Heather Downs

Background

About Heather Downs

Since I began my financial services career more than 40 years ago, I've been fortunate to serve caring individuals whose achievements benefit loved ones and important causes. Today, at The Downs & McNeil Wealth Management Group, we continue to bring a boutique level of personal care to "people and purposes" – owners of pre-IPO and family businesses, surgeons, dentists and other medical professionals, C-suite executives, CPAs, retirees, large foundations and other non-profits. High net worth and ultra high net worth clients never stop planning and neither do we. In fact, the first thing we do is help clients identify situations and aspirations. We ask about their children and elderly parents – and point out likely (and unlikely) obstacles and circumstances. Only then can we formulate risk-managed portfolios and strategies for retirement and education planning, wealth transfer, liability management and philanthropic giving. As a former president of foundations on both coasts, it's a privilege to bring our group's wisdom and firm's resources to investment committees and board members (many who've become individual clients). provide access to services that can assist with Investment Policy Statements, advise on capital campaigns, and have helped raise millions of dollars for children and charities. What makes me proud? • Cultivating relationships with clients I would choose as friends. • Being a "first call" for clients' financial, family and health reasons. • Educating clients on making wise financial decisions. • Working with Brian McNeil since 1998, having a bi-coastal presence, and serving many referred clients in 25 states. • Helping foundations optimize the wonderful services they provide. • Speaking at roundtables and seminars on business retirement plans and other topics. • Watching my two beautiful children grow and love life.