Paul Parsons
Founder
Paul Parsons founded PlanStrong Investment Management in 2005. He holds 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 roles in the retirement plan businesses at Fidelity Investments and State Street Corp.
Paul is a Registered Representative (FINRA Series 7) and Investment Adviser Representative (FINRA Series 66) with Commonwealth Financial Network.
For nearly 20 years, Paul has hosted the PlanStrong Financial Forum on WRKO 680 AM and previously on WTKK 96.9 FM, now available as a podcast. He and his wife have lived in Dover, MA for over 40 years, where they raised two children and now enjoy time with three grandchildren (and several golden retrievers). They are active supporters of 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®
President & Chief Investment Officer
Alex Bender, CFA®, joined PlanStrong Investment Management in 2010 and became President in January 2026. He graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University with a BS in Finance and previously held investment roles at BlackRock, Inc., Nuveen Investments, and Hirtle, Callaghan & Co.
Alex holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Boston. He is a Registered Representative (FINRA Series 7) and an Investment Adviser Representative (FINRA Series 66) with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Since joining PlanStrong, Alex has played a key role in building the firm to nearly $300 million in assets under management. He leads the firm’s investment management, including portfolio construction, security selection, and risk management, is involved in all client meetings, and plays a central role in retirement, tax, and estate planning.
Alex and his wife are actively involved in Friends of Boston’s Homeless and Susan G. Komen. They live in Needham, MA raising three children. Alex enjoys pickleball, basketball, golf, and coaching his kids in sports.
Joan Theroux
Vice President
Joan joined PlanStrong in 2015 and leads the firm’s financial planning efforts. She graduated cum laude with a BS in Business Administration from Emmanuel College. Prior to joining PlanStrong, Joan spent eight years in management consulting with PricewaterhouseCoopers and an additional ten years in the financial services industry.
Joan is a Registered Representative (FINRA Series 7) and an Investment Adviser Representative (FINRA Series 66) with Commonwealth Financial Network®. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, year-round sailing, and gatherings with friends and family.
