Our Team 

As founder and president of EverRise, Jim leads his team with proficiency, confidence, and diligence. Jim grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts, watching his father run his own financial advising business out of their family’s basement. Inspired by his father’s success, Jim went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Massachusetts, setting out to plant his own roots and begin a career. In 1984, he established his own firm in Westborough, specializing in investment advice, insurance, business, tax, and estate planning. Today, he prides himself in having created a thriving business, working with hundreds of families in more than 30 states. The firm features an innovative team approach offering sound and informed wealth management while striving to always provide the utmost in customer service. Designations and Registrations:

• Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative since 1986 with Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
• FINRA Series 6, 7, 22, and 63 securities registrations
• Member of the Financial Services Institute
• Director on the board of Avidia Bank, located in Hudson, Massachusetts; committee chairman of the Risk Committee; member of Executive Governance Committee; member of the Westborough Community Preservation Committee

In Jim’s (little) spare time, he enjoys traveling the world with his family, as well as reading, exercising, and listening to music.

James N. Ball is proud to have been recognized as a Chairman’s Level advisor for 2024—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 3 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Each year, Commonwealth, the firm we partner with to help us better serve you, recognizes Chairman’s Level advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. Chairman’s Level advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.

Kristine is the EverRise team’s most tenured staff member aside from Jim himself, having joined Jim’s practice as his sole financial assistant in 1999. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant University and a master’s in finance from Bentley University. Kristine has successfully completed the College for Financial Planning’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification education program. Her value within the team is wide-ranging, from her long-standing relationships with existing clients to her in-depth experience in the worlds of compliance, operations, and estate planning. Perhaps most important might be her meticulous work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond for anyone with whom she comes in contact. Designations and Registrations:

• FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 66 securities registrations
• Designated principal of our Beverly, Massachusetts, branch
• Massachusetts notary public

When Kristine isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her husband, Brian, and two daughters, Ashley and Izabela, who keep her constantly busy! Kristine also loves to cook, travel, and relax at the beach with family and friends. She grew up in a tight-knit Polish family and is fluent in Polish.

Peter joined EverRise in 2008 as a co-advisor. His comprehensive experience as a psychotherapist and small business consultant has translated very well into the financial planning world, providing value to his clients through deep analytical and forward-thinking advice. Designations and Registrations:

• Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)
• FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
• Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
• Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC)
• Life and disability insurance agent

Peter and his wife, Rose, have lived in Beverly, Massachusetts, for 30 years and enjoy dining, traveling, and experiencing the beauty of nature.

Brooke joined EverRise in 2009 as a financial assistant and has since grown her role into a financial advisor. She has studied and worked in many different fields, such as hospitality, accounting, IT, customer service, and financial transaction processing. She works alongside Jim as co-advisor on a subset of our client base, managing their needs and leading them through the wealth management process. Designations and Registrations:

• FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)

When Brooke isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter. She is also an avid cook and loves to be out in the sun.

Mike is a 1992 graduate of the electrical engineering school at the University of Vermont. He has more than 30 years in the financial planning and insurance industry, having begun his financial planning career with Jim Ball in 1997 when they spent several years together. He then had the opportunity to run an investment program in partnership with a local credit union, which he did for more than 20 years. He happily rejoins Jim as part of the EverRise team and looks forward to helping individuals achieve and maintain their financial independence and security.

Designations and Registration:

• FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
• Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)
• Life, Long-Term Care, and Disability agent

He is a member of the Investments and Wealth Institute.

His passions include spending time with his children, Connor and Rachel, and enjoying a round of golf. He has been a competitive driver and instructor for high-performance driver’s education events for over 30 years.

Megan joined the team at EverRise in September 2017 as an administrative assistant and has since expanded her position to include all levels of client support and business management. Having worked in the financial industry since 2014, Megan brings with her an acute level of technical knowledge, as well as a strong work ethic fueled by the joy that helping others provides. She works directly with clients to manage their needs effectively and guide them through the wealth management process.

Designations and Registrations:

• Massachusetts notary public
• FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations

When Megan isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jimmy, and son, Henry. She also enjoys traveling, horseback riding, and hiking with their dogs.

Jim joined the team at EverRise in May 2024 in the role of Chief Operating Officer to work alongside leadership and the operations team as a strategic partner to help drive growth and profitability. Previously, Jim worked as the Senior Vice President of Operations at Commonwealth Financial Network, where he began in 1999. While he has a strong strategic planning background, Jim’s roots are in customer service and is passionate about helping people be able to live their best lives.

Designations and Registrations:

• FINRA Series 3, 4, 7, 24, 53, 55, 63 and 66 securities registrations
• MBA in Finance from San Diego State University.

While Jim grew up in Worcester, MA, he moved to San Diego shortly after college for 23 years and is still getting reaccustomed to the New England weather. When Jim isn’t at work, he is watching his son, Ronin, play baseball and hockey. He also enjoys skiing and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Krit joined the EverRise team in 2023 as a financial analyst. He is involved in macroeconomic analysis, top-down investment strategy, asset allocation, and model portfolio management.

Krit holds a BS in biology with a minor in finance from the University of Massachusetts, where he graduated summa cum laude and was awarded the Trustee’s Key.

Designations and Registrations:

• Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)

Krit enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for watchmaking.

Jac joined EverRise in October of 2025 as a Client Services Specialist. Prior to joining EverRise, Jac graduated from Fitchburg State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Management. Upon graduation, Jac spent 7 years with Commonwealth Financial Network working on the technology side of trading, and as a Supervisor in the Service Center. His time with Commonwealth instilled a deep pride and passion for providing exceptional service to clients.   

 Designations and Registrations:

    • FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations

 When Jac isn’t at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Caite, their son Henry, and dog Otto. He also enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends and family. 

Jen joined the team at EverRise in 2011 as a client services specialist. Having worked in the financial industry since graduating with a BS from Worcester State College in 2004, Jen has a genuine service-oriented approach to meeting clients’ needs. She corresponds directly with clients, executing administrative action items and guiding them through the wealth management process.

Designations and Registrations:

• FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registration
• Massachusetts notary public

When Jen isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, and vacationing in Maine and Cape Cod.

Sarah joined the team at EverRise in August of 2022 as an administrative assistant. Sarah enjoys developing relationships and working with clients to ensure they have everything they need. Before joining the financial industry in 2017, she worked as a hairdresser for 13 years.

When Sarah isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids.

Libbie joined the team at EverRise in February 2025 as an administrative assistant. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English, she brings a unique blend of skills from her background in elementary education. Formerly a stay-at-home mom, she developed exceptional organizational and multi-tasking abilities that now support the firm’s daily operations and client services. Her strong communications skills and attention to detail help ensure a smooth, professional environment for both clients and team members.

When Libbie is not working, she enjoys reading, golfing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Brian began his journey with EverRise as an intern in 1998 while studying finance at Bryant University, joining the team full-time in 2003 after graduating with his BS in finance. Brian earned his CFP® professional certification in 2007 and has since developed his own book of business, which he will be servicing in our newest branch in Northborough, Massachusetts. Through his affection for the world of financial planning and insurance, he strives to help improve his clients’ current situations and prepare their families for the future. Designations and Registrations:

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® practitioner
• FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations
• Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC)
• Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)

Brian is fortunate to have a loving wife and two energetic, active daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for automobiles. He maintains a strong commitment to his community as a director on the board of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce and was a former member of the Shrewsbury Finance Committee.

Brian Ganger is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Club advisor for 2024—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 10 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Each year, Commonwealth, the firm we partner with to help us better serve you, recognizes President’s Club advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. President’s Club advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.

Justin joined the team at EverRise in April 2022 as a registered staff member in the Northborough office. Following his graduation from Hofstra University, he worked for over five years at Empower Retirement, most recently as a retirement advisor managing a book of business.

Designations and Registrations:

• FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®)
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner

When Justin is not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys golfing, sailing, riding motorcycles, sports, and spending time outdoors.

Tracy joined the team at EverRise in January 2015 as a client services specialist. Having worked in the financial industry since graduating with a BS from Worcester State in 1993, Tracy brings many years of experience with companies such as Putnam Investments, Fidelity Investments, and Ameriprise Financial.

When Tracy isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her mom and twin sons, Nathan and James. Tracy is an avid Pats fan and loves watching the games with her dog, Chloe.

Designations and Registrations:

• MA individual insurance agent (life and variable)
• Massachusetts notary public

Carol joined the team at EverRise in October 2021 as an office assistant in the Northborough office. Prior to coming on board, she worked for more than six years as an administrative assistant at Northeast Planning Associates, Inc., serving the needs of all clients.

When Carol is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and traveling.