Meet the Team

As we built up our team over the years, we developed a rare combination of expertise and experience, as well as a process for serving clients as the central point of access for everything related to their wealth. The result is a level of interconnection that often creates efficiencies, opportunities and a greater sense of clarity within your integrated financial life.

 
  • J. Patrick Poling
  • Jonathan M. Trusty
  • Ann Hollis-Young
  • Wyatt England
  • Philip Benavides
  • Jennifer Blackwell
  • Judy Gray
  • Allen Buckley
  • Sara Lopez
  • Samuel Oliver
 
 

J. Patrick Poling, CFP®, CRPC®, CEPA®, CPFA

Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager

Patrick Poling joined the industry in 2006 after working as an efficiency engineer out of graduate school. Over the years, he built a loyal client base by taking a personal interest in their lives and financial well-being.

As a founder of Southern Oak Wealth, Patrick is still very hands-on when it comes to portfolio design and asset management. He believes in an open and transparent method of managing his clients’ portfolios. He focuses on tailored, tax-efficient investment strategies that minimize risk to help the clients of Southern Oak Wealth achieve their goals.

In addition to his professional experience, Patrick also has an extensive educational background. From the University of Tennessee, he holds a Master of Science in Engineering, with a concentration in Business Operations and Product Development, as well as a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance. He has also completed the High Net Worth Investing program at The Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Family-Run Business program at the University of California at Berkeley. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC) designation, the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) certification, and the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) accreditation.

Patrick was named to the Forbes* Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Patrick was also recognized by AdvisorHub on their Advisors to Watch lists in both 2022 and 2023. He and his family reside in Brentwood.

  *Source: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, 2019. For more information about the selection criteria, go to http://details-he.re/UbRCGT. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. These rankings and rating are not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome. Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor.

(615) 246-5511
[email protected]

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Jonathan M. Trusty

Managing Director, Senior Wealth Advisor

Jonathan Trusty started out in 2007 in banking, followed by roles in lending and underwriting, before forming Poling, Trusty, Young & Associates, now Southern Oak Wealth, in 2012.

Jon has a unique depth of expertise in optimal debt risk and specialized retirement planning for business owners and executives. His extensive experience in personal and business finance allows him to design highly tailored solutions for those of his clients who are executives or stakeholders in companies.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Jon lives in Brentwood with his wife Stephanie and their two sons, Breck and Jackson. They enjoy spending their free time at Center Hill Lake or on ski slopes across the US.

(615) 246-5512
[email protected]

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Ann Hollis-Young, AAMS®, CDFA®

Managing Director, Senior Wealth Advisor

Ann Hollis-Young joined the industry as a Financial Advisor in 2007, and became a partner in the team of Poling, Trusty, Young & Associates, now Southern Oak Wealth, in 2012. Her focus is aligning each client’s investment strategy with their broader financial goals, and at the core of her approach is the client relationship. She believes the personal component of her role as an advisor is not only the most rewarding, but also the most effective in helping clients reach their objectives.

Ann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University, the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation, and is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). She and her husband, Donnie, and daughter, Elizabeth, reside in Franklin. They are members at St. George’s Episcopal Church and avid supporters of Vanderbilt athletics.

(615) 246-5513
[email protected]

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Wyatt England, SE-AWMATM

Senior Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor

Wyatt England started his career in investment management at Merrill Lynch, alongside Patrick Poling. In 2019, he re-formed his original partnership with Patrick Poling to launch Southern Oak Wealth, where he continues to advise business owners and private clients.

Wyatt’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship and an MBA with a concentration in Finance. In 2015, he took on a role raising capital for start-ups and providing financial guidance to entrepreneurs through the business development process. Over the years, he has developed an ability to help clients understand their full financial picture, ensuring that every component is in check and each individual strategy complements the rest. At Southern Oak Wealth, he designs bespoke strategies for private clients and helps business owners implement the employee benefits and financial products that will benefit the organization and further their financial interests. Wyatt holds the Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation.

Wyatt resides in Brentwood with his wife Lauren, son Eli, and dog Ellie.

(615) 246-5514
[email protected]

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Philip Benavides, CEPA®, AWMA®

Senior Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor

Philip merged his solo Wealth Advisory practice with Poling, Trusty, Young & Associates in 2017. In 2019, he helped establish Southern Oak Wealth Group, assuming the position of Senior Wealth Advisor. Prior to his current role, he garnered experience as a published equity research analyst, financial advisor, and private banker.

During his tenure in capital markets, Philip conducted both qualitative and quantitative research, assessed microeconomic and macroeconomic trends, and analyzed industry and company-specific data. As a Senior Wealth Advisor at Southern Oak Wealth, he is dedicated to delivering an elevated level of service and providing tailored wealth planning with a focus on enhancing and preserving client wealth.

In addition to his unique professional background, Philip holds a Bachelor’s (BBA) and Master’s degree (MBA) in Business Administration, concentrating in Economics and Finance, from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a holder of the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designations.

Philip, originally from Knoxville, has been residing in Middle Tennessee since 2006. He and his wife, Kaitlyn, met in college where they both participated in NCAA Division I track and field. Together, they have a daughter named Ava. Their shared interests include food, travel, and cycling.


[email protected]

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Jennifer Blackwell

Senior Relationship Manager

Jennifer Blackwell joined the banking and securities industry in 2004 following her graduation from Lambuth University. She spent several years working as a Financial Advisor with her family’s business before transitioning into the Client Associate role.

Jennifer’s experience in the financial services industry makes her a valuable asset to the team and clients alike. She holds her Certified Estate and Trust Specialist designation from the Institute of Business and Finance, and she is responsible for providing client service on a daily basis.

Jennifer and her husband, Andy, live in Franklin with their two children, Charleigh and Bennett.

(615) 246-5516
[email protected]

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Judy Gray

Senior Relationship Manager

Judy joined the financial services industry in 2005 after working at AT&T for 26 years as assistant to the global sales manager for the Southeastern United States. Warm and energetic, with a positive attitude, she is committed to providing clients with personalized service and getting their questions and requests addressed promptly and accurately.

Judy has been married to her husband, David, for over 40 years. They have two children, Corey and Courtney. Judy loves spending time at the beach with her family and playing with her grandson, John. A sports enthusiast, Judy enjoys cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, Nashville Predators and the Tennessee Titans. On a pretty day you can find Judy and her family riding their Harley’s on Middle Tennessee backroads.

(615) 246-5515
[email protected]

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Allen Buckley, CFP

Managing Director

Allen Buckley has over two decades of experience in finance serving the unique needs of high net-worth and ultra high net-worth families. As a Certified Financial Planner, he has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their financial goals, tailored to their individual circumstances and aspirations.

Having previously held the position of Vice President at Goldman Sachs, Allen gained invaluable insights into managing wealth for discerning clients. During his tenure at Goldman Sachs Allen worked with individual clients and families helping to navigate complex financial landscapes, and tailoring bespoke solutions that secured their financial legacies.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Allen finds joy in his family life alongside his wife, Crystal, and their children, Ella, Ava, and Luke. Together, they call Columbia home and enjoy boating and various outdoor activities. His dedication to family, clients and his community define his career as a trusted advisor.


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Sara Lopez

Senior Relationship Manager

Sara Lopez brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in the financial industry to her role as Relationship Manager at Southern Oak Wealth Group’s Modesto office. With a background that began as a Teller and Personal Banker evolved into a Sales and Service Manager and ultimately an Analyst at Goldman Sachs, Sara possesses a deep understanding of client needs and financial processes.

In her current position, Sara plays a pivotal role with both new and existing client relationships. She guides new clients seamlessly through the onboarding process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed while serving as a trusted resource for all current clients.
 
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sara has proudly called Modesto home for the past decade, sharing her life with her partner of five years, Jon, and their two wonderful children. She’s an avid traveler, enjoys visits to Disneyland, and possesses a passion for culinary pursuits. During her leisure time, you’ll often find her engrossed in a good book, indulging in movies and TV shows, or hosting gatherings with friends and family.


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Samuel Oliver

Relationship Manager

Samuel Oliver joined Southern Oak Wealth Group in December of 2023 after beginning his career in wealth management as an analyst with Goldman Sachs.  Prior to his time with Goldman, Samuel also gained valuable experience working in the commercial banking industry.  Samuel performs a variety of roles at Southern Oak including relationship management, client development, and research.

In addition to his professional experience, Samuel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama in 2019 prior to earning his Master of Business Administration degree from the Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama in 2021.

Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He loves watching sports, playing golf, and cooking.

(615) 246-5387
[email protected]

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“Being a partner in our clients’ lives is all about communication. When we effectively communicate complex ideas, daunting milestones like retirement become simple and goal-oriented.

J. Patrick Poling, CFP®, CRPC®, CEPA®, CPFA
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager

Awards

Sanctuary Partner Firm of the Year

Southern Oak was named Sanctuary Partner Firm of the Year for 2022.

Forbes Best-In-State

Patrick Poling was named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The ranking is designed to help families identify local professionals who deliver an exceptional level of comprehensive service and expertise.

Specialized Accreditations

Members of the Southern Oak Wealth team hold the designations CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), and Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM (AAMS®).

Portfolio Management Capabilities

Our core team holds licenses and accreditations that are highly regulated, which means that some of the highest industry standards for experience and education are continuously upheld.

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