Stephen I. James, CFP®
Stephen James is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with Severn Financial Advisors, LLC. He began his financial planning career in the fall of 1986 with American Express Financial Advisors. Before this, Stephen was the airport manager for World Airways at Baltimore Washington International Airport. In the fall of 1990, Stephen recognized the need for more objectivity and independence in the financial planning process and helped to establish Chesapeake Financial Planning and Tax Services. During this time, he received his financial planning certification. In 1994, Stephen created Stephen I. James and Associates, which developed into Severn Financial Advisors, LLC, in 2008.
For more than 35 years in business, Stephen has been fully committed to the "financial planning process." In addition to contributing numerous articles and columns for local newspapers, Stephen was an instructor of financial planning for Anne Arundel Community College.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Stephen now lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is married with two grown children – one of whom works with him at Severn Financial today. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, golfing, spending time with his family, and is an avid fan of Manchester United. Additionally, Stephen is an active member of the Rotary Club of Annapolis (Parole).
Carly S. James, CFP®
Carly, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional at Severn Financial Advisors, specializes in delivering comprehensive financial planning and investment services to individuals, families, and business owners. Passionate about providing peace of mind amidst life's chaos, Carly collaborates closely with clients to ensure they have a well-prepared plan, allowing them to focus on creating cherished memories with loved ones.
After working in the nonprofit industry in Washington DC, Carly transitioned to Severn Financial Advisors, where she enthusiastically pursued advanced education. Holding the esteemed CFP® credential, Carly takes pride in being one of the 23% of women CFP® professionals in the country.
Fluent in Spanish, Carly earned a dual-major Bachelor's degree in Latin American and Hispanic studies and Communications & Media Studies from East Carolina University.
Beyond her financial expertise, Carly extends her passion for well-being by teaching yoga, mindfulness, and meditation at Yoga Factory in Annapolis, Maryland. Whether guiding individuals on the mat or in financial planning meetings, Carly provides a safe and comfortable space for self-expression.
As a resident of Annapolis, Carly enjoys being outdoors and traveling with her husband Evan, friends, and family.
Jenni Beck
Jenni joined Severn Financial Advisors in 2008. Jenni enjoys working with new and existing clients and strives to develop lasting relationships. Her goal is to deliver concierge-level service to all our clients. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Maryland.
Jenni is married with three grown children whom she adores. She enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay and treasures her time at the beach with family and friends.
Victoria Griffith
Client Services Coordinator
Victoria became part of Severn Financial Advisors in 2023, bringing with her seven years of administrative experience from the healthcare industry. Her transition to the financial field was motivated by a passion for helping people achieve their goals. Her approachable nature and readiness to assist make her a valued member of the team.
Victoria is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2017. During her time there, she loved attending basketball games and cheering on the Terps.
Beyond her professional life, she’s enthusiastic about her yoga practice and time spent outdoors. Her happy place is a small family cottage on a remote lake in central Maine.
Sam Stone
Paraplanner
Sam has been involved in financial planning since 2020 where he led his own personal practice at a large reputable financial services company. He’s a firm believer in the financial planning process. A strong financial plan is one that fully empowers a client to live life with the joy and freedom that only comes with true financial security. An eye for detail and thirst for knowledge, Sam is keen to sit for the CFP® exam in 2026.
Prior to entering financial planning, Sam ran the philanthropic arm of a family office in La Jolla, California focused on delivering support to high-impact nonprofits in the San Diego region and abroad. He’s a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and played for the tennis team. He then completed a Master’s at the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership. His experience with tennis didn’t stop after college - he’s been a member of the US Professional Tennis Association since 2018 and very involved in community-level tennis. He was the recipient of the STAR award in 2021, recognizing community leaders who have dedicated significant time to grassroots tennis initiatives.
Recently relocating from Southern California, he lives in Annapolis with his wife Heather. They share a passion for the outdoors, spending time with family and cheering on their Baltimore Ravens. When he’s not in the office, Sam enjoys kayaking on the Bay, cycling and playing tennis.