Mark is an independent financial advisor, Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). He focuses primarily on retirement, estate, and business succession planning. Mark takes great care in helping clients develop plans tailored to their needs by simplifying complex decisions so they can make well-founded, intelligent, and confident financial choices.

He earned a BS in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the University of Georgia. Mark began his financial services career in 1986 and brings more than 35 years of experience to individuals, families, and business owners seeking customized strategies as they prepare for or live in retirement.

Before establishing Highland Trust Partners, an independent financial planning and wealth management firm, in 2015, Mark managed a successful financial services practice at Wells Fargo Advisors for two decades. He joined Wachovia Securities, the predecessor firm to Wells Fargo Advisors, in 1993. Earlier in his career, Mark served as a financial advisor and branch administrative officer with a regional investment company in Atlanta.

Mark is a sought-after speaker on a range of financial topics, including personal investment planning, and his articles have been published in the Athens Banner-Herald. He serves on the Advisory Board of Integrated Financial Group, recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the Top 25 Financial Planning Firms in Atlanta (2015, based on assets under management). Mark also serves on the UGA Tee Off Club board and has been active in numerous community and university organizations, including Athens First Methodist Church, Athens Young Life, and Prince Avenue Christian School. He has taught and led the Partners Sunday School class and served as President of the Board of Trustees for Kappa Alpha fraternity at the University of Georgia. In addition, he has served on advisory boards for the UGA College of Family Financial Planning and Gardner-Webb University College of Financial Planning, and as a member of the University Greek Housing Steering Committee and the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA).

Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Frances, and their seven children. He is an avid fan of college athletics and enjoys hunting with his bird dogs, Ollie and Blue.