CHICAGO, Illinois — September 3, 2026 — First Financial Group (FFG) announced today the launch of First Financial Group Chicago (FFG Chicago), a dedicated division of FFG, marking the firm's 26th location.

Van A. Ewing II, MBA, RICP®, CLF®, Charles Russ, MBA, CLU®, and Francis Evans have joined FFG as FFG Chicago, bringing together decades of experience across wealth management, comprehensive financial planning, executive benefits, investment management, retirement planning and business succession strategies.

Joining the team are Sam Pacelli, Wealth Management Advisor; Seth W. Howard, Registered Wealth Management Associate; and Elizabeth Ewing, Marketing Director.

The team previously operated through True Wealth Strategies, CBA Pension, and Russ Financial Group and has now joined First Financial Group to establish FFG Chicago.

"FFG Chicago represents an opportunity to build upon what we have created while significantly expanding the resources and capabilities available to the people we serve," said Ewing. "Charles, Frank, and I have built our careers serving clients from different but complementary perspectives. Together with Sam, Seth and Elizabeth, we have a team that understands our clients, our culture and the experience we want to deliver."

Expanded Resources. Same Commitment to Clients.

FFG Chicago was founded around the belief that exceptional financial advice is best delivered through collaboration.

The team serves individuals, families, executives, business owners, athletes and entertainers through an integrated approach encompassing wealth management and investment strategies, comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, risk management, executive benefits, business owner and succession planning, and estate and legacy planning coordination.

"Our clients have placed an extraordinary amount of trust in us over the years," Ewing said. "That responsibility does not change because the name on the door changes. What changes is the depth of resources we can bring to the table on their behalf."

As part of First Financial Group, FFG Chicago has access to expanded planning, investment, technology and practice management resources. The transition also includes the team's move from Park Avenue Securities LLC to MML Investors Services, LLC (MMLIS), while maintaining the personalized service and collaborative approach that have long defined the team's client experience.

Building FFG Chicago

The three Co-Founders bring distinct but complementary experience to the organization.

Ewing brings experience in wealth management, investment strategy, comprehensive financial planning and practice leadership. Russ brings more than three decades of experience integrating asset management, protection, cash flow and income tax considerations, with additional experience in business continuity, succession and executive savings strategies. Evans focuses on corporate executive benefit strategies, supplemental employee benefit programs and individual planning involving asset protection, insurance, retirement and estate considerations.

They are joined by Pacelli, whose work focuses on investment strategy, risk management and retirement planning; Howard, who supports operational execution, regulatory processes and the client experience; and Elizabeth Ewing, who leads marketing, communications and client-engagement initiatives.

"This is much more than a change in affiliation," Van Ewing said. "It is an opportunity to thoughtfully build the next chapter of our organization around the people we serve and the experience we want them to have."

FFG Chicago extends the organization's presence into one of the nation's largest business and financial markets.

About FFG Chicago

FFG Chicago serves individuals, families, executives, business owners, athletes and entertainers through a collaborative approach to wealth management, financial planning, retirement planning, risk management, executive benefits and business planning. The team brings experience addressing the distinct financial needs of clients whose careers, compensation structures and wealth-planning considerations may require more specialized and coordinated strategies.

About First Financial Group

FFG is a financial services organization serving more than 88,000 households through 26 locations across 11 states. The organization provides individuals, families, professionals, and business owners access to financial planning, wealth management, insurance, and business planning resources.

Through its relationship with MassMutual and MMLIS, FFG provides its financial professionals with access to a broad platform of financial products, technology, planning resources and investment capabilities.

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