Exceptional Service for Individuals and Corporations

Backed by the vast resources of Wells Fargo Advisors, Gary J. Swartz, Jr. assists his clients in designing portfolios that balance risk, growth and income and are customized to meet their personal aspirations, both short- and long-term.

About Our Practice

As a highly trained and experienced financial advisor – and a strong proponent of asset allocation theory – Gary J. Swartz, Jr. leads a team that bases all investment recommendations on the goals, objectives, and risk parameters of the client. We invest our time in our clients by meeting, analyzing, and continuously reviewing their assets to best serve their interests.

With decades of combined industry experience, our focus on excellence in producing results has made us the trusted practice and independent advocate to a select group of clients with whom he has developed long-term relationships based on honesty, integrity, and regular communication.

Gary J. Swartz, Jr.

Gary J. Swartz, Jr.

    • Managing Director - Investments
    • Branch Manager
    • Fundamental Choice Portfolio Manager

    Gary J. Swartz, Jr. is a highly experienced and knowledgeable Financial Advisor in the Plains, PA office of Wells Fargo Advisors. He provides a wide range of financial services, particularly for families, high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and endowments. Gary focuses on delivering customized asset management solutions by concentrating on asset allocation strategies, risk analysis, and investment planning.

    Gary has been recognized as a Platinum Council1 within Wells Fargo Advisors from 2013-2023, Private Wealth Financial Advisor in 2023, and as one of Forbes' Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in Pennsylvania for the years of 2019 through 2023.2 He is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their financial goals by understanding their needs, offering sound investment advice, and providing a level of personal service that exceeds expectations.

    Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2008, Gary worked at Morgan Stanley in Scranton, PA for 13 years. Previously, Gary worked at Mellon Bank as a financial specialist.

    Gary earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in finance from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He has also completed retirement planning training and earned various securities certifications. Gary holds all applicable securities registrations and insurance licenses required of a Financial Advisor.

    A proud father of three, Gary resides in Harveys Lake, PA, with his wife, Allyson. Gary is happy to support his community as either a member or board member for the Luzerne County Historical Society, the Pennsylvania Society, the Luzerne County Planning Commission, the North Branch Land Trust, the Harvey's Lake Protective Association, and the Free Masons.

    1The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

    2Source: Forbes.com. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. Source: Forbes.com. 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/2020; Source: Forbes.com. 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19. Forbes.com. 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18

    Elizabeth C. Sabatini-Cordiano

    Elizabeth C. Sabatini-Cordiano

    • CFP
    • Financial Advisor
    Elizabeth C. Cordiano provides comprehensive investment and retirement planning as a Financial Advisor inthe Plains, PA, office of Wells Fargo Advisors. She works with clients to help build a tailored plan that is custom designed for each client's unique needs and goals.

    For over 14 years, Elizabeth has helped clients address their financial concerns and develop strategies by focusing on each client’s individual circumstances. She listens and works with her clients to develop a personalized and comprehensive investment plan to help them meet their goals. She reviews the plan regularly with her clients to make any strategic shifts based on changes to their goals, risk tolerance, or time horizon.

    Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2016, Elizabeth began her career with PNC Bank. In 2010, she graduated top of her cohort after completing an intensive, 16-month training program. In 2015, Elizabeth earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification by completing a rigorous education program, passing a comprehensive examination, and by meeting stringent experience requirements. Being a Financial Advisor with the CFP® certification holds Elizabeth to a higher ethics standard and a strict code of conduct.

    As a graduate of Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Elizabeth is grateful to stay connected to the school. She especially enjoys alumni events where she can share her experiences with current students about life after graduation.

    Elizabeth grew up in the Lehigh Valley area and now resides in Old Forge with her husband, Rich, and their daughter, Makenzie. After a long week at the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Cooking, baking, and gardening are some of her favorite hobbies.
    Donna M. Smith

    Donna M. Smith

      • Vice President - Investments
      Donna Smith provides comprehensive investment and retirement planning as a Vice President – Investments and Financial Advisor in the Plains, PA office of Wells Fargo Advisors. She works with clients to help build a tailored plan that is custom-designed for each of her client's unique needs and goals.

      With over 40 years of experience, Donna has navigated decades of market and financial industry changes. She brings that expertise to her work while helping clients address their financial concerns and develop strategies. With a specialized focus in retirement and pre-retirement planning, Donna takes a holistic approach to her services and has worked frequently with IRAs and 401(k)s throughout her career. Her approach to wealth management is driven by cultivating long-lasting relationships. Donna loves working with her clients and connecting with them to ensure she understands their stories and to help them feel cared for while she develops personalized plans to help them meet their goals. She regularly meets with her clients to review their plans and make any strategic shifts based on changes to their goals, risk tolerance, or time horizon.

      Prior to joining the Swartz Financial Consulting Group, Donna started her career at First Eastern Bank, followed by her time at Merrill Lynch before moving to Prudential Securities, which eventually became part of Wells Fargo Advisors.She has held several jobs in the industry, including as a broker and as an assistant manager before taking on the Vice President – Investments role she holds today.

      Donna studied art at Pennsylvania State University before joining the financial services industry. She obtained her business degree with a minor in economics from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

      Outside of work, Donna lives in Forty Fort, PA. At 70, she still likes staying active, whether she’s working out, gardening, or spending time with her four grandchildren.

      Christine Stelmack

        • Senior Registered Client Associate
        Christine’s primary role is managing operational and administration needs for clients, as well as the administrative needs of the branch. She also handles the day-to-day administration of account-related activities.

        At Wells Fargo Advisors, Christine is proud to have been named a Platinum Council Associate in 2018 and served on the firm’s Client Associate Advisory Council.1
        Christine began her career in the financial services industry more than 30 years ago and holds the Series 7, 9/10, 63, and 65 registrations. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and MBA in Finance from Wilkes College.

        Christine resides in Hanover Township and has an adult
        daughter, Marina, who works as an English prep teacher
        in Westlawn, PA.

        A giver by nature, Christine spends much of her free time helping take care of her elderly mother and volunteering in her local Greek community. She is proud to be a first-generation Greek in her community – often volunteering at Greek festivals – and she is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.


        1 The Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council Client Associate (previously Premier Client Associate) distinction is held by a select group of Registered Client Associates within Wells Fargo Advisors nominated by their management for their consistent display of professionalism, integrity and core leadership values.

        Lisa Probanski Bonito

          • Client Associate
          Lisa's primary focus is supporting the administration needs of clients and the branch. She is passionate about ensuring all clients receive excellent service and enjoys working for a company that is full of opportunities for both its employees and clients.

          With almost ten years of experience working with loans and accounts adjustments, Lisa joined the team at Swartz Financial Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City College of New York, where she grew up before moving to the Dallas area in 2013, and also serves as a notary.

          Lisa currently lives in Dallas with her husband, Aaron, their daughter, Aubrey, and their two Australian Shepherds and Pekingese Pug. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. An avid music lover, Lisa has attended over 200 concerts and plays the saxophone, flute, and clarinet.