Focus

Barry works with clients to help establish and achieve financial goals through objective planning and management of investment assets. His focus is to help build, manage and preserve his client’s wealth.


Background and experience

For three decades, Barry has helped clients define their financial goals and has offered advice, experience and guidance to move these goals toward reality.

Along with Elizabeth Whitlock and Melinda Whitlock, Barry formed Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management. He serves as the Managing Partner of the firm. This team approach delivers the strengths developed over 100 years of combined investment experience.

His securities registrations include Series 7, Series 9, Series 10, Series 63 and Series 66. Additionally, he holds Georgia Insurance License No. 480790.

In 2006, Barry earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) certification by completing an approved educational program, passing a rigorous examination and meeting stringent experience requirements. He also holds a Financial Planning certificate from Kaplan University.

 
Away from the office

Barry spends his free time with his wife, Kelli, of twenty-nine years. They have three terrific sons: Sam, who recently earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago and is now an associate at a law firm in New York City; Jake, who works alongside him at Whitlock Ellis as a Financial Advisor while also pursuing his Master of Financial Planning at the University of Georgia; and Luke, a senior finance major at Auburn University. The family enjoys water sports and spending time at Lake Martin. Barry's personal interests include attending Atlanta United Soccer games, but his 'happy place' is in his backyard, where he cooks for the family on his 'Big Green Egg' with his Golden Doodle, Otis, at his side.

Focus

Melinda Whitlock provides comprehensive investment planning to help her clients realize their dreams and reach their goals.


Background and experience

For nearly three decades, Melinda has helped clients address their financial concerns and develop strategies by focusing on each individual’s specific needs. With extensive experience throughout major shifts in the markets, Melinda has dedicated her career to delivering the personalized investment planning services her clients deserve.

Melinda earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. She has been a member of the Georgia Bar Association since 1993, but is not currently practicing.

Her securities registrations include Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, and Series 10. She holds GA Insurance License No. 483726. In 2002, she became an Accredited Asset Manager Specialist, through the College for Financial Planning. In 2011, she received the Certificate for Certified Financial Planner from Terry School of Business at the University of Georgia.

Before co-founding Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management in 2008, Melinda was a Financial Advisor with a national investment firm where she developed her fundamental investment knowledge and established a successful practice.


Away from the office

Melinda spends her time with her daughter Andie, who is attending Louisiana State University. They have a Papillion named Beau and an Australian Shepard named Lady. They love to travel, attend concerts and plays, and spend time in the mountains. They also enjoy boating at Lake Martin, SEC Football, and the Atlanta Braves. Melinda is an avid reader and loves history. She supports various children’s causes.

Focus
As a security industry veteran, Elizabeth Whitlock has been helping clients reach their financial goals for over forty years. She is firmly committed to developing long term professional relationships and delivering exceptional client service.

Background and credentials
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Elizabeth has lived in Fayette County for over 50 years. In 1983, she opened the first New York Stock Exchange member firm branch office on the south side of metropolitan Atlanta. Now, with over 40 years as a financial advisor, Elizabeth has teamed up with her daughter, Melinda Whitlock and son-in-law, Barry Ellis. It has been a long-time dream to work alongside her family.

Elizabeth earned a Bachelor’s degree from Oglethorpe University and a Master’s degree from West Georgia University. She holds the AAMS® certification from the College for Certified Financial Planning. Her Security Registrations are, Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66. Her Georgia Insurance license number is 334732.

Elizabeth is frequently recognized for her work as a Financial Advisor. Recent recognitions include being named a Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor in 2022 and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor Best-In-State in 2023. In 2022 and 2023 she was also recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor.

Away from the office

Having a heart for the needs of children, she has for the last 20 years, sponsored a boy in Honduras through Compassion International. She is a regular contributor to Feed the Children Organization and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Elizabeth is an accomplished musician, playing both piano and organ. She enjoys spending time with her family and ESPECIALLY with her four grandchildren.

<sub>2022 – Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors
2022 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/20 - 9/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Top Women 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.

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). 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.

2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Disclosure: 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State: Awarded February 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/21 - 9/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 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.

770.487.1185 (fax)</sub>

With over fifteen years of experience in financial services, Kyler enjoys working with our clients to meet their various operational and administrative needs. She strives to make our clients and visitors feel welcome when they walk through our door. Her principal duties include processing client deposits, account opening and maintenance, as well as assisting the financial advisors in our office.

With decades of experience in the financial services industry, Kelli Ellis plays a pivotal role in the success of the Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management practice. Having grown up in the industry, Kelli began contributing early by helping her mother, who started her practice 45 years ago, using creative marketing strategies, such a gluing nickels to business cards to introduce her to the community.

As part of a family deeply rooted in wealth management, Kelli works alongside her husband, mother, sister, and now, two of her grown sons who have joined the practice, ensuring that the legacy of the practice continues to thrive. Kelli has a strong personal and professional interest in the practice, focusing on both its operational efficiency and maintaining a welcoming, client centered environment.

A Georgia native with roots in Fayette County dating back the early 70’s, Kelli holds a degree in psychology from Georgia State University, which enhances her approach to relationship management and client care.  Recently celebrating 30 years of marriage and as the proud mother of three sons, Kelli balances family and career while also enjoying life with her joyful but energetic dog, Otis.

Jake Ellis is the newest member at Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management. He graduated with honors from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance, and is pursuing his Master of Science in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia. He has worked in the office during his college breaks and is the son of partner Barry Ellis, nephew to partner Melinda Whitlock, and grandson of our founder, Elizabeth Whitlock.

Barbara has over 20 years’ experience as an office manger, bookkeeper and customer service representative. She helps wherever she is needed to assure our clients needs are being met.

Susan is pleased to return to our team with over 9 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has a background in both investments and banking. Susan helps our clients with operational and administrative needs. She works closely with Whitlock Ellis President, Elizabeth Whitlock, to ensure our clients receive the highest level of service in areas such as, opening and updating accounts, managing transfers, setting appointments and answering general questions.

Susan is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Finance. She is originally from East Tennessee but has lived in the Peachtree City area for 17 years. Susan and her husband Patrick live in Fayetteville and are parents of two teenagers, Nate (18) a freshman at Samford University and Aubrey (16) a junior at Starrs Mill High School.

In his role as Client Associate, Luke Ellis goes beyond performing operational tasks for both clients and advisors. He’s part of Whitlock Ellis Wealth Management's multi-generational promise to be dedicated stewards through every stage of their clients’ financial lives.

Inspired by the relationships his family has created with those they serve, Luke decided to shape his own career around a similar goal. He attended Auburn University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance towards that goal and is thrilled to now be a part of the team that he had observed for so long.

Luke’s favorite way to spend a weekend is playing tennis - and then finding a pool to swim in “immediately after [he] loses.” When you see him, be sure to ask Luke about things to do in the area – he’ll always have a good suggestion!

Kathy Preshaw is an experienced professional with a diverse background in the financial services industry. She excels in providing outstanding customer service. With a warm and welcoming demeanor, she is the first point of contact with clients and visitors, ensuring that every interaction is positive and professional. Her strong communication skills and attention to detail enable her to address concerns promptly and accurately making clients feel valued and supported.