DAVID L. BLAIN, CFA 

Founder & CEO

David L. Blain, CFA is the Chief Executive Officer at BlueSky Wealth Advisors, a fee-only, independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) he founded in 1999. He is responsible for defining the overall firm policies, strategy, and goals. He also formulates advanced financial planning and sophisticated tax strategies, and is responsible for setting the firm-wide investment strategy.

David received a Bachelor of Science in 1989 from The United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a Distinguished Honor Graduate and member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Before his career in finance, he served with distinction for 10 years in U.S. Army Airborne, Ranger, and Special Operations units.

He is a member of the CFA Institute, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He currently serves as Vice-Chairman on the Board of Directors of CarolinaEast Health System in New Bern, where he also chairs the Investment Committee. Previously David was on the Board of Advisors and Finance Committee of the West Point Association of Graduates, Treasurer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Eastern North Carolina, President of the Cumberland Interfaith Hospitality Network, Treasurer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. He served as the Chairman of the New Bern Heart Ball and has provided countless hours of volunteer service to numerous other charitable organizations. In addition to his many board duties, he has coached youth league baseball and soccer teams in the New Bern area for more than a decade.

David is a recognized speaker on investments, financial planning, and taxes. He has written for and been quoted in numerous trade journals and mass media outlets, including, Wharton Business Radio "Spotlight: Your Money",  BusinessWeek, U.S. News & World Report, Money magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and other national and local publications. He was for five years the host of “All Things Money with David Blain,” a weekly television and radio program. Under his leadership, BlueSky has received several awards and accolades throughout its history for their quality of advice, growth rate, and client satisfaction

David resides in Trent Woods, North Carolina with his wife and five children.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

The people, both those we serve and those I work with. BlueSky exists to help people reach their goals and navigate the vagaries of living in a complicated financial world. There is no greater professional satisfaction for me than being an integral part of that process. And as an added bonus, every day, I get to work with dynamic, dedicated, and very talented colleagues.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

I think it means helping people believe in, and then achieve, what they want out of life by maximizing the assets they have or assisting them in developing new resources. It’s about striving for a lifestyle they can envision but aren’t sure how to get there. It’s not necessarily about more or better; maybe it’s the "life of less" they dream about. Life is full of opportunities, and we are here to encourage people to reach out for them.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

I love spending time with my wife, just hanging out talking about our dreams and future together. We thoroughly enjoy raising our five children, too. I coach several youth soccer teams and try to spend time with the kids doing whatever interests them. It’s an absolute joy. We also spend a lot of time on the water in our boat or exploring this great country in our motor coach. When I get a few minutes of free time alone, I’m usually reading a book or working out. I’ll watch any type of motorsport, and I like to get behind the wheel and do a little race car driving, too.

JOHN GJERTSEN, CFA, CFP^®, EA

Senior Wealth Advisor

John has been a valuable member of the BlueSky team since 2010. In addition to his CFP® credential, John is a CFA charterholder and an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS. He is responsible for supervising the team's financial planning and investments strategies and assists with clients day-to-day needs.

A native of North Carolina, John spent two years as a financial adviser in Orlando, Florida before joining BlueSky Wealth Advisors. Prior to that, he spent 11 years as a software developer, a career which shared the common element of creating customized solutions given unique constraints. 

John holds dual degrees in computational and applied mathematics and managerial studies from Rice University in Houston, Texas. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the Financial Planning Association, and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

John lives in Acworth, Georgia with his wife and four children.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

There’s a lot of minutiae and complexity surrounding capital markets, the tax code, the legal system, and myriad other things we navigate all the time for our clients. It’s a great feeling to research and solve problems for clients so they can remain focused on their life goals while we’re working on the details.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

We like to challenge many of our clients to think outside of their status quo and develop a vision for their life and legacy. Our recommendations can involve taking fairly significant actions (i.e., buying or selling real estate), but all recommendations revolve around a customized vision of their future that we’ve helped our clients imagine.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

I like to spend time with my four children, play complex board games, and edit video. In 2014, we developed a motto for our family to set goals for our homeschooled children, and it applies well to how we aspire to prioritize our own activities.

MADELINE VALENTE, CFP^® 

Senior Wealth Advisor

Madeline is a firm believer in fee-only advising and its ability to deliver objective and prudent advice specific to each client’s unique situation. She is especially passionate about the need for a holistic approach to financial planning as well as elevating women to equal standing in this process. Madeline is responsible for client's financial planning and investment management strategies. 

Madeline holds a BA degree from U.C. Davis. Prior to joining BlueSky Wealth Advisors in 2003, she worked for the Department of the Treasury and PeopleSoft.

Madeline lives in Northern California with her children.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

I like being part of a team—a team that includes our clients—and being able to make a meaningful, lasting, positive difference in people’s lives and the generations that will come after them. It truly brings me joy watching our clients achieve their goals and live out their dreams.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

Every day has the potential to be a new beginning for us. With peace of mind knowing that the course of your financial life is in good hands and that you are on track to achieve your goals, you are freed up to direct your energy and your time in pursuit of the things that bring you the most fulfillment and pleasure in life.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and my dog. I also enjoy reading, hiking, yoga, Pilates, cooking, and photography.

CHRISTIE BONACCI, CPA/PFS, MAC

Senior Wealth Advisor

Christie actively formulates and implements personalized financial planning strategies and manages day-to-day client advisory needs. Her role includes scenario building, plan development, plan presentations for both individuals and businesses

Originally from New York, Christie has called Eastern North Carolina her home for the past 22 years. While raising her two sons, she worked as an accountant for local not-for-profits, a private insurance firm, and as a financial advisor.

Christie graduated as valedictorian from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School where she earned a Master of Accounting degree. While working for Deloitte & Touché, LLP in audit and attestation, Christie realized she needed to marry her passion for helping people with her career strengths: strategic planning, tax research, problem solving, financial analysis, and understanding a company’s and/or individual’s complete financial picture. Her variety of experience, financial planning, and business consulting have come together at BlueSky Wealth to do what she loves.

As an adjunct professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Christie teaches Audit and Attestation for the Master of Accounting program. Christie is a CPA and is currently pursuing the Personal Financial Specialist designation through the AICPA.

Christie resides in Trent Woods, North Carolina, while her youngest son pursues a chemistry major/ physics minor at Appalachian State University and her oldest completes his Master of Accounting at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of BlueSky?

In short–Integrity, Respect, Service, and Knowledge. These encompassing words are embraced by BlueSky as a firm and by its colleagues in their professional and personal lives. I recognize that BlueSky has a mission and culture that we work together to achieve. Beyond that, doing what is in the best interest of others drives me. As a fiduciary in this fee-only financial planning firm, I can marry my passion for helping people with my knowledge and love of financial and strategic analysis and research.

What does "improving the quality of our clients' lives" mean to you?

People capitalize on their own gifts and passions to create meaningful lives. Knowledge, confidence, and financial independence lead to making those lives more peaceful and simple. Improving the quality of our clients’ lives means reducing anxiety and giving them assurance about their financial future. We realize that by providing objectivity, insights, and considerations on their path to achieving their life’s goals–something that’s not easily done without financial planning.  

What keeps you busy when you are not working?

Spiritually, I feel grateful. Physically, I love weightlifting at Planet Fitness or running in New Bern. Mentally, I enjoy going to the beach, my peaceful place. At home, I love baking. And after I finish the remaining CPA-PFS exams, which demands much of my free time, I plan to travel and explore more of what God has bestowed on us.

Tara Hughes, CPA, CGMA

Senior Wealth Advisor

Tara joined BlueSky in 2022 as a Senior Wealth Advisor. She believes in fee-only advising and its ability to deliver objective and prudent advice specific to each client's unique situation. Tara actively formulates and implements personalized financial planning strategies and manages day-to-day client advisory needs in her role. Her responsibilities include clients' financial planning and investment management strategies, scenario building, and plan development.

Tara graduated from West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance. She received her CPA license in North Carolina in 2006 and holds the designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). She is a member of N.C. Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). 

Tara has a wealth of experience in various industries. Her previous roles include she was a Senior Client Advisor at a financial service firm in New Bern for seven years, and as a non-profit accountant as the Director of Finance for Epiphany School of Global Studies for four years ,and six years of experience as an accountant and accounting director at Carteret General Hospital. Tara has held many different positions throughout the finance world, but she has always found great joy in her work advising her clients'.

Tara lives in New Bern, North Carolina, with her loving husband and two daughters.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

I enjoy BlueSky's team approach and collaborating with colleagues and other professionals to help our clients achieve their goals.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

"Improving the quality of our clients' lives" means finding out what matters most to the client by actively listening and helping them create a plan to achieve their goals.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

I enjoy spending time with my husband, two daughters, and extended family. We love spending time at the beach or camping and hiking in the mountains of West Virginia.

I enjoy being involved with my community and giving back through service work when not working. I have been a member of the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club for over ten years. The club has a local project providing new shoes to Craven County children in need. 

SOO YEON KIM, CFP^®, EA

Wealth Advisor

Soo is responsible for successfully maintaining client data, scenario building, plan development, and plan presentations. She also formulates and implements financial planning and investment management strategies while managing client's day-to-day advisory needs. 

Prior to joining BlueSky, Soo worked for GEICO Auto Insurance and GAINSCO Auto Insurance as an actuarial analyst. While she enjoyed her career as an actuary, she wanted to pursue a career helping people on a personal level. Having worked for numerous years in the actuarial field, she had gained significant knowledge of the financial planning field. Soo quickly realized becoming a financial planner would satisfy both her desire to work with people on a fiduciary level, as well as continue her interest in financial analysis.   

Soo moved from South Korea to California when she was 11 years old. She eventually made her way east to attend college. She graduated cum laude from Wellesley College in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. She also attended the Student Exchange Program at Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduating with a 4.00 GPA. After college, she moved to Washington D.C. where she met her husband who was attending medical school. In 2020, Soo successfully completed all CFP® education requirements and earned her CFP® certification. Later, in October of 2021, Soo went on to earn her IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designation.

Soo lives with her baby girl, Sloane; toddler, Wells; and husband, Sang, in Yokosuka, Japan

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

The thing I love most about working here is our emphasis on working closely with clients, gaining their trust, and helping them achieve their financial and life goals. A close second would be working with my team members, who share my vision for holistic and fee-only financial planning.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

Improving the quality of life means being there for a client in their most vulnerable state. When they feel overwhelmed by complex financial problems, I feel proud that we truly take the time to understand each client’s unique and personal circumstances to tailor the perfect financial roadmap for them.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

In my free time, I like to go for long runs and hikes. I also enjoy traveling, taking road trips, and experiencing new things with my husband and our two children!

Caroline Jones, CFP^®, CDFA® , MS, EA

Wealth Advisor

Caroline is responsible for managing client data, developing financial plans, implementing recommendations, and presenting information to clients. She assists in answering their daily and ongoing questions as well as managing their investments and other financial matters. 

Caroline earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Economics and Master of Science in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia. While at the University of Georgia, she participated in programs to help people in the community with their taxes and financial problems. She earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2020, IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designation in 2022, and her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation in 2023.

Between graduating and joining the BlueSky team, Caroline spent two years as a Financial Advisor at a financial planning firm in Athens, Georgia. Today, she greatly enjoys helping BlueSky clients create and realize their financial and personal goals.

Caroline lives in New Bern, North Carolina, with her husband.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

What I enjoy most about working at BlueSky is the dedication of its employees and its culture. People here work hard and do their best to make sure clients’ goals are met. Everyone has the drive to ensure they are taken care of well. The BlueSky environment of working together to accomplish a common goal and supporting one another is great.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

Improving the quality of our clients’ lives means doing whatever is needed for them to realize their dreams. Our most important job is to help them define their goals, tell them what we can do, and explain what they can do to achieve their goals. No matter how big or small, we want them to make their goals happen.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

I enjoy spending time in New Bern with my husband and our dog. We enjoy eating out, kayaking, walking, reading, watching sports, and just being outside. We also like spending time with family and friends. And we’re excited to live near a beach for the first time!

Tom Rasmussen, CFP^®

Wealth Advisor

As a Wealth Advisor, Tom is responsible for managing client data, developing financial plans, implementing recommendations, and presenting information to clients. He assists in answering their daily and ongoing questions as well as managing their investments and other financial matters.

Tom earned a BS degree in Personal Financial Planning from Utah Valley University in 2018,  received his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2019, and has a variety of industry licenses.

Tom joined BlueSky in 2022 and has experience working at a large broker-dealer where he assisted high-net-worth clients with placing trades in their retail accounts. He has experience working with many different people from everyday workers to high-net-worth tech employees to business owners. Tom is passionate about holistic planning to bring a client’s entire financial picture into focus. 

Tom lives in Tri-Cities, Washington with his wife and children. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

So far, what I have enjoyed most about being part of BlueSky is the welcoming atmosphere of everyone I have met. Also, it is clear, even early on that we do what is best for the client in every situation. We have the discernment to read a client’s situation and adjust accordingly to do what is best for their financial picture. 

What does "improving the quality of our clients' lives mean to you?"

Improving the quality of our clients' lives to me means allowing them to live the life they want, not just the life they need to live to pay for everything, but allowing them the financial independence to truly do what they want to do with their lives. 

What keeps you busy when you're not working?

I stay busy with my family life when not working; I have a wife named, Sarah and two kids ages two and four who certainly keep me on my toes. I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife and going on date nights. My hobbies include lifting weights, watching football with friends, and target shooting. 

BRET DAYLEY, CFP®, MTax, EA

Associate Wealth Advisor

As an Associate Wealth Advisor, Bret works directly with lead advisors to develop and implement each client's unique financial plan. He most enjoys getting to know the dreams and passions of clients and being able to help in making that dream reality.

In 2015, Bret attended Utah State University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Finance with a minor in Financial Planning.  He later pursued a Master of Taxation from Weber State University in 2020 and received his IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designation in March 2022. He has worked in the financial industry for the last 8 years primarily focusing on tax planning strategies to increase clients' overall net-worth. He enjoys helping families achieve financial independence and continues to pursue professional designations to support his fiduciary responsibilities. In December 2022, Bret successfully completed all CFP® education requirements and earned his CFP® certification.

Bret lives with his wife Shay, and their two children in New Bern, NC.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

I love that I am part of a team of advisors working together to analyze and review all aspects of a client's financial life. I enjoy helping clients reach their goals.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

To improve a client's life in my mind is to help relieve the stress and anxiety from a burdensome financial situation so that the client is able to view the future with financial certainty and enjoyment.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

My wife and child like to keep life interesting for me.  Whether spending time together hiking, waterskiing, playing sports, or relaxing, that is where I find the most joy. 

Seth Large,  CFP®

Associate Wealth Advisor

Seth works with BlueSky advisors to help develop and implement financial planning strategies for clients. He enjoys listening to clients’ unique stories and learning what drives them every day. He also takes advantage of the great team around him to continually learn how to become an even stronger advisor.

Seth attended Virginia Tech where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in financial planning. He recently moved from Roanoke, Virginia, to New Bern, North Carolina, to pursue his financial planning career with BlueSky. Seth is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Planners. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

It is clear that every member of the BlueSky team has a common goal in mind—that is, do what it takes to improve our clients’ lives. I am constantly learning, growing, and improving not only as a planner but as an individual. I appreciate the positive attitude our team always brings into the office. It seems to me everyone at BlueSky is genuinely doing a job they love.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

It means taking time to discover each client’s unique life goals while understanding the challenges he or she faces. From there, we make recommendations to help achieve these goals. Whether it’s fulfilling a lifelong dream of a new beach house or feeling more financially secure about the future, we do everything in our power to help our clients succeed. 

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

I like to find any excuse to be outside, whether I’m hiking, fishing, playing golf, or being on the water. At home, I enjoy supporting the Virginia Tech athletic teams in whichever sport they’re playing as well as watching English Premier League soccer games. 

MOLLY SUTZ, CFP^®, MS, AFC^®

Associate Wealth Advisor

Molly works closely with clients to gather financial information, develop financial plans, and monitor client updates.  She assists with talking to clients on a daily basis to ensure all questions are answered and clients’ financial needs are met.

Molly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia. After graduating, Molly spent three years as an Advisor at a local firm in Athens, Georgia. During this time, Molly realized the value of understanding the psychological role that money played in her clients’ lives and the way money affects clients’ decision-making. This led Molly to continue her education at the University of Georgia where she completed a Master of Science in Behavioral Financial Planning/Financial Therapy. During this time, Molly was heavily involved in the community and provided pro bono financial planning to families in the Athens area.  In 2022, Molly successfully completed all CFP® education requirements and earned her CFP® certification. 

Molly currently lives in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

I believe improving the quality of our clients’ lives comes from simply listening As an advisor, my goal is to provide an environment where clients feel open to discuss the past, present, and future regarding their finances. Once a client feels understood and quality financial planning is undertaken, the sky is the limit for improving our clients’ lives.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

My all-time favorite activity is backpacking and camping in Georgia and beyond! Spending time with my fiancé, traveling to visit family, finding the best charcuterie, and listening to podcasts are just a few more of my favorites.

JOHANNA MUSSRO, FPQP™

Associate Planner

Johanna is a strategic member of the client advisory team. She helps to enhance client relationships, execute financial planning and investment tasks, prepare, gather, and organize client information for case design, scenario building, and plan developent.

Johanna brings more than 14 years of experience providing solutions-based service and ensuring a high level of client satisfaction in the investment field. Johanna served high net-worth clients across the Bay Area as a Senior Client Service Associate at a wealth management firm in Cupertino, California. Prior to that, she worked at a large investment management firm for over 8 years in Chicago, Illinois.

Johanna holds a B.A. in Photography from Columbia College in Chicago and has received an Investment Foundations certificate from the CFA Institute. Johanna is also fluent in Spanish.

In her free time Johanna volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and previously lent her time to PAWS Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter, as lead volunteer.

What do you enjoy most about being part of BlueSky?

I enjoy forming relationships with the clients, gaining their trust and helping them through life’s big transitions.

What does “improving the quality of our clients’ lives” mean to you?

Helping clients reach their financial goals whatever they might be, retirement, paying for their child’s education or buying a second home.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

My family here in California; my husband and two rescued pets as well as my family back in Chicago. I enjoy reading a good book, yoga, photography and traveling.