June 2018 – Valley National Financial Advisors promoted Elizabeth Kostelnick, CPA to the position of Assistant Vice President, Finance & Accounting. Brinda Vyas has taken on a new position as Junior Accountant, working under the supervision of Kostelnick on internal corporate control functions, in addition to working with clients on tax planning and preparation.
“The financial strength of the firm as a business is vital for us to be able to continue our mission of helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals,” said Matthew Petrozelli, Chief Executive Officer. “Elizabeth’s financial acumen and leadership skills are key to our ongoing success.”
Elizabeth joined the company as Corporate Controller in 2014. She is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 15 years of experience in accounting and management. A graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown with a B.A. in Accounting and Business Administration, Elizabeth moved back to the Lehigh Valley from New York City to join the Valley National team.
Brinda was hired as a tax season intern in 2015 and as a full-time employee in 2016 through Valley National’s Entry Level Professional (ELP) program. The ELP program, now in its sixth year, is specifically designed to prepare the next generation of financial professionals with key skills and knowledge. “The ELP program was originally meant to produce future financial advisors specifically,” said Petrozelli. “I am pleased that is has evolved in a way that allows Associates, like Brinda, to find other areas of focus that add value for our firm and our clients.”
Brinda graduated from DeSales University with two degrees – a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in International Business. Since joining Valley National, she has attained her Series 65 – Investment Adviser Representative, Series 7 – General Securities Representative and Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent licenses. She is currently pursuing the Certified Financial PlannerTM professional designation and plans to attain a CPA designation.
Both Elizabeth and Brinda work out of Valley National’s Bethlehem headquarters, and can be reached at 610-868-9000.