Our Team
James T. Cassa, CPA, PPC
President, Wealth Management Advisor
201.265.1387
As a Wealth Management Advisor with LPL Financial, I am looking to establish long-term relationships with all my clients. Trust, respect and integrity are of paramount importance in my practice.
Jim Cassa is the founder and President of Cassa Wealth Management, P.C. a Wealth Management firm based in Paramus, NJ.
With more than 25 years in finance, Jim is a widely respected and trusted advisor providing comprehensive financial planning through LPL Financial for High Net Worth Individuals, Corporate Executives and Small Business Owners. Jim is a multi-year (2012-2020) winner of the *5 Star Wealth Manager Award, a prestigious award given to less than 1% of the Financial Advisors in the local market. The award recognizes advisors for customer service, integrity and value for fee charged among other criteria.
A 1983 graduate of Pace University, Jim earned a BBA in Public Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Jim is also currently registered with his FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 through LPL Financial. He began his career working for a national public accounting firm, and later achieved substantial success in the corporate world, holding various Controllership positions for two major Fortune 500 Companies, Mercedes Benz and Sony Electronics. In 2004, after 20 years of working as a CPA, Jim chose to utilize his Accounting & Tax knowledge to start his own Wealth Management Practice at Smith Barney.
In 2009, Jim moved his practice from Smith Barney to LPL Financial, an Independent Broker Dealer with whom Jim is affiliated. LPL is leading distributor of non-proprietary products. This enables Cassa Wealth Management to provide independent and objective advice that is built on an integrated platform of exclusive technology, brokerage and investment advisory services.
Jim, a long-time resident of Bergen County NJ, is very active in community activities. In 2006, he founded and served as president of the Leading Edge Chapter of BNI (Business Networking International), the world’s most successful business networking organization. In addition, he is an avid sports fan and enjoys exercising and fine dining. Jim resides in Hillsdale, NJ along with his wife Irene and their two children Troy and Ashley.
As President of Cassa Wealth Management, Jim maintains a culture of honesty, integrity, a high level of client service while also caring about his clients as individuals, not just their money. In his current role he is responsible for utilizing best practices in the industry, distinguishing our firm from others in the industry by leading with Comprehensive Financial Planning and developing a sophisticated Investment Strategy for each of our clients as they strive to reach their goals & objectives for their family. Finally, we provide value-added service to our clients by acting as liaison with your CPA and other Professionals so you don’t have to.
"Jim Cassa is a multi-year (2012-2020) winner of the 5 Star Wealth Manager Award, a prestigious award given to less than 1% of the Financial Advisors in the local market."
*Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Danyelle M. Fiorentino, CFP ®
Wealth Advisor
201-265-1387
Prior to joining Cassa Wealth Management, Danyelle spent two years working as a Financial Planner for EY (Ernst & Young) focusing on Retirement Planning, Asset Allocation, Income Tax Projections, as well as providing education on her client’s Employee Benefit plans. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brenau University in Georgia and later attained an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. She holds her Series 7, 63, and 65 through LPL Financial as well as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™.
Danyelle is a resident of Hoboken, NJ and enjoys NYC Culture, attending Performing Arts productions, as well as, Museum visits and Historical tours.
As Cassa Wealth Management's CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Danyelle is currently serving as our Wealth Planner, specializing in Comprehensive Financial Planning, developing Client Proposals and Managing Client Plans striving to ensure they stay on track to reach their Goals & Objectives. Danyelle also reviews Tax Loss Harvesting opportunities to help minimize the impact of Income Taxes on your portfolio. Additionally, she coordinates and implements Business Process Redesign (to help improve efficiency), enhancing your “Client Experience”.
Michele A. Terranova
Administrative Assistant
201-265-1387
Michele has 12 years experience in financial services, specializing in client services. She previously worked for Abner Herrman & Brock, as well as Hennion and Walsh. She has an Associates Degree in Business Administration from the County College of Morris.
Michele's main objective in her role is to provide excellent support to advisors and their clients. She believes in giving her full effort in everything she does – no matter how large or small the task is. She is inspired by strong, empowered people who aren’t afraid to pursue the things they aspire to.
After working at a few different firms, she's had the pleasure of interacting with many different types of clients. She enjoys the daily interaction and being able to assist clients with their various requests.
She is most passionate about her family and making sure her children grow up happy, healthy and well-adjusted.
Michele, our Client Service Associate, is responsible for coordinating incoming New Account Transfers, establishing New LPL Investment Accounts (primarily through Electronic Signature documents), linking Clients Bank Accounts to/from LPL Accounts for investment contributions or distributions, Grouping and Organizing Client Statements, along with the set up & maintenance of AccountView, our on-line portfolio management system. She also coordinates RMD Distributions, ensuring they are issued accurately and on-time along with sending Clients 1099’s, as needed.
Mike P. Kelly
201-265-1387
Mike is working as an outside consultant to Cassa Wealth Management, P.C., providing outside solutions focused on Fixed Life Insurance Products. His passion is working in a partnering capacity with Investment Advisors who focus on Comprehensive Financial Planning for their clients. Because of his experience in full scale financial planning, he has been able to offer our clients the potential benefits of reduced income taxes, increased inheritance, estate preservation and essentially building the “Perfect Legacy” through Life Insurance Solutions.
Mike served as the Regional Sales Director for Midland National Life, supporting financial professionals in the state of New Jersey with comprehensive life insurance solutions for the past 10 years. He has 33 years in the financial services industry and is a frequent speaker and presenter on the multiple uses of life insurance.
Mike got his start in the business in 1985, right out of college. He worked for Northwestern Mutual for 20 years and two other carriers before joining Midland National. He has experience as an Investment Advisor Rep (IAR)* and a Registered Principal. His depth of experience includes financial planning, investments and life insurance.
Mike graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1985 with a degree in Business Administration where he competed in men’s Baseball, winning the National Championship in 1982. He holds his FINRA SERIES 6, 63, 66, 7 and 8 licenses through LPL Financial and his license in Life and Health Insurance.
Richard G. Dragotta
Compliance Manager
201.265.1387
Mr. Dragotta started his career as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch and PaineWebber/UBS. In addition, his titles included Training Manager, Sales Manager and Assistant Branch manager for both firms. As a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® designated by the College of Financial Planning and Chartered Financial Consultant® he has completed extensive financial planning courses with emphasis on Risk Management, Personal Taxation and Estate Planning. He currently works as an LPL Registered Principal, providing administrative, operational and compliance supervision to registered representatives of LPL Financial.
Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.
For more information about the Five Star Wealth Manager Award selection process visit Click Here