Joel S. Williams and Associates

The Team

Joel S. Willams, Ph.D, CIMA, CFP

President

Joel S. Williams is founder and Managing Principal of Joel S Williams & Associates. JSW&A specializes in assisting wealthy families, and affluent, privately-held business families with customized, leading edge solutions for their complex wealth and estate plans. Joel believes in the power of Connective Wisdom to provide unparalleled access to specific expertise and capabilities needed to help business owners add value to their business and affluent families achieve their life goals.

Joel maintains a unique philosophy on the economy, investing and wealth planning, based on the teachings of Adam Smith who is often seen as the founding father of economics. His approach requires patience that is unconventional in our "instant" society, and is built upon a strong client-advisor relationship. Joel admits that his philosophy is not for everyone; nevertheless, it has chartered his success as an investor and planner for individuals of significant wealth and inherited estates. His approach is simple, efficient, and effective...yet, it is quite often contrary to the popular press of the financial community.

Only dedicated financial planners further their education by obtaining and maintaining licensing credentials as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Even fewer go on to become graduates of the Certified Investment Management Analyst program at the prestigious Wharton School. Joel stands out by attaining both of these distinguished designations. At Purdue University, he focused his graduate research thesis on prudent investment strategies. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics at the University of Florida.

Joel's passion for teaching others was first recognized as a professor at Virginia Tech where he taught economics and consulted with agribusiness firms on financial management. The past 27 years has allowed Joel to continue to teach his clients and assist them, their businesses and their families, how to "dream big" and develop plans designed to fulfill their financial and life goals.

Joel is a charter member of the Advisors in Philanthropy, InKnowVision, and Stage 2 Business Solutions. He is a contributing author of the book, Wealth: Enhancement and Preservation. His practice includes fee-based comprehensive and integrated wealth, business, retirement and estate planning for individuals and business owners. Plans are customized based on client's objectives, constraints and personal make-up.

Joel is married to his beautiful wife, BJ, and is the proud father of two girls, Emily and Sarah.

Advisors

Mike Jones: Research Analyst and Registered Representative

Researching investment strategies, providing knowledge for our clients

Mike Jones is a licensed advisor at JSWA assisting clients in all aspects of financial planning and investment strategies. In addition to his financial advisory role, Mike is responsible for investment research of both traditional and direct participation programs. This research enables JSWA clients to have access to progressive investment strategies that are non-correlated to more traditional markets. He holds Series 7 and 66 Securities Registrations, Virginia life & health insurance licenses, and is a candidate for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Before becoming a financial advisor, Mike worked in the manufacturing industry in both management and engineering capacities. His twelve years experience in this industry included managing up to 80 people with budgets of up to $13 Million. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Purdue University.

Wayde Kass: Chief Operating Officer

Leading development of client and operational cutting-edge processes

Wayde Kass is a seasoned financial professional with sixteen years experience in the financial services industry. Wayde serves a dual role in our evolving organization. As Chief Operating Officer, Wayde provides effective leadership in the development and daily maintenance of JSWA's systems management and operational processes. In addition, he holds his Securities Registrations Series 7 and 63 enabling him to provide security sales services to clients as well. Wayde is currently a candidate for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Prior to JSWA, Wayde co-managed a Citicorp business unit administering a $1.5 billion dollar loan and mortgage-backed securities servicing portfolio. His responsibilities included supervision of accounting, asset management, and investor relations.

Wayde holds his MBA in Finance from Columbia University and a B.S. in Accounting from Louisiana State University.

Marketing and Client Relations

Danita St. Clair: Director, Corporate Image

Keeping our team in touch and in tune with our clients

Danita St. Clair is responsible for developing and maintaining effective client relationships and implementing the marketing strategies for JSWA. She is responsible for all special client events, the Midas Manager program, educational workshops, potential client inquiries and customer relations. Her duties include development and maintenance of the website, advertising, client newsletters, and marketing pieces.

Danita brings 9 years experience as an Executive and Life Coaching to JSWA as well as 5 years as an educator, and management consultant and leadership trainer. She holds a B.S in Environmental Economics from the University of Maryland.

Operations Support

Robin Clark: Operations Specialist

Responding to our client needs

Robin has an extensive background in financial operations. Her industry expertise of opening and maintaining brokerage accounts, production reporting, analyzing paperwork and data entry allows JSWA to respond to a variety of client requests with speed and precision. Her organizational abilities, problem-solving skills and knowledge of the "back-office" have proven invaluable assets in providing superior service to our clients.

In addition, Robin has several specialties which have increased the dimension and scope of service: Robin holds licenses in Health, Life Insurance and Annuity Contracts and is a Certifed Financial Para-Planner. Robin is responsible for the Long Term Healthcare and Life insurance policies for our clients and the daily Operations of client accounts with last names ending L-Z.

Prior to JSWA Robin had 7 years of experience with Fidelity Investments and Valley Bank as a Senior Account Service Representative and Sales Assistant. She holds a B.A.S degree in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University.

Jennifer Foutz: Operations Specialist

Attending to detail, ensuring our clients the ultimate experience

Jennifer came to JSWA with 7 years corporate experience in financial management. As the team member with the longest history at JSWA, Jennifer's extensive experience, knowledge and background of financial operations and "back office" processes and procedures with several broker/dealers is a superior asset. Her attention to detail, customer service experience, organizational abilities and strong follow up skill sets are well appreciated by both our clients and the other JSWA team members.

Jennifer is developing an expertise in Estate Planning and is a Certified Financial Para-Planner. Jennifer is responsible for the management and daily operations of client accounts that involve estate planning and clients whose last name begins with the letters A-J.

Prior to JSWA, Jennifer managed client relations and financial accounting for Pulaski Community Hospital.

Nichole Tillery: Operations Associate

Supporting our client-centered team

Nichole is responsible for several special operations projects designed to update and streamline JSWA systems, processes and databases. In addition, she manages the recording of checks and handles a variety of tasks for other team members.

Nichole began her career with JSWA as a financial intern while in her senior year at Virginia Tech. She received her B.S. in the Certified Financial Planner certificate program specializing in Family Financial Management in May 2007. Nichole's college experience includes representing VT on the Financial Planning Team placing as finalists in the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) National Financial Planning Competition.

Office Manager/Executive Assistant

Beth Ashe: Office Manager and Executive Assistant

Connecting our clients with our team

Beth's chief responsibility is as Joel's Executive Assistant. Her duties include scheduling client appointments and reviews, Joel's business travel, licensing, continuing education credits, association meetings and special projects. In addition, Beth is responsible for office management of supplies and resources and client reception. She assists all team members with her superior office capabilities and is a valuable team member.

Beth's 15 years of experience as Director of Administration and a variety of similar leadership positions with the Free Clinic assisted her to fine tune the executive, management and organizational skills that she brings to JSW&A. Beth holds a B.S. in Psychology and minor in Sociology from Virginia Tech.