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Colleen Gillespie, CTFA, AIF
Managing Partner/Financial Advisor
colleen@sawstonwealth.com
Colleen started Sawston Wealth Management, LLC in October 2015. Drawing upon her more than 18 years' experience in the financial service industry and her 18 years of executive positions in the non-profit sector, including her role as the chief executive of The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, Colleen focuses her practice on meeting the financial planning and investment management needs of individuals, families, and specializes in working with institutional clients, such as foundations, endowments, trusts, 401(k) plans, and charitable organizations. Many of her clients are in the helping professions like social services, nursing, education, or government employees and retirees. Her personal mission statement is "To make a difference in the every day lives of those who make a difference in the lives of others every day."
In 2011, Colleen received her Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation, and through this coursework acquired a thorough knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the Global Fiduciary Standard of Excellence. She applies these standards in her practice with institutions and individuals. In 2013, she completed her Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation (CTFA). Annually, she seeks continued education credits to further her knowledge base. Colleen carries the Series 63 and 65 Securities Registrations.
Colleen is a native Washingtonian, born in Spokane. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Eastern Washington University and a dual Master’s degree in Public Administration/Health Administration from Portland State University. She believes giving back to our community is imperative, and has served on the Board of Trustees for Capital Medical Center, Olympia, WA. She is Past President of the South Puget Sound Estate Planning Council, a Past President (2019-2020) for the Rotary Club of Olympia, and was involved in the Pastoral Council at St. Michael's Parish in Olympia. She was also a former officer for Pope John Paul II High School in Lacey, WA. Colleen served as adjunct faculty at The Evergreen State College, teaching a graduate-level class on mission-based nonprofit management. Since 1993, she has served as a consultant to nonprofit organizations and has a broad range of experience in organizational development, fundraising, leadership training, and financial management.
Colleen and her husband Patrick live in Olympia with their dogs, Charlie and Rudy. In her spare time, she loves to play golf, cook, and garden.
Learn More About Me
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
I like to sing and used to sing at church with my sisters. In my youth, I envisioned a life like the Partridge Family where we would travel around and sing in hotels, lounges, and at fairs.
Tell me three pet peeves
Cracking knuckles, sick people that come to work, and a lack of personal accountability for one's actions
How do you want people to remember you?
As a funny, fun-loving servant leader who put others first.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
Intellect, persistence, discipline, humor, and brutal honesty.
What are you happiest doing, when you're not working?
Laughing, getting others to laugh, traveling to new places, hitting the perfect golf shot, and snuggling my dogs
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Vicki Jovanovic, AAMS
Financial Advisor
Vicki joined the Sawston Wealth Management team as a financial advisor and operations specialist in the summer of 2022. A former teacher, Vicki holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and Masters’ degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and IT Management. Vicki carries the Series 65 Securities Registration and the AAMS designation.
The Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation, offered by the College for Financial Planning, is recognized as an industry benchmark for asset management credentials and is endorsed by the top financial firms. Topics covered include asset management, investment strategies, risk, taxation, investment options for individuals and businesses, estate planning, executive planning, and policy and ethics. To earn the AAMS, financial professionals must complete a rigorous self-study program, pass an exam, and agree to comply with a code of ethics.
Vicki has lived in Asia, Europe, and the United States, before settling in Olympia in 2012. Vicki brings a friendly, organized approach to finances, projects, office management, and client interactions. She loves to connect with people and help others reach their potential.
Vicki lives in Olympia with her husband, two kids, their goldendoodle, and their rescue cat. In her spare time, she likes to camp with her family, hike in the Olympic National Park, take Zumba classes, and read mystery novels.
Get to know Vicki a bit more:
1. Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? What led you to Sawston?
Thanks for asking! I am a public school teacher turned financial advisor. I taught for ten years, splitting my time between an international school in Asia and the Olympia School District before pivoting my career trajectory from education to finance. I grew up in multiple places around the globe and developed an appreciation for learning about and honoring new cultures. I am an educator at heart, so one of my favorite parts of working at Sawston is educating clients and helping them reach their goals.
2. Share three words that best describe you.
Friendly. Hard-working. Competent. Willing to jump in?
My Clifton strengths are positivity, includer, individualization, arranger, and learner.
3. How would you describe what Sawston does for its clients to a small child?
Sawston helps people sleep better at night!
Our goal is to help people define their financial goals and make them a reality. I know I definitely sleep better at night knowing my retirement and children’s financial futures are as secure as they can be!
4. What is your Enneagram type and how does that fit your current role?
I am an enneagram 7, the adventurer. I am always thinking and always looking for new things to learn, new people to meet, and new ways to make life better and more joyful for the people around me. I love meeting clients and making them feel at home in the office and with our team. I also love the education side of my role. I love communicating with clients and helping them see the possible ways of meeting their goals and helping them understand the process.
5. What are some of your favorite weekend activities?
Hiking, running, walking, or just being outside in general while spending time with my amazing husband and kids. Filling my brain with new knowledge. Meeting a friend for coffee.
