Having grown up in one of the South’s prettiest small towns — Edenton, N.C. — Bill values community and family and believes it’s important to treat people as you wish to be treated. He’s known for rolling up his sleeves on tough projects, and for his personal motto: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”

Complex situations are Bill’s sweet spot. His background gives him an edge in handling challenges, as he has empowered clients to navigate a variety of circumstances and markets over the past 30 years. Bill works primarily with successful business owners to develop holistic pre-sale planning strategies based on each client’s priorities. He genuinely values his relationships with clients and takes to heart his role as a trusted advisor committed to helping clients achieve financial confidence, security and success.

Bill worked with Wells Fargo Advisors from 1989 until 2025 where he was recognized as a Platinum Council Advisor¹ from 2004 to 2025. He was honored as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor² from 2019 to 2025. His practice became independent in 2023 forming Whichard Woolard & Mitchell Wealth Management. He is proud of his reputation as a tenacious, hands-on advisor committed to delivering the exceptional service his clients deserve.

Bill still calls Edenton home today. He is married with 3 adult children. He believes in giving back to his community and is a founding board member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle. Bill has participated in many mission trips with his church, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic. An avid reader, Bill enjoys traveling with his wife and staying active with his children boating, biking and hiking — they are currently working to complete the Appalachian Trail together.


CA Insurance License 0M71951, Resident State NC.

¹The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structures. The 2024 and 2025 Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. Prior to 2024, advisors were also measured by completion of educational components. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structures.

²2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23 - 6/30/24 (Source: Forbes.com). 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Education:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, B.A. Economics

Professional:
Carolina Securities 1987–1989
Wells Fargo Advisors 1989–2023
Whichard Woolard & Mitchell Wealth Management 2023-present

Credentials:
Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council 2004-2025
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2019-2025

For John, balance is a primary goal — in business and in life. For more than 25 years he has been committed to helping successful business owners, professionals and high net worth families achieve financial stability while also planning for their futures. He brings thoughtful advice and coordinated, comprehensive planning to help clients prepare for and thrive through challenges in their businesses, the market and in their lives. John specializes in working with clients in the vacation rental management industry, who rely on guidance for the complexities of their businesses, including pre-sale, business succession and legacy planning.

John’s diverse background gives him a unique perspective and strong business acumen. His career has included commercial lending, real estate brokerage and a role as CFO for a manufacturing company, in addition to owning and operating several businesses on the Outer Banks. John was recognized as a distinguished Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council Advisor¹ every year from 2004 to 2025 and was honored as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor² from 2019 to 2025.

John is a proud North Carolina coast native whose home is now the Outer Banks, where he and his wife raised 3 children. He is a member of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® and the Vacation Rental Management Association. John is committed to giving back to his community. While he has held leadership roles in local organizations, today he and his wife directly support the citizens and causes that are important to them, focusing on education and crisis assistance. John enjoys traveling, exercising and staying active outdoors.


CA Insurance License 0M76545, Resident State NC.

¹The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structures. The 2024 and 2025 Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. Prior to 2024, advisors were also measured by completion of educational components. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structures.

²2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23 - 6/30/24 (Source: Forbes.com). 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Education:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, B.A. English & Economics
East Carolina University, M.B.A.

Professional:
Wells Fargo Advisors 1996–2023
Whichard Woolard & Mitchell Wealth Management 2023-present

Credentials:
Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council
Series 7, 63, 65 registered
North Carolina life & health insurance licensed

For Melinda, empowering clients to help achieve their financial dreams is at the heart of her professional mission. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she is dedicated to helping clients clarify and attain their financial goals through thoughtful, disciplined investing, and ongoing risk management. Melinda started her banking career in 2005 with the State Employees Credit Union of North Carolina, where she built a strong foundation in client relationships and financial fundamentals for over a decade, before advancing to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2015. During her tenure at SECU, she became a licensed insurance agent, registered senior mortgage loan officer, and a VITA tax preparer from 2008 to 2014. She also became a registered investment advisor in 2013.

 

In 2015, Melinda transitioned to Wells Fargo Advisor Solutions, working with clients all over the United States. She progressed to a Senior Financial Advisor and team lead during her time there, while also obtaining her designation as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. In August 2019, just before Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, Melinda joined Whichard Woolard & Mitchell, where she plays an integral role in incorporating wealth planning for clients. Melinda earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in 2021, General Securities Sales Supervisor registration (Series 9/10) in 2025 and Certified Exit Planning Advisor CEPA in 2026 demonstrating her commitment to comprehensive wealth planning. Her passion is working with business owners and high net wealth families to efficiently grow, protect, and transition wealth for generations to come.

 

Melinda actively contributes to her community through leadership roles with the Kitty Hawk Rotary Club, serving as Club Secretary from 2020 - 2025, and President from 2025 - 2026, and on the board of the Outer Banks Community Foundation, where she serves on the Finance and Development Committees. She also volunteers with the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and various local organizations, supporting economic and community development efforts on the Outer Banks. Additionally, she completed Leadership OBX, Class of 2019-2020.

In her free time, Melinda enjoys golfing, shelling at Oregon Inlet, kayaking in Colington, cooking, and occasionally playing softball with a local recreation league. One of her all-time favorite quotes is by Warren Buffett: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” Melinda resides in the Outer Banks with her husband and their two Green Cheek Conures.

 

CA Insurance License: 4021119, Resident State NC.

 

Education:
North Carolina State University, B.A. in Animal Science, 2003

William Whichard works as a financial advisor and is registered as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) who helps business and real estate owners think intentionally about the future of what they have built. William approaches exit planning as a strategic process that creates flexibility, clarity, and long-term financial confidence. He is especially focused on helping owners of highly appreciated real estate reduce the burden of active management and move into the next phase of ownership with confidence.

William graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Cameron School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After college, his passion for snowboarding led him to Colorado, where he worked as an Internal Wholesaler for a large financial services company. While he enjoyed the experience and perspective gained there, he ultimately felt called back to eastern North Carolina and returned home to join the practice and follow in his father’s footsteps.

Outside of work, William enjoys staying active, reading, and spending time near the water. He plays basketball, soccer and tennis, and enjoys hanging out with friends and family, often alongside his golden retriever, Tank.

Kathryn Montgomery has been with Whichard Woolard & Mitchell Wealth Management Group as a client associate since 2009. She is committed to enhancing the client experience by providing exceptional service and support in assisting both the clients and team while building strong relationships.

Kathryn attended Mary Baldwin University and worked in retail management for over ten years, prior to joining our group. She currently lives on the Outer Banks with her husband, Robert, where they raised their two daughters and Boykin Spaniel.

Maureen worked in hospitality management in Oklahoma City for a decade prior to moving back to Northeast North Carolina to take care of her mother. She managed the accounting office at the Daily Advance newspaper for 14 years. She currently enjoys helping her daughter run her restaurant and spending time with her family. With over 20 years of management experience Maureen joins Whichard, Woolard and Mitchell Wealth Management to manage business operations.

Maureen holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics. She formerly served as a board member and Treasurer for the Albemarle Area United Way. She lives in Edenton with her husband Bill, has two grown successful daughters and six grandchildren.