--- title: Greater Philadelphia Chapter | Exit Planning Institute description: Join the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of EPI for local events, resources, and community for exit planning professionals. --- ![Pennsylvania_White (3)](https://exit-planning-institute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Chapter%20Greater%20Philadelphia/Pennsylvania_White%20(3).png?width=105&height=107&name=Pennsylvania_White%20(3).png) # GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute is a group of local advisors dedicated to changing the outcome for business owners looking to grow, transition, or exit their businesses. ![Greater Philadelphia - Full Color](https://exit-planning-institute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Greater%20Philadelphia%20-%20Full%20Color.png?width=245&height=136&name=Greater%20Philadelphia%20-%20Full%20Color.png) **Chapter Purpose: **The purpose of the EPI Greater Philadelphia Chapter is to create a forum where the local community of professional advisors can collaborate to address unique needs of the local community; develop educational programs for business owners and professional advisors to build awareness and better prepare an owner for the successful exit of their business; develop, encourage and foster the adoption of best practices for the exit planning profession; and promote the common business interests of those business advisors engaged in the profession of exit planning. [ Attend an Event ](https://exit-planning-institute.org/chapter/epi-greater-philadelphia-chapter#chapter-events) [ Meet the Leaders ](https://exit-planning-institute.org/chapter/epi-greater-philadelphia-chapter#leadership-team) Join Our Email List ## UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS [Summer Social](https://exit-planning-institute.org/events/epi-greater-philadelphia-july-2026-chapter-event) ![Exit Planning Institute Image](https://exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/PHI-JUL-2026.png) In Person #### Summer Social July 7, 2026 [Case Study: Navigating a Succession Plan That Is Impacted by the 5 Ds](https://exit-planning-institute.org/events/epi-greater-philadelphia-september-2026-chapter-event) ![Exit Planning Institute Image](https://exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/PHI-SEPT-2026%20(1).png) In Person #### Case Study: Navigating a Succession Plan That Is Impacted by the 5 Ds September 17, 2026 [Selling to a Family Office: What Owners and Advisors Need to Know](https://exit-planning-institute.org/events/epi-greater-philadelphia-november-2026-chapter-event) ![Exit Planning Institute Image](https://exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/PHI-NOV-2026.png) In Person #### Selling to a Family Office: What Owners and Advisors Need to Know November 12, 2026 [ View All Events ](https://exit-planning-institute.org/events) ## PAST CHAPTER EVENTS ## JOIN CHAPTER EMAIL LIST EPI provides leading advisors the best content in the exit and succession planning industry. Submit your contact information to receive local chapter communications as well as industry trends, new articles, exclusive whitepapers, market research, and training programs. Subscribe to Our Email List ## LOCAL LEADERSHIP ## NATIONAL STATE OF OWNER READINESS™ Recent studies show that 66% of the current American business market is owned by Baby Boomers, who are set to transition over the next zero to ten years. Statistics also show that only 20% – 30% of businesses that go to market actually sell; leaving up to 80% of those without solid options to harvest their wealth and ensure economic continuity into the next generation. An owner who is “ready” with an attractive business greatly increases the odds that the business will survive a transition of hands. The question is, how ready is the national marketplace to succeed? Download the National Report ## CHAPTER RESOURCES There are no resources to display. 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[ Download the CEPA Brochure ](https://exit-planning-institute.org/cepa-brochure-download) As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he focuses primarily on holistic wealth management advice that includes comprehensive financial planning. He helps clients build a financial road map for their assets and liabilities and design an investment strategy that is aligned with their goals.   Having grown up in a family business environment—especially one that has been in his family for more than a hundred years—Matt is equipped to address the planning needs of closely held business owners. He has earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation, the most widely accepted and endorsed exit planning platform available. As a CEPA, Matt focuses on cross-functional consulting and value acceleration, and belongs to a multi-disciplinary network of high caliber advisors in our area and across the globe. Matt has developed a specialty in servicing the needs of closely-held business owners. He is actively engaged in the exit/succession planning community. As a portfolio manager, Matt helps manage clients’ accounts and assists the team with investment research. Matt is FINRA-registered and holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses as well as licenses for life, accident and health insurance and variable annuities. Matt graduated from Dickinson College where he earned a B.A. in international business and management. In his spare time, he enjoys playing squash, golf and traveling. Matt currently lives in Erdenheim, PA with his wife, Liz, and son, Grant. Securities Agent: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IN, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative NMLS#: 986330 Hi, I am a Senior Family Business Advisor here at Compass Point and my areas of expertise are Leadership & Talent Development. My [leadership training](https://www.compasspt.com/leadership-lab) and research focuses on self-awareness, communication and healthy conflict to help cultivate high-performance teams for family business owners and their leaders. I began my career in Social Work working with mental health and senior citizen communities. Always having an interest in self-awareness and leadership, my focus on helping others shifted to helping business leaders and guided me to earning a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University. During my dissertation research, I interviewed over 200 small businesses in the Lehigh Valley on the topic of employee engagement. To help my clients explore and expand their personal development, I maintain certification as a [High Performance Coach](https://www.compasspt.com/executive-coaching) (CHPC), a DiSC and Myers-Briggs Facilitator and have experience with Gallup StrengthsFinder. In addition to my Ph.D., I earned a B.S. and M.S. in Social Work. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, playing tennis and running. I also enjoy giving back to the community, including: - Vice President of Leadership Team, Exit Planning Institute (EPI) – Philadelphia Chapter - Active member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce - Contributing writer for the Lehigh Valley Business Journal - Former Girls on the Run Coach - Former secretary for the church council and co-facilitator for the youth group at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bethlehem [Connect with Cheyenne on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheyenne-bennett/) ### Tailored financial solutions With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry—the majority of it with UBS—John has dedicated himself to developing tailored financial solutions based on a clear understanding of his clients’ goals. He works primarily with high net worth individuals and families, focusing specifically on financial planning, multigenerational wealth management and creating customized portfolios. ### An experienced team Having earned the prestigious Private Wealth Manager designation, John and his team have built one of the largest and longest-tenured wealth management practices in UBS’s Philadelphia market area. He has also earned the Portfolio Manager title under the UBS Portfolio Management Program, a privilege granted to select Financial Advisors who have met certain prescribed educational, compliance and investment management standards. ### Awards and recognition *Forbes *has placed John on its Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for 2018. He has been recognized by *Barron’s* as a Top 1,000 Financial Advisor in the US numerous times. The *Philadelphia Business Journal* has also named him multiple times to the Winner’s Circle of Top Wealth Advisors in the Greater Philadelphia Area. In addition, John has been recognized by the *Financial Times* in its Top 400 Financial Advisors list. ### Outside UBS John currently serves on the board of Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) in Chester County, PA. He also volunteers as a mentor with American Corporate Partners (ACP), which is a nonprofit organization that offers veterans tools for career development through mentoring and career counseling. ### At a glance: - B.A. in economics, Gettysburg College - Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) - Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) ### Registered States: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WA, WV As a CFP® and CEPA®, Chuck has been helping successful families and businesses achieve their financial goals for 30 years.  Chuck has had a diverse career in the financial services marketplace. He holds a BS degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and an MBA from Penn State University.  He achieved his CPA designation and worked for Arthur Andersen and J.P. Morgan.  In 1992 he began his career as a financial advisor with New England Financial and completed his MBA during that time.  In 2004, Chuck joined Legacy Planning Partners as a founding partner and over his 13-year tenure, he helped grow the firm from 7 advisors in two offices to 21 advisors in three offices with over $1 billion in assets under management.  In 2018, Chuck joined FPA Wealth Management as a senior wealth advisor and director of exit planning services. This move was designed to achieve greater independence and access to resources to better serve the unique needs of his clients. FPA Wealth Management has built a goal-driven and planning-focused model for helping clients.  This model emphasizes the delivery of objective advice.  This goal-driven approach allows us to give advice that extends beyond investments and financial markets.  We serve as financial planners and problem solvers.  We focus on the big picture not the daily headlines.  Building a diversified investment portfolio is easy.  Building a financial plan that asks the right questions and listens to the answers is tough.  Pulling everything together to create a customized strategic plan is even tougher. Chuck currently resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife Alex, son Luke and dogs Jason and Titan.  When not working with clients, Chuck spends time coaching, playing golf, competing in triathlons and studying military history. ### CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) CFP professionals must develop their credentials by completing a comprehensive course of study at an accredited college or university offering curriculum approved by the CFP board. They must pass a comprehensive two-day, ten-hour exam covering topics such as financial planning, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance planning. Prior to entering the CFP program, advisors must have at least three years of experience working as a financial planner. Every two years CFP’s must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education to maintain their certification ### CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNING ADVISOR (CEPA®) CEPA professionals must complete a comprehensive five-day course offered by the Exit Planning Institute. They must pass a four-hour proctored exam covering topics such as business valuation, value enhancement, exit options analysis, transaction structuring and tax planning. Prior to entering the CEPA program, advisors must have at least five years of experience working with business owners in a professional capacity. Every three years CEPA’s must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education to maintain their certification. *Professionally, I make a promise to help you achieve your financial goals now and throughout your life.  Personally, I make a promise to be there for you no matter where life takes you.* Douglas Kook is a trusted advisor to business owners and leadership teams, specializing in growth strategy, succession planning, exit planning, and high-level tax planning. He works closely with clients to maximize enterprise value, navigate complex transitions, and build durable plans that align financial outcomes with long-term goals. **Steven E. Staugaitis, CPA, CVA** DIRECTOR, AUDIT & ACCOUNTING, SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES GROUP LEADER, FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES GROUP CO-LEADER **Areas of Specialization** Steve is the Director-In-Charge of KreischerMiller’s Small Business Advisory practice, which provides integrated accounting, tax, and advisory services exclusively to small and mid-size privately-held companies, many of which are family-owned. He also serves as the co-leader of the firm’s Family Business practice. Steve has a wide range of experience providing accounting, tax, and business advisory services, which enables him to serve as a key advisor to his clients. He has worked with clients in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, construction, and various service organizations. As part of his role as an advisor, Steve helps companies analyze and understand their financial position, assists with evaluating acquisition opportunities, evaluates and structures transition plans, completes business valuations, and provides insight into company buy-sell agreements. In addition to his client-facing responsibilities, Steve serves as an instructor for Kreischer Miller’s in-house professional training seminars. He is also a specialist in and leads the FamilyBusiness Structure content hub for Kreischer Miller’s Center for PrivateCompany Excellence, a first-of-its-kind live and virtual community created exclusively for privately held companies. **Background** Steve joined Kreischer Miller in 2004. Prior to working for Kreischer Miller, he was a manager at a national accounting firm headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, where his responsibilities included supervising the audits and tax returns of closely-held private businesses and their owners. **Professional and Business Affiliations** - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants –Member - Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants –Member - National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts– Member - Exit Planning Institute, Philadelphia Chapter –Leadership Committee Member - Delaware Valley Family Business Center – Member and Thought Leadership Presenter - Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce –Middle Market Action Team Member - QNB Bank Community Advisory Board –Member **Education, Certifications, and Awards** - Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and Maryland - Certified Valuation Analyst - B.B.A. – Accounting, James Madison University     Matthew handles a range of taxation and wealth planning matters, including domestic and international estate planning, business succession planning, tax controversies, estate and trust administration and charitable giving, for both corporate and individual clients as well as tax-exempt organizations. Matthew regularly prepares a variety of estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, GRATs, charitable trusts, settlement agreements, special needs trusts and powers of attorney, and he is well-versed in assisting clients with shareholder and partnership agreements. In addition, Matthew works with a variety of corporate clients on tax structuring for business formations, combinations and dispositions. He also has significant experience advising business owners on a wide range of issues from startup through exit transactions. ### Before Fox Rothschild Matthew served as a visiting instructor at Rutgers University School of Law, where he led a course aimed at introducing students to federal income taxation. While earning his LL.M. from New York University, he served as Graduate Editor of the *Journal of Law and Liberty*. ### Beyond Fox Rothschild Matthew is a volunteer attorney for the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program, where he represents taxpayers in various tax controversy matters. As a result of his efforts, he was named to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania’s Pro Bono Roll of Honor. Matthew is also actively involved in the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council and was nominated for inclusion in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Leaders Circle in 2013. Frank is a co-founder of Brandywine M&A. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University. Frank previously owned and operated a software reseller and a real estate development firm. Frank has held certifications in Exit Planning and Family Business Advisory as well as serving on founding board for XPX Philadelphia (The Exit Planning Exchange) and The Exit Planning Institute’s Philadelphia Chapter. He is also a Certified Value Builder. Frank is also the founder of [Exit Decisions](https://www.exitdecisions.com/), an information and related advisory focused on helping owners make crucial decisions regarding future ownership of their companies with a core focus on protecting and increasing the value of the business. Frank also a partner and advisor to Value Prop Interactive, a Strategic Marketing and Sales consulting and training firm. Frank, his wife Barbara, and their 3 children live in Chester County, PA. As a CFP® and CEPA®, Chuck has been helping successful families and businesses achieve their financial goals for 30 years.  Chuck has had a diverse career in the financial services marketplace. He holds a BS degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and an MBA from Penn State University.  He achieved his CPA designation and worked for Arthur Andersen and J.P. Morgan.  In 1992 he began his career as a financial advisor with New England Financial and completed his MBA during that time.  In 2004, Chuck joined Legacy Planning Partners as a founding partner and over his 13-year tenure, he helped grow the firm from 7 advisors in two offices to 21 advisors in three offices with over $1 billion in assets under management.  In 2018, Chuck joined FPA Wealth Management as a senior wealth advisor and director of exit planning services. This move was designed to achieve greater independence and access to resources to better serve the unique needs of his clients. FPA Wealth Management has built a goal-driven and planning-focused model for helping clients.  This model emphasizes the delivery of objective advice.  This goal-driven approach allows us to give advice that extends beyond investments and financial markets.  We serve as financial planners and problem solvers.  We focus on the big picture not the daily headlines.  Building a diversified investment portfolio is easy.  Building a financial plan that asks the right questions and listens to the answers is tough.  Pulling everything together to create a customized strategic plan is even tougher. Chuck currently resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife Alex, son Luke and dogs Jason and Titan.  When not working with clients, Chuck spends time coaching, playing golf, competing in triathlons and studying military history. ### CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) CFP professionals must develop their credentials by completing a comprehensive course of study at an accredited college or university offering curriculum approved by the CFP board. They must pass a comprehensive two-day, ten-hour exam covering topics such as financial planning, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance planning. Prior to entering the CFP program, advisors must have at least three years of experience working as a financial planner. Every two years CFP’s must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education to maintain their certification ### CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNING ADVISOR (CEPA®) CEPA professionals must complete a comprehensive five-day course offered by the Exit Planning Institute. They must pass a four-hour proctored exam covering topics such as business valuation, value enhancement, exit options analysis, transaction structuring and tax planning. Prior to entering the CEPA program, advisors must have at least five years of experience working with business owners in a professional capacity. Every three years CEPA’s must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education to maintain their certification. *Professionally, I make a promise to help you achieve your financial goals now and throughout your life.  Personally, I make a promise to be there for you no matter where life takes you.* Rachel Packer concentrates her practice on mergers & acquisitions, strategic investments, and business and corporate law, including: - Mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; - Private equity funds and their portfolio companies; - Strategic investments and joint ventures; - Venture capital funding transactions; and - A variety of general business matters, including commercial agreements, and business formation and planning. Rachel regularly represents private equity firms and their portfolio companies, privately held businesses, strategic investors, and entrepreneurs in connection with M&A and private capital-raising transactions. Rachel also serves as “outside general counsel” to a number of clients, providing guidance on commercial contracts, corporate governance, and general risk management. Rachel’s experience spans a wide range of industries including software as a service (“SAAS”), manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Rachel has deep experience in the food and beverage industry. Rachel’s clients include food and beverage retailers, processors, manufacturers, brokers, distributors, and franchises. Rachel serves as a member of the firm’s Philadelphia Attorney Recruiting Committee and as a member of the firm’s Philadelphia Pro Bono Coordinating Committee. Rachel also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Summer Associate Program in Philadelphia, which was ranked #1 in the *American Lawyer’s* 2022 Summer Associate Survey. Whit Webster Founding Partner Leveraging over a decade of investing and operating experience, Whit founded Open Road Capital Advisors to help business owners take control of the process of exiting their businesses. Open Road is an M&A advisory firm focused on guiding owners and their leadership teams through the preparation for and navigation of a full or partial exit. Whit’s responsible for the strategic direction of the firm as well as overseeing client engagements and building relationships with our trusted referral partners. He is also the Founder of Open Road Holdings, a private equity sponsor backing operators in acquiring or building business across a variety of service sectors. Prior to Open Road, Whit served as a Vice President at Mangrove Equity Partners, a lower middle market private equity fund based in Tampa, FL. Whit has also served as Chairman and CEO at A Closer Look (a portfolio company of Open Road Holdings) as well as the Director of M&A at Franklin Street, a commercial real estate services firm. He is a passionate family man, who enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids while skiing, surfing, playing golf and padel, or just finding the next adventure. Catherine Garrity-Frans is a passionate Family Business Consultant at Compass Point Consulting, where she helps multi-generation family companies strengthen leadership, bridge generational divides, and shape intentional transitions that honor legacy and future vision. As a next generation leader herself in her family business, Catherine is driven by a deep love of family and a belief that when family businesses thrive, communities thrive. She brings a blend of real-world business experience, relational insight, and strategic coaching to support business owners in solving problems, building growth plans, and planning for the long term. In her work, Catherine focuses on building strong, resilient bonds between current owners and their next-generation leaders, equipping families with the tools, communication frameworks, and leadership clarity they need to move their company’s vision forward with confidence. This work naturally aligns with the principles championed by EPI. Helping owners not just plan an “exit,” but grow value, evaluate transition options, and thoughtfully prepare for a hand-off that preserves both business success and family harmony. Before joining Compass Point, Catherine honed her expertise in sales, business development, and team leadership in the medical device industry. These experiences sharpened her ability to build relationships, mentor emerging leaders, and guide people through change. At Compass Point, she applies these strengths to support owners in navigating the complexities of leadership development, succession planning, and legacy creation. Gray Wirth, MBA, CEPA® The Center Consulting Group As a management consultant, executive coach, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Gray helps business owners plan in advance for future transitions to ensure that their business, personal, and financial objectives will be achieved.  He also serves businesses via leadership coaching, strategic planning, and developing and facilitating advisory boards. Gray has served more than 30 years as a leader in small business, corporate, nonprofit, and military contexts. He has successfully led organizations ranging from 100 to 3,100 employees. Gray has lived and worked in five different countries, been a CEO, and accumulated more than 25 years of experience on nonprofit and for-profit boards. Gray is a U.S. Army veteran and holds a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.B.A. from Harvard University, and an M.A.R. from Westminster Theological Seminary.  Max is a Partner at Centri Business Consulting and the leader of the firm’s M&A Advisory Practice. He has more than 20 years of merger and acquisition consulting experience and provides M&A advisory services to private equity firms, venture capital firms, family offices, and strategic/corporate clients. He joined Centri in October 2022 and specializes in providing merger and acquisition advisory services for both strategic and financial buyers and sellers. Max provides value-added services such as buy-side due diligence, sell-side due diligence, sell-side consulting, sell-side readiness, buyer valuation support, working capital analysis/support, restructuring advisory, and strategy and legacy consulting. During his career, Max has provided consulting services on over 600 transactions and has been responsible for leading all aspects of the deal process. Max has consulted on deals with enterprise values ranging from $2 million to $6 billion.  Prior to his time with Centri, Max was at RSM US LLP for 7 years, where he most recently served as the Deal Strategy North American Practice Leader, specializing in providing full deal lifecycle services such as development of acquisition strategies, sell-side go to market strategy development, enterprise valuation analysis, financial modeling, drafting of marketing materials (e.g., confidential information memorandums), and deal management. Prior to RSM, Max spent several years at KPMG and PwC in their Transaction Advisory Service Practices, providing buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence services. He also has 5 years of experience working with a financial services firm with a focus on high-net-worth individual/family wealth management, business consulting, and merger and acquisition consulting. Max is a board member and the former treasurer of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). Max also serves as a board member and local leadership of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI).  Max received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Susquehanna University.  **Robert Waring** is an experienced finance professional and former CPA with experience in public accounting and a deep operational orientation from his background in senior financial management roles. While in industry, he served primarily with high-growth businesses in the pharmaceutical, chemicals and consumer products industries, where he was responsible for acquisitions and divestitures as well as corporate finances. He particularly enjoyed his work in business transactions because there was always something new to discover. He loved the passion that owners of small and mid-sized businesses held for their companies. So, when he left the corporate world, he decided to combine the things he loved to do and help middle-market business owners with mergers and acquisitions. He specializes in developing strategies for business owners to maximize and realize value from their businesses. His areas of expertise include business value growth, financial modeling, succession and exit strategies, the development of strategic acquisition plans and negotiating agreements for SEA’s sell-side clients. Rob speaks about middle market mergers and acquisitions, business value growth, exit planning, and internal business transitions to management or family members. Rob is a graduate of Lehigh University and resides in Doylestown, PA with his wife and children. He is active in youth sports and served on the Board of the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation. He also enjoys the outdoors via hiking, camping or a round of golf.