Commonwealth Acquires APG

Commonwealth Financial Network welcomed Rochester, New York-based Angelo Planning Group (APG) to its network of independent advisors.

Among APG’s 30 team members are 16 advisors, including founder and managing partner Ralph Angelo and Registered Principal Todd Harris. Formerly with Osaic, the APG team reported advising on more than $1.5 billion in client assets, making it one of Commonwealth’s largest new affiliates to date.

“Ralph Angelo and his partners have built a powerhouse practice by putting client service first, and we’re honored they chose Commonwealth to ensure that their model thrives, both now and as we partner with LPL Financial,” said Becca Hajjar, managing principal and chief business development officer at APG.

The team has cultivated a family-oriented environment, servicing clients under a “real people taking care of real people” approach. The firm has mainly operated through word-of-mouth referrals, which have propelled the firm to reach a tenfold asset growth over the past 15 years.   “We’ve structured the business as a one-stop shop for everything in our clients’ financial lives—from retirement and estate planning to Medicare, long-term care, and other planning specialties,” said Angelo.

Ameritas Chief Executive Officer Bob Jurgensmeier announced new officer elections, all with an effective date of June 1.

Karen Noble-Patrick is the new vice president, service, ABRS service and operation. With 25 years of experience in the retirement services industry, Noble-Patrick began her career as a plan administrator for USFilter. Over the next 23 years at OneAmerica, she held leadership roles in client administration, operations and strategy. Most recently, Noble-Patrick served as assistant vice president of retirement operations for Voya. She holds a master’s degree from Anderson University and possesses both Greenbelt certification and FSRI credentials.

Roger Ruz is the new vice president of sales supervision at Ameritas Investment Company, LLC and Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC. Ruz was most recently with Huntington National Bank, where he was a senior vice president, director of brokerage supervision. He holds a four-year degree in finance from Franklin University and a master’s degree from Capital University.  

Ruz also holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 63, 65 and 4 licenses.