Our Team

Our Advisors

James E. Joseph, CFP®

President, Partner

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David R. Petersen, CFP®

Founding Partner

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Kim Basenback, CFP®, CeFT®

Director of Financial Planning, Partner

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Aaron Weston, CFP®

Financial Advisor

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Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA

Financial Advisor

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Lena Williamson-Diaz

Financial Advisor

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Client Services Team

Jamie Leggieri

Client Service Manager

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Ann Wickerham

Client Service Associate

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John Jones

Client Service Associate

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Malcolm Baylor

Client Service Associate

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Investment Management Team

Ronald J. Rough, CFA

Chief Investment Officer, Partner

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Mary Ann Drucker

Assistant Portfolio Manager

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Jordan D. Daugherty, CFA

Investment Analyst

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Christopher Jones

Trader

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Office Operations

KIM DONOHUE, PACE

Operations/Compliance Manager

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James E. Joseph, CFP^®

President, Partner

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James Joseph, CFP®, is the President and Partner of FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. Since joining FSA in 2004, Jim has been passionate about guiding clients with personalized financial and investment advice, simplifying complex financial topics, and providing tailored solutions—especially for those approaching or enjoying retirement.

Jim takes pride in the FSA Safety Net®, a unique strategy designed to help clients avoid major losses during market downturns. His belief that “you win by not losing” underscores FSA’s proactive approach to preserving wealth while still seeking growth. By focusing on risk management and using the FSA Safety Net®, Jim works to prevent small losses from becoming significant setbacks, keeping his clients’ goals intact. Jim emphasizes the importance of both active management and comprehensive financial planning.

Jim began his financial career in 1997, gaining experience at Charles Schwab and Morgan Stanley, where he crafted retirement strategies and managed portfolios. His extensive background, combined with his genuine dedication to helping clients reach their financial goals, has made him a trusted advisor. He particularly enjoys seeing clients succeed when they embrace his advice and transition smoothly into retirement, believing that starting early and leveraging the power of compounding can unlock future financial flexibility.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from West Virginia University, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, and over the years has shared his financial knowledge in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Reader’s Digest. When not at work, Jim enjoys spending time with his three daughters, playing ice hockey, and cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers. He’s also into aviation, working toward his private pilot’s license.

FSA’s current written Disclosure Brochure and Privacy Notice discussing our current advisory services and fees is also available at https://fsawealthpartners.com/disclosures/ or by calling 301-949-7300.

David R. Petersen, CFP^®

Founding Partner

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Dave Petersen, CFP®, is the Co-Founder of FSA Wealth Partners (previously Financial Services Advisory (FSA)), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of dedication to providing personalized financial and investment advice for individuals, families, and business owners. Dave is committed to helping clients navigate both advancing and declining markets, believing that preserving wealth is just as important as growing it. His approach focuses on providing peace and confidence through active, disciplined financial management.

Dave’s interest in finance began early, influenced by his parents—his father’s frustration with late advice from his CPA and his mother’s lessons on the importance of saving. These early experiences fueled his passion for creating strategies to help others preserve and grow their wealth. After studying at Brigham Young University, where he was one of the first graduates in financial and estate planning, Dave co-founded FSA in 1982 with the goal of offering a more proactive approach to financial advice.

With over four decades in the financial industry, Dave has gained recognition for his active management strategy, appearing in publications such as The Washington Post, Barron’s, and Business Week. His favorite part of the job is helping clients feel confident about their financial future, and he emphasizes the importance of adapting to ever-changing environments.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, Terri, their five children, and their 12 grandchildren. He finds joy in teaching his grandchildren life skills through hands-on projects, whether it’s fixing things around the house or maintaining the family boat. Dave also loves traveling with Terri and cherishes every opportunity to be with his growing family.

Kim Basenback, CFP^®, CeFT^®

Director of Financial Planning, Partner

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Kim Basenback, CFP®, CEFT® is Director of Financial Planning and Partner at FSA Wealth Partners. Kim is passionate about guiding clients through life’s transitions such as marriage, divorce, losing a loved one, career changes, and retirement. Managing client relationships and overseeing the Advice Team, she emphasizes both the technical and emotional aspects of financial decisions, recognizing that life changes often influence financial priorities.

Kim holds a degree in finance from Virginia Tech with a focus in financial planning and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Certified Financial Transitionist® (CeFT®) designations. Known for her commitment to client success and her openness to innovation, she finds FSA’s supportive, client-centered environment an ideal fit. She is active in pro bono work and is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Financial Transitionist Institute.

Outside the office, Kim is a dedicated traveler, with adventures across 23 countries (and counting). She’s also an adrenaline enthusiast—having gone skydiving, bungee jumping, and cage diving with great white sharks. She enjoys staying active with rock climbing, hiking, and riding her Peloton. She loves spending time with her husband, Jordan, and their dog, Cooper, whenever she’s not seeking her next outdoor adventure.

Aaron Weston, CFP^®

Financial Advisor

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Aaron Weston, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. Aaron joined the FSA team in February 2021, and has been providing clients with tailored financial planning and investment guidance ever since, working closely to develop personalized strategies for retirement planning, estate planning, and beyond. He is passionate about always keeping his clients’ financial goals the top priority while helping them enjoy financial peace. Aaron believes in the power of starting early when it comes to investing: “Time is a powerful tool for building wealth.” He brings this philosophy into every client conversation, encouraging long-term planning and smart decision-making.

Aaron began his career in 2012, working with Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and Merrill Lynch, roles that shaped his client-first approach. He obtained a political science degree from Colorado State University, completed financial planning coursework at Georgetown University, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. Drawn to FSA for its culture of respect and collaboration, he values the supportive environment that makes FSA feel like home.

Outside of work, Aaron stays active and loves spending time outdoors. A former Division I golfer at Colorado State, he still enjoys hitting the links on the weekends. In fact, Aaron met his wife on the golf course, and the two love to travel, golf, and spend time with family and friends. He’s also an avid runner, hiker, and enjoys exploring new places.

Mike Zarrelli, CFP^®, EA

Financial Advisor

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Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, is a Financial Advisor at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA). Since joining FSA in November 2018, Mike has provided clients with personalized financial and retirement planning, using his passion for simplifying complex financial topics to empower informed decision-making. Working closely with senior advisors, Mike helps clients optimize their finances, avoid nasty money mistakes, and ultimately enjoy their wealth today and tomorrow.

Mike studied personal finance and accounting at Salisbury University. During his time in school, he was actively involved in the Financial Management Association and served as treasurer of his fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Enrolled Agent (EA) designations and is a member of the Financial Planning Association.

Before FSA, Mike gained client-first experience at PNC Financial Services as a bank teller, where he learned the importance of prioritizing client needs, and as a server, which strengthened his commitment to exceptional customer service.

Outside of work, Mike is an outgoing family man who finds joy in spending time with loved ones, relaxing at the beach, and renovating his house. He’s also an avid sports fan (Go Commanders!), touch rugby player, golfer, and enjoys staying active by working out.

Lena Williamson-Diaz

Financial Advisor

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Lena Williamson-Diaz is an advisor at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. Lena supports lead advisors by preparing for meetings, taking notes, and handling follow-up tasks. With a background in philosophy and economics from Mount Holyoke College, Lena is passionate about the strategy behind personal financial planning and the art of simplifying complex financial concepts. She is driven by the goal of helping clients make informed financial decisions with confidence, and aligning their financial choices with their broader life plans.

Currently pursuing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, Lena is dedicated to guiding clients through their unique financial journeys by focusing on relationships and understanding their values and aspirations. She believes that successful financial planning is more than just numbers—it’s about empowering clients to pursue their personal and financial goals. Lena joined FSA in September 2024, drawn by the firm’s collaborative culture and the opportunity to work with a supportive female mentor, Kim.

Outside of work, Lena is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys snowboarding, biking, and hiking with her two dogs, Benny and Winnie. She also loves exploring new hobbies, from experimenting with Excel for personal projects to playing the piano (although she admits she’s not the best at it). Whether she’s adventuring in nature or refining her Excel skills, Lena is always seeking new challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

Jamie Leggieri

Client Service Manager

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Jamie Leggieri is the Senior Client Service Associate and manager of the Client Services Department at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. With over 20 years of financial industry experience, Jamie handles client needs efficiently and accurately, working closely with other departments to deliver seamless support. In addition to managing the Client Service Team, she assists clients with account questions, fund transfers, and paperwork for investment review meetings. She also takes pride in training new team members, sharing her extensive knowledge to enhance the team’s service capabilities.

Before joining FSA in 2010, Jamie honed her financial skills as a personal bill-paying specialist, where she helped clients manage budgets, improve money management, and maintain timely payments. Her dedication to client service and strong organizational skills have been instrumental in her role at FSA. Outside of work, Jamie treasures time with family and friends, enjoys road trips, beach outings, and concerts, and is an avid fan of true crime TV. She’s also devoted to her Chihuahua, Ava, who she loves to spoil.

Ann Wickerham

Client Service Associate

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Ann Wickerham is a Client Service Associate at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. Dedicated to supporting clients since 1992 and with a passion for building strong client relationships, Ann assists clients with account-related questions, helps gather essential documentation, and coordinates client meetings to ensure every interaction runs smoothly. Known for her personable approach and commitment to client satisfaction, she enjoys FSA’s collaborative, close-knit environment, where she can provide personalized attention to each client.

Ann began her financial services career in 1988, gaining valuable skills at American Financial Management Group, Inc. (AFMG) before relocating to the D.C. area with her husband. Her educational background includes a degree in animal science and economics from the University of Delaware, where she developed her analytical skills and interest in client service.

Outside of work, Ann is an avid photographer and nature enthusiast. She loves spending time with her miniature dachshunds, Juliet and Zoey, her first grandchild, Hudson, tending to her garden, and monitoring eight bluebird houses she maintains throughout the year. Ann also enjoys hiking and reading, always finding new ways to unwind and connect with nature.

John Jones

Client Service Associate

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John P. Jones Jr., FPQP® is a Client Service Associate at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. John supports clients with administrative needs, financial plan preparation, and meeting preparation alongside the advisory team. With over 28 years of experience from his time at Dolan Financial Corporation, he brings a wealth of knowledge in financial planning support and a dedication to helping clients with their financial journey.

A graduate of the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) with a business administration degree, John holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP®) designation and is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Outside of work, he is passionate about jazz, golf, and traveling, and he enjoys quality time with his family and friends. John’s motto, “A penny saved is better than a penny earned,” underscores his appreciation for wise financial habits that help clients pursue their goals.

Malcolm Baylor

Client Service Associate

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Malcolm joined FSA on November 25, 2024, bringing a wealth of financial industry experience and a passion for client service. Since starting his career in 2017, Malcolm has been dedicated to helping individuals navigate their financial journeys. At FSA, he specializes in servicing client accounts, assisting with inquiries, preparing documentation, scheduling meetings, and ensuring client information remains current.

Before joining FSA, Malcolm spent five years at JP Morgan Chase as a personal banker. There, he built strong client relationships, honed his customer service skills, and gained a deep understanding of the financial industry. Now at FSA, he values the firm’s emphasis on culture and comfort, which allows him to foster meaningful connections with both clients and his team.

Currently pursuing a degree in finance with a minor in business administration at Frostburg State University, Malcolm is passionate about empowering others with the tools and knowledge needed to make smart financial decisions. One lesson he lives by: “Start saving early and seek the right guidance to make informed decisions.”

Outside of work, Malcolm enjoys spending time with his partner, Alex, and exploring his hobbies, which include watching K-dramas, attending anime conventions, playing video games, and bodybuilding. His enthusiasm for life and commitment to client success make him a valued member of the FSA team.

Ronald J. Rough, CFA

Chief Investment Officer, Partner

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Ron Rough, CFA, serves as Chief Investment Officer and Partner at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. With over 30 years in investment management, Ron joined the FSA team in 2006, overseeing client portfolios with extensive proficiency in portfolio construction, fund selection, and risk management. A thought leader in the industry, Ron frequently shares his insights in media and trade publications and is a sought-after speaker for financial organizations. At FSA, he provides monthly market commentaries, creates video updates, and develops presentations that keep clients and prospects informed on market trends and strategies.

Before FSA, Ron was the Director of Portfolio Management at Genworth Financial Asset Management (GFAM) in Los Angeles, where he managed nearly $13 billion in client assets over an 11-year tenure. His role included key responsibilities in asset allocation, manager selection, and due diligence, skills he first honed at Schabacker Investment Management. Ron’s career began on the President’s Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives under President Ronald Reagan, marking his early commitment to service and economic growth.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University in Ohio, with a double major in Economics and Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) professional and Predictive Index Analyst, Ron is also a Board Member of the National Association of Active Investment Managers (NAAIM) and a member of the CFA Society of Washington, D.C. Outside of work, Ron enjoys cycling, golfing, and backpacking adventures with his wife, especially in the Western U.S. He is also actively involved in his church community.

Mary Ann Drucker

Assistant Portfolio Manager

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Mary Ann Drucker is the Assistant Portfolio Manager at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. Mary Ann supports the Chief Investment Officer with portfolio management, research, and fund relations. She plays a key role in managing client cash flows and aligning accounts with the firm’s investment models. With more than 30 years in the financial industry, she brings comprehensive experience in portfolio management, security analysis, and client servicing, cultivated through her work with various registered investment advisory firms and a major brokerage firm. She finds FSA’s investment philosophy especially relevant for navigating turbulent markets and values the team’s commitment to client success.

Mary Ann earned her MBA in Finance and Investments from George Washington University, after completing a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland. She also holds the Series 65 license. Outside of work, Mary Ann enjoys time with her husband, two sons, and their family pets. Known for her creativity, she loves baking themed cakes, decorating for the holidays, and exploring new vacation destinations with her family.

Jordan D. Daugherty, CFA

Investment Analyst

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Jordan Daugherty, CFA, serves as Senior Investment Analyst. He is responsible for monitoring FSA’s strategies and supporting investment decisions with research on opportunities and risks emerging in financial markets. He describes his strengths as thoughtful communication, anticipating problems, and lending a hand to others.

Jordan earned a Business Administration degree from the University of Redlands (2010) and became a CFA charterholder in October 2020. His career started in San Francisco on the business development side until he ultimately transitioned to portfolio management with the help of Warren Buffet’s former assistant.

Originally from southwest Kansas, Jordan now calls DC home, where he loves spending time with his wife and son. He also enjoys volunteering in his community, visiting family in France, and practicing his golf swing at the East Potomac driving range.

Christopher Jones

Trader

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Chris Jones is the primary trader at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), Chris is responsible for managing individual client cash flows and aligning portfolios with the firm’s various investment models. He also builds and maintains relationships with fund providers and contributes to research and market insights when needed.

Before he joined FSA in 2023, Chris gained valuable experience at a registered investment advisory firm in Northern New Jersey, followed by a role as an analyst at a large economic consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Financial Economics from Norwich University, The Military College of Vermont. He also earned a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Oklahoma. During his time at Norwich, Chris was a member of the Corps of Cadets, which instilled in him a strong sense of teamwork and discipline.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Maya, and their dog, Cash. A native of the southern New Jersey/Philadelphia area, he is an avid sports fan and enjoys attending games or watching them from home. He is also a passionate traveler, with recent trips to Europe, Hawaii, and the West Coast. Chris now enjoys exploring the DMV area, from discovering local restaurants to sightseeing in Washington, D.C.

Kim Donohue, PACE

Operations/Compliance Manager

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Kim Donohue is the Operations and Compliance Manager at FSA Wealth Partners (FSA), a financial services firm in Rockville, MD, with over 40 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. Kim oversees critical areas of operations, compliance, and administrative support to facilitate smooth daily functions and maximize client service efficiency. With a role that spans managing the Operations Team and contributing to the Compliance Team, Kim is also dedicated to keeping FSA’s technologies and systems up to date, enhancing the firm’s productivity and service capabilities. Since joining FSA as an administrative coordinator in 2016, she quickly advanced into her current role, demonstrating her skill and commitment to the firm’s success.

Kim’s background also includes six years of impactful service as a volunteer outreach worker with Montgomery County’s Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program where she provided crisis support to victims at hospitals and police stations, earning two excellence in service awards. She currently serves as a Stephen Minister in her local church where she offers care to others going through a loss. These experiences reflect her dedication to helping others, a value she brings to her work at FSA. She is a member of the American Society of Administrative Professionals with a Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE). Kim also values time spent with family, including her husband, daughter, and granddaughter, as well as their dog and cat. In her free time, she enjoys playing pinochle, exploring new books with her book club, and creating scrapbooks to capture memories.

Office Support Staff (Canine Division)

Ann Wickerham

Julia

Senior Nap Strategist

Expert in rest and relaxation, always recharged to greet clients with enthusiasm

Mike Zarrelli

Koda

Chief Happiness Officer

Dedicated to making everyone’s day a little brighter with smiles and snuggles

Chris Jones

Cash

Vice President of Walks and Wellness

Encourages the team to take breaks and enjoy fresh air and exercise

Jamie Leggieri

Ava

Head of Security

Always on alert for package deliveries and keeping an eye on the office surroundings

Kim Donohue

Queen Bea

Chief Compliance Guard

Makes sure we don’t find ourselves treading water in the deep end of the pool

Kim Basenback

Cooper

Pawfolio Advisor

Specializes in tracking treats-to-investments ratios, managing pet-related assets, and offering tail-wagging insights to keep portfolios balanced and thriving

Lena Williamson-Diaz

Benny

Head of Snack Procurement

Responsible for overseeing the strategic sourcing and management of all snack-related assets, ensuring optimal quality control and supply chain efficiency – no snack left behind

We’re Here to Support Your Future Success

Wondering if FSA might be the right fit as your financial advisor? Schedule a no-obligation meeting to learn more about us and decide if you want to work together.

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