Our Team

Mark Rossbach, CPA®, RICP® Managing Partner

Retirement strategist and steady hand for business owners, women, and individuals navigating major financial transitions.

“I didn’t grow up around wealth, but I did learn the importance of being intentional with every dollar, and how much more confident life feels when your money has a plan.”

Origin Story

 I grew up in a hardworking family where financial decisions revolved mostly around bank accounts, not investment strategies. My dad worked on the Baltimore waterfront. We weren’t poor, but we didn’t have much exposure to long-term planning or broader wealth building. I saw firsthand how even the most diligent families could feel unprepared when it came to money and that stuck with me.

I spent more than two decades as a CPA in the financial sector, building expertise in accounting, auditing, and internal controls. But what I really wanted was to help people like my parents, people who had done everything right, yet still felt uncertain about retirement or what came next. That’s what brought me to financial planning.

Strategic Role at Chesapeake

 Today, I serve as managing partner at Chesapeake Financial Planners, where I specialize in working with business owners, retirees, and women navigating life changes such as retirement, divorce, inheritance, or the loss of a spouse. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed by complexity and time pressure. My job is to slow things down, simplify the decisions, and help them move forward with clarity and confidence.

I also lead educational retirement workshops across the Baltimore–Washington area, helping people, especially those who’ve felt underserved or talked down to, understand key financial concepts in plain, empowering terms.

Experience You Can Count On

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of Maryland (1987 – non-practicing)
  • Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), The American College
  • 30+ years of experience in financial services and client education
  • Five Star Wealth Manager award recipient (2017–2026)

What I’ve Learned Works

 I believe most people don’t need fancier products, they need clearer explanations. That’s why our team uses Chesapeake’s signature R.U.D.D.E.R. method™ to guide every client engagement. It’s not just a process, it’s a partnership. We bring structure, accountability, and education to your financial life, so you're never left wondering whether you’re making the right move.

Clients often tell me I bring a calm, reassuring presence to the table and that I explain things in a way that finally makes sense.

Outside the Office

 I live in Perry Hall, Maryland, with my wife of 30 years, Yvonne. We have two daughters, Hannah and Alexandra, and a close-knit circle of friends and clients I often golf with. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me enjoying downtime at our beach house in Delaware, relaxing with family, taking in the quiet, and recharging by the water. I also enjoy cooking, especially for family get-togethers where a good meal brings everyone to the table.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

 If you're approaching retirement or navigating a major life change and want more clarity and control, let's talk. A short fit call is the first step toward building a plan that’s grounded, collaborative, and completely tailored to you.