Who We Are
Meet The Team

Scott Ferguson – CEO and Principal Planner
As our principal planner, Scott is in charge of assisting clients in achieving their life and financial goals. From initial plan creation to monitoring a financial plan throughout a client’s lifetime, Scott is there every step of the way. He has always been a saver. A goal setter. A goal achiever. He shares this with his clients.
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Along with his son, Bentley, he is the founder of Little Hands, Big Trucks, an annual kid-friendly event that benefits the United Way of Lowndes County. He is actively involved with the TK Martin Center for Technology and Disability, and the Golden Triangle Autism Center. In an effort to support autism resources and special needs inclusion throughout North Mississippi, Scott and his wife, Whitney founded The Rowdy Foundation in 2020.
Personal Statement:
“Financial Planning is all I’ve really ever known. I can remember sitting at the dinner table as a child, and hearing my mother talk about the markets. From a very young age I learned basic investment principals, and to this day those principals serve as the foundation of my financial planning philosophy. Being able to provide financial and investment advice to the hard-working folks we serve is truly a dream come true. You have worked hard for what you have, and it is my job to make sure that your nest egg is working as hard as you did to build it!”

Sawyer Brown - Associate Advisor
Sawyer is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in finance. He began his journey with Financial Concepts in 2022 and has since become an Investment Advisor Representative holding the FINRA Series 65 license. Sawyer guides small business owners and individuals through tailoring 401(k) solutions for their company.
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Sawyer values the standard of excellence at Financial Concepts and believes it fosters the care and respect that extends to every client. Whether crafting 401(k) plans or supporting small business accounts, Sawyer is focused on helping businesses and individuals achieve their goals.

Casey Whitley - Chief of Staff
Casey serves as the vital link between leadership and our team members. Her primary responsibility is to ensure clear communication of procedures and changes, keeping everyone aligned and focused on surpassing their individual and team goals. She holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) designation through the College for Financial Planning.
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With a substantial background in psychology, Casey recognizes the value of her experience when working with clients. She emphasizes the critical role of behavioral coaching in maintaining a financial plan, as she and our team are dedicated to reminding clients that wealth isn’t solely determined by investment performance but by investor behavior.
Furthermore, Casey plays a pivotal role in maintaining the day-to-day office operations and leads strategic planning efforts across the organization. She is deeply committed to investing in our team’s professional development and ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to thrive.

Felice Olmos - Chief Compliance officer
Felice’s primary responsibility as the Chief Compliance Officer is to ensure the firm is complying with all rules and regulations as established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Felice facilitates an environment and culture of integrity, compliance, and honesty within the team. Implementing internal programs which are reviewed and tested frequently. Within an industry that has ongoing changes and new rules released, Felice plays a critical role in ensuring the firm remains compliant. Dedicated to keeping all members accountable, so that we maintain our fiduciary responsibility to you. Felice is an Investment Advisor Representative holding the Finra Series 65 license, the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) designation and holds the Investment Advisor Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP) designation of Felice Olmos.
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Felice in Spanish is translated as happy. You will hear her smile coming through the phone every time you call. She genuinely hopes her enthusiasm will put a smile on your face and brighten your day as well.
Felice is a devoted wife and mother of 3 children – sons, Jonathan Jr and Dominic, and daughter, Ryleigh. They are all very active and always keep her on her toes. Her husband, Jonathan Sr, is an Air Force Veteran. His military career has had her family traveling all over the world. They have lived on almost all coasts of the US and even in the Middle East. Prior to coming back stateside, they lived in Abu Dhabi for 5 years. They have had the good fortune to experience many different places, foods, and cultures. Even though relocating time and time again can be cumbersome, She wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world. Felice’s family has been enriched beyond measure by the places they’ve been and love to travel!
As far as work experience prior to Financial Concepts, Felice has always worked in the accounting world. Her background includes being the International Accounts Payable Supervisor for a Fortune 500 company and for a global manufacturing organization as an Accounts Payable Specialist. Prior to joining the Financial Concepts team, she worked as an assistant to the CFO of a private jet company.
Finding a home with the Financial Concepts team she has been proud to be working with like-minded individuals that are just as motivated to assist others as she is. Felice finds purpose in service to others.

Rhonda Ferguson – Founder of Financial Concepts
Rhonda Ferguson founded Financial Concepts in 1988 and dedicated over four decades to the profession of financial planning, beginning her career in 1984 when the field was still in its infancy. Her passion for education and client service helped shape the firm’s values and long-standing reputation for excellence
Originally pursuing a degree in journalism because of her love for writing, Rhonda quickly realized that journalism’s brevity didn’t suit her desire for deep communication. A finance course changed her trajectory. Encouraged by a professor who recognized her talent, she discovered a path where she could blend communication, education, and financial mathematics—a path that ultimately became her life’s calling.
Throughout her career, Rhonda used her writing skills to demystify complex financial concepts for clients, building trust and understanding. She believed financial planning wasn’t just about numbers—it was about people, their goals, and helping them feel confident in their future.
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Client Experience Team

Amanda Hardy - Director of client experience, FPQP
Amanda is the keeper of our data and a key leader in delivering an exceptional client experience at Financial Concepts. She ensures our team has the information they need at their fingertips while leading the day-to-day execution of our client experience, ensuring every interaction reflects the high level of service we strive for.
Her role includes preparing account reviews and presentations, managing our firm calendar, and coordinating all client appointments to ensure a seamless experience. Amanda also leads many of the thoughtful touches that make our clients feel valued—tracking important milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, and special events, and helping create meaningful moments that strengthen relationships.
Amanda holds her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP®) designation, reflecting her commitment to excellence and professional growth in serving our clients.
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Amanda is a University of West Alabama alum. She cherishes time with her husband, Jason, and their two children, Allie and Alex.
She especially enjoys celebrating life’s milestones with our clients—whether it’s a wedding anniversary or welcoming a new family pet. Amanda finds great fulfillment not only in helping clients plan for retirement, but in helping them truly enjoy it.

Kimberly Danner - Director of First Impressions
Kim is often the first warm voice our clients hear when they reach out, and the friendly face that greets them as they step through our door. Serving as our in-house “air traffic controller,” Kim plays a crucial role in connecting each client with the right team member.
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For Kim, making our clients feel like part of our extended family is a top priority. She firmly believes in putting family first, knowing that everything else naturally falls into place. We wholeheartedly understand that the financial planning process is deeply personal and revolves around individual needs, and Kim embodies this with every interaction.

Erica Stallings – Front Desk and Database Specialist
Hailing from Crawford, Mississippi, Erica brings a unique blend of warmth, precision, and efficiency to her dual role as Front Desk and Database Specialist. She keeps our front office running smoothly while managing the behind-the-scenes data that helps us serve clients with excellence.
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A proud mom of two, Erica is a natural multitasker who brings calm, focus, and care to even the busiest days. Her keen attention to detail and dedication to getting things right make her an invaluable part of the FinCon experience.

Tara Self - Outreach Manager, FPQP
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Emma Dare Foster - Special Projects
Emma Dare Foster is a valued member of our team who plays an important, hands-on role in supporting our firm through special projects. Born and raised in Columbus, Mississippi, Emma Dare’s background has helped shape her adaptability, strong work ethic, and willingness to step in wherever she’s needed. She is highly involved in coordinating special projects, including ensuring client letters are prepared and delivered accurately and on time. With a hands-on mindset and adaptable approach, Emma Dare is always ready to support any department when needed, helping keep our firm moving forward.
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Family is especially important to Emma Dare, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandparents. She is currently a business major at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), where she is building a strong foundation for her future career.

Leslie F. Richmond - Communications Manager
Leslie’s first few days at Financial Concepts, she was 3 weeks old and, in a bassinet, next to her mom’s (Rhonda’s) desk. Leslie Ferguson Richmond is our communications manager. She holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) designation through the College for Financial Planning.
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Leslie holds a master’s degree in city planning, which she earned from the University of Memphis. She and her husband, Michael, recently welcomed their first child, a son named Chase Andrew. Their family is completed by their loyal charcoal Labrador companion, Raiford.
Communication is key to any successful relationship and Leslie believes this is also the case when it comes to your nest egg and planning for your dreams for the future. A financial plan is ever evolving. As your life changes, your plan will need to change. A key part of the financial planning process is staying up to date on the events in our clients’ lives and that is what makes us who we are. Leslie works remotely from her home in Memphis, TN, and she uses a variety of channels to stay in touch with clients, including phone calls, email, and social media.
Client care Team

Kristen Elsmore - Associate Advisor
Kristen is a trusted Associate Advisor at Financial Concepts, originally from Columbus, MS. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm, along with a deep understanding of client service and care. In addition to her advisory role, Kristen plays a key part in supporting and guiding our Client Care Team to ensure a seamless client journey.
She earned her Master of Business Administration from Mississippi University for Women. Kristen is an Investment Advisor Representative, holding the FINRA Series 65 license, as well as the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) designation.
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Beyond her professional achievements, Kristen is a proud parent to her daughter, Lilly. She enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether fishing or exploring new destinations, Kristen’s true passion lies in helping individuals achieve their financial goals. With a strong background in client service, she uses her exceptional interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to both our team and the clients she serves.

Michael Black – Client Care Specialist
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Sydney Benson – Client Care Specialist, FPQP
Originally from West Point, Mississippi, Sydney brings energy, precision, and drive to every task she takes on. She obtained her degree in finance from Mississippi State University and makes a strong impression with her sharp attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
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Known for her dedication and reliability, Sydney enjoys staying busy and supporting her team in any way she can. Outside of work, you can usually find her cheering on the Bulldogs at football games, shopping for the next great find, or spending time with friends and family. She believes a good attitude and a little fun go a long way in both work and life.

Madison Mitchell - Client Care Specialist, FPQP
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Lance Dalton - Client Care Specialist
As a Client Care Specialist, Lance Dalton supports our service team by assisting with client requests and operational processes that help keep relationships running smoothly. Lance is a graduate of Mississippi State University.
Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, Lance brings a strong customer service mindset shaped by his background in restaurant management. His experience in fast-paced, client-facing environments helped him develop clear communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate client needs.
Lance is passionate about helping families become more financially literate and values the firm’s mission to help clients focus on what matters most. He and his wife are excited to put down roots and build lasting connections within the community.
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Alex Chain - Client Care Specialist
Alex is a member of the Client Care Team at Financial Concepts, where she supports both clients and advisors in delivering a smooth, responsive, and high-quality client experience. Since joining the team, Alex has quickly developed a strong foundation in client service and operational processes, demonstrating a commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and clear communication.
She plays an active role in assisting with account maintenance, transaction processing, and client inquiries, ensuring that each interaction is handled with care and professionalism. Alex is known for her proactive approach and team-first mindset, often stepping in to support colleagues and help keep workflows moving efficiently.
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Alex loves what she does because it gives her the opportunity to continuously learn while making a meaningful impact in her clients’ lives. She brings that same curiosity and dedication into her day-to-day work, always looking for ways to grow and better support those she serves.
Outside of the office, Alex enjoys staying active and unwinding through hobbies that keep her both creative and curious.

Deanna Alexander - Client Care Specialist
DeAnna is a valued member of our Client Care Team, where she supports clients and advisors through efficient service, clear communication, and a commitment to getting the details right. Since joining the firm, she has quickly developed a strong understanding of client service processes and continues to build her knowledge each day.
In her role, DeAnna assists with account servicing, client requests, and day-to-day operational support, helping ensure a smooth and positive experience for every client. She is known for her willingness to learn, her positive attitude, and her dedication to doing things the right way.
DeAnna is passionate about growing within the financial services industry and takes pride in being part of a team that makes a meaningful impact on clients’ lives.
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I am passionate about helping individuals and families achieve financial freedom. I love being part of Financial Concepts because it allows me to witness clients leave with greater confidence and understanding about their future. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, dancing, going to the gym, watching insightful podcast episodes, and relaxing with a good anime from time to time. My love for Christ is the foundation of my life, guiding everything that I do, alongside my deep appreciation for my beautiful family and supportive friends.





