founders

Christine Cox-West

Christine Cox-West began her career in financial services in 2011. Within a short time, Christine recognized that protecting her clients’ incomes was the most important thing for anyone in the accumulation phase of their life. After working specifically in the physician market, Christine became a disability specialist for one of the largest disability carriers in the nation. Helping not only the clients, but also hundreds of other advisors find the right solutions for their clients, Christine gained immense passion and experience in the disability insurance marketplace. Christine is the past NJ Chapter President of Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS). She also sits on the board of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce among many Fortune 500 Executives as well as chairing their Women in Business Program. In 2019 Christine was named NJBiz Top 40 Under 40. Christine is a wife to husband, David, and mother to Alexa, Jack, Axel and Brooks.

Michael DeVizio

Michael began his career in financial services in 2012. He joined the industry with a natural desire to help people get to better financial situations through the right open-minded guidance. As soon as Michael got into the business he knew he wanted to build a very diverse practice for his clients providing both protection vehicles & wealth management. Michael works with a lot of successful young professionals and young families, helping them get from where they are today to where they want to be in the future. Every clients situation is different from the last and Michael takes pride in customizing each one. He looks at each of those situations like he is helping build or renovate a financial house, like a financial architect. Michael also has niched himself in the attorney marketplace over the past 7 years. He respects the challenges that come with being a successful attorney in today’s world and enjoys alleviating a lot of the financial planning stresses that attorneys sometimes may not want to handle alone. Michael allows his clients to focus on what they are best at, while simultaneously helping them at what he is best at. Personally, Michael is so proud to come from the large family he comes from and has always strived to be impactful to his family. Michael is also a sports addict; the New York Yankees, New York Giants, Seton Hall Pirates Basketball & Alabama Football are huge passions of his.

Michael Manginelli

Michael is a former student of Ramapo College of New Jersey and current resident of Monmouth County. Throughout his time at Ramapo, he was a member of the national fraternity Zeta Beta Tau. He enjoys participating in sports and outdoor activities, playing golf, coaching, giving back to charities such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a mentor for Monmouth University students under the SEEMA Mentorship Program which aims to provide growth and development in their post-collegiate careers. Michael spent 6 years in management developing his team into a top sales team in the company. By co-founding The Fortis Agency, Michael has the opportunity to work with all levels of experience and focuses on taking advisors to new heights in their career. He also was a top advisor working primarily with successful business owners and Medical Professionals and continues to do so at a high level. He values family, integrity, trust, loyalty, having fun, strong work ethic, independence and freedom and is committed to aligning himself with like-minded people everyday. Fun facts: Left-handed. 6 siblings. Wine Enthusiast. Huge Yankees and Dallas Cowboys fan.

David West

David West began his career in financial services in 2011. In his early career he was named the New Agent of the year for his firm. Dave specializes in helping physicians, executives and business owners protect and grow their wealth. Dave uses unique planning strategies and partners with CPA’s and Pension Specialists to bring immense tax efficiencies to clients’ financial plans. Dave graduated from SUNY Albany as the only 2 sport All-Conference athlete in their history, playing football and baseball. Needless to say his numerous sports injuries gave him much respect for all of the surgeons and physicians that helped him along the way!

Team

Micaela Colabella

agency advisor

Tommy DeVizio

agency advisor

Marc Foti

Advisor

Johnny Francisco

advisor

Alfonso Guerriero

executive admin
office manager

Kate Jimerson

advisor

Chris Kenneally Jr

Advisor

Steve Kuchinski

advisor

Cayla Manginelli

executive admin

Shane Nowasacki

brokerage manager, Advisor

Sarah Tepper-Fazzari

Advisor

Frank Vicendese

Advisor

James Zahakos

advisor

Learn More About our Wealth Management Team

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About us

Our partners met at a previous firm in 2012. After successful careers, they decided to create a firm to better serve clients and advisors. Fortis means “strong”. The Fortis Agency delivers strong financial strategies to clients and advisors.

Our mission

Our partners found The Fortis Agency with a two-fold mission. First, is to bring the highest quality financial products and strategies to our clients. Second, is to empower financial advisors and brokers around the country to do the same. Our goal is to do good with good people.