LL.M., New York University School of Law

J.D., Tulane Law School

B.S., University of Richmond (Business Administration)

Fiduciary Trust International, Trust Counsel and Relationship Manager

Abbot Downing, Senior Wealth Strategist

Atlanta Estate Planning Council

Mimosa Garden Club

How and why did you get into this business?

My path into this business started at home. I grew up in a small town watching my father practice law. He was a trusts and estates lawyer, but like many small-town lawyers, his practice made him a jack of all trades. I learned early on that he was not only a steady caretaker for our family but also for so many of his clients. I followed in his footsteps, went to law school, and practiced law for eight years as a trusts and estates attorney in New York City. Transitioning to wealth management felt like a natural extension of my upbringing and experience: the work is different, but the heart of it is the same: helping families protect what they've built, care for the people they love, and make thoughtful planning decisions that will positively impact them now and in the future.

‍

What do you personally think makes Balentine different from other wealth management organizations?

What stands out to me about Balentine is how intentional the firm is about its people, values and culture. In a business built on trust, that matters because clients feel it in the way the team works together and in the care behind the service. I also think Balentine’s offerings are a real differentiator. Our services extend beyond traditional investment and financial planning offerings and include a deep expertise in private capital markets, as well as a focus on family legacy and business advisory services. Helping clients think beyond investments, with a focus on the values and responsibilities they want to carry forward is vital, and it reflects the long-term, multigenerational way Balentine approaches wealth.

‍

How does the work you do make a difference?

The work makes a difference when it turns complexity into a clear path forward. Clients are often balancing businesses, family responsibilities, transitions, taxes, charitable goals, and legacy questions all at once. My role is to listen carefully, ask good questions, coordinate the details, and help people feel confident that there is a team behind them who is thinking about the big picture alongside them — not just reacting to the market or the moment.

‍

What do you like to do in your downtime away from work?

Outside of work, I love playing tennis and try to get on the court whenever I can. In the summer, I spend as much time as possible in Virginia and boating on the Chesapeake Bay, my favorite place to slow down and recharge. More recently, I've developed an interest in vegetable gardening. I'm still learning, but I love the patience of it and the reward of growing something from the ground up.