Jim Thorpe native Ruthanne Monteleone is a Wealth Advisor at Citadel Credit Union, where investment services are offered through its broker-dealer, CUSO Financial Services, L.P.

She meets with Citadel members, assesses their financial situations, and makes recommendations that align with their personal financial goals. Monteleone prides herself not only on having the knowledge and experience to provide her clients and community with solid financial advice but also on the fact that almost every one of her clients feels inclined to hug her hello and goodbye.

“What I love about my job is that I don’t follow the typical ‘standard operating procedure’ mold,” said Monteleone. “I find that often when a financial advisor makes a ‘sale,’ that is the end of their relationship with a client. For me, the investment relationship is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship. I get to know my clients on a deeper level, develop a relationship with them and their families, and build not only good investments but also good investors.”

Monteleone’s first job was at the age of 14 when she started giving guided historical tours at “The Old Jail Museum” in Jim Thorpe. She attended high school at The Hill School in Pottstown.

“I was a boarding student for three of the four years and spent my junior year of high school studying abroad in Zaragoza, Spain,” she said.

After high school, Monteleone started college in Spain, studying at SLU-Madrid and ultimately graduating from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She currently holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses and has Life and Health licenses in PA, CA, DE, FL, LA, MA, NJ, and TX. Monteleone is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Monteleone credits AJ Hiller for his impact on her career.

“AJ was the one who gave me a chance and hired me as his assistant,” she said.” At the time, I was unlicensed and had basically zero knowledge of finance. AJ allowed me to lean on my customer service background to serve our clients and learn the business along the way. Without him, I certainly would not be where I am today and may not have even known this industry existed.”

Over the course of her career, Monteleone is particularly proud of obtaining her Certified Financial Planner™ certification.

“It was a feat unlike any other,” she said. “It gave me a deeper understanding of finances and allows me to provide so much more value to my clients than just investment management.”

One of Monteleone’s favorite Chester County restaurants is Osaka Asian Cuisine.

Monteleone and the rest of the 2024 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 9 at Penn State Great Valley.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS are not NCUA/NSUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The credit union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.