Boatwright Financial, LLC is the culmination of more than two decades’ worth of dreaming, inspiration, hard work and experience.

Owner and principal Christa Haynes entered the insurance and financial services industry shortly after the birth of her son, Tyler. At the suggestion of her husband, the new parents went to their local State Farm agent to get life insurance, and the agent offered her a job as a receptionist. Within a year, she obtained multiple licenses and in 2001 became an agent with the Horace Mann Companies, providing auto, home and life insurance as well as comprehensive retirement planning to educators and administrators in the state of New Mexico.

After obtaining her Life Underwriter Training Council Fellowship (LUTCF) designation, she sought ways to expand the business and joined New York Life in 2010. Shortly thereafter, Christa became certified in MAP* (Macro Asset Perspective®) which enables her to bring this powerful and innovative retirement planning tool to her clients.

Her ambition to provide a better life for her family led to the acceptance of a corporate role with New York Life that would move the family from rural New Mexico to Bossier City, Louisiana and then to their current location in Chicago, Illinois.

In early 2020, Christa left her corporate role to get back to doing the things she’s always loved the most- helping individuals, families and small businesses plan for the future. She continues to serve clients in multiple states and is currently adding support staff to accommodate growth.

Christa and James Haynes have been married since 1997 and have two children; Tyler and Mackenzie. The family enjoys spending time together, whether it’s watching movies, going to concerts, or traveling abroad.

The Macro Asset Perspective logo

*The Macro Asset Perspective® is a unique process incorporating principles of asset allocation relative to risk tolerance and tax treatment, enhance and maximize future net retirement income.

Christa Haynes headshot

Christa Haynes

- Owner of Boatwright Financial

AnnaMarie Donnadio - Executive Assistant

AnnaMarie spent fifteen years in the beauty industry before venturing into financial services. As a long-time client, she saw the value in the planning process and became affiliated with New York Life in 2019, where she now serves as an Executive Assistant. She’s passionate about New York Life’s Grief Sensitive School Initiative and is excited to bring that program to Chicagoland through Christa’s office.

AnnaMarie Donnadio headshot

Alexa Ordonez - Client Experience Manager

Alexa Ordonez is passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating positive, personalized experiences for every client. With a background in education, Alexa brings strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills to her role. Her experience working with diverse individuals has helped her develop a thoughtful, approachable, and people-centered style.

As a Client Experience Manager, Alexa focuses on connecting with clients, strengthening relationships, and helping ensure that each person feels heard, supported, and valued. She enjoys creating genuine connections, identifying opportunities to better serve others, and contributing to a welcoming and responsive team environment.

Outside of work, Alexa is a cheerleading technician for a local cheer company and is currently attending the University of New Mexico, pursuing her degree in Secondary Education.

Brooks Sullivan - New Business Director

Brooks Sullivan has spent his career doing what comes most naturally to him: connecting with people, finding creative solutions, and making complex ideas easier to understand.

Over nearly two decades in sales and marketing across five different industries, Brooks has built his career around helping people find better ways forward. Along the way, he was trained by and worked alongside Christa Haynes as a New York Life agent, and later worked with IDD service providers at Statewise to help streamline their operations.

He is excited to work with Christa again and bring his unique experience and perspective to helping families navigate important decisions with a little more clarity and a lot less corporate speak.

Outside of work, Brooks is a touring stand-up comedian, lifelong hockey player and coach, husband, and dad to two very opinionated and passionate daughters.

Brooks

AnnaMarie Donnadio - Executive Assistant

AnnaMarie spent fifteen years in the beauty industry before venturing into financial services. As a long-time client, she saw the value in the planning process and became affiliated with New York Life in 2019, where she now serves as an Executive Assistant. She’s passionate about New York Life’s Grief Sensitive School Initiative and is excited to bring that program to Chicagoland through Christa’s office.