Memphis-born Phyllis Scruggs, W&A’s longest-serving advisor, has been a cornerstone of the firm since joining in 1993. Blissfully living her dream, Phyllis alternates her remote work between the stunning landscapes of Aspen, Colorado, and the serene beaches of Seaside, Florida.
Phyllis’s journey to this idyllic lifestyle began with a bold mid-life career change. After selling her family business, she dove into the world of investment banking, spending five dynamic years as Vice President of Corporate Finance at Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. There, she tackled mergers and acquisitions, valuation studies, and initial public offerings.
Phyllis had been associated with W&A for a number of years before joining the firm, acting as a consultant to the company in its formative stage and subsequently as a client. Upon joining W&A as a shareholder, Phyllis soon made history as the first advisor to bring both CFP® and CFA® credentials to the firm. She revolutionized W&A’s services by seamlessly integrating financial planning with investment management. In 2014, Phyllis pioneered remote working at W&A, allowing her to live her dream of residing in the mountains and at the beach while continuing to help her clients secure their financial futures.
Phyllis’s academic achievements are nothing short of impressive. She holds an MBA in Finance, a Master of Education, and a BBA from the University of Memphis. A Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA®) and a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) Licensee, she has held leadership roles as past chairman and president of the Mid-South Society of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), serving on the Board of Directors from 1995 to 2000. Under her presidency in 1998, the Mid-South Society of FPA was named Outstanding Society of the Year by the national FPA organization.
Phyllis’s community involvement is extensive. She volunteers with the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) and the Women’s Foundation for Greater Memphis, where she has served as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee and is currently on the Board of Trustees. She has also served as the Chairman of the Seaside Institute in Seaside, Florida.
Now fully embracing life in Aspen, a place she fell for in 1982, Phyllis stays active in her local community. She is a dedicated member of the Aspen Chapel Finance Committee, Development Committee, and Endowment Committee. Skiing, biking, and hiking were the passions that led her to Aspen. These days, you can often find her soaking up the sounds of music in her beloved Rocky Mountains. Her attorney husband, who also works remotely, shares this dream lifestyle, making their adventure together even more fulfilling.
