Our Team
How We Work
Our reasons for becoming financial professionals are deeply personal. We repeatedly saw many friends and family struggling to find the help they needed to map out their financial future. We are confident that with our understanding of personal finance, coupled with our training as financial professionals, we can help people better prepare for the future. After years in the business, we have developed a reputation for educating individuals in an easy-to-understand manner so they can grasp personal finance and use those concepts to pursue their financial objectives. We feel a commitment to our community.
Our team approach adds perspective to all we do and provides increased benefits to our clients.
Meet Our Team
Fonda E. Markley, CFP®, AIF®, CRPS™, MBA
Financial Advisor
fmarkley@fortis-investmentservices.com
Fonda E. Markley is the Founder and President of Fortis Investment Services, Inc., an independent wealth management firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, retirees, and business owners pursue their financial goals with confidence. With more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry, she is committed to building lasting relationships through personalized advice, thoughtful planning, and exceptional client service.
Fonda specializes in comprehensive financial planning, retirement income planning, investment management, tax-efficient investment strategies, estate planning coordination, business succession planning, and wealth preservation. She believes every client deserves a customized financial strategy built around their unique goals, values, and stage of life.
Prior to founding Fortis Investment Services, Inc., Fonda held positions with several respected financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, and Cetera Wealth Services. Throughout her career, she has guided clients through market cycles, retirement transitions, and major life events by providing objective advice and long-term planning strategies.
Fonda earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Elizabethtown College and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. She has also earned several respected professional designations, including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ (CRPS®). These credentials reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence.
As the owner of an independent advisory practice, Fonda is passionate about delivering a client-first experience centered on trust, transparency, and education. She believes financial planning is about much more than investments—it’s about helping people create confidence in their future and empowering them to make informed financial decisions throughout every stage of life.
Outside of the office, Fonda enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting her local community, and continually expanding her knowledge through professional development and leadership opportunities. She believes lifelong learning and meaningful relationships are the foundation of both personal and professional success.
Whether clients are preparing for retirement, growing their wealth, navigating life’s transitions, or creating a legacy for future generations, Fonda is committed to providing knowledgeable guidance and personalized service every step of the way.
Carol Smeltz
Investment Services Operations Manager
csmeltz@fortis-investmentservices.com
Carol joined the team in 2015 as a Client Associate, bringing with her extensive experience in financial planning administration and tax preparation. She is now an integral part of Fortis Investment Services, Inc., where she plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the firm and supports the investment management process for our clients.
Carol is responsible for investment operations, RIA compliance, public communications, technology oversight, and special projects. She also oversees the implementation of new investment models and the ongoing rebalancing of investment models, helping ensure that portfolio changes are carried out accurately and efficiently in accordance with the firm’s investment strategies.
With her strong operational background and attention to detail, Carol works closely with the Fortis team to maintain effective processes, support regulatory requirements, and help provide a consistent experience for our clients.
Carol’s securities registrations include the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative, and Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent.
Sherry Fitzkee
Sr. Client Service Associate
sfitzkee@fortis-investmentservices.com
Hope Mattos
Client Service Associate
hmattos@fortis-investmentservices.com