Company History and Values
Ken Townsend founded Townsend Wealth Management in September 2001. His vision was to create a wealth management firm that would provide excellent, independent financial advice and investment management services for families and small businesses. Everything about the firm reflects this vision. Ken obtained his Certified Financial Planner™ designation prior to opening business to help his clients receive high-quality financial advice. The firm operates as a fee-only business and does not receive any commissions for the sale or recommendation of any financial product such as stocks, mutual funds, insurance, or annuities. As an independent firm, Townsend Wealth Management is free to evaluate and select the best investments, regardless of their affiliation.
Tyler Townsend, CFP®, CFA
Managing Partner
Tyler is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Prior to joining Townsend Wealth Management in 2007, he worked as a senior manager in professional services, advising a range of industry-leading organizations around the world. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder. Tyler serves on the board of trustees of the National Infantry Museum Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, and is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Columbus. His honors include the Dean Griffin Community Service Award, the J.R. Allen Award, and graduation from Leadership Georgia.
Ken Townsend, CFP®
Partner
Ken is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Ken worked for ExxonMobil Chemical Company for 34 years, primarily in sales, finance, and general management roles, including leadership of Callaway Chemical Company during its nine-year ownership by ExxonMobil. Ken founded Townsend Wealth Management in 2001 and served as president during the firm’s first 15 years. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and remains active in investment management and financial planning activities.
Becca Covington
Operations Manager
Becca manages operations and client services for Townsend Wealth Management. Prior to joining the firm, she served as Communications Director for the Columbus Mayor’s Office. Becca grew up in Columbus and remains active in the community. She has earned the CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate, and in her free time she enjoys creating stained glass artwork.
Laura Hood
Office Administrator
Laura serves as our Office Administrator and oversees office management and administrative support. She is often the first point of contact for clients and outside professionals. Laura brings more than 20 years of experience in administration, operations, and accounting.
About the Certified Financial PlannerTM certification
CFP® certification identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas: the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning. CFP® certificants also agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and to uphold the CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Learn more about how a CFP® professional can help you at www.letsmakeaplan.org.
About the Chartered Financial Analyst® program
The CFA® designation is a globally recognized, graduate-level credential in the field of investment management and research analysis. The Economist ranks the CFA credential as the gold standard of the investment industry. To earn the CFA charter, candidates must 1) master a rigorous curriculum of study over at least three years and pass three increasingly difficult six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; and 3) commit to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. The curriculum includes a wide range of fundamental and advanced topics such as economics, financial reporting, equity and fixed income analysis, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA program emphasizes a global approach to investment management with CFA charterholders practicing in more than 130 countries.
“CFA charterholders are highly prized by institutional money managers as investment analysts, pension fund managers, and mutual fund portfolio managers. Those who choose to manage private client portfolios bring those same institutional skills to individuals and families.” – CFA Institute
Chartered Financial Analyst® and CFA® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.