2024 Awardees
Anthony DiChiara
Financial Advisor
Centinel Financial Group, LLC
Since 2008, clients have trusted Anthony DiChiara for his honesty, personable nature, and expertise in preparing financial and retirement strategies. Currently serving as a Financial Advisor at Centinel Financial Group, Anthony remains passionate about his work and dedicated to building meaningful, long-term relationships with his clients, focusing on the accumulation and protection of their wealth.
Before joining the firm, Anthony held various roles in the financial services industry, including positions as an associate to financial advisors and as a compliance coordinator to the managing partner at a large wirehouse.
Anthony graduated from Bentley University in 2008 with a degree in Finance and a minor in Management. He believes that the first steps in developing a financial strategy involve establishing the client’s objectives and building a relationship based on mutual trust. Anthony employs a comprehensive approach to financial goal setting, tailoring strategies to meet each client’s unique needs and helping them reach their full financial potential.
Residing in Revere, Massachusetts, Anthony enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, and live music.
Carl Lipani
Wealth Management Advisor
Northwestern Mutual
Carl Lipani is a dedicated Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual – Boston, where he specializes in holistic financial planning with a focus on tax mitigation. His mission is to help clients achieve financial independence and confidence in their spending, emphasizing that the true purpose of money is to eliminate financial worries through meticulous planning and expertise.
Carl’s practice particularly targets high-end sales professionals who receive a significant portion of their compensation in company equity. His approach combines insurance and investment solutions to address his clients’ unique financial needs.
Carl’s journey with Northwestern Mutual began during his college years, guided by a mentor who introduced him to the field. Despite being uncertain about his career path at the time, Carl’s commitment to helping others, professional autonomy, and appreciation for a world-class culture led him to pursue a career in financial advising. Reflecting on his decision, Carl considers it one of the best of his life, appreciating the impact, growth, and purpose it has brought him.
Passionate about the opportunities Northwestern Mutual offers, Carl is poised to become the next Managing Director in his district network office in Woburn, MA. He mentors many professionals, fostering a team that shares his dedication to helping others and embraces his mantra: “Work hard, play often, and dream big.”
Dylan Grocer, CFP®
Managing Associate | Financial Advisor
The Bulfinch Group
Dylan Grocer joined The Bulfinch Group in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, his attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills quickly distinguished him. In his first year, he launched The Bulfinch Group’s Pre-Career Training Program, a premier wealth management summer internship. Since its inception, 47 interns have participated, with over 50% accepting full-time positions at the firm.
Dylan’s career has been marked by significant achievements. He became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner in 2024 and was promoted to Managing Associate in 2021. He has received notable awards from Guardian, including the Client Builder Diamond Award in 2020 and the Client Builder Year 1 Award in 2021.
He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2020 with a BA in Finance & Management. During college, he served as Finance Manager and Shavee for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation through Sigma Phi Epsilon and interned in Sales and Production at Alltype Digital Graphics, raising over $45,000 for the One Fund Boston to support victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Dylan’s career is deeply influenced by personal experiences. Observing his father’s challenges as a small business owner without an exit plan, his stepbrother Jake’s need for special needs financial planning, and his mother’s post-divorce financial difficulties, Dylan developed a strong understanding of the need for sound financial advice. These experiences inspired his mission to provide impactful financial strategies to clients.
In addition to his professional success, Dylan is actively involved in his community and industry. He is a member in good standing with NAIFA and continues to mentor 21 interns through the program he established, contributing significantly to the financial services community.
Justin Doyle
Financial Advisor
Eagle Strategies LLC, NYLIFE Securities LLC
Justin Doyle joined New York Life in May 2016 after graduating from Nichols College. Hailing from Springfield, he committed to commuting to Waltham 3-4 times a week for training. With a background in Sports Management, Justin was determined to excel in a challenging field and had a strong work ethic, honed by selling Cutco knives door-to-door during college, where he became a top sales rep and trainer.
Justin envisioned running his own practice and eventually a firm in Springfield. Recognizing the need for excellent training and support, he made the commute to New York Life’s office in Waltham. Initially facing challenges with a limited network, he proactively connected with former professors, past clients, joined networking groups, and sent over 50 LinkedIn messages daily until his account was flagged.
Justin has consistently succeeded as an advisor, ranking in the Top 10 among new agents in the Boston General Office, which includes nearly 250 agents. He has qualified for multiple prestigious awards, including the First Year Career Summit, New Organization Top 25 Luncheons (6 times), Executive Council (3 times), President’s Council (3 times), and MDRT consecutively. His business has grown by at least 30% year over year, and he holds all necessary licenses for comprehensive financial planning.
Now, Justin is opening his own office in Springfield to better serve the local community. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer involved in league logistics and an active member of the local Irish Club, which his grandfather once led. He also supports his alma mater by preparing seniors for the workforce and contributes to causes like Alzheimer’s research and other local charities.
Full List of Honorees Since 2018
| 2023 | Elisa Chan | G9 Financial |
| 2023 | Roger McDevitt, III | Centinel Financial Group |
| 2023 | Rachel Skerry James | Torque Financial Group |
| 2023 | Sam Philbrook | Commonwealth Financial Group |
| 2022 | Andrew Altenbach | The Bulfinch Group |
| 2022 | Phoebe Story, MS | Northwestern Mutual/Legacy Financial Group |
| 2022 | Drake Richey, AIF, CEPA | Commonwealth Financial Group/ Bush & Company |
| 2022 | Robert Basiri, RICP | Centinel Financial Group, LLC |
| 2021 | Cassie Rotman CFP, CDFA, MBA | Partner 10 |
| 2021 | John DiRuggiero | Cross Coastal Advisors |
| 2021 | Jonathan Pierre | The Bulfinch Group |
| 2021 | Ryan Wagner | Robert Fine & Associates |
| 2020 | Heidi Quigley | Northwestern Mutual |
| 2020 | James M. DesRocher | TrueView Financial |
| 2020 | Michael Heberlein, CFP, ChSNC | Commonwealth Financial Group |
| 2020 | Bill Spencer, CFP, AIF | Spencer Financial |
| 2019 | Corey Phillips, RICP | The Bulfinch Group |
| 2019 | Evan Olsen | Northwestern Mutual |
| 2019 | Ian Fredrick | MassMutual |
| 2019 | John Wagner | Robert Fine & Associates |
| 2018 | Meghan Blomberg,MBA | Commonwealth Financial Group |
| 2018 | Brandon Eigenberg CFP® | AXA Advisors |
| 2018 | Andrew Guyton | The Bulfinch Group |
| 2018 | Christopher Brennan | Northwestern Mutual Investment Services |