About Us
RAFFA Wealth Management is a registered investment advisor offering a serious, long term approach to growing and sustaining wealth. We were established to fill what we consider to be a glaring need for transparency, clarity, and accountability in managing investments. Whether 'you' are an organization, private foundation, or an individual supporting the nonprofit sector - we are proud to help you 'Grow it for Good'!
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Dennis P. Gogarty, CFP®
President
Dennis Gogarty is the President of RAFFA Wealth Management. He has been a consultant to the nonprofit sector since 1994. He joined RAFFA in 2002 specifically to provide investment advice and qualified retirement services to a select group of nonprofits. He has been active in promoting the need for increased investment education in the nonprofit sector ever since.
Dennis' speaking engagements include a series of discussions for the Council on Foundations titled “Investment Leadership – Taking Back Control”. Dennis has spoken extensively about the fundamentals of investing and 'efficient markets' as well as the opportunities and challenges of socially responsible investing. His passion is helping to simplify the investment process and empower investors and fiduciaries to be more involved in investment decision making.
Dennis is a graduate of Georgetown University’s Certificate in Financial Planning Program. He is a member of the Audit Committee of StreetLaw - a practical, participatory education about law, democracy, and human rights. He is a member of ASAE’s Finance and Business Operations Section Council and the Greater Washington Network. He is also an active member of the Financial Planning Association and volunteer for the Foundation for Financial Planning. Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University. He is an Investment Advisory Representative of RAFFA Wealth Management and holds the Series 6, 7 and 66 securities licenses.
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Mark P. Murphy, CFA
Senior Portfolio Manager
Mark is RAFFA Wealth Management’s Senior Portfolio Manager. Mark supports all areas of the firm’s analytical and due diligence processes. Mark’s career in financial services began in 2004 at Cambridge Associates, LLC where, as Investment Performance Analyst, he performed a variety of research and analytical functions including the effect of asset allocation and security selection on risk and return.
Mark graduated Cum Laude from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Finance. A Chartered Financial Analyst, Mark earned the right to use the CFA designation after meeting the CFA Institute’s educational and professional requirements. The CFA designation is globally recognized and attests to a charterholder’s success in a rigorous and comprehensive study program in the field of investment management and research analysis. Mark is a member of Golden Key, History and International Honor Societies.
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Chase Deters,
Portfolio Manager, CFP®, ChFC
Chase Deters is a Portfolio Manager with RAFFA Wealth Management. Chase directs all areas of the firm’s internal operations and supports the firm’s portfolio management functions. His career in financial services began in 2002 with The Centennial Group where he performed complex high net worth financial, business, and estate planning and ultimately became the firms Director of Financial Planning.
Chase moved to the DC area in 2009 and joined the Blisk Financial Group as the Senior Investment Analyst. Chase was responsible for the firm’s investment research and due diligence, model portfolio construction, as well as personal financial plan design and divorce planning.
Chase graduated from Hope College with a Bachelors degree in Economics and Business Management. He is a Certified Financial Planner and a Chartered Financial Consultant. Chase is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Analyst designation and he is an Investment Advisory Representative of RAFFA Wealth Management.
Key Resources
Vanguard
Vanguard is the world's largest manager of index-based mutual funds and one of the most respected companies in the industry. Through Vanguard, we are able to reliably, consistently, and very inexpensively deliver broad stock and bond market diversification.
www.vanguard.com
Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)
DFA has been a leader in developing academically based portfolios for larger institutions. Beginning in 1981 with the first small cap index, DFA now manages over $110 Billion across all asset classifications. Through DFA, we provide efficient and reliable exposure to the smaller and more value oriented segments of the market all over the world.
www.dfaus.com
Charles Schwab
Client accounts are typically held in custody at Charles Schwab Institutional. The company's reputation, low cost, experience, and financial strength is unmatched in the marketplace. Our clients need fast, flexible access to their accounts and to feel confident that their assets have been placed with a company that is financially secure. Charles Schwab Institutional provides both.
www.schwaballiance.com
RAFFA, P.C.
With over 20 years of experience serving thousands of nonprofit clients, RAFFA stands out from other accounting firms. Our focus is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofits by offering a broad range of expertise and solutions. We implement our experienced staff and help manage your financial, staffing or technical issues, allowing you to stay focused on nurturing and advancing your organization's mission and vision.
www.raffa.com