Meet the Team

Our team of professionals provides a balanced variety of seasoned experience and fresh insights to help provide clients a thorough and comprehensive plan that covers all the bases.

James Bova, CFP®

Financial Advisor

203-438-2756

Jim is a Certified Financial Planner CFP® with over 35 years of dedicated experience in financial planning and wealth management. Throughout his career, he has guided clients through some of the most challenging financial landscapes, helping them protect, grow, and manage their wealth with confidence. Jim takes pride in building long-lasting relationships and providing personalized strategies that align with each client’s unique goals. His commitment to integrity, expertise, and client success has made him a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of financial planning.

Credentials:
- Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)
- series 7, 24, 65, 6
- Life, health, disability and variable insurance licenses

Christopher Bova

Financial Advisor

203-885-4977

203-438-2756

Christopher.Bova@osaicwealth.com

Christopher is a third-generation financial advisor committed to continuing his family’s legacy of exceptional service. Driven by a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals, he stays at the forefront of industry trends and strategies. With a fresh perspective and a strong foundation, Christopher brings innovative ideas to the firm while upholding its core values of integrity, trust, and personalized care.

Credentials:
- Financial Advisor
- SIE, Series 7, and 66 licenses
- Life, health, disability and variable insurance licenses

- WMS^SM Wealth Management Specialist designation, in progress

Tributes

Mary Ellen Burgess, Assistant (Retired)

For over 30 years, Mary Ellen was the cornerstone of Bova Financial’s operations. Her unparalleled technical expertise, meticulous organization, and sharp intelligence and humorous whit made her an invaluable partner in the practice’s growth and success.

Mary Ellen worked alongside Jim, seamlessly managing the behind-the-scenes operations that ensured every client received the highest level of service. Her tech-savviness allowed Bova Financial to stay ahead of industry trends, and her dedication to efficiency created a smooth experience for clients and colleagues alike.

Known for her dedication and problem-solving skills, Mary Ellen was more than an assistant—she was a trusted collaborator, a steady hand, and a vital part of Bova Financial’s legacy.

Though she’s now enjoying a well-deserved retirement as of 2024, her influence and contributions remain woven into the fabric of our company. We are grateful for her decades of commitment and the lasting impact she’s had on our team and clients.

Mike Helgesen, Longtime Partner and Mentor

Mike Helgesen played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of Bova Financial. As Jim Bova’s partner and mentor, Mike brought wisdom, leadership, and dedication to the practice during their many years working together.

Together, they worked at Mike's LLC known as Sound Financial Services, Mike’s expertise and mentorship left a lasting imprint, not only on the practice but also on Jim and the team.

Although now retired, Mike’s influence continues to resonate through the values and principles that guide Bova Financial today. We are proud to honor his contributions and celebrate the profound impact he has made on our legacy.

Honoring Our Legacy

Thomas Varanelli – The Foundation of Our Practice

The story of Bova Financial begins with Thomas Varanelli, whose vision and dedication laid the groundwork for our family’s journey in financial services. With a commitment to helping families plan for their future, Thomas instilled the values of integrity, trust, and personalized service that remain at the heart of our practice today.

As the first in the family to pursue a career in financial planning, Thomas set the stage for future generations to build upon his legacy. His influence extended far beyond his time in the industry, inspiring his son-in-law, Jim Bova, to continue the mission and establish a firm rooted in family and client-first principles.

Thomas’s passion for helping others achieve financial security continues to guide everything we do at Bova Financial, reminding us of the importance of serving our clients with care, expertise, and a commitment to their success.

Client Centered

Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and long-term goals.

Our team of professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you.

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