Emily Balentine Barbour, CFP®

Head of Client Engagement and Family Legacy

Partner

Principal

Emily Balentine Barbour, CFP®, grew up watching her father and grandfather build Balentine with a simple but powerful philosophy: lead with stewardship, serve with intention, and never lose sight of family. These early lessons shaped her long before she officially joined the firm, and they continue to guide how she supports clients today as Partner and Head of Client Engagement and Family Legacy.

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Emily’s strength comes from both her deep operational and technical expertise and her ability to foster thoughtful, values-based conversations. She understands that wealth is never just about numbers. It is about people, aspirations, and the relationships that tie generations together. In her work, she helps families find alignment, communicate with clarity, and navigate the opportunities and complexities that come with meaningful wealth.

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When Emily joined Balentine in February 2010, the firm was still in its early days. Over the years, she worked in nearly every area of the organization, gaining a deep understanding of how exceptional service is built from within. Today, she brings that experience to her leadership. As a member of Balentine’s Management Team, she helps guide day-to-day operations and strengthen alignment across the firm. And in her role as Head of Client Engagement and Family Legacy, she draws on this same foundation to support families as they protect and grow the legacies they have worked hard to build. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate her empathy, discernment, and steady presence.

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In 2025, Emily was elected Partner. This milestone made Balentine Atlanta’s only third-generation wealth management firm, a distinction that reflects the spirit of multigenerational stewardship she helps families cultivate every day.

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Education

BA, Washington and Lee University

Experience

Balentine, Relationship Manager

Balentine, Director of Client Service

Balentine, Client Service Manager

Coxe Curry and Associates, Campaign Assistant

Professional affiliations & awards

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

Pershing Next Generation Leadership Council

The Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute, Class of 2016-17

Metro Atlanta Chamber’s ATLeaders Young Professionals Group (Past)

Pershing Mentorship Program for First Generation College Grads (Past)

Community involvement

2025 Chair, Skyland Trailblazers

Board Member, Southern Highlands Reserve

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

Peachtree Garden Club

Class Agent, The Westminster Schools (Past)

Investment Advisory Committee, Latin American Association (Past)

Philanthropy Chair, Washington and Lee University, Atlanta Alumni Association (Past)

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Q&A

How and why did you get into this business?

Though I didn’t have a financial background, I wanted a career change and the timing was perfect. I remember nervously asking my dad about possibly working for him. We both thought long and hard about how it would affect our relationship (the good and the bad), and he had careful discussions with his partners. After four rigorous interviews, I made the cut. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I hope my dad feels the same way.

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Which person do you most admire?

My father. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life has been the opportunity to work alongside my dad over the past 15 years, both as a father and as a business leader. Through this experience, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of him. The way he leads our family mirrors how he runs his business—guided by his strong faith, unwavering integrity, and commitment to open, honest communication.

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What are the big issues that Balentine and companies like it need to solve to truly benefit the parties they serve?

In order for us to do our job of helping clients meet their financial goals, they need to learn to “tune out the noise.” As humans, it is hard not to get caught up in the daily chatter. That is what our clients are paying us for—to stick to the plan that aims to get them to their goal. We often can be our own worst enemies when it comes to investing.

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What are you most passionate about in this business?

I’m most passionate about helping clients engage with their families on a deeper level. While investment management and financial planning are central to what we do, I believe the future of wealth management lies in supporting families through the more profound and often challenging conversations. These include passing on values, intentions, and legacies—conversations that truly matter and shape the future for generations to come.

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