Managing Director, Senior Client Advisor
Joining the team in 2021, Nicole serves as a primary advisor for several of our client families with 20+ years of business management, wealth management, and family office experience. Her background allows her to bridge the gap between personal and business affairs by collaborating with technical advisors to drive optimal results.
Prior to joining Fortis, Nicole was the Managing Director and CFO for a single-family office that she originally built as an embedded practice with an operating company, before lifting it out as a separate operation. This role involved quarterbacking sophisticated wealth planning strategies for a cross-border, multigenerational family with a high level of complexity. She has also served as the Head of Asset Management for Jump Ventures, Corporate Director of Strategic Planning for GlowTouch Technologies, Managing Director for Vigilant Capital Management, Chief of Staff for Endurance International Group and Managing Director for Ballentine Partners. Nicole holds a B.S. from Florida State University and attended the College for Financial Planning.
Nicole lives in the Lakes Region of NH with her children, finding joy in live entertainment, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to new places.
Matthew Clark
Manager, Wealth Planner
Matt is an integral part of the Fortis team, providing ongoing support to client families and their Lead Client Advisors. As a liaison between his clients and their advisory team, Matt helps to identify opportunities, implement decisions and ensure that deliverables are accurate, thorough and on-time.
Prior to joining Fortis in 2024, Matt was the Chief Operating Officer for a single-family office where he shaped the strategic vision of the organization and managed professional relationships with all business partners. He has also served as Senior Director of Operations and Director of Human Resources and Operations at a global software company, and in operations management roles in retail business operations. Matt Holds a B.A. from Stonehill College.
Matt lives on Cape Cod and enjoys activities in and around the water, especially sailing and sailboat racing.
Kathleen Durkin, CFP®
Manager, Client Advisor
Kathy has been with Fortis since its doors opened in 2005. She is an integral part of the organization, supporting clients by preparing financial statements, preparing and reviewing tax filings, and assessing and executing estate plans. She enjoys working with individuals and families to help them put their financial lives in order.
Kathy came to Fortis from Veritas Advisors, Inc. where she served ultra-high net worth individuals in the same capacity. Prior to Veritas, Kathy worked for Rinet Company, a Multi Family Office located in Boston, and Hudson Financial Group, a Multi Family Office and Investment Advisor located in Garrison, NY. Her time at these firms gave her experience in investment management as well as financial, tax and estate planning. Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Villanova University and a Masters in Business Administration from University of Maryland. Kathy and her husband Bob have three children and can be found most weekends on the sidelines of a football or soccer field cheering them on.
Christopher M. Farrell
Manager, Client Advisor
Chris joined Fortis in 2022 and supports our client families with financial and cash management matters as well as tax and estate planning. His favorite part of the role is being surrounded by a team of exceptional talent and knowledge who are dedicated to serving as trusted advisors to the firm’s client families.
Prior to joining Fortis, Chris worked for the Boston office of PricewaterhouseCoopers in tax planning and compliance for high-net-worth individuals. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Public Accounting and French from Washington & Lee University and is a licensed CPA in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Chris recently relocated to Hawaii with his husband Jon and their German Shepherd, Chief. He enjoys spending his free time on the beach and in the gym, where he is currently training as a competitive powerlifter.
Lauren Gaspar
Office Manager
Lauren is the Office Manager at Fortis, where she oversees accounts receivable and accounts payable, coordinates with offsite IT partners, and supports firmwide event planning and operations. She plays a key role in keeping the day-to-day running smoothly behind the scenes. Lauren appreciates that no two days are the same and enjoys the variety and challenge her role brings—along with being part of a collaborative, supportive team.
Before joining Fortis, Lauren spent seven years at a private arts high school managing student billing and accounts payable, where she developed a strong foundation in financial operations and administrative management.
Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys hiking, kayaking, relaxing at the beach, cooking, and exploring history through museums and the arts—especially live theater. She’s also an avid fan of jigsaw puzzles; there’s almost always one in progress on her dining table. Lauren lives in Framingham with her partner.
Jay Goldfarb, CPA
Founder / Managing Director, CEO
Jay founded Fortis Management Group LLC in March 2005 along with three associates who remain with the organization today. Jay believes in the value of a small, nimble team and as such, is not afraid to get his hands dirty in the details and enjoys maintaining relationships with each of Fortis’ client families. He most enjoys creating value for others and is proud of the smart, focused and thoughtful team that surrounds him and who continue to shape and execute the Fortis vision.
Prior to founding Fortis, Jay spent time at two New England-based multi-family offices where he provided and managed tax, estate and financial consulting services for high net worth families, including members of the Forbes 500. Jay cut his financial consulting teeth at the Boston office of Ernst & Young, LLP where he focused on income tax for families as well as financial and entrepreneurial services.
Jay is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and holds a Master of Science in Taxation from Bentley College. He is a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Mazie Mentoring Program—now part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central MA/Metrowest where he is a member of the finance committee.
Jay spends any remaining spare time with his wife, Beth and their four children at their home in Framingham—where he is often referred to around town as “Coach Jay” thanks to the many hours he has spent coaching everything from soccer to robotics. If he’s not on a sideline with his whistle, he can usually be found working on a home project or indulging his unparalleled passion for researching, preparing, sharing and eating delicious food.
Genine Iffla
Director of Family Education & Governance
Genine is Director of Family Education & Governance at Fortis, where she focuses on multi-generational learning, governance design, and human-capital development. She works with families to strengthen communication, leadership, and stewardship across generations, while building frameworks that support healthy, enduring family enterprises. She is especially energized by the “aha” moments—when new perspectives emerge and individuals gain confidence in who they are and what they’re capable of.
Prior to joining Fortis, Genine spent more than a decade working with families, advisors, and family offices on rising generation education, leadership development, and governance. She previously served as Director and Principal Trainer at Independent Means and as Director of Family Learning at Pitcairn.
Genine holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business and a BS from Florida State University. She is also trained in 21/64 advising and the Gallup CliftonStrengths methodology.
Outside of work, Genine enjoys spending time with her toddler and German Shepherd, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and experimenting in the kitchen.
David Kusmin, CFP®
Director, Financial Reporting
Dave wears multiple hats at Fortis. He is responsible for the design, construction, and review of all client reports ensuring that information is accurate and tells a useful story. Dave also works directly with clients to manage their day-to-day needs. He appreciates that each day at Fortis is new and different as he helps solve the unique challenges his team and clients face.
Dave came to Fortis in 2012 straight from Bentley University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Master of Science degree in Financial Planning. He is a Certified Financial PlannerTM professional. Dave has been an active member of the Lions Club of Westwood, MA since 2013, where he has served in a variety of leadership roles.
In his spare time, Dave loves attending New England Patriots games, traveling with his wife, and exploring new and unique recipes.
Payal Majumder, CPA
Associate, Wealth Planner
Payal is an Associate Wealth Planner at Fortis, where she supports families in managing, preserving, and growing multigenerational wealth. Her work focuses on financial analysis, cash planning, research, and client service—bringing structure and insight to complex financial landscapes. She enjoys the challenge of solving intricate problems and helping families gain clarity and confidence as they navigate important financial decisions.
Prior to joining Fortis, Payal was an Accountant at Emerald Family Office at Wilmington Trust (M&T Bank). Earlier in her career, she worked as an Accounting Analyst at a UK-based multinational bank, building a strong foundation in global financial operations.
Payal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Calcutta, India. She is a Chartered Accountant (India) and a Certified Public Accountant (U.S.).
Outside of work, Payal is a new mother and cherishes spending time with her baby daughter and husband. Whenever she finds a quiet moment, she enjoys being outdoors and exploring new places.
Anna Martineau
Senior Associate, Client Administrator
As a Fortis Client Administrator, Anna oversees accounts payable and receivable as well as financial reporting for her clients, while acting as a liaison to their outside professional advisors. Often acting as a “problem solver” for her clients, Anna enjoys the regular communication and high level of trust that exists and the families with whom she works.
Before joining Fortis in 2005, Anna worked in the health insurance industry as well as for the local affiliate of a national non-profit focused on women’s health care and policy advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut. She volunteers with the City of Boston, delivering food to those who are home bound and also devotes time to helping increase voting access and participation.
Anna’s husband and two teenage kids keep her on her toes, but she will find any excuse to travel both inside the U.S. and internationally. She hopes to visit each state in the Union before she is done.
Monica Timperio
Senior Associate, Client Administrator
As a Fortis Client Administrator, Monica is responsible for managing daily financial affairs, bookkeeping, cash flow monitoring and administrative tasks. She takes pride in offering her clients a high-touch service ensuring accuracy and smooth operational flow. Monica enjoys day to day communication with her clients in order for them to maintain their lifestyle needs.
Monica has been with Fortis since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Cameron University.
In her free time, Monica enjoys spending time travelling with her husband, visiting their adult children and watching college football.
Kathleen Trachy, CFP®
Managing Director, Senior Client Advisor
As the primary point of contact for a number of Fortis client families, Kathleen draws on her vast industry experience to help provide creative solutions to complex situations.
Kathy was an original member of the Fortis team. Prior to that, her career included extensive experience in the accounting, commercial banking and wealth arenas. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration/Accounting degree from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame and an MBA / Finance from Babson College. She is a Certified Financial PlannerTM professional, completed the Certified Public Accountant Examination and is a member of the Boston Estate Planning Council.
Kathleen lives in Newton with her husband Mark. When she is not focusing on her clients, she enjoys time with their three adult children, playing golf and an occasional outing on the slopes.
Andrew Walmsley
Senior Associate, Financial Reporting
In his role at Fortis, Andrew is responsible for recording general ledger transactions for client entities, generating and analyzing client reports, and identifying efficiencies in the data management process. It gives him great satisfaction to know that his services are instrumental in helping clients make financially sound decisions, oftentimes in complex situations.
Before joining Fortis in 2019, Andrew spearheaded the international sales department of an educational publishing company in New York, where he began in financial analysis and accounting.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organization and Management Studies with a Minor in Business from Gettysburg College. He plays soccer and chess, enjoys running, New York Times crossword puzzles, and — like many of his Fortis colleagues—has developed a passion for cooking.
Kara Zabatta, CFP ®
Manager, Client Advisor
In her role as a Client Advisor at Fortis, Kara maintains regular contact with her clients, manages the bill pay process and cash needs, prepares regular financial reports, and acts as a liaison between her clients and their other professional advisors. In 2023, she became a Certified Financial PlannerTM and is fulfilled knowing that each day she provides valuable assistance and makes a difference in her clients’ lives.
Prior to joining Fortis as the Office Manager in 2012, Kara helped manage summer programs at the Boston Ballet and held management positions at one of the Boston area’s largest car dealerships.
Kara holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin Pierce University and a certificate in Personal and Family Financial Planning from the University of Florida. A native of Boston, Kara now resides in the Orlando, FL area where she enjoys being a Disney adult, dancing, knitting, baking, camping, and taking road trips.














