WELCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- in 2013 As an Administrative Assistant
- Investment Operations Specialist
Andrea Messick joined The Welch Group in 2013 as an Administrative Assistant. Since then, she has broadened her skill set and is now an Investment Operations Specialist with the back-office team.
Andrea strives to provide customer service, which exceeds client expectations and looks for ways to help in all areas of the firm.
In her spare time, Andrea enjoys trips to the Birmingham Zoo with her daughter. She also regularly attends events to catch up with college friends from Jacksonville State University where she was a member of the Marching Ballerinas with The Marching Southerners.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- in 2020 As an Investment Operations Specialist
Angel Webb joined The Welch Group in 2020 as an Investment Operations Specialist, but her warm demeanor and out-of-this-world customer service made her the perfect fit for our front desk.
Angel's administrative role involves greeting and scheduling client visits, client onboarding, and performing support functions that enable the firm's daily operations. Her goal is to ensure that clients leave feeling organized and fulfilled with their service.
Prior to joining the Welch Group, Angel rose through the hospitality industry ranks and enjoyed the fast-paced environment of several restaurants in the Birmingham area. Angel is actively involved in her church, and in her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and spending time outdoors. Angel and her boyfriend Andy have two fur babies, Cali and Annabelle.
Beth Moody joined The Welch Group in 2012 and serves as a Member & Senior Advisor, and Director of Talent Development. She also serves as a committee member for the firm's Foundation. Prior to joining the firm, she worked with a wealth management firm in Atlanta, and most recently as an Advisor with Welch Investments in Birmingham. In her free time, Beth loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. She's a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys the impressive culinary scene in Birmingham.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Brent Gillis joined The Welch Group in 2018 and serves as the firm's Chief Compliance Officer. In addition, he is responsible for directing the firm's special projects and also serves as a committee member for the firm's Foundation. Prior to joining The Welch Group, Brent served under the Department of Homeland Security in a protection role with the U.S. Secret Service.
He then spent more than 12 years in the commercial insurance industry serving in a variety of roles from sales and business development to risk management services for national clients. He most recently served as Vice President of Risk Management Services for an insurance company in Birmingham.
Brent is actively involved in his community and is passionate about mentoring young people as a volunteer youth sports coach. He has served in a volunteer leadership role with Highlands College mentoring student groups. He is happily married and has two sons. In his free time, he loves running, playing sports, and spending time outdoors.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL
Callie Waldrop joined The Welch Group in 2012 and serves as a Senior Advisor. She has over a decade of experience in financial planning and wealth management.
In her free time, Callie enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Aaron, and their dogs.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Master of Accounting, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Clay Wood joined The Welch Group in 2021 and serves as an Advisor.
Prior to joining the firm, Clay served in both marketing and advisory roles with area financial service institutions since 2015. He earned the CFP® designation in 2019. Clay enjoys spending time with his wife, dog, and cat during his free time. He is also an avid golfer, enjoys weightlifting, and cooking.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Foster Hyde joined The Welch Group in 2011 and serves as a Member & Senior Advisor. Prior to joining the firm, Foster worked as a Consultant for a forensic accounting and valuation firm in Birmingham. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter. Foster also likes rock climbing, hunting, fishing, and following Alabama Football.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Finance, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Greg Weyandt joined The Welch Group in 2001 and is the Managing Member of the firm. He previously served as Chief Compliance Officer and currently sits on the Investment Committee and the firm's Foundation Committee. Greg has more than 40 years of business experience in the financial services and healthcare arena. He spent more than eight years with the Birmingham office of PricewaterhouseCoopers, and also served as the Chief Financial Officer of a private healthcare company. Prior to joining The Welch Group, he served on the executive team at Brookwood Medical Center.
In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with his grandchildren; outdoor activities including yard work, beach and lake time, paddle boarding; and Auburn Football.
Education
• Bachelor of Arts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
• Master of Professional Accountancy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Professional Affiliations
• Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Estate Planning Council of Birmingham
• Financial Planning Association of North Alabama
Greta Sandy joined The Welch Group in 2022 and serves as an Associate Advisor.
Prior to joining the firm, Greta worked as a copywriter with Shipt and as a Realtor® before pursuing her Master's degree in Family Financial Planning at the University of Alabama. Her range of professional experience brings a unique perspective to her role at The Welch Group.
In addition to her role at the Firm, Greta is a professional singer. She has performed in operas, elite choral groups, a cover band, and a variety of musical showcases in Birmingham. Outside of work, Greta enjoys baking, hiking with her husband, and sitting down to read a good book next to their cat, Willow.
Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Music, Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL
• Master of Science in Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Job Titles:
- CFP®, CFA®Member & Chief Investment Officer
Hugh Smith brings over 30 years of business experience to The Welch Group. He is a Member of the firm and serves as Chief Investment Officer and Chairman of the Investment Committee. Hugh developed the analysis tools the firm uses to perform its wealth management services, including the firm's proprietary wealth management index. Hugh also partnered with the Founder and the Investment Committee to develop the firm's proprietary dividend and core stock portfolios.
Prior to joining The Welch Group, Hugh was the Chief Financial Officer and part-owner of a closely held business for five years. Before that, he worked in the Birmingham office of Arthur Andersen for nine years. Hugh has been quoted in top financial periodicals such as Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Wall Street Journal, and Money Magazine, and has appeared on local Fox 6 News.
When not working or reading financial news, Hugh is actively involved in serving the community, exercising, climbing, and being outdoors.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Isabella Blount joined The Welch Group in 2020 and serves as an Advisor.
Prior to joining the firm, Isabella served as an auditor for a public accounting firm followed by time as a financial consultant in Washington D.C. Outside of work Isabella enjoys traveling, cooking, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family.
Education
• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Master of Accountancy, The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL
Jay McGowan joined The Welch Group in 2021 and serves as a Senior Advisor. He has nearly 15 years of business experience in the accounting and financial planning/wealth management fields.
Prior to joining The Welch Group, Jay worked as an auditor for a public accounting firm in Birmingham and more recently served as an advisor and Director of Financial Planning for a local wealth management firm. In his free time, Jay enjoys outdoor activities, exercise, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and two children.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accountancy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
• Master of Accountancy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Jennifer Kendall joined The Welch Group in 2020 and serves as an Advisor.
Prior to joining the firm, Jennifer worked as a tax accountant for a public accounting firm in Birmingham where she was responsible for the management, preparation, and supervision of tax engagements for various business entities and industries. In her free time, she and her husband like to travel, spend time with friends and family, and watch Auburn football games.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
• Master of Accountancy, Auburn, University, Auburn, AL
John Beatty joined The Welch Group in 2023 and serves as an Associate Advisor. Prior to joining the firm, John worked in the commercial construction industry for three years. He went on to spend 11 years on staff with an outreach ministry called Young Life in both Atlanta and Birmingham. For the last 8 years, he served as the Area Director for Young Life Birmingham South, overseeing operations in north Shelby County and Hoover. He most recently spent time with a local advisory firm before joining the team as an Associate Advisor.
Outside of work you can find John spending time with his wife and their two young children. John enjoys reading, running, and being with friends.
Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Justin Davenport joined The Welch Group in 2019 and serves as a Senior Advisor. Prior to joining the firm, Justin worked as a tax accountant for a public accounting firm in Birmingham.
Outside of work, he and his wife Jennifer enjoy traveling, hiking, and trying many of the great restaurants in Birmingham.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
• Master of Accountancy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Kimberly Reynolds is a Member and Senior Advisor at The Welch Group and also serves as the Director of Financial Planning. She is married and has three boys. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Lauren joined The Welch Group in 2017. She graduated from The University of Alabama in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel and Textiles.
She has substantial experience and outstanding customer service skills. She has successfully operated stores and managed teams for various retail locations for the past 13 years. At The Welch Group, Lauren is responsible for greeting clients, maintaining the customer database, and providing a wide range of administrative support.
Lauren is married with one son, Jonah. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.
Luke joined the Welch Group in 2022 and serves as an Advisor.
Before joining the firm, Luke attended Columbia International University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree while playing for the university's men's soccer team. After graduation, he served in operations, analyst, and advisory roles with financial firms in South Carolina and Alabama since 2016.
Luke enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He also enjoys serving at his local church with youth ministry, is an avid CrossFit member, and enjoys watching sports, cooking, and traveling.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Business and Organizational Leadership and Bible, Columbia International University, Columbia, SC
Job Titles:
- Investment Operations Specialist
Mandy joined The Welch Group in 2020 and currently serves as an Investment Operations Specialist with the Operations Team.
Prior to joining the team, Mandy worked as a Catering Sales Coordinator for The Sheraton and Westin Birmingham Hotels. She has an extensive background in Event Planning and Customer Service. She takes a lot of pride in her skills in communication and organization.
Mandy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication with a Theatre Minor from the University of Montevallo in 2014. In her spare time, Mandy loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also enjoys reading a good book with her husband and dog, watching/listening to Broadway musicals, baking for her coworkers, dancing, and traveling.
Marshall Clay is a Member and Senior Advisor at The Welch Group, guiding his clients through the complex financial landscape so they can be confident in their financial future. He is passionate about navigating financial planning and management for his clients so they can spend more time doing what they love and less time worrying about money and their future. Known for working with excellence and integrity, Marshall is committed to doing what's best for his clients so they can grow their wealth and become financially savvy.
Marshall has a bachelor's degree in human and regional geography with a minor in environmental engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served seven years as an Officer in the United States Army, where he performed two combat tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in the Republic of South Korea. He also has a Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Outside of work, Marshall enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, pushing himself physically to stay in top shape, playing golf, and traveling. To learn more about Marshall, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Matt joined The Welch Group in 2018 and serves as a Senior Advisor. Prior to joining the firm, Matt served as an auditor in public accounting for a local firm in Birmingham.
In his free time, he enjoys carpentry and spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their three dogs.
Education
• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
• Master of Accountancy, Auburn University; Auburn, AL
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
- Member & Director of Business
Michael Wagner is a Member and Director of Business Development at The Welch Group with over 20 years of experience in the accounting and financial fields. Michael is dedicated to helping his clients identify their goals and design a customized plan to help them get where they want to be. He is known for making the financial planning and investment process simple and understandable so his clients can feel empowered to make informed decisions and sleep better at night, no matter what the market is doing. With a commitment to building long-term relationships so he can learn what matters most to his clients, Michael provides structure and organization, building a plan for every piece of their financial lives so they can enjoy life both now and in the future.
Michael, a CPA, Accredited Estate Planner®, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has both a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy from The University of Alabama. In his free time, you can find Michael working as a volunteer coach for youth sports, including basketball, lacrosse, and football. He loves spending that extra time with his kids and their teams as well as investing in the next generation and giving back to the community. Michael also loves spending time with his family and friends.. To learn more about Michael, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Mikaela Rohn joined our team in 2023 as the Marketing Coordinator. Prior to joining our firm, Mikaela graduated from Samford University with a degree in Marketing and served as the Director of Social Media with Savvycents. Her love for creativity extends beyond her professional life, and in her free time, she enjoys drawing and painting. Additionally, she values community involvement and is an active member of Redeemer Community Church, where she attends and serves.
Mikaela is excited for the chance to promote the wealth management firm, where she can combine her interests in finance, talent in creativity, innovative marketing abilities, and passion for impacting the community to connect with potential clients and bring about positive change in Birmingham.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
Becky McIntyre joined the Welch Group in 2022 and serves as an Associate Advisor.
Before joining the firm, Becky attended the University of Alabama, obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Finance and Marketing. During that time, she also completed multiple internships in the Financial Industry, most recently at The Welch Group.
She most recently obtained her Master's degree with a concentration in Family Financial Planning from The University of Alabama in May of 2023. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, visiting friends and family, and cooking.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Master of Science in Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Professional Affiliations
• Estate Planning Council of Birmingham
• Financial Planning Association of North Alabama
Job Titles:
- Junior Systems Administrator
Robert joined The Welch Group in 2023 and currently serves as the Junior Systems Administrator.
Before joining The Welch Group, Robert worked as a Data Integration Analyst for a pharmacy benefits firm.
During his time there, he was responsible for coordinating and integrating eligibility data for new accounts through Salesforce. Robert interpreted data file specifications and identified any new development requirements necessary to ensure accurate data processing.
As a student at Troy University, he studied Computer Science where he gained experience in software development, database management, and cyber security. Robert hopes to nurture his skills in IT and database management at The Welch Group. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and playing games.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Troy University, Troy, AL
Job Titles:
- in 2020 As a Data Analyst
Sarah Williams joined The Welch Group in 2020 as a Data Analyst and now serves as the Systems Administrator. Prior to joining the firm, Sarah served as an analyst for Guidehouse Consulting and UAB Medicine.
While there, she was responsible for the initiation and management of enterprise-wide process improvement projects, revenue cycle management implementation, data analytics, and various business intelligence functions. As a student at UAB, she studied information management, informatics, data analytics/visualization, and IT project management. Her position with the firm has allowed her to enhance her skills in cybersecurity and IT architecture.
Sarah and her boyfriend are the proud parents of two cats and enjoy spending time outdoors, seeing movies, and trying the newest restaurants in the Birmingham food scene. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, traveling, and bartending.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Master of Science in Health Informatics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Sean Tweedy joined The Welch Group in 2021 and serves as an Associate Advisor.
Prior to joining the firm, Sean attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's in Business Administration. During his time there, he was a five-time letterman on the Southern Miss Baseball team and was a part of three conference championships. He won the 2019 Colonel Fletcher Leadership Award and the 2021 Golden Standard Award for Student-Athletes.
Outside of work, Sean enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, and leading small groups for youth and high school students at his church. Hailing from Louisiana, he's a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan.
Education
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
• Master of Business Administration, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Professional Affiliations
• Estate Planning Council of Birmingham
• Financial Planning Association of North Alabama
Stewart H. Welch, III, founded his company in 1984. The Welch Group specializes in providing fee-only Wealth Management services to affluent, healthcare professionals, business owners, and retirees throughout the United States. The firm was created on the foundational principle of fiduciary responsibility in all interactions with our clients.
Mr. Welch's leisure time is spent playing tennis, reading, and spending time with his wife, Kathie. He is also the inventor of the UpRyder (patent: 00421.003-PA-USD), an evolutionary bicycle scheduled for production in 2019.
Education
• Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Job Titles:
- in 2004 As a Member of the Operations Department
- Investment Operations Manager
Wendy Weber joined The Welch Group in 2004 as a member of the Operations Department. Wendy brought an energetic customer service background with strong professional, organizational, and management skills she gained during her 15 years in the medical field in Dallas, TX.
Wendy currently serves as the Investment Operations Manager and works as a direct liaison between our advisors and our custodian Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. She oversees the day-to-day operations and manages new accounts, reconciliations, and balancing of client accounts along with client requests. She also works closely with our Chief Compliance Officer to maintain SEC compliance guidelines and oversees the back-office procedures. Wendy coordinates with our team of advisors to maintain the ultimate customer service standard for our clients.
Wendy lives north of Birmingham near Smith Lake and loves being on the lake. She and her husband Jason have three daughters, Ashleigh, Katie, and Bailey, along with two sons-in-law, Sean and Garrett. She is thrilled to be a grandparent and has three adorable additions to their growing family. When not in the office, Wendy enjoys hunting, boating on the lake, and spending time with family and friends.
Woodard Peay joined The Welch Group in 2003 and was named a member of Welch Investments in 2012. He has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining the firm, Woodard worked for seventeen years in the natural gas pipeline and energy marketing industries.
He is a lifelong resident of Birmingham and in his spare time enjoys fresh and saltwater fishing.
Education
• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
• Master of Business Administration, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL