Strength and Knowledge

At Foundation Financial Advisors, we know you want to live a life that feels satisfying and lets you be your best self. A sound foundation is a key to your financial journey. It gives you strength in the knowledge that you'll have the resources you need to pursue your goals. Our team will help you turn money into a source of strength, not stress.

 

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Michael Bacci

Client Relationship Manager

John Holtzman, CFP®, AIF®

Founding Member

Devin M. Williams

Client Relationship Manager

Mollie N. Crocker, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Trew Crocker

Client Relationship Manager

Jim Roland, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Andrew Gorode, CPA

Certified Public Accountant

Rachael Gerjets

Director of Client Services

Marianne K. Bacci

Vice President

 

 
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John K. Bacci, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, EA®

Founder, President

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John is president of Foundation Financial Advisors, Inc., which he founded in 1996. He has been in the financial services industry since 1983, has been quoted extensively in the local and national financial media, has been named to the Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers in 2015, Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in 2022 and 2023, and has been a Baltimore Magazine Five Star Wealth Manager every year that the designation has been awarded.

2022-2023 Forbes Best In State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in April 2023 based on data gathered from June 2021 to June 2022. 22,243 were considered, 7,321 advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information.

2015 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers, created by Ignites Research. Presented in March 2015 for the past 12 months. 1,500 advisors were considered, 400 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information.

2011-2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2023 award was presented in January 2023 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 2,126 advisors were considered, 256 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

John has achieved the following professional registrations and designations:

FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Chartered Financial Consultant®

Chartered Life Underwriter®

Life, health, and long-term care insurance licenses

Enrolled agent with the Internal Revenue Service

Accredited Investment Fiduciary®

John graduated with a BA in economics from Franklin and Marshall College in 1982 and commenced his financial career with Westinghouse Credit Corporation as a lender, where he met his wife, Marianne. In 1983, John began working in the financial services industry as an investment banking representative. He initiated initial public offerings of stock for small companies and used his experience as a lender to provide equity-based financing solutions for growing companies. It is there that John developed his passion for investing. John attended the University of Maryland College Park, where he received his master’s in business administration with a concentration in finance. John’s case study of the Disney Corporation as part of his final year’s studies was awarded the coveted “Best Analysis” award by the faculty of the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Three years later, faced with the closing of the Maryland office of his firm, John decided to strike out on his own as a financial advisor with IDS Financial Services. While at IDS, John obtained his CFP® certification (1990), as well as his Chartered Financial Consultant® certification (1995). As his tax practice expanded, John became an enrolled agent, earning the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agents, like attorneys and CPAs, are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent and what types of tax matters they can handle.

Having “paid his dues” for 10 years and feeling equally equipped in both investment management and tax analysis, John struck out on his own in 1996 and formed Foundation Financial Advisors, Inc., with his business associate John Holtzman. In 1997, Foundation Financial Advisors became an independent Registered Investment Adviser in the state of Maryland to support its rapidly growing investment management business.

John has pursued his passion for helping individuals reach their financial goals for 40 years and sees no end in sight, calling the prospect of his own retirement “foolishness.” “I’m having too much fun to retire,” he says.

John is frequently quoted in the local and national financial media, such as the Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Baltimore Sun, Investment News Daily, Dow Jones News, and more. As an adjunct faculty member of the Anne Arundel Community College, he conducts a variety of classes.

John lives in Severna Park, Maryland, with his wife, Marianne. He has two adult children, Michael and Michelle. John enjoys golf, tennis, cooking, and music. In what is left of his spare time, John is a very active advocate for several Baltimore area nonprofits, having served on the board of directors of the Baltimore Community Toolbank for six years and as 2016 board president.

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John Bacci is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Club advisor for 2022—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 12 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Each year, Commonwealth, the broker/dealer–RIA that helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, recognizes President’s Club advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. President’s Club advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.

 

 
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John Holtzman, CFP®, AIF®

Founding Member

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John Holtzman is the cofounder of Foundation Financial Advisors, Inc. With more than 30 years of experience, John has earned numerous credentials and designations, including:

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional (1997)

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (2011)

John had a different idea in mind when he cofounded his wealth management practice 30 years ago. After graduating from Loyola University Maryland in 1993 and establishing his career as a financial professional with American Express Financial Advisors, John quickly became dismayed with the conflicts of interest associated with the typical “sales-oriented” Wall Street business model. Determined to create a better way, he started Foundation Financial Advisors, where the individual needs of his clients have always been the primary focus.

Today, Foundation Financial Advisors, with over $700 million in assets under management (as of December 2023),  delivers independent and objective wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions based on the principle that every recommendation made is dependent solely on the client's individual needs.

John is committed to providing a holistic, client-focused financial planning process, and has obtained the specialized designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. John has been invited to speak to many companies and organizations, including the National Security Agency, with a focus on helping employees integrate their complex benefits packages with their personal financial goals.

John is very active in the community and currently serves on the board of directors of St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore, a leading provider of community services to people suffering from the effects of hunger, homelessness, and poverty in the Baltimore region.

John resides in the historic neighborhood of Guilford in Baltimore and enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, and daughters, Kaleigh and Chloe.

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John Holtzman is proud to have been recognized as a Summit Club advisor for 2021—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 20 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Each year, Commonwealth, the Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer that helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, recognizes Summit Club advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. Summit Club advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.

 

 
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Mollie N. Crocker, CFP®, CDFA®, AIF®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

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2015-2019, 2021-2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2023 award was presented in January 2023 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 2,126 advisors were considered, 256 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

Molly has achieved the following professional registrations and designations:

FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations (1986)

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional (2015)

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (2012)

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (2013)

Life, health, and long-term care insurance licenses (1991)

Mollie Crocker joined Foundation Financial Advisors, Inc., in December 2011. She brings with her more than 26 years of knowledge and experience in the financial service industry. Although she has seen many changes in the markets and the industry, her love of investments and helping people achieve their financial goals has never wavered. Mollie feels she helps her clients the most when they are going through transitions, whether it is a job change, sending children to college, navigating divorce, losing a spouse, or embarking on retirement.

Mollie has a particular passion for helping people who lose a spouse unexpectedly. When Mollie was 10, her father died. She saw firsthand how her widowed mother struggled to find money and security to raise four kids, and she gets deep satisfaction when she is able to help clients navigate these changes.

She has also helped many clients avoid making common financial mistakes that can occur with divorce. While Mollie recognizes the process can be unsettling, she likes knowing that clients come through the other side of the divorce able to move forward with a plan that suits them and their new goals.

Once her girls were older, Mollie started playing tennis again and was hooked. She tries to get on the court every day she can, and still plays competitive tennis in the local USTA league. Recently, she and her husband picked up pickle ball. They are hooked. Mollie also enjoys spending time in her gardens, where she attempts to create a classic English perennial garden and a vegetable garden. Both she and her husband, Cary, enjoy cooking, using produce from their garden, and traveling. They try to plan one major trip a year. Often after a trip, they come home and try to recreate some of the delicious meals they had during their travels, like lamb tagine with orange-flavored couscous from their trip to Paris.

Mollie and Cary recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. They have two beautiful daughters, Trew and Caroline. Recently, Caroline obtained her graduate degree in library sciences from the University of Maryland and is a working librarian. Trew is working and living in DC thinking about her next career move. It has been a year of transitions in the Crocker household, and they cannot wait to see what is in store for the future.

 

 
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Jim Roland, CFP®

Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

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Professional Registrations:

FINRA Series 7, General Securities Representative

FINRA Series 66, Uniform Combined State Law

Variable Life and Annuity Insurance Resident Producer (Maryland Insurance Administration)

Life and Health Insurance Resident Producer (Maryland Insurance Administration)

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

FedSmart Government Employee Benefits Financial Adviser Training Program

Jim joined Foundation Financial Advisors in 2017 as a registered senior client service associate and works with clients of John Bacci. He has been in the financial services industry since 2006 in various roles associated with financial planning, portfolio monitoring, and client service. In 2018, Jim earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification to accompany his FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and his health licenses. He is dedicated to serving the client's best interests and presenting the most suitable options for each client's situation. As of August 1, 2023, Jim is now an advisor at Foundation Financial Advisors and is excited to continue to grow established relationships as well as discover new ones.

Jim graduated with a BA in 2006 from the University of Maryland, College Park. He immediately started in the financial services industry, and his passion for helping people navigate the journey toward financial freedom and the love of different markets has grown ever since.

Jim is married with three children and lives in Columbia, Maryland. When he isn’t busy running his boys to lacrosse practices and games, he enjoys downtime fishing, playing golf, and spending time at local parks with his family.

 

 
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Rachael Gerjets

Director of Client Services

Professional Registrations:

FINRA Series 7, General Securities Representative

FINRA Series 66, Uniform Combined State Law

Variable Life and Annuity Insurance Resident Producer (Maryland Insurance Administration)

Life and Health Insurance Resident Producer (Maryland Insurance Administration)

Rachael joined Foundation Financial Advisors in May 2014 as a client relationship manager working with clients of John Holtzman. Rachael aims to ensure our clients receive the highest level of service and support. Prior to joining Foundation Financial Advisors, Rachael worked as a planner’s assistant at Lincoln Financial Group, where she realized her passion and aptitude for helping people reach their financial goals.

Rachael graduated from the University of Maryland Global Campus with a BS in business administration and a minor in personal financial planning. She is currently pursuing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification.

Rachael lives in the Piney Orchard neighborhood of Odenton with her husband, Dave, and their two sons, Parker and Max. When not at work or running the boys to various sporting events, Rachael enjoys kickboxing, biking, and attending local concerts.

 

 
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Michael Bacci

Client Relationship Manager

Michael joined Foundation Financial Advisors in 2020 as a client relationship manager working with clients of John Bacci. Prior to joining us, Michael worked in the Treasury Department of Allegis Group, supporting cash management for all North American operating companies with a special focus on MarketSource, a sales-based staffing firm. Michael also interned with Greenspring Associates, a venture capital firm in Owings Mills, Maryland, where he performed due diligence and tracked investment performance.

Michael earned a BBA in finance, graduating cum laude from Loyola University Maryland. At Loyola, Michael was an active supporter of all sports teams (Go Greyhounds!) as well as a member of the Financial Management Association Honor Society, Investment Banking Club, Investment Club, Entrepreneurship Club, and Building a Better World Through Business pitch competition.

Michael resides in Severna Park, Maryland. He is passionate about personal finance, capital markets, and helping people. In his free time, he enjoys being active, mountain biking, and spending time with close friends/family. You can typically find him searching out interesting locations to explore, mountain biking exciting trails, or having a drink with friends and family. He is a die-hard supporter of the Baltimore Ravens.

 

 
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Devin M. Williams

Client Relationship Manager

Professional Registrations:

FINRA Series 65, Uniform Investment Adviser Law

Life and Health Insurance Resident Producer (Maryland Insurance Administration)

Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™

Devin joined Foundation Financial Advisors in June of 2023 as a client relationship manager, providing dedicated support to clients of John Holtzman. Devin started working in the financial services industry in 2019, after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in economics.

He enjoys staying current with financial markets and learning about new trends and topics. Devin has a passion for forging connections with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals; this passion is what led him to pursue a career in financial services.

Devin resides on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where he enjoys playing tennis, boating, and spending time with friends and family.

 

 
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Trew Crocker

Client Relationship Manager

Trew joined Foundation Financial Advisors in October 2023 as a client relationship manager working with clients of Mollie Crocker. Prior to joining Foundation Financial Advisors, Trew worked as a business support manager for Genaesis, LLC, an investment firm where she assisted on mergers and acquisitions. She also was project coordinator at Abt Associates, where she helped support multiple aspects of oversight of department contracts.

Trew graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in mass communications and journalism and a minor in business administration.

Trew currently resides in Columbia, Maryland. She is passionate about providing the best solution possible, in the best way possible. When not at work or spending time with family and friends, she enjoys knitting, baking, and exploring the local sights.

 

 
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Andrew Gorode, CPA

Certified Public Accountant

Andy has been associated with Foundation Financial Advisors since its inception in 1997, providing tax preparation and accounting services to individuals and small companies. As this area of our business has grown throughout the years, and the need for a consultative function to tax preparation has become more and more evident, Andy agreed to join our company on a full-time basis, effective January 1, 2013, to head our tax team.

Andy graduated from the University of Rochester with a dual BA degree in psychology and political science. During his senior year, he caught the “accounting bug” after taking a couple of accounting and business classes and went on to earn an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in accounting and finance. After moving to Maryland, Andy worked for a couple of public accounting firms, where he acquired a solid foundation in tax preparation and planning. In 1981, he became a Certified Public Accountant.

Combining his passion for working with people and a strong desire to give back to the community, Andy left public accounting and embarked upon a career in the nonprofit sector. He has worked with both local and national organizations, including the Johns Hopkins University, Epilepsy Foundation, Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation, and most recently as the CFO of the Helping Up Mission in Baltimore.

Andy lives in the Charles Village neighborhood of Baltimore City, where he has hopes of one day restoring his 100-year-old row house. He is an avid, lifelong tennis player and enjoys playing and listening to music, cooking, and rehabbing (endlessly) his house. Andy has two children who have left the nest to pursue their own careers in New Jersey and New York.

 

 
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Marianne K. Bacci

Vice President

Marianne joined the company when it was formed in 1996. She manages the operations of the office, including accounting and marketing, as well as compliance, licensing, and corporate registration functions. Marianne also maintains the website and public relations initiatives of the company.

Marianne graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in finance. She then spent 15 years in lending, first with Westinghouse Credit, where she met her husband, John, and later doing large-ticket equipment leasing as a vice president with Union Trust/Signet Bank. At the time Foundation Financial Advisors was being formed, and Marianne decided to make a career change that would also allow more time to spend with her then two young children.

Marianne lives in Severna Park, Maryland, with her husband, John. Now adults, their children Michael and Michelle are off pursuing their own life plans! Marianne enjoys playing piano, biking, reading, and spending time with good friends and family.

Our Extended Team

Our affiliation with Commonwealth Financial Network® gives us access to teams of advanced planning consultants, investment research specialists, and retirement professionals to help us better serve your needs. Use the link below to learn more about our support team.