Jennifer Luzzatto, CFA, CFP®, AIF®
President, Summit Financial Partners, Inc.
Jennifer began her career in the financial services industry more than 30 years ago as a fixed-income trader in a regional brokerage firm. This background paved the way for her to join a commercial bank where she managed personal trust accounts, institutional portfolios, and a municipal bond mutual fund. In 1999, Jennifer founded Summit Financial Partners, a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm located in Richmond, Virginia, her home for over 35 years.
Along the way, Jennifer earned two of the industry’s highly regarded designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL ANALYST™ (CFA®)
CFP professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements and take a personalized approach to bringing all of the pieces of a client’s financial life together.
The CFA designation is regarded by most to be the key certification for investment professionals which measures the competence of financial analysts.
By earning both of these industry designations, Jennifer is in a position to thoroughly help clients through all aspects of financial planning, including coordinating investments to be in alignment with financial goals.
After almost 26 years of marriage, Jennifer’s first husband lost his battle with Leukemia. Experiencing this loss has given Jennifer a unique insight into helping clients deal with loss; whether the loss of a spouse or child, loss of a marriage through divorce, or loss of a job, whether chosen by retirement or not by choice.
Inspired by Jennifer’s personal experience and informed by her three decades in the financial services industry, Jennifer wrote Inheriting Chaos with Compassion to help readers get through the tangled financial legacy a loved one may have left behind. Inheriting Chaos with Compassion
Jennifer recently got married to a wonderful man and is enjoying the craziness that comes with her new marriage, raising a teenage daughter, trying to keep her 13 pound All American breed dog from ruling the house and keeping up with the rest of her family and friends. She is also involved in her church and other community organizations like the City of Richmond Police Pension Board. Her favorite place to recharge is her back porch with a book or by gathering with her family and friends.
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology, University of Richmond, 1986
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 1999
- Masters of Business Administration, University of Richmond, 2000
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), 2000
- NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor, 2005
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), 2023
Michael Sigmon, CFP®, AIF®
Certified Financial Planner™
Mike Sigmon is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) with a decade of industry experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Summit Financial Partners and is passionate about providing exceptional, holistic financial planning services to our clients.
Having a long-time interest in finances, Mike completed his undergraduate studies at Liberty University School of Business in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a specialty in Finance.
Before joining Summit, Mike served in several different roles at PIEtech®, Inc., the creators of an industry-leading financial planning software. At PIEtech, he was responsible for assisting financial advisors incorporate financial planning into their practice, coaching hundreds of financial advisors on the financial planning process.
His guidance allowed advisors to help their clients with things like retirement solutions, investment portfolios, meeting future goals, such as college savings plans, Social Security selection options, and managing ever-increasing health care expenses.
Throughout his career, Mike has spoken at numerous financial conferences across the country and has maintained long-term partnerships with national enterprises, resources he can tap into if needed in support of clients.
Mike grew up in an Air Force family as the oldest of 6 kids. He currently resides in New Kent, VA with his wife and four young daughters. Mike enjoys long-distance running. He can often be found running many of the trails around Richmond like the Buttermilk trail next to the James River. He has even completed a few Ultra-Marathons! Along with spending time with family and running, he enjoys being outdoors as much as possible doing everything from hiking the Appalachian Trail to fly fishing to working on various projects around the house. He is an active member of his church serving in many capacities.
Lauren Sigmon
Office Manager
Lauren Sigmon is a versatile professional with a diverse background, known for her commitment to excellence. With her administrative experience, Lauren brings a wealth of structure to Summit Financial Partners, which allows us to continue to provide exceptional, comprehensive financial planning services to our valued clients.
Lauren comes to Summit with a strong academic foundation at the College of William & Mary, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, complemented by a minor in Religious Studies. This unique blend of scientific and philosophical perspectives underscores her broad interests and inquisitive nature. Her career has been marked by seamless transitions between roles, highlighting her adaptability and dedication. She has contributed her expertise as a quality control chemist at a pharmaceutical company and her professional experience spans various positions in medical office administration and transcription roles. However, her most notable and fulfilling role has been that of a stay-at-home mom to four wonderful daughters.
Lauren’s roots are firmly planted in Gloucester, VA, and she now calls New Kent, VA her home, where she resides with her husband and their girls. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She is an avid reader and she enjoys treasure hunting at thrift stores, discovering hidden gems in unexpected places. Her most treasured moments are spent with her family, where she cherishes quality time with her husband and daughters. Lauren is an active member of her community and church, where she serves as a dedicated board member and integral part of the worship team. Her role as a mother and her commitment to community and spirituality exemplifies the core values that define Summit Financial Partners.