Teresa J.W. Bailey serves as President of Waddell & Associates, Nashville. She joined W&A in July of 2017 and was named Director of Development in January of 2019. With a meteoric rise to the role of President by 2022, she’s proven that age is just a number when it comes to success.
Before her W&A days, Teresa was already making waves as a partner at a nationally recognized advisory practice before age 30. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Business Administration and an emphasis in corporate finance. She holds certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®.
From day one, Teresa has shown an uncanny ability to identify and meet both client and company needs. Her hands-on approach and proactive problem-solving have made her a master of adaptation and innovation in her field. With over 17 years in the finance industry, she enriches her clients’ financial worlds, pushes W&A to new heights in a shifting marketplace, and shares her insights on the evolving financial services landscape, particularly in relation to women, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
Teresa’s thought leadership and advocacy have been widely recognized, with over 130 media features since 2021 in outlets like CNBC, NBC, and American City Business Journals. Her notable accolades include being a finalist for multiple prestigious awards in 2022, such as RIA Intel’s Advisor of the Year and WealthManagement’s Rising Star of the Year. Most recently, she was honored as a Spring 2023 awardee of the Exceptional Women’s Alliance (EWA)*.
Having previously served as chair of the Greater Memphis Chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and chair of the programs committee for the Nashville Chapter of The Private Directors Association, Teresa’s service and influence extend well beyond her professional achievements.
When she’s not blazing trails in the finance world, Teresa dreams of living somewhere else for the entire month of June, while writing, listening to music, and living her best Gilmore Girls life with her pride and joy—her daughter, Ella.
*Waddell & Associates did not pay to participate in any of the listed awards or recognition programs. Click here for information and disclosures on award listings.
