Our People

Jim is the founder of Connell Financial Group, LLC.  Jim earned his Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Commerce and Finance from Penn State University; attended Seton Hall University Law School. He has earned the designation of Charter Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant from The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

He began his career in the life insurance business in 1965.  He is a member and past director of Syracuse Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, CNY Chapter of Financial Service Professionals, Charter member of the Estate Planning Council of CNY. Jim has been a speaker and panelist at many industry and association programs on Financial Services.

I joined Connell Financial Group in 1991 after 4 ½ years in public accounting.  Over the past 27 years I have helped my clients meet their financial goals by creating personalized financial plans for college education, retirement, and business succession.  With a focus on retirement planning I have spoken hundreds of times over the past 2 decades on Social Security, 401(k), and long-term health care. 

My goal is to help you grow your money in preparation for retirement and to develop a strategy that is easy to understand, easy to implement, and will maximize your income when you get to retirement while addressing all of the key issues including Social Security, long term health care, and leaving a legacy to your family.

Jim graduated from RIT with a degree in accounting.  He is a licensed CPA in the State of New York and is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Central NY, the Society of Financial Services Professionals, and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Jim is the founder and owner of the Salt City Business Network, a professional networking group aimed at connecting local professionals to help them grow their businesses and grow the Syracuse business community.

Jim lives in Syracuse with his wife Jennifer, two daughters, Jordan and Allison, and son Matthew.

Karen joined Connell Financial Group in 1985. Karen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Adolescence Education from Oswego State University of New York. Karen oversees the daily operations of Connell Financial Group, assisting brokers with development and underwriting of their cases, the implementation of new products, as well as acting as the liaison with our clients, investment companies and insurance carriers.