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 providing advice to a range of industry-leading organizations throughout the world. Tyler is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) professional and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. Tyler serves on the boards of trustees for the Georgia Tech Athletic Association, the Columbus Museum, and the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, and is a Past-President of the Rotary Club of Columbus. Tyler is the 2019 recipient of Georgia Tech’s Dean Griffin Community Service Award, the 2017 Chamber of Commerce’s J.R. Allen Award, and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Class of 2013.

 

Ken Townsend, CFP®

Partner

Ken is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Ken worked for ExxonMobil Chemical Company for thirty-four years. Most of his assignments were in sales, finance, and general business management positions including the management of Callaway Chemical Company in Columbus, GA for the nine years this company was owned by ExxonMobil. Ken founded Townsend Wealth Management in 2001 and served as president for the firm’s first fifteen years. Ken is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP) professional and remains active in investment management and financial planning activities.

Leigh Anne Thomas

Partner

Leigh Anne leads financial plan preparation and client engagement activities for the firm. Prior to joining Townsend Wealth Management, Leigh Anne worked for Callaway Chemical Company for twenty-five years in a variety of accounting, human resources, and administrative positions. She has earned the Registered Paraplanner designation through a comprehensive financial planning course and examination. Leigh Anne is an active member of the North Columbus Rotary Club, leading the club’s Laws of Life Essay Program, a character education writing contest for local high school students. Additionally, Leigh Anne leads the Rotary club’s GOAL Program, which strives to recognize the importance of technical education in our community.

 

Becca Covington

Operations Manager

Becca manages operations and client services for the firm. Prior to joining Townsend Wealth Management, she served as Communications Director for the Columbus Mayor’s Office. Becca grew up in Columbus and is active in the community. She is currently working on her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Investment Foundations®️ Certificate, and she enjoys making stained glass in her free time.

About the Certified Financial PlannerTM certification

CFP logo, manage your wealth, certified financial planner, financial management, investment help, retirement fundCFP® 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

CFA-seal, Chartered Financial Analysis, Townsend Wealth Management, Manage your wealth, financial advisors, experienced financial advisorThe 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.