Orrstown Financial Advisors' Strategic Hire of Matthew Alpert as a Catalyst for Wealth Management Growth

In the evolving landscape of regional wealth management, leadership has emerged as a critical driver of growth. Orrstown Financial Advisors (OFA), a division of Orrstown Bank, has positioned itself at the forefront of this trend with the appointment of Matthew Alpert as Executive Vice President and Chief Wealth Officer in January 2026. Alpert's hire reflects a strategic commitment to leveraging seasoned leadership to enhance client services, expand market share, and navigate industry-wide challenges. This analysis evaluates how Alpert's appointment aligns with broader trends in leadership-driven growth and what it signals for OFA's future in a competitive sector.

Matthew Alpert: A Leader with Proven Expertise

Matthew Alpert brings over three decades of experience in wealth management, most notably from his tenure at Wells Fargo, where he led teams serving high-net-worth individuals. His expertise spans trust administration, estate planning, and team development, all of which are critical to OFA's mission of delivering personalized financial solutions. Alpert's educational background, including a corporate leadership program from Wharton and certifications in FINRA Series licenses, underscores his technical and managerial credibility. His client-first approach, a hallmark of his career, aligns with OFA's emphasis on relationship-driven service.

Orrstown's Strategic Vision and Financial Health

Orrstown Financial Advisors oversees over $3 billion in assets under management and has demonstrated consistent financial performance. In Q3 2025, the parent company, Orrstown Financial Services Inc., reported earnings per share of $1.14 and revenue of $64.37 million, both exceeding analyst expectations. These results highlight the firm's financial stability, which positions it to invest in strategic initiatives like Alpert's leadership. OFA's focus on trust administration and estate planning-areas where Alpert excels-aligns with growing client demand for holistic wealth strategies, particularly as the "Great Wealth Transfer" accelerates according to BCG's 2025 Global Wealth Report.

Leadership-Driven Growth in a Competitive Industry

The wealth management sector is undergoing a structural shift, with firms prioritizing organic growth over market-driven gains. According to Bernstein research, organic growth accounts for roughly half the variation in price-to-earnings multiples across the industry. Regional firms like OFA are leveraging leadership hires to differentiate themselves. For example, Bernstein Private Wealth Management recently appointed Gregory Kadet and Cecily Bolding as Managing Directors to expand its presence in key markets. These hires, like Alpert's, emphasize team-building and client acquisition, underscoring a sector-wide recognition that leadership quality directly impacts growth.

Technology is another critical enabler. The 2025 Wealth Industry Survey notes that 44% of firms prioritize technological adoption to improve client service and operational efficiency. Alpert's experience in integrating AI-driven tools and digital platforms-critical for addressing the needs of tech-savvy investors- positions OFA to compete in an increasingly digitized market.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its strengths, the industry faces headwinds, including margin compression, rising technology costs, and talent shortages according to McKinsey's 2025 Asset Management Report. However, firms with robust leadership pipelines are better positioned to navigate these challenges. OFA's appointment of Alpert, who has a track record of developing high-performing teams, addresses these concerns by fostering internal growth and innovation. Additionally, the firm's focus on automation and hybrid advisory models- combining human expertise with digital tools-aligns with client expectations for seamless, personalized service.

Conclusion

Orrstown Financial Advisors' strategic hire of Matthew Alpert exemplifies the growing importance of leadership in driving growth within regional wealth management. By combining Alpert's expertise with OFA's financial strength and strategic focus on technology and client-centricity, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on industry trends and expand its market position. As the wealth management sector continues to evolve, OFA's approach offers a blueprint for how leadership-driven strategies can catalyze sustainable growth in a competitive and dynamic environment.