Our Team

    Don began in the financial services industry in 1986 working for a small firm out of Providence, RI. He set out to start his own venture in 1993, Sowa Financial Group. Soon after, he brought on some trusted colleagues, including Steven Beauvais, who shared in his vision for a higher standard of client service. Don knew early on that truly serving his clients’ best interests would require him to be independent. His aim was not to sell a particular financial product, but to ask, “Who is my client, and what are his/her needs?”

    Don is President and founder of Sowa Financial Group, Inc., and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional (CFP®), holding the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) certification. He has also served as President of the RI Institute of Certified Financial Planners (now known as the FPA). After office hours, Don continues to offer his financial insight as host of MoneyTalk, Southern New England’s longest running financial talk radio program.

    Don earned his bachelor’s degree from Bryant University, and has taught as adjunct professor at Roger Williams School of Business. He has been mistaken in his younger years for NFL Quarterback, Bob Griese, and in more recent years for country star, Kenny Rogers. Don lives in Cumberland, RI with his wife Kathy, where he enjoys barbecuing by the pool with his four children and five grandchildren.

Don Sowa is proud to have been recognized as a President's Club advisor for 2017—a distinction based on annual production attained by 15 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Each year, Commonwealth, the Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer that helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, 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.

Based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria, including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, education, and professional designations 496 Rhode Island wealth managers were considered for the award; 175 (35 percent of candidates) were named 2016 Five Star Wealth Managers.
 
These awards are not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance. Your experiences may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
 

    Growing up, Donna planned to become a teacher.  However, after spending summers working in her father’s office, she realized that being an effective financial advisor was really about education - educating clients and empowering them to make good financial decisions. 

    Donna has been a member of the SFG team since 2006.  She holds securities licenses through Commonwealth Financial Network®, along with Life Insurance and Long-Term Care Insurance licenses.  Donna is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation.  She is certified to sell LTCi through the Corporation for Long-Term Care (CLTC). Complimenting her role as a financial educator, Donna co-hosts the weekly "Back to Basics" edition of the MoneyTalk Radio program.

    Donna graduated with honors from Providence College with a degree in Finance.  She is an active member with the local Financial Planning Association, and serves as a member of the board of directors.  A native Rhode Islander, she lives in Cumberland, RI with her husband, Matthew, and three children, Connor, Grace and Joseph.  When she isn’t working, Donna can be found as a proud parent, cheering on the sidelines of whatever sport is in season.

Based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria, including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, education, and professional designations 496 Rhode Island wealth managers were considered for the award; 175 (35 percent of candidates) were named 2016 Five Star Wealth Managers.
 
These awards are not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance. Your experiences may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.