James N. Ball, ChFC®, AIF®
CEO & President
As founder and president of James N. Ball & Company, Jim leads his team with proficiency, confidence, and diligence. Jim grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts, watching his father run his own financial advising business out of their family’s basement. Inspired by his father’s success, Jim went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Massachusetts, setting out to plant his own roots and begin a career. In 1984, he established his own firm in Westborough, specializing in investment advice, insurance, business, tax, and estate planning.
Today, he prides himself in having created a thriving business, working with hundreds of families in more than 30 states. The firm features an innovative team approach offering sound and informed wealth management advice as well as the utmost in customer service.
Designations and Registrations:
- Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative since 1986 with Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer
- Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 22, and 63 securities registrations
- Member of the Financial Services Institute
- Director on the board of Avidia Bank, located in Hudson, Massachusetts; committee chairman of the Non-Deposit Investment Products Committee; member of the IT Steering and Audit Committees
- Ambassador for the Town of Westborough Economic Development Committee
In Jim’s (little) spare time, he enjoys traveling the world with his family, as well as reading, exercising, and listening to music.
James N. Ball is proud to have been recognized as a Chairman’s Level advisor for 2021—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 4 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Each year, Commonwealth, the firm we partner with to help us better serve you, recognizes Chairman’s Level advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. Chairman’s Level 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.
Brian J. Ganger, CFP®, CPWA®
Financial Advisor
Northborough Office Location
9 Monroe Street
Northborough, MA 01532
Brian began his journey with James N. Ball & Company as an intern in 1998 while studying finance at Bryant University, joining the team full-time in 2003 after graduating with his BS in finance. Brian earned his CFP® professional certification in 2007 and has since developed his own book of business, which he will be servicing in our newest branch in Northborough, Massachusetts. Through his affection for the world of financial planning and insurance, he strives to help improve his clients’ current situations and prepare their families for the future.
Designations and Registrations:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
- Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC)
- Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)
Brian is fortunate to have a loving wife and two energetic, active daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for automobiles. He maintains a strong commitment to his community as a director on the board of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce and to his involvement on the Shrewsbury Library Committee.
Brian Ganger is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Club advisor for 2021—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 13 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Each year, Commonwealth, the firm we partner with to help us better serve you, 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.
Peter H. Callas
Financial Advisor
Peter joined James N. Ball & Company in 2008 as a co-advisor. His comprehensive experience as a psychotherapist and small business consultant has translated very well into the financial planning world, providing value to his clients through deep analytical and forward-thinking advice.
Designations and Registrations:
- Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF
®) - Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC)
- Life and disability insurance agent
Peter and his wife, Rose, have lived in Beverly, Massachusetts, for 30 years and enjoy dining, traveling, and experiencing the beauty of nature.
Brooke Lynn Fleming, ChFC®
Financial Advisor
Brooke joined James N. Ball & Company in 2009 as a financial assistant and has since grown her role into a financial advisor. She has studied and worked in many different fields, such as hospitality, accounting, IT, customer service, and financial transaction processing. She works alongside Jim as co-advisor on a subset of our client base, managing their needs and leading them through the wealth management process.
Designations and Registrations
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
- Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
When Brooke isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter. She is also an avid cook and loves to be out in the sun.
Michael J. Canfield, CPWA®
Financial Advisor
Mike is a 1992 graduate of the electrical engineering school at the University of Vermont. He has more than 30 years in the financial planning and insurance industry, having begun his financial planning career with Jim Ball in 1997, when they spent several years together. He then had the opportunity to run an investment program in partnership with a local credit union, which he did for more than 20 years. He happily rejoins Jim as part of the James N. Ball & Co. team and looks forward to helping individuals achieve and maintain their financial independence and security.
Designations and Registrations
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
- Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)
- Life, Long-Term Care, and Disability agent
He is a member of the Investments and Wealth Institute.
His passions include spending time with his children, Connor and Rachel, as well as enjoying a round of golf. He has been a competitive driver and instructor for high-performance driver’s education events for more than 30 years.
Kristine R. Schofield, MBA
Partner & Executive Vice President
Kristine is the team’s most tenured staff member aside from Jim himself, having joined Jim’s practice as his sole financial assistant back in 1999. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant University and a master’s in finance from Bentley University. Kristine has successfully completed the College for Financial Planning’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification education program. Her value within the team is wide-ranging, from her long-standing relationships with existing clients to her in-depth experience in the worlds of compliance, operations, and estate planning. Perhaps most important might be her meticulous work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond for anyone with whom she comes in contact.
Designations and Registrations:
- FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 66 securities registrations
- Designated principal of our Beverly, Massachusetts, branch
- Massachusetts notary public
When Kristine isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her husband, Brian, and two daughters, Ashley and Izabela, who keep her constantly busy! Kristine also loves to cook, travel, and relax at the beach with family and friends. She grew up in a tight-knit Polish family and is fluent in the Polish language.
Jennifer Tivnan
Senior Client Services Specialist
Jen joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in 2011 as a client services specialist. Having worked in the financial industry since graduating with a BS from Worcester State College in 2004, Jen has a genuine service-oriented approach to meeting clients’ needs. She corresponds directly with clients, executing administrative action items and guiding them through the wealth management process.
Designations and Registrations
- FINRA Series 7 securities registration
- Massachusetts notary public
When Jen isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, and vacationing in Maine and Cape Cod.
Tracy Salmon Richert
Operations Manager
Tracy joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in January 2015 as a client services specialist. Having worked in the financial industry since graduating with a BS from Worcester State in 1993, Tracy brings with her many years of experience with companies such as Putnam Investments, Fidelity Investments, and Ameriprise Financial.
When Tracy isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her mom and twin sons, Nathan and James. Tracy is an avid Pats fan and loves watching the games with her dog, Chloe.
Designations and Registrations:
- MA individual insurance agent (life and variable)
- Massachusetts notary public
Megan Berkowitz
Director of Operations
Megan joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in September 2017 as an administrative assistant and has since expanded her position to include all levels of client support and business management. Having worked in the financial industry since 2014, Megan brings with her an acute level of technical knowledge, as well as a strong work ethic fueled by the joy that helping others provides. She works directly with clients to effectively manage their needs and guide them through the wealth management process.
Designations and Registrations:
- Massachusetts notary public
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
When Megan isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jimmy, and son, Henry. She also enjoys traveling, horseback riding, and hiking with their dogs.
Justin Jones, CRPC®, CFP®
Planning Manager
Justin joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in April 2022 as a registered staff member in the Northborough office. Following his graduation from Hofstra University, he worked for more than five years at Empower Retirement, most recently as a retirement advisor managing a book of business.
Designations and Registrations
- FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner
When Justin is not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys golfing, sailing, riding motorcycles, sports, and spending time outdoors.
Carol Carpinella
Administrative Assistant
Carol joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in October 2021 as an office assistant in the Northborough office. Prior to coming on board, she worked for more than six years as an administrative assistant at Northeast Planning Associates, Inc., serving the needs of all clients.
When Carol is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and traveling.
Kelly Stadtherr
Client Services Specialist
Kelly joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in February 2022 as an administrative assistant. Kelly has a passion for helping people and had previously worked as the director of member services at a local country club. She is eager to grow and expand her knowledge in the financial industry to help meet the needs of all clients.
When Kelly isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick. She also loves sports, traveling, and drinking coffee.
Sarah Morgan
Administrative Assistant
Sarah joined the team at James N. Ball & Company in August of 2022 as an administrative assistant. Sarah enjoys developing relationships and working with clients to ensure they have everything they need. Before joining the financial industry in 2017, she worked as a hairdresser for 13 years.
When Sarah isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids.
Kritameth Pongcheewin
Portfolio Strategist
Krit joined the James N. Ball & Company in 2023 as a portfolio strategist. He is involved in macroeconomic analysis, top-down investment strategy, asset allocation, and model portfolio management for the team.
Krit holds a BS in biology with a minor in finance from the University of Massachusetts, where he graduated summa cum laude and was awarded the Trustee’s Key. He passed all three levels of the CFA program.
Krit enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for watchmaking.