Our Team

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 2023 where he was recognized as a Platinum Council¹ from 2004 to 2023. He was honored as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor² from 2019 to 2024. 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.

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 2004-2023
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2019-2023

California Insurance License Number: 0M71951, Resident State: NC

¹The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

²2024 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.

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 Council¹ every year from 2004 to 2023, and was honored as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor² from 2019 to 2024.

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.

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

California Insurance License Number: 0M76545, Resident State: NC

 

¹The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

²2024 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.

Melinda works as a Financial Advisor primarily in the Kill Devil Hills office and serves clients in Elizabeth City and the surrounding areas. Melinda started her banking career in 2005 with the State Employees Credit Union of North Carolina, where she worked until 2015. During her tenure with the SECU, she became a registered mortgage loan officer, insurance agent and VITA tax preparer. In 2013, Melinda became a registered investment advisor. In 2015, she transitioned to Wells Fargo Advisor Solutions (WFAS), becoming a licensed financial advisor after passing her Series 7. While working for WFAS she progressed in her career and became a Sr. Financial Advisor and team lead. She also obtained her designation as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. Melinda joined Whichard & Woolard Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in August 2019, just in time for hurricane Dorian, pre-Covid 19 pandemic. 

Melinda has been drawn to the OBX since she was a small child. Some of her first memories are visiting The Wright Brothers Monument and ferry rides to Ocracoke. Eastern North Carolina is engrained in her roots, and she is proud to call OBX home.

Whichard, Woolard and Mitchell Wealth Management has been doing business in Eastern North Carolina for over thirty years and takes pride in in caring for our clients by investing, growing and protecting generational wealth. Success in perpetuity is only achieved with a well-defined plan. Melinda received her designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, April of 2021. She plays an integral role by incorporating investment planning with clients. She does this by understanding each client’s ideal future, health, wealth, and family dynamics. Then the team considers all financial solutions available to customize portfolios based on each individual lifetime and legacy goals. Melinda and her team take pride in being creative, innovative and ever vigilant in this evolving financial and political environment.

Melinda is the secretary and finance committee member for Kitty Hawk Rotary. She enjoys donating her time to Rotary and the good work that is done within the community. Melinda also serves on the board of directors for the OBX Seafood Festival as she is passionate about preserving the OBX and its way of life. In her free time, you will find her walking the beaches, fishing, kayaking, or cooking.  

California Insurance License Number: 4021119, Resident State: NC

Geordie has worked with the team since August of 2010 as a Client Associate.

Geordie provides overall administrative and operational client service support to assist the business activities of the Financial Advisors. Her duties include furnishing account information, establishing new accounts, processing requests and payments for clients, and maintaining client relationships.

Before joining our practice, Geordie was a Real Estate Broker with Perry & Company Sotheby’s International Realty. She has a background in the visual arts and art history, and enjoys painting, photography and travel.

Geordie graduated from Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia and currently lives in Edenton.

Kathryn 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.