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 Brokerage
Email: mikemoran@financialguide.com
Mike began his career as a financial advisor in 2002 focusing on comprehensive financial planning. In 2006, Mike changed focus of his practice to comprehensive planning for business owners and created a business advisory group. In 2009, Mike merged his group into the Brokerage Network where he became the Managing Director.
Mike continues to work with advisors to help business owners get the most out of their business in ways that matter most to them. He specializes in business advisory services, executive and employee benefits, and wealth preservation strategies.
Daniel Murphy
Director of Case Design
Email: danielmurphy@financialguide.com
Dan holds the CFP® designation, as well as series 7, 66, 24 and various state LAH licenses.
He graduated from Bentley University with a degree in Finance, a Liberal Studies Major in Ethics and Social Responsibility and Minor in Management. Dan currently resides in South Boston with his wife Nicole and is passionate about sports, music, and traveling.
Andrew Gordon
Advanced Market Consultant
Email: andrewgordon@financialguide.com
Before working with FFS, Andrew spent 10 years at First American Insurance Underwriters, a full-service Brokerage General Agency in the Boston Area. As Senior Case Design Specialist, Andrew worked with top national insurance producers from a multi-carrier design standpoint.
Andrew graduated from the University of Delaware’s Lerner School of Business, where he concentrated on Economics and Marketing. Andrew still resides in the City of Boston, where he is originally from.
Todd Seresky
Director of Research and Analysis
Email: tseresky@financialguide.com
Before working with FFS, Todd was an Associate Wealth Manager at BNY Mellon, overseeing +$1 billion in assets under management. Todd also worked for 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 has his Series 7, Series 63, and his Massachusetts Life and Health licenses. Todd received bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University and his MBA from Babson College.
Patricia Clarke
Lead Client Account Administrator
Email: pclarke@financialguide.com
Prior to joining FFS as staff, 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.
Pat has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in business and office administration and a master's in Education Counseling.
Chelsea Brochu
Trust and Estate Planning Resource Coordinator
Email: cbrochu@financialguide.com
An attorney by education, Chelsea spent some time in private practice before joining US Trust as an analyst in their Wealth Strategy group. Chelsea then served as a Relationship Manager at the MassMutual Trust Company before joining Key Private Bank as a Senior Client Experience Manager, helping ultra-affluent families manage their wealth holistically.