Meet the Team

Credentials & Expertise

• Chartered Financial Analyst® designation
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses
• Life insurance license

About Chris:

Chris began his career in the investment industry at Community Financial Advisors in 2010, building on a strong foundation in accounting and business operations. His experience across corporate and public environments shaped a forward-thinking, insightful approach to financial strategy—grounded in integrity, thoughtful analysis, and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for clients.

Known as a strong listener, Chris takes a highly client-focused approach, placing trust, empathy, and understanding at the center of every relationship. He is dedicated to helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial decisions by providing thoughtful, forward-looking guidance tailored to their unique goals and priorities.

Chris earned a B.S. in Accounting from Missouri State University and an M.S. in Accountancy from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville while working full time. He holds the CFP® certification, CFA® designation, CPA license, and Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, reflecting his commitment to continued learning and professional excellence.

Outside of the office, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, Grant and Elise. He is an avid golfer and actively contributes to his community through his church’s leadership council.

Credentials & Expertise

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
• FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses
• Life Insurance Licensed

About Duane:

Duane brings more than two decades of advisory experience grounded in integrity, thoughtful financial insight, and a deep commitment to serving others. He began his career in the investment industry in 1999 and founded Community Financial Advisors in 2000, where he built a reputation as a trusted advisor who listens carefully, understands each client’s unique circumstances, and provides guidance with clarity and care.

Prior to entering the financial services industry, Duane spent nearly 20 years with SuperValu, one of the largest food wholesalers in the United States. Toward the end of his career he served as Vice President of Finance for Shop ‘n Save Warehouse Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of SuperValu. In these roles, he developed a strong foundation in financial stewardship, disciplined decision-making, and accountability—qualities that now underpin his approach to building lasting client relationships based on trust and confidence.

Duane earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Professional Accounting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He passed the CPA exam in 1980 and has dedicated the majority of his career to the accounting and finance fields, committing himself to the highest standards of professional integrity and ethical responsibility.

Known for his thoughtful approach and ability to truly listen, Duane prioritizes understanding what matters most to his clients—helping them navigate financial decisions with confidence and clarity. He values long-term relationships, built on trust, open communication, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Outside of his professional life, Duane is actively involved in his church community and previously served as board chair of the St. Nicholas Building Campaign Committee. He enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and making meaningful memories with his wife and four children.

About Jill:

Jill is a valued support team member at Community Financial Advisors, playing a key role in both daily office operations and client and account management. Known for her warm, welcoming presence, she consistently delivers a high-touch, service-driven experience that makes clients feel confident, heard, and well cared for.

Prior to joining Community Financial Advisors, Jill spent six years in the medical field as a registered nurse, including three years specializing in pediatric care. Her background in healthcare shaped her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and commitment to serving others. While she loved caring for children, Jill made the decision to transition her career as her family grew, bringing her dedication to helping others into the space of financial services.

Outside of the office, Jill enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Kris, and their three children, Kinsley, Kayden, and Chloe. Whether attending her children’s activities or relaxing together at home, her family and faith remain at the center of everything she does. Her ability to balance a busy professional life with her dedication to her family reflects the same care, organization, and heart she brings to her work each day.

Credentials & Expertise

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation
• Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor™ designation
• FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 securities licenses
• Life insurance license

About Jonathan:

Jonathan leads the team’s investment product research efforts and works closely with clients to develop investment strategies aligned with their financial goals. With a background in investment research and financial planning, he brings a comprehensive perspective to helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.

Prior to joining the firm, Jonathan held several roles at Stifel, including Mutual Fund Specialist and Analyst within the Traditional Product Research Group. There, he evaluated mutual funds, ETFs, and separately managed accounts while contributing to the oversight of more than $2 billion in discretionary portfolios. His experience in investment analysis and portfolio construction continues to shape his disciplined, research-driven approach to serving clients.

Jon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Outside the office, Jon enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. He is also an avid scuba diver and a certified SSI Divemaster.

Credentials & Expertise

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation
• FINRA Series 4, 7, 9, 10, 24, 63, and 65 securities licenses
• Life insurance license

About Matt:

Matt partners with families and business owners to develop investment strategies that align with their short- and long-term goals. He leads with insight and listens closely, taking the time to fully understand each client’s priorities, concerns, and vision. Known for his thoughtful and steady approach, Matt guides clients with empathy, helping them build confidence in their decisions and trust in the process.

With a sharp understanding of the markets and a strong foundation in investment strategy, Matt brings both technical expertise and a client-centered mindset to his work. He began his career with Century Securities Associates—now Stifel Independent Advisors—as an Operations Coordinator before transitioning to Stifel’s Equity Options department. Over time, he advanced to Vice President and Manager of the Options desk, where he oversaw trading, marketing, and risk management across the firm’s options business. While his leadership role deepened his expertise, Matt ultimately found his passion in working directly with clients and joined Community Financial Advisors in 2019.

Matt earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
Outside of the office, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, Jack and Charlie. He is an avid golfer, sports fan and enjoys traveling.

Credentials & Expertise

• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation
• FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses
• Life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities)

About Matthew:

Matthew graduated with a B.S. in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. After graduating, Matt spent time overseas working in South Korea. After returning stateside, he began his investment industry career in 2014 with Merrill Lynch and worked for Edward Jones prior to joining Community Financial Advisors in 2023. He has a passion for guiding his clients on their journey while pursuing their financial goals. Matthew holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation.

Matthew is actively involved in his church, served on the Holy Childhood Capital Campaign Committee, and volunteers with the Knights of Columbus. He is also involved with the local community by serving on the board with the Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce, finance committee with the City of Mascoutah and is the president of the Noon Lions Club of Mascoutah. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, Hana, Lena, and Mina.

Credentials & Expertise

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses
• Life insurance license

About Samantha:

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Missouri State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She began her career at KPMG, LLP, where she served as a Tax Manager within the Business Tax Services group. In this role, she developed deep expertise in corporate tax strategy, income tax law, and complex tax provisions.

While Samantha’s technical foundation is strong, what truly sets her apart is her ability to listen thoughtfully and understand each client’s unique goals and concerns. Her transition to Community Financial Advisors was driven by a desire to work more closely with individuals and families—helping them navigate financial decisions with clarity, integrity, and confidence. She is known for her insightful approach, combining technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to doing what is in the best interest of her clients.

Samantha earned her CFP® certification and FINRA securities licenses while at Community Financial Advisors. Her disciplined, client-first approach reflects both her professional rigor and her dedication to building long-term, trusted relationships.

Outside of the office, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their children, Avery, Henry and Brody. She enjoys time outdoors, traveling, and remains actively involved in her church.

Credentials & Expertise

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) CFP®
• Southeastern Louisiana University

About Bernard:

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with more than 30 years of experience, I take a holistic approach to financial planning—helping individuals and families align their financial decisions with their values, goals, and long-term priorities.

My professional philosophy is grounded in the belief that financial advice should be highly personalized. Every recommendation begins with listening—understanding each client’s unique circumstances, and serving as a thoughtful, empathetic guide throughout the planning journey.

I began my career providing investment and retirement guidance to individuals and families, building a strong foundation in aligning strategies with each client’s risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives. Today, as a Financial Advisor with Stifel Independent Advisors, I continue to build lasting relationships with families—helping them establish and pursue their investment goals while simplifying the inevitable complexities that come with wealth.

I work closely with clients to manage portfolios with a focus on optimizing performance, cost efficiency, and tax awareness across both active and passive investment strategies, including traditional and alternative markets. My practice includes experience in retirement planning, retirement cash flow analysis, and qualified retirement plans, as well as a range of investment solutions such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), separately managed accounts, mutual funds, and annuities.

Through thoughtful planning, disciplined investment strategies, and ongoing guidance, I walk alongside clients as a steady resource—helping them navigate life’s transitions and make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.