Jim Zahansky is Principal/Managing Partner and Chief Strategist at WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors, leading practice strategy, client experience initiatives, client acquisition & retention efforts, and team leadership for the firm. Additionally, as our chief goals strategist and investment advisor, Jim leads the WHZ strategic financial planning function that leads clients through our Plan Well, Invest Well, Live Well™ process as an unwavering partner to provide absolute confidence. Jim has a particular interest in guiding business owners through business financial issues from start-up to succession planning, in addition to working with individual and family clients and non-profit endowments.

Jim transitioned to these pivotal roles at WHZ in 2014 after 17 years as a senior executive in the pharmaceutical industry, where he developed and implemented strategies and initiatives for major US pharmaceutical brands. Throughout his career, Jim developed strong skill sets in company and brand strategy, leadership, fundamental finance, and interpersonal dynamics and regards one’s character as their defining quality.

Jim is active in the both the business community and the community at large. He currently serves as immediate-past President of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, immediate past Chair of the Hale YMCA Board of Advisors, as a Director of the Day Kimball Healthcare Board, and as a Corporator for Jewett City Savings Bank. He graduated from Bryant University with a business degree and was appointed to the University's Wall Street Council, joining other high-powered, finance-oriented alumni who are focused on innovations in the investment industry. Jim holds the designation of Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® (AWMA®) from the College for Financial Planning.

Jim was also selected to receive the Five Star Wealth Manager Award for the sixth consecutive year in 2023 (2019 being the first year he was eligible). The 2019 – 2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award was created by Five Star Professional. The 2023 award presented in November 2023 based on data gathered between February 2023 and September 2023. A total of 3,564 Connecticut-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 313 (nine percent of candidates) were selected to receive it. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or selected for the award, although they may choose to pay a fee for use of marketing materials. The award is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, and your experience may vary. For more information about the award, visit fivestarprofessional.com. 

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