Meet the Fusion Team
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Founder
Jim founded Fusion Financial Group in 2005 with a clear vision: to help nonprofits and small businesses understand and harness the power of finance. With both a BBA and MBA in Finance from Grand Valley State University—and certifications as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA)—Jim brings a deep and practical understanding of financial strategy, reporting, and forecasting.
His approach is grounded in clarity and communication, ensuring that clients not only have accurate financials, but also understand what they mean and how to act on them. Jim’s focus is on long-term client success and profitability, with a broader goal of building a firm that serves clients well, supports its employees, and sustains future generations.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys reading history books, golfing, and unwinding with a good glass of wine—ideally somewhere quiet and reflective.
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Cheif Financial Officer (CFO)
Before joining Fusion Financial, Carol built and led a successful commercial interior design firm in Grand Rapids. With a BFA and a minor in business from Kendall College of Art & Design, she brings both creative and operational expertise to her work.
At Fusion, Carol oversees business operations, helping ensure the firm runs smoothly and sustainably. She’s especially inspired by the diversity of Fusion’s clients and the meaningful contributions they make to the communities they serve. Her work supports the behind-the-scenes systems that allow the team to focus on client success.
When she’s not keeping things moving at Fusion, Carol enjoys tending her garden, spending time with her grandsons, and traveling whenever the opportunity arises.
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Accounting Director
Carisa has been an integral part of Fusion Financial since 2006, contributing to nearly every aspect of the business and building strong, lasting relationships with clients along the way. She holds a BBA in Finance from Grand Valley State University and is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Carisa is motivated by the opportunity to support clients across a wide range of industries, providing expert accounting oversight so they can focus on what they do best. Whether she’s managing financials or offering QuickBooks training, her goal is to equip clients with the clarity and tools they need to thrive.
Outside of work, Carisa enjoys spending time in her craft room, experimenting with new recipes, and making memories with her husband and two sons.
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Business Development Manager
Jacqueline brings a strong foundation in operational excellence and client service to Fusion Financial. Before transitioning into accounting, she spent several years managing store operations at a family-owned luxury jewelry business, where she developed a sharp eye for detail and a passion for supporting small businesses. She holds a BBA in Accounting from the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
At Fusion, Jacqueline is energized by the opportunity to help clients navigate their financials with clarity and confidence. She enjoys being part of a collaborative team that’s focused on helping small businesses meet their goals through accurate, thoughtful accounting services.
Outside of work, Jacqueline loves spending time with her husband, their young son, and their dog Miles. You’ll often find her hiking the mountain trails around Denver—and celebrating with a well-earned craft beer from a favorite local brewery afterward.
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Project Accountant
Alissa joined Fusion Financial with a strong background in office management, having previously served as the office manager at a Grand Rapids law firm. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Aquinas College, bringing a detail-oriented mindset and strong communication skills to her work.
At Fusion, Alissa supports the accounting services team and thrives in the firm’s collaborative environment. She’s especially passionate about helping clients develop clear, efficient policies and procedures—building frameworks that lead to greater accuracy, consistency, and confidence in their financial operations.
When she’s not organizing workflows or supporting client success, Alissa enjoys getting lost in a good mystery novel, hitting the road for nature-filled adventures, and spending quality time with her husband and their beloved pack of three cats and two dogs.
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Accounting Manager
Trevor brings over 15 years of diverse accounting experience to his role as an Account Manager at Fusion Financial. With a BBA in Finance from Northwood University, Trevor has built a well-rounded understanding of business operations through roles in inventory and materials accounting, automotive and engineering finance, banking, and the food industry. His background equips him to provide thoughtful, strategic support to clients across a wide range of industries.
At Fusion, Trevor thrives in the dynamic nature of client work—helping businesses grow, adapt, and succeed is what drives him. He values the opportunity to build relationships and make a measurable impact through hands-on support and financial insight.
Outside of the office, Trevor is a passionate musician who plays guitar, drums, bass, and sings. He’s released original music under his own name and with bands over the years. A bit of a renaissance man, he’s also bowled multiple perfect games, is working through a goal of visiting all 50 states with his fiancé Halley, and spends his downtime golfing, gaming, and exploring the outdoors.
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Accounting Manager
With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix, Kate brings a unique blend of expertise in finance, leadership, human resources, and operations to her role at Fusion Financial. Her career has spanned local government, nonprofit organizations, and public utility providers—giving her a deep understanding of how strong financial systems support mission-driven work and community impact.
Kate is inspired by the belief that behind every number is a person, a goal, or a vision. She finds purpose in helping organizations bring order to their financial operations, enabling better decisions and smoother systems. Her passion lies in setting others up for long-term success through thoughtful, informed guidance.
Outside of work, Kate is a dedicated community advocate who spends her time volunteering, supporting youth through First Tee of West Michigan, cross-stitching, watching true crime shows, and proudly being a “golf mom.” She thrives on connection—whether she’s floating in the pool, exploring NYC, building Legos with her teens, or visiting family in Gulfport, Mississippi.