develop customized solutions for clients’ personal, retirement, and charitable goals. As chair of the Compliance Committee, Kevin handles the firm’s ongoing SEC compliance obligations. He also takes part in BBFG’s business development initiatives.
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude, Kevin earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Cornell Law School, graduating cum laude. In 2007, he completed the financial planning program at Boston University and passed the Certified Financial Planner™ examination in July that same year.
Prior to joining BBFG, Kevin spent twenty-one years practicing law in Boston. He most recently worked for nine years as a lawyer at Menard, Murphy & Walsh, LLP, where he handled complex employment-related and construction cases. During this time, he was granted an AV® rating by Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing him for maintaining the highest levels of competence and ethics. Throughout his career, Kevin handled a diverse range of commercial litigation cases.
Kevin and his wife, Deirdre, reside in Brookline, Mass. In his spare time he enjoys golf, traveling and volunteer work. Kevin is a volunteer for the Financial Planning Association’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute Financial Planning for Patients Program and is an annual participant in the Walk for Hunger. He also takes part in the Multiple Sclerosis Society Cape Cod Getaway fundraiser bike ride and the Dana Farber-Jimmy Fund Marathon fund raiser walk. As an alumnus, Kevin is an avid Notre Dame football fan.
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Edward J. Childs, CFP®
“I'm thrilled to be working in an environment where ethics and the client's best interest are always paramount. Back Bay Financial Group is an ideal opportunity for me to put my technical background to use in helping the firm serve its clients.”
—Edward J. Childs
Joining Back Bay Financial Group, Inc. in April 2005, Edward “Ed” Childs carries out a variety of analysis, research and technical assignments. His areas of focus include portfolio management, software system integration and process improvement. He oversees the investment reporting, securities processing and trading functions within the firm’s operations groups.
Prior to joining BBFG, Ed held senior engineering positions at Digital Equipment Corp., the Research Institute of the Open Software Foundation and EMC. Changing careers in 2004, he developed computer-based systems for a small financial planning practice, and also performed business management and financial reporting functions within the visual arts.
Ed received his Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2008 and is a corporate member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). He regularly attends industry conferences addressing investment operations, financial reporting software and trading automation.
He completed the Financial Planning program at Boston University in 2005, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Ed currently resides with his partner Charles in Jamaica Plain, Mass. His interests include travel, cooking and art collecting.
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Erik W. Gudim, AWMA®
“Back Bay Financial Group has created an environment which supports learning and teamwork—qualities that enhance client relationships at all levels of the firm.”
—Erik W. Gudim
Erik joined BBFG in 2007 as a Research/Operations analyst supporting the investment, compliance and operational functions of the firm. In this role, his responsibilities include assisting the Investment Committee with manager due diligence, asset allocation and economic research, as well as supporting the firm’s trading functions and on-going SEC compliance obligations.
Prior to joining BBFG in 2007, Erik worked as an independent real estate consultant and held positions at various brokerage firms in the area of trade operations and compliance. He has worked for various organizations in the financial services industry, including LPL Financial Services of Boston, Mass. and San Diego, Calif., and a stock brokerage firm in California.
Erik received his Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM designation in 2008 from the College of Financial Planning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in International Marketing and Finance, from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Penn. Erik has also studied abroad at the Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He is currently a candidate in the Chartered Financial Analyst program.
Erik enjoys traveling, reading, music and sports and is a proud season ticket holder for the New York Giants. He also has an interest in real estate development, architecture and design. He grew up in Connecticut, spent several years living in California and currently resides in the South End of Boston.
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Amanda “Mandy” A. Magee, RP
“As a small company, BBFG is a good environment to work in because one-on-one communication is standard for employees and advisor/client relationships.”
—Amanda A. Magee
Amanda “Mandy” Magee joined Back Bay Financial Group, Inc (BBFG) in January, 2005, as office administrator and currently serves as BBFG’s customer service associate and supports our human resource efforts. Her varied responsibilities include client support, tracking new applications, handling money transfers, account monitoring and retained client billing. Mandy also works on the operations side of BBFG, putting through the trades that the wealth managers place; she has streamlined the process and improved its functionality.
In 2009, Mandy received her Registered Paraplanner™ designation from the College for Financial Planning, giving her a broad knowledge of the financial planning process, including estate planning, investments and retirement planning. She served, for two years, as a member of the BBFG Donor Advised Fund Committee.
Prior to joining BBFG, Mandy was responsible for performance reporting within Scudder mutual fund group at State Street Bank. She also served as an office assistant at the Worcester Art Museum. Mandy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Keene State College in Keene, N.H.
Mandy grew up in the Manadnock Region of N.H. and she currently resides in Stoneham, Mass. She and her husband, Joshh, are ardent Red Sox fans. Her interests include reading, knitting and art. Having spent four months studying history in York, England, Mandy still enjoys visiting Europe from time to time.
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Rebecca “Becky” C. Martz
“Our clients receive a high level of customer service and benefit from the caliber of knowledge and integrity of the professionals at Back Bay Financial Group.”
—Rebecca C. Martz
Rebecca “Becky” Martz has quickly risen through the ranks since joining Back Bay Financial Group, Inc. (BBFG). Originally hired in 2001 as an office administrator, Becky was promoted to client services specialist in 2004. Since early 2007, Becky supports BBFG’s technology initiatives.
In 2010, Becky was instrumental and implementing BBFG’s Data Security program, which ensures the safety and security of BBFG client information.
Becky provides desktop support, manages and maintains BBFG’s software needs, oversees internal technical projects and works closely with our outsourced technology partners. She is currently enrolled in UMASS Boston, working toward her Master of Business Administration and is expecting to earn her degree in 2013.
Becky attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature. She has worked in various industries, including Formula One auto racing, Web site development and the retail book industry.
Becky enjoys reading European history books and historical novels. She grew up in New York City, moved to Paris in 1997 and settled in Massachusetts in 1999. She currently resides in Beverly, Mass.
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Margaret "Molly" Plain
“I have a great respect for the firm’s dedication to continuing education and staying current with new trends and outlooks, so we may better serve clients.”
—Margaret Plain
Margaret “Molly” Plain joined Back Bay Financial Group in June, 2010 as Office Administrator. In her role, Molly is generally the first face to greet you at client meetings. Her responsibilities include support for marketing, business development, website content and event planning. She is also responsible for client database management and works closely with our staff and clients on various projects.
Molly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Providence College. She was a finance intern at Oppenheimer & Co., Inc, a larger investment bank in Providence, as well as an accounting intern at Urmston, Forshee, Plain & Amelio, CPAs PLLC in New York. Molly also worked for Providence College Athletics in the Sports Information office for three years.
An Orange County, New York native, Molly currently lives in South Boston. She has always had an interest in financial planning as both her father and brother are in the financial services industry. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading and sports.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) is a nonprofit professional regulatory organization founded in 1985 who's mission is to help people benefit from competent, professional and ethical financial planning.
As the sole owner of the certification trademarks CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, and  , the CFP Board awards the CFP® certification to financial planners who have met rigorous standards in education, examination, experience and ethics.
Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA Institute) is an international, nonprofit organization of more than 70,000 investment practitioners and educators in over 100 countries.
CFA Institute is the sole owner of the trademarks CFA®, , and CHARTERED FINANCIAL ANALYST. The CFA Institute awards the CFA® certification to investment professionals who have met the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence.
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