Meet the Team
Our unwavering commitment to your best interests drives our team of dedicated professionals to deliver exceptional performance and service every time.
Thomas M. Valentine Jr.
President/Financial Planner
Tom is the Founder and President of Forward Financial Services and has more than 15 years in the financial services industry. His area of expertise is working with individuals, families, and business owners through educating them on how to manage their cash flow and maximize their financial potential; all while making the appropriate plans to help protect their families and preserve accumulated wealth. Tom takes pride in his unique educational approach when it comes to working with his clients on financial planning.
Prior to building his own business, Tom received a bachelor’s degree in financial management from Franklin Pierce University in 2001. Throughout Tom’s career, he has been recognized for industry excellence several times with his current as well as prior firms. He was named to the Commonwealth Financial Group Advisory Board in 2022, MassMutual ‘Leaders’ Qualifier 2021-2022, Ohio National’s ‘Wall of Fame’ 2013-2019, Ohio National Council of Honor 2015-2019, Winner of the George B. Pearson Leadership Award 2016, President Inner Circle Award 2017, Featured in WBJ Business Profiles Edition 2015 & 2016, Featured in Advisor Magazine in May of 2018, and qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table in 2023.
Tom has served on a variety of Boards: The closest one to his heart was Why Me & Sherry’s House 2009-2012, Worcester Rotary Club 2016-2017, Committee Chair and Co-Founder of “The Net” Texas Hold’em tournament to benefit Why Me 2009-2020, and Holden Little League 2019-2022.
In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and coaching youth baseball and football. He and his wife, Jillian, reside in Holden and have two children, Isabella and Brayden, as well as a rescue dog, Ryder.
Schedule a meeting with Tom
Matthew Ward
Vice President/Financial Planner
Matt is the Vice President of Forward Financial Services, Inc., bringing over five years of experience in the financial services industry. He excels in coordinating and integrating all aspects of his clients' finances, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet their needs. With a focus on progressive investment and risk management strategies, Matt demonstrates his passion for comprehensive financial planning.
Prior to building his financial planning practice, Matt earned a bachelor's degree in finance and business from Saint Anselm College. His academic excellence and ability to overcome challenges earned him the prestigious Michael DeLucia Achievement Award. Recognized for his industry excellence, Matt received Rising Leaders recognition from MassMutual within his first six months and after his first year.
Matt's personal journey and firsthand experience with the impact of a family health crisis have shaped his understanding of the emotional aspects involved in financial planning. After his father suffered a massive stroke during his childhood, he understands firsthand the importance of being properly educated about financial planning strategies and the role education plays in securing future financial independence.
Matt resides in Worcester, MA, and grew up close by in Shrewsbury, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family and coaching hockey. He believes in the importance of educating clients about financial planning strategies and their role in securing future financial independence.
Schedule a meeting with Matt
Jennifer Bockus
Director of Operations
Jen serves as our Director of Operations and plays a crucial role as the primary point of contact for our valued clients, both over the phone and in-person at our office. Her passion for client interaction shines through as she goes the extra mile to ensure every individual feels warmly welcomed. Jen expertly handles all administrative tasks related to account opening, file management, meetings, and offers dedicated back-office support. Joining the Forward Family in 2022, she has swiftly become an integral part of our team.
Prior to her professional journey, Jen devoted sixteen years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom. Her decision to pursue a career in the corporate world speaks volumes about her commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. Jen holds a bachelor's degree from Clark University, complemented by master's degrees in administration and supervision, as well as mental health therapy from Gallaudet University in D.C.
In her free time, Jen enjoys spending time with her family, especially cheering from the sidelines of various sporting events. She lives in Holden with her three children, Aiden, Jace, and Ava, as well as their dog, Blitz.
Planning Specialists
Through our partnership with Commonwealth Financial Group, Forward Financial Services has access to the following specialists and resources.
Michael Moran
Head of CFG Brokerage
Email: mikemoran@financialguide.com
Commencing his journey in the financial sector in 2002 as a financial advisor with a focus on comprehensive financial planning, Mike's career trajectory evolved significantly. In 2006, he redirected his focus toward comprehensive planning for business owners, pioneering the success of a business advisory group. The culmination of his expertise materialized in 2009 when Mike merged his group into Commonwealth Financial Group (CFG), marking the establishment of CFG Brokerage Network.
Daniel Murphy
Head of Wealth Strategy
Email: danielmurphy@financialguide.com
With over 10 years of experience, Dan has created more than 10,000 financial plans and dedicated over 10,000 hours to research and learning, making him a subject matter expert in the field. His journey in financial planning began after graduating from Bentley University in 2012, driven by a passion for helping others. Actively engaged in the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Dan holds prestigious designations such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®). His credentials also include Series 7, 66, 24, and various state LAH licenses.
Andrew Gordon
Advanced Planning Strategist
Email: andrewgordon@financialguide.com
Before joining Commonwealth Financial Group, Andrew spent 10 years at First American Insurance Underwriters, a full-service Brokerage General Agency in the Boston Area. As a Senior Case Design Specialist, he worked with top national insurance producers from a multi-carrier design standpoint.
Todd Seresky
Investment Planning Strategist
Email: tseresky@financialguide.com
Prior to his current role, Todd worked at Bank of New York Mellon as an Associate Wealth Manager, overseeing more than $1 billion in assets under management. He also worked at Fidelity Investments as an Internal Wholesaler, selling Fidelity’s mutual funds, 529 plans, and retirement products to financial advisors, generating over $300 million in mutual fund sales. Todd received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Lehigh University in 2012 and his MBA from Babson College in 2022. He holds Series 7, Series 63, and Massachusetts Life and Health licenses.
Patricia Clarke
Planning Experience Team Lead
Email: pclarke@financialguide.com
Pat supported financial advisors in their practices for over 20 years as a Client Relations Manager, providing servicing and new account support for advisors and their clients. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business and office administration and a master’s in education counseling.
Chelsea Brochu
Estate Planning Strategist
Email: cbrochu@financialguide.com
She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and the Western New England University School of Law.