Get to Know Your Team

We’re Personally Committed to You & Your Family

Who We Are

Whether calling us or stepping into our office, you can always expect a warm welcome, direct partnership, and meaningful conversations with team members who make your concerns their own.

Our team is dedicated to helping you experience true financial confidence, and we do so by being a true personal partner to you. Through a close relationship and ongoing rapport, we aim to provide guidance that aligns with your values, aspirations and wishes for your family. Getting to know our clients is one of the most meaningful parts of our work. It also creates the family atmosphere our clients and team enjoy so much.

Over the years, we have grown as a firm and feature a team of talented professionals who bring a breadth of knowledge to your finances. Blending expertise, accountability, and a deep care for your wellbeing, we look forward to continuing our client-first approach as we head toward your horizon, together.

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Mark A. Congdon, AIF

Founder, President

Mark A. Congdon

Mark A. Congdon, AIF

Founder, President

clientservices@horizonfinancial.net

Mark started his financial services career in 1986 with IDS/American Express. In 1993 he started his own firm, The Horizon Group, now known as Horizon Financial. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Management from SUNY Geneseo. He has designed and authored retirement workshops for a number of corporations, including Kodak and Xerox. Mark is also an industry presenter, having educated advisors nationwide on long-term care, real estate, and best practices for financial planning firms.

Mark is active within the industry, serving on the Advisor Council of the Financial Services Institute, voicing client concerns in both Washington and Albany. He lives in Geneseo with his wife Susan and has four children. Mark is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time at his family cottage in the Thousand Islands. A fan of Abraham Lincoln, he collects Civil War and Underground Railroad memorabilia for the museum in the basement of the Henrietta office.

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Timothy R. Hammond

Senior Financial Advisor

Timothy R. Hammond

Senior Financial Advisor

thammond@horizonfinancial.net

Since joining The Horizon Group in 1996, Tim has served as one of the advisors for the firm. His responsibilities include financial planning and account reviews, and deftly handling complex client issues. Tim has an innate ability to provide a concierge level of services to clients. Tim assumed the role of lead advisor for our group in 2019, and is charged with aiming to provide an exceptional client review process and ensuring that all other advisors are kept up to date on new industry trends and regulations.

Tim graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and still resides there with his wife Pam and their three children. As a lifelong member of the community, he has been a member of the Geneseo Fire Department for over 20 years, where he currently serves as the organization's treasurer. He enjoys skating in hockey leagues and coaching his children's youth teams.

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Michael Congdon

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Compliance Officer

Michael Congdon

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Compliance Officer

mrcongdon@horizonfinancial.net

In my role as CEO my responsibilities include setting corporate strategy, managing the overall operations and financial resources of the firm, and ensuring the firm’s objectives are being met. In my second role as CCO, I am responsible for ensuring that everything we do is in accordance with our written policies and procedures while also keeping up with constant changes to regulatory policy for the industry. I also sit as a member of our investment policy committee where I work with other members of our money management team to interpret data, evaluate portfolio and market performance, and develop and refine new investment theories using a data-based analytical framework.

I graduated from Le Moyne College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Applied Management Analysis (now known as business analytics). After working for several years in a trading department at Cadaret Grant and learning the financial services industry, I left to attend graduate school full time at Binghamton University. After earning my MBA in 2013, I spent over five years working at National Grid in various analytical and leadership roles. After a year working as a Senior Analyst in the New York Regulatory group, I left to accept my current role at Horizon Financial.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife Erin, chocolate lab Lincoln, and our families in the Thousand Islands where we both spent summers growing up. We also welcomed our first daughter, Charlotte, to the family in April 2022.

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Kenneth Blazick, AIF

Chief Investment Officer

Kenneth Blazick

Kenneth Blazick, AIF

Chief Investment Officer

kblazick@horizonfinancial.net

Financial markets and economics are a never-ending puzzle that can’t be completely solved. I enjoy the work, it requires discipline and focus, and at the end of the day the work really matters to our advisors and clients.

As Chief Investment Officer, I lead our firm’s Investment Policy Committee. We are responsible for developing and executing all the aspects involved in portfolio management. Those responsibilities include researching economic fundamentals to create investment forecasts, the due diligence process, investment selection, evolving investment policies and guidelines, trading, and supporting advisors with research.

I graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. I have been with Horizon Financial for over 10 years. I was an advisor with Lincoln Financial prior to joining Horizon Financial in 2011.

Outside of the office I like to spend my time with my family (wife, daughter, 2 dogs), staying active, reading and learning about new subjects, including working on earning my Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

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Carrie Sigler

Financial Advisor

Carrie Sigler

Financial Advisor

csigler@horizonfinancial.net

I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people and understanding the financial issues they face and goals they wish to accomplish. It is especially energizing to be able to educate clients as we work together to find solutions to their issues or help them achieve their goals. Helping is a natural part of my DNA, so putting a plan in place and acting as an accountability partner as we work together to achieve these goals both in the near and distant future is what makes coming to work everyday exciting and fulfilling.

My day-to-day duties include working side by side with other advisors in the firm during client meetings making sure plans are being implemented and followed and tasks are being accomplished. I prepare for client meetings, gather important client information, and make sure all client concerns are addressed. After client meetings, I regularly follow-up on action items and make sure they are completed in a timely manner. I work side by side with clients on initiating retirement rollovers, account transfers, and account maintenance items. I also work with clients and their families on long-term care issues.

Before becoming a Financial Advisor at Horizon Financial, I have worked for 17+ years within the firm starting as Director of First Impression and moving into the roles of Client Services Representative, Operations Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. I give much credit to my understanding of true customer service by working several years at Wegmans.

I received a Bachelors in Management degree from Keuka College in 2004 and recently finished my Masters Degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan in November of 2021.

Outside of work, I thoroughly enjoy my life as a “boy mom” by attending various sporting events and exploring the outdoors through “glamping”, hiking, kayaking, and fishing with my two sons and husband. Graduate school reawakened my enjoyment of reading and desire for continued learning, but I’m also known to indulge in an occasional sappy novel. I love hosting parties and planning get-togethers with friends and family and have become quite fond of craft beers and breweries in the area. Additionally, I find pleasure and fulfillment by being involved in our church and community through various volunteer activities, especially ones where we can participate as a family.

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Jonathan Blazick

Financial Advisor

Jonathan Blazick

Financial Advisor

jblazick@horizonfinancial.net

My favorite part of being a financial advisor is helping clients solve problems. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than working through a difficult situation and finding solutions that help a client achieve their goals or help them overcome a significant obstacle.

I have the privilege of spending every day helping clients achieve their financial goals. This includes many different activities, from putting retirement plans together to analyzing pension options. One minute I find myself delving deep into withdrawal strategies and their tax implications and the next minute I am helping a client plan for an upcoming family vacation.

I graduated from Niagara University in 2004 with a B.A. While at school I discovered my affinity for working with numbers and ultimately majored in accounting and minored in finance. Once graduated, I continued my education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. There I obtained my M.B.A. with a concentration in finance, graduating in 2006.

Following college, I spent ten years in different positions with Target and Kellogg’s, primarily managing distribution and logistics. In 2018, I decided to switch gears completely and joined Horizon Financial as an advisor where I have been thrilled to put the skills and knowledge I obtained in college and throughout my previous work experience to good use, helping clients obtain their financial goals.

Outside of work, much of my time is spent coordinating with my wife the many activities of our four young boys. My eldest is passionate about music and the performing arts, participating in local plays and youth choir. My other three boys participate in numerous sports including baseball, soccer, skiing and track. As a family we often spend our weekends skiing in the winter and hiking and golfing in the summer.

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Amanda Heagerty

Financial Advisor

Amanda Heagerty

Financial Advisor

aheagerty@horizonfinancial.net

Everyone’s financial situation is different and no one’s path is a straight line. I am a Financial Advisor because I like to help clients navigate the unexpected and plan for their short-term and long-term goals. I find joy in helping find solutions and getting people on track to reach their goals.

In the financial world every day is different; another reason I enjoy my job. Most days I can be found in client appointments or on the phone helping to answer client questions or plan for unexpected expenses or life changes. I may be preparing for reviews or preparing/processing client paperwork. There is always research to be done and new skills to learn in this always evolving industry.

I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from SUNY Brockport. While in my senior year of college I began working at Citizens Bank. During my 11 years there, I became a Branch Manager and eventually a Licensed Relationship Banker, helping individuals with their financial goals or concerns and deepening my knowledge of finance.

Outside of work you can find me spending time with my husband, Kevin, and our two children, Lukas and Kenzi. We enjoy hiking, swimming, traveling, and listening to live music.

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Donald J. Kwarta

Financial Advisor

Donald J. Kwarta

Financial Advisor

dkwarta@horizonfinancial.net

I joined Horizon Financial in June 2017 after over 35 years of experience at Kodak and Xerox. Professionally, I held a variety of managerial/executive positions in human resources, specifically in the area of employee benefits. I enjoy using my skills and experience to help clients develop and execute a plan focused on achieving their retirement goals.

I earned a Masters of Business Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology and also hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration. I also have earned the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designation. I currently reside in Webster with my wife, Chris, and enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren.

Ava Bligh

Associate Advisor

Ava Bligh

Associate Advisor

abligh@horizonfinancial.net

After joining Horizon Financial, I quickly realized that my role consisted of learning something new every single day. Whether it be a tip from someone else on our team or learning more about the always-evolving financial industry, I am passionate about growing my knowledge base.

I have the privilege to sit in on client reviews, gathering important information that advisors use to provide advice. After these reviews, I prepare write-ups detailing all information and follow up on action items that came out of the review. This can include paperwork for opening new accounts or changing details on existing accounts. I also scan and file all account paperwork that we receive and have direct contact with clients either through the phone or email for any questions that come up between meetings.

I graduated from LeMoyne College with a Bachelors of Science in Finance and Business Analytics with a minor in Economics in 2020. I’m currently also taking MBA classes through Le Moyne.

Being a retired college athlete, working out is a big part of my life, as I try to do so at least 5x per week. I am also part of a co-ed soccer league during the summer, with friends and family I have met throughout the years of being a soccer player. Being a Buffalo native, I am obviously a Buffalo Bills Fan. I also love going on family trips with my three brothers and parents, especially to our family cabin near Alleghany. During the workweek, my friends and I like to try out new restaurants near my hometown, and my love for live country music is unmatched!

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Brian Novellin

Director of Trading

Brian Novellin

Director of Trading

bnovellin@horizonfinancial.net

At Horizon Financial I’m able to apply my analytical skills and my enthusiasm to portfolio management. Not only am I fortunate to be part of this team, but the fruits of my labor help wonderful people achieve their financial dreams.

My primary role is coordinating and maintaining our advisory portfolios on a day-to-day basis. I also serve as the point person when clients call with urgent portfolio matters. When I’m not busy with the intricacies of trading and portfolio management, I spend time on research projects as a member of our Investment Policy Committee.

I earned my Bachelors of Science in Finance at SUNY Brockport. I spent 5 years at Ameriprise Financial where I got my start managing portfolios and processing trades. I’ve been with Horizon Financial since February of 2016.

Outside of work, I’m a husband and a father and those are my two favorite and most important roles. I used to spend my free time in recreational sports leagues, staying in touch with friends, and striving to be a whiskey aficionado. Nowadays, I’m happiest going on family adventures and running around with our son while I still have the energy.

Benjamin Chappell

Investment Analyst

Benjamin Chappell

Investment Analyst

bchappell@horizonfinancial.net

As a part of the Money Management team, my main focuses are analyzing economic data, the stock markets, and our client's portfolios. My passion for this work comes from the fact that clients have entrusted us with protecting and growing their hard-earned money, and I will do anything I can to make sure they are positioned to accomplish their financial goals.

On a day-to-day basis, I am monitoring the stock market, analyzing economic data, and helping Ken with managing our portfolios. I also work with Brian to help process trades and send out distributions to clients.

I have a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Cincinnati. Before joining Horizon Financial I was an accountant at an engineering consulting firm. I am also actively working towards earning my Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, Jessica, and our 75lb Giant Schnauzer, “Bonnie”. I also enjoy being active, and I am a member of a local Crossfit gym.

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Cyndy Hayes

Director of First Impressions

Cyndy Hayes

Director of First Impressions

clientservices@horizonfinancial.net

I love interacting with our clients, families, and friends and pride myself on making everyone feel welcome. It is nice knowing that sometimes just listening a little longer can truly make someone’s day better.

I am the first person anyone sees coming into our office. After greeting everyone, I offer refreshments and then catch up on any news they may want to share before their meeting. I handle incoming calls, outgoing mail, any concierge-type duties, birthday, sympathy, and anniversary cards. I especially enjoy making calls to clients between appointments to touch base and hear about what is going on in their lives. It is my responsibility to keep the office neat and tidy and make sure anyone coming in feels right at home.

I enjoyed working for many years as a Sales Assistant in the radio world before moving from Florida and joining Horizon Financial in June 2019.

Having been in Western New York for only 3 years, my fiancé loves to show me all this state has to offer. The Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, and State Parks, it is almost impossible to be bored up here. Hiking, kayaking, birding, photography, train shows, and even just experiencing the full four seasons this region has to offer have been eventful. Even better is getting to share these experiences with my grandchildren when they come up from Florida to visit.