SYRACUSE — The Carta Group has hired Gary G. Casab, an accredited investment fiduciary, as a partner. Casab joins the financial planning firm with more than 20 years’ experience.

Casab began his financial services career in 1997 with the Central NY Agency of MassMutual Financial Services. He quickly became one of MassMutual’s top new agents in the country and received the Agent Growth Award, given to the top 5% of new agents. He also earned the MassMutual Leaders Award and became a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table. The association comprises the world’s leading financial services professionals who demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. In 2000, he joined Royal Alliance, where he was employed for nearly 20 years.

As one of the first at his firm to earn the AIF designation, he specialized in advising qualified retirement plans and providing investment advisory services.

“We’re thrilled to welcome someone with Gary’s level of experience to our team,” said Founding Partner Garry R.M. Payne. “Gary holds a high standard when providing financial services to his clients, ensuring that he goes above and beyond industry standards and regulations — he’s truly committed, making him an ideal partner for our firm.”

Casab’s involvement in his community has continued throughout his career. He served on the board of directors for Family Services of the Mohawk Valley, which offers human services case management, including marriage, family and child counseling. He also served on the development board for Kids Oneida, which provides individualized and nontraditional services and care to the highest-risk individuals and families with social, emotional, mental health and behavioral challenges.

Casab was born and raised in Whitesboro, where he resides with his wife, Kristin. They are the parents of two college-age sons, Gary Jr. and Lucas.

The Carta Group is a division of Community Bank, N.A., a national bank and parent company of Community Investment Services, Inc., a financial services company. The advisors of the Carta Group serve as employees of Community Bank, N.A., under CBNA’s trust department and in this capacity provide financial planning services. The Carta Group is part of a comprehensive network of financial specialties of the Community Bank Wealth Management team.