Mark Avallone, MBA, CRPS®, CFP®, AIF®

"We strive to put your best interest first in everything we do, and we place the highest value on acting in an ethical manner at all times."

Mark works extensively with people facing life transitions as they prepare to achieve their financial goals. For over twenty five years, he has been helping families, entrepreneurs, professionals, and near-retirees work towards achieving financial success. 

Mark began his career in corporate banking and real estate finance. On this foundation he built a distinguished record in the Trust Division of SunTrust and The Private Bank at Bank of America, where he provided clients with guidance in complex investment, business planning, and wealth transfer matters. 

Since founding Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC in 2004, Mark has focused on helping clients achieve the financial life they deserve, from an independent perspective. Mark has been named by ±The Financial Times (2015 and 2016) as one of the country’s Top Retirement Plan Advisors, and a ±Five Star Professional (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021).

Mark is a regular guest on CNBC, PBS, and Fox Business Network. He has appeared on numerous shows including Closing Bell, Worldwide Exchange, Nightly Business Report, The Intelligence Report, Mornings With Maria, Cavuto Coast To Coast, The FOX Report With Shepard Smith, Your Money With Charles Payne, and other programs. For several years he has been a contributor to Forbes, and his contributions have also appeared in the Wall Street Journal and The Journal of Commercial Banking. He is also frequently quoted in the press including USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post, The Washington Business Journal, The Motley Fool, Business Insider Magazine, and Financial Advisor IQ. He also discusses breaking news on Bloomberg Radio as well as local radio shows, and is an invited speaker on a variety of topics related to public policy, economics, global financial markets, and financial planning.  

Mark is active within his community and enjoys working with young people. He was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland University College where he taught business and finance courses for almost ten years. He continues to be a dedicated supporter of The Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club, where he served as both Director (1997-2017), and President (2009-2012). For his service, Mark received a Congressional Citation, The National Service to Youth Award, The Richard J. Fedalen Award for meritorious Board service, and The You Make a Difference Award. 

Originally from New Jersey, Mark graduated with honors from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. He was elected to serve on the Student Government Association, and was captain of the wrestling team. He also earned an MBA degree from Rutgers. In addition to his active FINRA securities registrations and State Insurance licenses, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and received a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ designation from the College for Financial Planning. 

In his spare time Mark enjoys tennis, golf, caddying for his daughter Abigail, listening to music, and finding interesting bottles of wine.

Mark Avallone is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Club advisor for 2022—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 12 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Each year, Commonwealth, the broker/dealer–RIA 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.

2015-2016 Financial Times 401 Retirement Advisers, Created by Ignites Research.  The 2016 award was presented in September 2016 for the preceding 12 months. An unknown number of Advisors were considered, 401 Advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information.

2012, 2015-2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2021 award was presented in 10/2021 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 2,091 advisors were considered, 121 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.