Michael Ballard, CPA, CFP^®

Michael is Director, Wealth Planning for Cresset’s family office clients, advising CEO Founders, wealth creators, and ultra-high-net-worth families on holistic wealth management. His areas of focus include pre- and post-transaction planning, tax and estate planning, cashflow, risk management, and philanthropic planning.

Michael draws on broad planning knowledge and Cresset Asset Management’s True Fiduciary® Standards to deliver comprehensive advice in clients’ best interests. Using digital tools and custom planning techniques, he provides data-driven clarity to help navigate opportunities and simplify challenges.

Michael is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with more than 15 years of experience advising families on complex tax, investment, and wealth-planning strategies. Previously, Michael was a Senior Wealth Planner at Wells Fargo Private Bank, where he worked with ultra-high-net-worth families to address their business and personal financial planning needs.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from Liberty University and holds a Masters of Family Financial Planning as well. He resides in northern Virginia with his wife, Carly, and their three daughters.