Sydney Mayfield

Retirement Plan Advisor

Sydney Mayfield is Meridian Trust’s newest retirement plan advisor, acting as an all-in-one point of contact for Plan sponsors and participants. She assists with the processing of retirement plan administration tasks, enrollments, and participant education sessions.

Sydney joined Meridian at the end of 2024 after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she participated in the 1794 Honors and Scholars Program. While in college, she interned with Meridian in winter of 2023 and summer of 2024.

Outside the office, Sydney enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two chocolate labs: Mo Biggs and MJ. Her many hobbies include tending to her houseplants, crocheting, and playing the guitar. She also enjoys cycling and hiking. She loves cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers in football, basketball, and baseball.

Education and Certifications:
• BA in Finance with an Economics collateral from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville – honors
• Bloomberg Master: Acknowledged in Equities, Fixed Income, Forex, and Commodities
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Excel Expert

Memberships:
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Georgia Atkins, CPA

VP Retirement Plans

Coming soon!

Dave Zandstra, CFA

Chief Investment Officer

Shareholder Dave Zandstra is responsible for the overall investment strategy and asset selection process at Meridian. He leads Meridian’s Investment Roundtable and is also a member of the Advisory Team, serving clients by managing individual accounts.

Originally from the Chicago area, Dave began his career serving the Trust department of First Chicago Bank. He soon after transferred his talents to Knoxville for its climate, low cost of living, and proximity to the mountains. He worked as a Portfolio Manager for First Tennessee Bank before joining Meridian in 2004.

Dave is happily married to Diana Moyer and is father to adult son Alex. In his free time, Dave thoroughly enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and watching movies of all genres.

Education and Certifications:
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
• MBA from Heriot‐Watt University
• BA in Business Administration from Calvin College

Memberships:
• CFA Society of East Tennessee member
• CFA Institute member
• Knoxville Estate Planning Council member

Susanne White, CPA

VP Retirement Plan Design

Susanne is primarily responsible for designing and preparing plan documents, as well as overseeing that our retirement plans remain compliant with applicable rules and regulations. She is a true retirement plan expert and serves as Meridian’s encyclopedic resource for retirement plan and IRA research inquiries.

Susanne grew up alongside four brothers and a sister in Jefferson City, Tennessee, where her parents were active members of the community and her mother still resides. She is married to Charles, with whom she has raised two wonderful children. Their son Jamie completed law school at the University of Tennessee and is currently working as a government policy advisor in Nashville. Their daughter Kerres also graduated from the University of Tennessee, and now works as the Sales & Operations Manager for a bridal accessories designer in Nashville. In her spare time, Susanne can be found helping others, spending time with family, swimming, reading, and working jigsaw puzzles.

She has been with Meridian since its inception in 1997.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• BA in Accounting from Tennessee Technological University – summa cum laude

Memberships:
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) member
• Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) member
• Knoxville News‐Sentinel Charities: Empty Stocking Fund board member
• Premier Athletics gymnastics meets long‐time volunteer

Angie Waggoner

Operations Specialist

Angela Waggoner is Meridian’s primary custodian (e.g., Schwab & Fidelity) expert and liaison. She does much of the work associated with opening new accounts, processing money movements, and maintaining close relationships with our partner brokerage companies.

Before joining Meridian Trust in 1998, Angie had already amassed over 14 years of experience working for National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) brokerage firms. She is an avid animal lover and has enjoyed riding, training, and showing Appaloosa and Quarter horses for decades. She shares her home with two beloved Australian Shepherd dogs and also enjoys spending time with her stepdaughter and family, who reside in Nashville.

Education:
• Associates Degree in Business

Lisa Wade

Senior Retirement Plan Specialist

Lisa Wade’s responsibilities as Senior Plan Administrator are diverse. In addition to assisting with day-to-day plan administration, Lisa conducts year end reconciliations, creates plan sponsor deliverables, assists with plan conversions, and coordinates audits among, other trouble-shooting tasks.

Lisa began her career in the Trust department at Valley Fidelity Bank before shifting her talents to First Tennessee. In 2001 she arrived at Meridian, where her resourceful and versatile support allows the 401(k) Retirement Plans department to operate smoothly.

Lisa moved to Knoxville to attend college after falling in love with the Great Smoky Mountains while on a church youth trip. She and husband Will Wade are proud parents of two adult sons. They enjoy spending time together and with their large extended family where volleyball, kickball, fishing, board games, and lots of cooking keep them close. Lisa is an amateur landscape and nature photographer and feels fortunate to have her favorite mountains in her Sevier County backyard.

Education and Certifications:
• Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) granted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
• BA in Finance from University of Tennessee, Knoxville – honors

Will Coulter, CPA, CFP®

Vice President

Shareholder Will Coulter has a passion for serving clients and utilizing technology, which led him to join Meridian Trust in 2019. He wears many hats but primarily serves Advisory clients.

William graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he participated in the Haslam College of Business honors program, Global Leadership Scholars (GLS). Upon graduation from the Accounting Masters program, Will joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Atlanta, first working with privately owned businesses in the audit practice. Next he joined PwC’s New Ventures, a technology group concentrating on software development. As a Manager at PwC, he worked with professional services companies, developing technology solutions customized for their operations.

Will enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exploring the Knoxville area, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and enjoying the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. He is married to Dr. Kylie Coulter, with whom he is always eager to have fun playing cards, backgammon, or board games. Together Will and Kylie welcomed twin boys, Wright and Chance, in 2025! In his spare time, Will enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and cooking.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• BA in Accounting with International Business concentration from University of Tennessee, Knoxville – honors
• Masters of Accountancy with Audit concentration from University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Memberships:
• National Eagle Scout Association
• Junior Achievement of East Tennessee volunteer instructor

Emmy Bellingrath, CPA, CFP®

Financial Planner

Shareholder Emilyn Bellingrath administers retirement plans and acts as an all-in-one point of contact for the Plan Sponsor and the Plan’s participants. Emmy provides quality service by assisting with questions as well as holding enrollment and education sessions to ensure that participants understand the importance of active involvement in their retirement plans.

Emmy joined Meridian in 2021 and brought with her a background in financial statement preparation, review, and auditing. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2017 while working as a financial statement auditor for KPMG in Washington, D.C., where she worked after college before returning home to Knoxville.

Out of the office, Emmy enjoys spending time with her husband Jay and son Perry, family, friends, and dog Rosey. Family is what drew her back to the great city of Knoxville, where her roots will always be. The Smoky Mountains and her Vols were calling! You will often catch her around Knoxville trying out the new spots in town. She also has a longtime passion for playing games of all types: board, lawn, sports, etc.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Masters of Accountancy with Audit concentration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• BA in Accounting with Finance collateral from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville – honors

Tom Coulter

President & Founder

President and shareholder Tom Coulter began his career in finance after graduating with honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in Accounting in 1978. After working at  Deloitte and financial medical‐advising firm, FIS Associates, Tom became a founding member of Meridian Trust in 1997. He has amassed decades of experience working extensively in retirement planning, taxation, estate and financial planning, and investment management.

Tom is one of six children. Today the extended family exceeds eighty members! His wife Mindy grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, and together they have raised four children: John Michael, Meredith, William, and Davis. Their eldest son, John Michael, married Ashley Robins Coulter and practices family dentistry. They are the proud parents of Grayson, Callie, Caitlin, Claire, and Thomas. Tom and Mindy’s daughter Meredith Oruc is an OB/GYN. Her husband Igor is a physical therapist, and together they have sons Niko and Marin. William joined Meridian in 2019 after several years at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Atlanta. Davis is a practicing hospital pharmacist. All reside in Knoxville.

Education and Certifications:
• BA in Accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville – honors
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (inactive)

Vickie Elam

Operations Specialist

Vickie Elam boasts the smiling face you will first see when entering Meridian. She is primarily responsible for assisting with personal trust accounting, but she provides operational support in other areas, as well.

Before finding her home at Meridian in 1999, Vickie worked at Valley Fidelity Bank, the Trust Company of Knoxville, Home Federal Bank, and SunTrust Bank for a combined 24 years.

Vickie has two beautiful daughters, Devyn and Kailyn, and grandson, Forrest. She spent 40 wonderful years married to the late Tod Elam. Outside of work, she enjoys many activities with family and friends, including camping, gardening, reading, listening to live music, and following Tennessee football.

Renée Maggart, CPA

VP Operations

Renée serves as the Operations department’s Vice President. Beyond overseeing the execution of daily client transactions, her responsibilities include coordinating with the Advisory and 401(k) Plan teams and creating specialized reports for both internal and external use. Renée is Meridian’s principal client deliverable creator and can also be found coordinating special tasks and projects as needed within all areas of the firm.

Renée enjoyed a brief stint away from her Knoxville home during her undergraduate years, during which time she attended Vanderbilt University and was a member of the women’s track and field team. She completed her education at the University of Tennessee, earning a Masters in Accounting.

Renée’s favorite role is that of mother to her son, Angelo. Outside of work, she is involved in Knoxville’s local music scene and can frequently be found performing downtown. She is excited to be engaged to fellow musician Josh Anderson, who, along with daughter Maggie Anderson, completes her family.

Renée joined Meridian’s 401(k) Plan team in 2016. She then transitioned to Operations in 2021 as successor to Janet Kannady, who paved the way by leading Meridian’s Operations team in outstanding fashion for over 25 years.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• QuickBooks Online® Certified ProAdvisor
• Masters of Accountancy with Tax concentration from University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• BA in Accounting with Finance collateral from University of Tennessee, Knoxville – summa cum laude

Mary Miller

Retirement Plan Advisor

Mary Miller administers retirement plans and acts as an all-in-one point of contact for the Plan Sponsor and the Plan’s participants. She is responsible for much of our important behind-the-scenes 401(k) work and also provides quality service directly to clients by assisting with participants’ questions.

Mary joined Meridian in 2023. With a career spanning 22 years in the accounting field to date, Mary loves helping others with their various accounting needs. Mary spent the last seven years preparing business and individual tax returns as well as resolving tax issues. Prior to this, Mary worked at Clayton Homes for 15 years as a corporate accountant.  

Growing up in the foothills of the Smokies, Mary calls Maryville, Tennessee, her hometown. She enjoys taking in the beauty of East Tennessee with friends and family. Whether gardening, fishing, or tubing down the Hiwassee River, you can find Mary outdoors soaking up the sunshine. She has plenty of entertainment at home with her funny and fluffy felines.

Education and Certifications:
• Certificate of Accountancy from the University of Phoenix
• BS in Accounting & Human Resource Management from Tennessee Wesleyan College

Barbara Parrish, CFP®

Retirement Plan Advisor

Barbara Parrish is a part-time Retirement Plan Advisor and relationship manager to many of Meridian’s 401(k) plan participants. Her career longevity has allowed her to personally assist some individuals quite literally from 401(k) start to finish; from enrolling them upon plan entry to approving their distributions well into retirement. By consistently reviewing participant accounts and offering investment advice servicing each phase of life, Barbara has had a hand in many of our retirement success stories.

It is Barbara’s personal goal that through encouraging savings and providing financial education, she help participants accumulate sufficient funds for an enjoyable retirement. In addition to retirement plan administration and financial planning, Barbara has decades of experience in both income tax and financial statement preparation. Over the years she has served as treasurer for many organizations, including her church, PTA, and the Knoxville Chapter of the Financial Planning Association.

Barbara graduated from the University of Tennessee on June 8, 1973, and married Doug Parrish the following day. Over the next 45 years they would raise a family that brings them great pride and joy. Their older daughter Jennifer married Jason, and Kimberly married Nathan. Each now has 3 children of her own.

Barbara has been with Meridian since 1998 and also worked for its predecessor.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• BA in Accounting from University of Tennessee, Knoxville – honors

Memberships:
• Financial Planning Association (FPA)
• Financial Planning Association of East Tennessee (FPAET)
• Tennessee Immigrant Empowerment Solutions board member and Treasurer

Jen Steffens, CFP®

Director of Client Services

Director of Client Services and shareholder Jennifer Steffens works closely with Meridian’s clients to help them take the right steps towards achieving their financial goals. As part of this process, she collaborates with her clients’ tax professionals, estate planning attorneys, and other trusted advisers. Jen recognizes that effective financial planning is about more than advice– it is about helping people understand and change their relationships with money.

Jennifer grew up outside of Blacksburg, Virginia, not far from where she would eventually begin her professional journey at Merrill Lynch’s Roanoke office. After working as a planner with Sullivan Bruyette Speros & Blaney, located in northern Virginia, she moved to Knoxville with First Tennessee Bank in 2007, where she worked for 10 years. Jen joined Meridian in 2017.

Jennifer is happily married to Nick, and together they enjoy raising Jack and Drew. Her favorite pastimes include spending time with family and friends and gardening.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University
• MBA with Finance concentration from Virginia Tech
• BFA with Interior Design concentration from University of Memphis – magna cum laude

Memberships:
• Financial Planning Association (FPA) member
• Alpha Delta Pi Foundation Investment Committee member

Jenell Shaddix

Operations Supervisor

Jenell’s many operational roles include coordinating the daily workflow, reviewing daily activity for accuracy, and reconciling bank accounts. She also processes all stock and mutual fund reorganizations, manages Meridian’s billing process, and coordinates the monthly reconciliation of assets held at brokerage firms.

In 1989 Jenell relocated from California to Knoxville, infatuated by its beauty and Southern hospitality. Proud mother of three boys, she is an increasingly experienced member of the highly sought‐after Grandmother Club.

Outside of Meridian, Jenell enjoys reading, crafting, baking, and spending time with family and friends. She is a highly involved mentor to the youth at her church, where she has led a Sunday school class for many years.

Jenell has been with Meridian since 2000.

Education:
• Graduate of Southern Trust School
• Completion of several American Banking Association courses

Ashley Thomas, CFP®

Financial Planner

Shareholder Ashley Thomas is a Retirement Plan Advisor and Financial Planner. Her dual responsibilities serve both Advisory and Retirement Plan clients. As a Retirement Plan Advisor, Ashley acts as a main contact for both Plan-sponsoring employers and their employees. She conducts enrollments, educational meetings, and account reviews for the benefit of hundreds of retirement plan participants. As a Financial Planner, she works closely with personal clients, helping develop holistic plans that best suit investors’ needs and goals.

Ashley began her career in finance as a Customer Service Representative at First Tennessee Bank in 2004. She soon after transferred her skills to Clayton Bank and Trust, working her way from Customer Service Representative all the way to Branch Manager before joining the Meridian Trust family in 2008.

Ashley is happily married to Dave Thomas, and together they are raising Mackensie, Mason, and Cooper. She is a proud alumnus of the Delta Zeta sorority Beta Lambda chapter and a member of First Farragut United Methodist Church.

Education and Certifications:
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• BA in Business Administration with Finance concentration from University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Memberships:
• Junior Achievement of East Tennessee volunteer instructor
• University of Tennessee Delta Zeta Finance Advisor

Wil Buechley

Investment Advisor

Wil Buechley is Meridian’s newest addition to our advisory team! Wil graduated from the University of Tennessee and made his way to First Horizon as a Portfolio Strategist in 2023, before joining Meridian in the fall of 2025.

Wil is married to Della Buechley, a labor and delivery nurse at the University of Tennessee Hospital.

Education and Certifications:
• BS in Business Administration with Finance major and International Business concentration from University of Tennessee, Knoxville – cum laude
• FINRA Security Industry Essentials (SIE) License
• FINRA Series 7 Securities Brokerage License
• Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) Certification
• Primavera P6 Training Certification

Campbell Miller

Retirement Plan Specialist

Campbell Miller has joined Meridian Trust on a part-time basis to finish out 2025 while she completes her education at the University of Tennessee. We are excited to welcome her as a full-time member of our Retirement Plan Services team in 2026!

Education and Certifications:
• Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) Certification