OUR TEAM
James M. Bolton - Senior Partner
CFP®, CLTC®
Jim has genuine passion for planning, investing and wealth accumulation. Jim and his team collaborate closely with his clients, bolstering their financial standing by implementing sound and progressive investment strategies coupled with prudent risk management. This in turn provides his clients with a greater confidence.
Jim and his team’s main areas of practice are comprehensive financial planning for individuals and families, and business continuation planning for corporations and closely held businesses.
Jim graduated from Stonehill College in 1996 with a B.S. in International studies and business. He then continued his studies at Boston University and graduated from their program for financial planners. In 2006 he became a Partner at Commonwealth Financial Group. Jim serves on the board of directors for several organizations and is a passionate supporter of The Alzheimer’s Association.
Jim splits his time between his "Mountain office" in the breathtaking Vail Valley of Colorado and his "Ocean office" in the historic and beautiful city of Boston, MA. Jim, his wife Denise and their two children Sam and Kate enjoy skiing and hiking together in the mountains of Colorado and New England.
Perry Smith - Senior Partner, Business & Estate Planning
Perry has worked with Commonwealth Financial Group for over 18 years. Other experiences include Trust Officer with US Trust Company of New York, Advanced Sales Attorney with New England Life and the Financial Services Director of a large New England CPA firm.
Perry graduated with honors from Dartmouth College with an AB in Policy Studies and Government, and then received his JD at American University and LL.M. (Tax) at Boston University Law School. He also holds CLU, ChFC, and CFP® designations, and is a Licensed Insurance Advisor in Massachusetts.
Perry provides technical support to our partners in both estate and business planning. He does not practice law on behalf of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company or MML Investors Services, LLC.
Perry and his wife Eva enjoy hiking, swimming and traveling.
Denise Bolton - Director of Operations
Denise is the heartbeat of CFG and she wears many hats. Most importantly, she is the primary CFG client liaison making sure that our clients receive a true concierge level of service and attention.
Denise earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and previously worked as a clinical instructor at the Forsyth Institute in Boston. She enjoys collaborating with our clients and our team in order to deliver a new level of financial confidence to our clients. Denise enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing and fishing in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado and New England.
Joshua Cook -
Client Relations Specialist
Josh joined Commonwealth Financial Group in 2023 as a Client Relations Specialist. With a wealth of experience in small-business management and customer service, Josh works to support Jim and our team by providing personalized service to every CFG client.
Prior to joining CFG, Josh was in winery-operations and is a trained winemaker. An avid traveler, Josh resides in Vail, CO with his wife Hannah, and their Staffordshire terrier, Ky. He enjoys hiking and biking through their beautiful mountain home, as well as skiing during the winters.
Jessica Cahill*- Lead New Business Coordinator
Jessica joined Commonwealth Financial Group in 2014 and is the Lead New Business Coordinator for the firm. Jessica works closely with the Bolton team to streamline the implementation process. She is an integral part of the planning experience team and provides concierge-level service to our top-tier advisors.
Jessica resides in Duxbury, MA with her family and charcoal lab, Georgie.
Sarah Hayes* - Director of Planning Experience
Sarah Hayes, Director of the Design Center & Planning Experience team, has been a part of Commonwealth Financial Group since 2018. Her role is to oversee CFG’s internal financial planning team and work with all advisors to deliver the best possible advice to their clients through a comprehensive team-based approach.
Sarah has her Series 7, 66 and various state LAH licenses.
She graduated from Roger Williams University with a degree in Finance and a Minor in Business Management. Sarah current lives in Charlestown with her black lab Oliver and loves to travel and read in her free time.
Dan Murphy* - Planning Experience & Case Design
Dan Murphy, Vice President of Planning Experience, has been a part of CFG since 2013. He leads the creation and implementation of the firm’s financial planning philosophy and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Design Center, the firm’s internal financial planning team. In his role, he works with all advisors on designing the ideal client experience and delivery of the best possible advice to the clients of CFG.
Dan has a CFP designation, as well as Series 7, 66, 24 and various state LAH licenses.
He graduated from Bentley University with a degree in Finance, a Liberal Studies Major in Ethics and Social Responsibility and Minor in Management. Dan currently resides in South Boston with his wife Nicole and is passionate about sports, music, and traveling.
Patricia Clarke* - Client Relations Manager
Pat joined Commonwealth Financial Group in 2018 and is the Lead Client Account Administrator for Shared Services. She is responsible for leading a team of Client Account Administrators in supporting advisors in establishing client insurance, investment, and annuity accounts from the application phase to its completion.
Prior to joining Commonwealth Financial Group as staff, Pat supported financial advisors in their practices for over 20 years as a Client Relations Manager providing servicing and new account support for advisors and their clients.
Pat has a BS degree in Psychology with minors in business and office administration, and an MS in Education Counseling.
Currently, she resides in Clinton, MA with her two daughters, and enjoys family time, music, and cross-stitching.
*James Bolton enjoys a partnership with the Home Office of Commonwealth Financial Group and is able to take advantage of their resources provided through this collaboration.