It has been an exciting year-and-a-half for Ward Petty, Chattanooga’s native son and financial services veteran.
Most recently, he has been promoted to serve on the executive management committee for Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., the St. Louis-based brokerage firm. His selection follows his success in opening the firm’s office in Chattanooga in July 2011, which he currently manages, while also continuing to advise clients on their financial affairs and investment plans.
“Ward excels at everything he does for us,” said Benjamin F. Edwards IV, founder, chairman and CEO of the brokerage firm. “Although his first priority is his clients, he finds time to meet with advisors in the Southeast who are interested in becoming part of the Edwards family, as well as extend his knowledge and insight on a variety of firm issues.”
Mr. Petty began his financial services career in 1980. In 1991, he opened an office in Chattanooga for A.G. Edwards. Eventually, the office grew to employ more than 30, with 10 more employed in the firm’s Dalton, GA satellite office, which he also supervised.
Helping Mr. Petty with his supervisory responsibilities at Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., is Julie Wilson, who joined Benjamin F. Edwards in June of this year as the Assistant Branch Manager. In this capacity, she administers day-to-day office operations and supervisory responsibilities. She also oversees hiring advisors for the branch.
With more than 29 years of experience in banking and financial services, Ms. Wilson previously worked with Mr. Petty in a similar capacity at the Chattanooga A.G. Edwards location and successor firms.
“Julie is my right arm,” said Mr. Petty. “Her presence frees me up to meet with clients and take on a larger managerial role within the firm.”
Tad Edwards agrees, crediting Ms. Wilson with keeping operational matters in check, while Petty lends his experience and insight to the entire firm. “Ms. Ward brings unique insight to the table having been a financial consultant and a manager of thriving offices,” Mr. Edwards said. “As an entrepreneurial firm geared toward growth, we need to allow others across the firm to benefit from his perspective.”