PlanStrong Investment Professionals

PlanStrong Investment Professionals

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Established.  Credentialed.  Trusted.  Local.

PlanStrong is led by a group of investment professionals with strong educational backgrounds, deep analytical skills, and experience at some of the financial industry’s leading firms.  

Paul Parsons

Founder & President

Paul has a BA in economics and history from Bowdoin College and an MBA in finance from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. Prior to founding PlanStrong, Paul held executive-level positions in the retirement plan businesses at Fidelity Investments and State Street Corp. Paul is a Registered Representative (FINRA Series 7), Investment Advisor Representative (FINRA Series 66), and Registered Securities Principal (FINRA Series 24) with Commonwealth Financial Network®, and is licensed in Life, Accident & Health Insurance in several northeast states.  Every Saturday at 3 pm, Paul hosts the “PlanStrong Financial Forum” radio show on WRKO 680 AM.  Paul and his wife have resided in Dover, Massachusetts, for 30 years, where they raised two children. They are also active in supporting leading local hospitals and schools.  Paul can often be seen in the area on his road bike getting some exercise, or on the golf course, forever in search of the perfect swing.

Alex Bender, CFA®

Vice President - Head of Investment Management

Alex graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University with a BS in finance. Prior to joining PlanStrong Investment Management, Alex held investment industry positions at BlackRock, Inc., Nuveen Investments, and Hirtle, Callaghan & Co.  Alex holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Boston. Alex is a Registered Representative (FINRA Series 7), and an Investment Advisor Representative (FINRA Series 66) with Commonwealth Financial Network.  Periodically, Alex can be heard on “PlanStrong Financial Forum” radio show on WRKO 680 AM.  Alex is happily married with two superhero sons (2 and 4) and a spoiled Pomeranian at home in Needham, Massachusetts.  Alex enjoys playing league basketball and golf and craft IPAs when he can slip away from his duties around the house.

Joan Theroux

Vice President

Joan graduated cum laude with a BS in business administration from Emmanuel College.  Before coming to PlanStrong, Joan worked for 8 years in the management consulting business for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and 10 years in the financial services industry.  Joan is a Registered Representative (FINRA Series 7), and an Investment Advisor Representative (FINRA Series 66) with Commonwealth Financial Network.  On a personal note, Joan is actively involved in animal rescue efforts, along with year-round (including winter) competitive sailing in Boston Harbor.