David Podell

David Podell has been a practitioner as an advisor for the last 20 years. He possesses a unique set of skills in working with business owners to extract more of a company’s profits in a tax favored method. He identified a niche space that was filled with complexity and a need for systems in the larger deductible tax strategy space. He has lectured extensively as an industry thought leader and is a sought-out specialist. He has been featured in FORBES, American Institute of CPA’s, CPA Practice Advisor, and multiple small business journals. His firm is now commissioned by clients throughout the country as an industry expert.

David and his wife, Danielle, have 2 daughters: Tori (11) and Skylar (8). His time is filled with sports and activities. He recharges from work and fatherhood on the golf course whenever he can.

David Yates

David Yates earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University in Pleasantville, NY. He has been in the financial industry since 1994 where he started his career as a retail stock broker working on Wall Street. In 1998, David joined Alliance Capital Management as a hybrid wholesaler for the State of Texas working with financial planners from L.P.L, Raymond James, AXA, and other financial institutions. In 2000 he joined New York Life as an internal wholesaler in the investment and Mainstay Funds affiliate groups. He joined Podell Financial Group in 2021 as an analyst on our financial planning and investment division.

Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Economics. He spent several years as a trader for a boutique trading firm in the early 2000’s before joining Podell Financial Group in 2009. Michael’s expertise in macroeconomic and both technical and fundamental analysis combined with a deep understanding of market psychology gives Podell Financial Group clients access to sound portfolio construction and asset allocation strategies. In addition, Michael also oversees our Qualified Plans and Financial Planning teams.

Michael resides in Scotch Plains, NJ with his 3 children and dog and can usually be found near water in his spare time.

Leslie Mastrogiovannia

Leslie Mastrogiovanni joined Podell Financial Group in 2016 and has since grown into the role of Operations Manager. Leslie graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Finance and has over 20 years of experience working in the financial industry. Leslie’s wide knowledge of finance operations from her prior experiences combined with her passion for quality service and efficiency, results in a positive client experience.

When Leslie is not in the office you can find her watching her children’s sporting events, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling.

Tara Medina

Tara Medina started at Podell Financial Group in 2018 as an administrative assistant. Tara has since grown into the role of Client Service Associate. Prior to Tara’s time at Podell Financial group, Tara graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology and had a career in New York City’s fashion industry. After 10 years in NYC Tara made a career change to be closer to home and start a family. She is enjoying being in the finance industry and has a genuine interest in serving clients and providing them with exceptional customer service.

Tara resides in NJ with her husband, EJ and their three sons: Michael, Anthony & Joseph. In her spare time, Tara enjoys spending time with family, watching her sons on the ball fields, traveling, and catching up on the latest fashion trends.