Edward Carlson has been a provider of financial services for 30+ years serving the CNY and Southern Tier community. He has 20 years of banking experience and 12 years as a financial advisor.  Ed is a general securities representative and an investment advisor representative thru LPL Financial. He is also a licensed life, health, and variable annuity agent in NY. Ed believes that a discussion and understanding of his clients’ financial goals are the foundation of each relationship. Ed achieved his Master of Business Administration from Utica College in 2008.
Ed has volunteered in his community on the Marcellus Village planning board for 5 years. Ed has coordinated for Marcellus Youth basketball and was the treasurer and a founding member of Marcellus Code Red youth softball. Family and community are cornerstones of Ed’s life path.

Kelly serves as a Licensed Associate for the CFS Group Inc., assisting financial advisors Justin Faulkner, Sydney Carvotta, and Edward Carlson. She has been in the financial services industry since 2020 and holds both the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses with LPL Financial and is NY State, Life, Accident and Health licensed. She is currently pursuing a degree in finance with a focus on financial planning from Southern New Hampshire University.

Kelly is a graduate of Horseheads High School and currently lives in the Canisteo area. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and her golden retriever, Ryder. She also enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking.

Sydney Carvotta is a Financial Consultant at CFS Group, Inc., where she is dedicated to helping individuals and families clarify their financial goals, develop personalized strategies, and take actionable steps toward achieving long-term success. She provides comprehensive financial guidance, including investment management, retirement planning, and overall wealth strategy tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Sydney earned her bachelor’s degree in International Trade from the University at Buffalo. Before joining CFS Group, she built a strong foundation in the financial services industry through her work in financial crimes investigation and monitoring (AML/BSA) for banks across the country. This experience honed her analytical skills and deepened her commitment to integrity and transparency in every client relationship.

She is FINRA Series 7 and 66 registered through LPL Financial, as well as licensed to sell Life, Accident, and Health Insurance in New York State. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys spending time with her two dogs — an Australian Shepherd named Harley and a Husky named Brody — as well as reading, traveling, and volunteering in her community.

“I look forward to building lasting relationships with my clients, providing education and guidance through every life milestone to help develop positive financial discussions that could lead to financial confidence and independence”.

As an LPL Financial Advisor, Sabrina’s mission is to help Southern Tier families and professionals address their holistic financial wellness needs. Sabrina’s clients can expect to work with someone who is dedicated to helping them navigate the intricacies of financial wellness and planning. Sabrina works very closely with clients to develop enduring relationships that transcend beyond the planning process itself. Her specialties include working with those who are just starting a new career who have not yet considered financial wellness, mid-career professionals and/or families getting their “financial house” in order as well as late career professionals who are preparing for retirement and planning for their income needs. Focusing on each client’s unique situation, goals, and circumstances, Sabrina designs a tailored financial plan to pursue every client’s needs.

Sabrina has been in the financial services field since 2007. She earned her Bachelor of Sciences degree from Elmira College in Business Administration and attained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation™ in 2018. She is FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 registered through LPL Financial and is licensed with the New York Department of Insurance. She has been a lifelong resident of the Southern Tier. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys traveling, volunteering and hiking / spending time outdoors with her Border Collie.

“I help people look at their financial picture and zero in on their goals. My strategy is to figure out your desired destination, help put you on the most suitable course to get there and stay in touch thru all of your life events. In other words, you could say I encourage my clients to think of me as their financial GPS.”

Investment portfolio management, customized financial planning, 401k transition assistance, mutual funds, life insurance, annuities are among the ways John helps his client pursue their goals.

John has been in the Financial Services field since 2009 and joined the CFS Group in 2018. He previously worked for Equitable Life and Morgan Stanley. He holds series 7 and 66 licenses with LPL Financial and is life insurance licensed in New York State.

John is originally from Ithaca, NY. He spent 12 years in Orlando, graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Finance. He returned to upstate NY in 2015 and currently resides in the town of Danby, just south of Ithaca. He is a cat owner, sports fan and enjoys running.

Justin mentors his team to create meaningful relationships with CFS Group Inc. clients allowing them to deliver personalized financial strategies to their clients and families.

Justin Faulkner has been helping clients manage their wealth for 11 years. He joined the CFS Group, Inc. in 2015 and accepted the role of CFS Program Manager in 2024.

A proud military veteran, Justin came back to upstate New York after serving and attended SUNY Corning before transferring to Cornell University and receiving his bachelor’s degree. He is FINRA Series 7, 66 registered through LPL Financial and holds a Life Insurance license in the states of New York and Pennsylvania.

Jusin and his wife live in the Elmira area, and they enjoy golfing, volleyball, kayaking, racquetball, softball and cooking. Justin currently serves as Chairman on the Zoning Board of Appeals in his town and on the Elmira High School Academy of Finance Board.

Valerie serves as a Financial Consultant Assistant for the CFS Group, Inc. In this role, she supports Sabrina Chilson and Justin Faulkner while also helping to provide office assistance for the CFS Group, Inc.

Coming from a background of hospitality and digital marketing, Valerie strives to form long-lasting authentic relationships to help each client feel comfortable and cared for. Clients can expect Valerie to be organized, genuine, and always willing to learn something new. A dedicated team member, Valerie is excited to grow in her career.

Valerie is a lifelong resident of the Southern Tier. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Education from Binghamton University in 2018. In her free time, Valerie enjoys traveling with her boyfriend, baking, and spending time with Emmett and Buddy, her two bunnies (who she considers her “children”).