Jonathan Gassman CPA/PFS™, CFP®, CAP®
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Professional Experience
- More than 30 years of experience specializing in sophisticated, multi-disciplinary planning that integrates investment strategy, tax and estate planning, philanthropic design, and business succession for high-net-worth families, business owners, and executives
- Combined experience as a CPA/PFS™, CFP®, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® creates a comprehensive approach to wealth stewardship, integrating technical expertise with deeply personal guidance
- Before joining Firm Foundation, Jonathan led his family’s third-generation New York CPA and wealth advisory firm, which he later sold to a national accounting company
- Leads the firm’s Boca Raton, FL office
Education & Designations
- Bachelor’s in Accounting, Long Island University, C.W. Post Center
- Master’s in Taxation/Accounting, Long Island University, C.W. Post Center
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
- Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)
Getting to Know Jonathan
- Originally from New York, now fully enjoying the warm-weather lifestyle in South Florida
- Loves spending time at the beach and cooking meals that bring family and friends together
- Avid reader, always seeking to expand his knowledge and perspective
- Enjoys exploring new experiences, from local adventures to global travel
- Dedicated backgammon player, always ready for a friendly (but competitive) match
Luke Melms CFP®
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Professional Experience
- Advises high net worth clients of which the majority are or retirees who were athletes, executives, specialty physicians, and business owners
- Prior to launching Firm Foundation Family Wealth, Luke was a Vice President, Wealth Advisor at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management which included working with the firm’s Sports and Entertainment Solutions team
Education
- Carroll University, Bachelor of Science in Business with a Finance major and Accounting minor
- University of Miami, CFP® certification of Professional Education Program
Getting to Know Luke
- Proud husband to his wife, Pamela, and father to their daughter, Lucía
- Was a 3 year starter on the Carroll Pioneers baseball team
- As a Crohn’s Disease patient himself, serves on the committee for the Take Steps walk, the largest annual fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
Katy Dalmasso
Private Client Associate
Professional Experience
- Supports our clients to ensure a seamless experience with all aspects of the client relationship
- Previously served as a Private Client Associate at Wells Fargo Advisors supporting high-net-worth clients
Education
- University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Getting to Know Katy
- Proud wife to her husband, Horacio, and mother to their sons, Luca and Mateo
- Enjoys running, camping, and spending time outdoors
- Loves quality time with family—traveling, exploring local restaurants, trying new recipes, and supporting their favorite sports teams
- Passionate about supporting children facing food insecurity in the local community and advocating for youth sports access, working to remove barriers so all kids have the chance to play
Kirstie Ward
Client Service and Operations Manager
Professional Experience
- Partners with clients to deliver a seamless experience across every aspect of the relationship, overseeing day-to-day operations, account servicing, and the coordination of financial planning, investment strategy, tax planning, cash flow planning, and bookkeeping for high-net-worth families.
- Brings more than a decade of experience serving high-net-worth families. Prior to joining Firm Foundation Family Wealth, Kirstie spent over ten years at a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), where she served as Chief Compliance Officer and Financial Planning Manager.
Education
- Florida State University, Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate
Getting to Know Kirstie
- A native Floridian, Kirstie was born and raised in St. Petersburg.
- An avid international traveler, with favorite destinations including Easter Island, South Africa, the Maldives, and Thailand.
- Enjoys exploring South Florida’s restaurant scene and discovering new cuisines.
- An avid reader, devoted dog lover, enthusiast of crafting and a well-told television drama.