Marc S. Freedman, CFP®, President
Marc S. Freedman CFP® is the President of Freedman Financial, Inc. A second generation financial planner, Marc has almost two decades of experience in the financial industry and has received national recognition and accolades.
In November 2008, his firm was selected by Barron's Winner's Circle as one of Boston's Top 50 Financial Advisors. He's served on the Board of Directors for the 29,000 member Financial Planning Association (FPA), and in 2008 was appointed Chairperson for the Association's national conference, FPA BOSTON. This honor followed his successful leadership as the 2006 Chair for the FPA's National Conference in Nashville, TN. He is also a charter member of the Foundation for Financial Planning, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals take control of their financial lives.
Marc's expertise has made him a sought after speaker. He's lectured both internationally and domestically on trends in the financial planning profession and practice management issues. Recently, he has addressed international audiences in Singapore, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
Freedman has been quoted in national media outlets, including L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, Money Magazine, Business Week, USA Today, The Journal for Financial Planning, Financial Planning Magazine, Investment Advisor Magazine, Registered Representative, Boston Globe and the Boston Herald.
In 2009 he appeared on the CBS Early Show to perform a financial makeover for an audience member. In 2008 he authored the book Oversold and Underserved – A Financial Planner’s Guide to Serving the Mass Affluent. (All author royalties from this book are donated to the Foundation For Financial Planning.) The book has been recognized by the industry as a blueprint for building a better relationship between financial planners and their clients.
Marc is passionate about educating the public - as well as those who present themselves as financial advisors - about the enormous differences between investment advice and integrated financial planning. He believes that communication is the cornerstone of a good relationship, and that planning is the most important step toward a solid financial future.
A graduate of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School and Babson College, Marc is married to Laura and has five children. He's an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox AND the Wonderful World of Disney. It is his life-long dream to dress as a Disney Character in the Magic Kingdom for just one day – after that, he’d happily retire as a tour guide or guest relations cast member. marc@freedmanfinancial.com
Marion B. Gilman CFP®, Executive Vice President
Marion joined Freedman Financial in June 2000 and was recently promoted to Executive Vice President. Her responsibilities include meeting regularly with clients, building client investment portfolios and writing financial plans. A vital member of our team, Marion has forged strong relationships with several generations of our clients.
Marion is currently Treasurer of the Peabody Chamber of Commerce. She has also served as a Trustee of the Flint Public Library in Middleton, MA for 6 years, holding the position of Treasurer for 2 years. She has been an active volunteer in the Middleton Public Schools and has participated in the Guest Reader program in the Peabody Schools.
Marion has been a presenter for the Women In Science and Engineering (W.I.S.E.) program for middle school girls held at Salem State College. Most recently she has presented for the nonprofit organization Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education. She is currently a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Middleton Kiwanis.
Prior to joining Freedman Financial, Marion taught courses in Finance and Investments as an Assistant Professor at Bentley College and Johnson & Wales University. She has also conducted finance seminars through North Shore Community College.
Marion holds a Series 7, Series 24, Series 63, Series 65 security license along with the CFP® designation. Marion received a BA from Connecticut College, an MBA from Bentley College and an MA in Economics from the University of New Hampshire. She is married to Richard Gilman and has one son. They reside in Middleton, MA. marion@freedmanfinancial.com
Barry M. Freedman CFP®, Founder
Barry Freedman CFP ®t founded Freedman Financial in 1968 on the idea that clients deserved a long term commitment to financial planning, not just periodic investment ideas. Although he stepped into a less active role in 2007, Barry continues to serve the firm in an advisory capacity.
During his tenure at Freedman Financial, Barry held leadership positions on the predecessor organizations of the 29,000 member Financial Planning Association (FPA), The Institute for
Certified Financial Planners (ICFP) and the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP). He served as an arbitrator for the NASD and the NYSE, and is a founder and current Chairman of the National Foundation for Financial Planning.
Over his four decade career, Barry has been quoted extensively in the national press, including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Planning Magazine, Changing Times, and Money. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, and has mentored and trained countless financial planners.
Barry received his BSBA from Babson College. He and his wife, Phyllis, are the parents of three sons. They currently divide their time between Florida and Massachusetts. Today, Barry's golf game continues to improve. While his tee shot distance equals his weight, he is still waiting to shoot his age.
Kim Gagnon, Para-Planner
Kim has been with Freedman Financial since 2002. Currently she supports the financial planners in our office by preparing and updating client accounts prior to review appointments, maintaining our WealthVision Software system, preparing analysis, solving problems and serving as an invaluable resource to the entire firm. kim@freedmanfinancial.com
Lisa Drown, Director of First Impressions/Office Manager
Lisa began her career with our firm in October 2007, yet she has integrated herself into her role with ease. She is the voice you hear on the phone and the friendly face at the front desk when you arrive. Lisa does it all from scheduling appointments, to coordinating events and managing Marc's travel schedule. If she doesn't have the answer for you when you call, she can certainly find the right person who does. lisa@freedmanfinancial.com
Sonia Del Valle, Client Service Specialist
Sonia is the newest member of our firm -having joined our firm in October of 2008. Previously, she worked at Stock Cross discount brokerage in Boston for six years. She is responsible for insuring that our client’s accounts are opened, funded and maintained properly. She is also accountable for processing checks, transfers, and payouts. sonia@freedmanfinancial.com
