Our Qualifications

Jeffrey H. Black, President Jeff graduated from the University of Maryland in 1975 and began his career teaching Mathematics in Howard County Public Schools. He then left teaching to start his own contracting business. In 1987 he entered the financial services industry where he came to The New England Financial Group and specialized in business and estate planning. Mr. Black is currently serving as President of The Legacy Group, Inc., founded in 1994. He is a Representative of  Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. and holds series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. He heads the estate planning and business planning division for The Legacy Group, Inc.

Michael P. Shealy, Vice President Michael was born in Newport, Rhode Island to a Navy family. He graduated from Shippensburg University in 1990 with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Immediately following graduation, Mr. Shealy was recruited by New England Financial, where in early 1991 he was honored as the Top and Best Overall New Associate of the Year. He was associated with New England until the end of 1995. In mid 1995 Mr. Shealy joined The Legacy Group, Inc.  He is serving as Vice President and heads up the Corporate Benefits Division. He is a Representative of  Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc.   Being the youngest manager by a spread of 15 years, Mr. Shealy is known for his energy and quick wit.

Alan J. Eade, CLU, ChFC, Vice President Alan was born in 1947 in Olean, New York. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and moved to Baltimore in 1970 to pursue graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University. After taking his graduate degree, he taught constitutional law and the history of political philosophy at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Alan entered the financial services business in 1981. From 1983 until March of 1999, he was associated with New England Financial. In 1997, New England Securities honored him, among a group of 30 representatives chosen from a field of more than 3,000, for "his exceptional commitment to servicing the long-term financial needs of his clients." Mr. Eade is a Registered Principal, a General Securities Representative of  Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. He has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Charted Life Underwriter (CLU) designations from the American College of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He joined The Legacy Group, Inc., in June, 1999 where he is currently heading up the investment division.

Brian L. Gambel, CRPS Brian is an Investment Advisor Representative with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Brian's educational background includes a BA from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and an MSW from University of Maryland of Baltimore. In addition, he has obtained the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist designation. Brian holds the following securities licenses: Series 7 and 65. Mr. Gambel assists clients in the design, implementation, and management of investment portfolios - for personal retirement and non-retirement assets, as well as corporate retirement programs. He also has an extensive background in annuities, as well as life, health, and disability insurance, with specific emphasis in the areas of Business and Estate Planning, as well as Executive and Corporate Deferred Compensation. Brian works with pension plans, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations, as well as individual clients and their families. Brian focuses on helping clients identify investment goals, taking into account individual/organizational risk tolerance levels, investment horizons, and specific investment experience. He lives in Reisterstown, with his wife and daughter, and is active in various community, educational, and service organizations.

Sara T. Jacoby, CFP®,ChFC® Sara is a Registered Representative of  Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc.  She graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree majoring in Finance. After graduation, she joined the Washington, DC branch of Alex. Brown & Sons, Inc. Sara holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses in the State of Maryland. In addition, Sara is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and a Chartered Financial Consultant®.  She joined The Legacy Group, Inc. in January, 2005 after four years as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Sara takes a holistic approach with her clients, helping them to create a comprehensive financial plan that addresses all of their financial needs. Once the client's goals are determined, an investment plan and asset allocation model are developed and implemented. These are then reviewed on a periodic basis. Sara lives in Westminster with her husband Bob. She is very active in her community, serving on numerous charitable Boards and committees.

Craig R. Lestner Craig is a Representative of  Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc.  Upon graduating from Towson University in 1999 with a BS in Finance, he began his career as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Craig holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses in the State of Maryland. He joined The Legacy Group, Inc. in January, 2005, after five years as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Craig focuses on reviewing investment strategies for current clients as well as working with new clients in the financial planning and investment advisory processes. He specializes in asset protection strategies, reviewing clients' existing insurance policies and evaluating their overall need and the appropriate types of coverage. Craig lives in Baltimore with his wife Allyson, son Gabe, and their Chocolate Lab Molly. He has been active in The Associated Jewish Charities, Towson University Alumni Association, and Pathfinders for Autism.