Who We Are
Our 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!”
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 compliance manager 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.
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.
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.
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.
Amanda Hardy - Database Manager, FPQP
Amanda is the keeper of our data, ensuring that our team has the information they need at their fingertips. Her role includes the preparation of account reviews and presentations, as well as keeping track of important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. Additionally, she manages our calendar and diligently schedules client appointments to provide a seamless experience.
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Amanda enjoys celebrating life’s milestones with our clients, whether it’s marking wedding anniversaries or commemorating the addition of a new family pet. She believes that one of the most rewarding aspects of working for Financial Concepts is not only helping clients plan for retirement but also helping them enjoy their retirement!
Tara Self - Client Relationship Specialist
Tara, an essential member of our Communications Team, attended Mississippi State University, hailing from the charming city of Meridian, MS. A key aspect Tara brings to her role is her active listening. She possesses strong interpersonal skills and demonstrates a genuine passion for understanding and addressing the needs of each client. Her ability to communicate empathetically is essential in building and maintaining strong client relationships. In addition to her communication expertise, she leverages her extensive marketing background behind-the-scenes to craft compelling content that enhances our firm’s outreach and engagement.
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Kristen Elsmore - Associate Advisor
Kristen, our most tenured member of the Client Care Team, from right here in Columbus, MS. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Financial Concepts. She earned her master’s in business administration from Mississippi University for Women. She 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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Kristen’s true passion lies in helping individuals achieve their financial goals. With a strong background in customer service, she uses her exceptional interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships with her valued clients. Kristen’s dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to our team and the clients she serves.
Jeanna Espinoza - Client Care Specialist
Jeanna is a proud United States Air Force Veteran, originally from the town of West Hamlin, WV. She brings a unique perspective to our team with her degree in Sports and Health Sciences from the American Military University.
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Outside of her professional life, you can often find Jeanna and her family enjoying quality time together in the fresh air, nurturing their bond while staying active and healthy.
Erica Stallings – Front Deak 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.
Michael Black – Client Care Specialist
As Client Care Specialist, Michael Black is passionate about helping current and prospective clients understand and achieve their financial goals. He pivoted into wealth management in 2022 after spending 24 years in higher education, where he held leadership roles in enrollment management and academic advising at East Mississippi Community College – Golden Triangle Campus, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Samford University. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, a master’s in Higher Education Administration, and is currently completing his doctorate in the same field.
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Raised by his grandparents in Artesia, Mississippi—where they owned a local hardware store—Michael developed an early love for people and a lasting appreciation for the Golden Triangle community. That love continues to drive his work today. A devoted member of his church, he has served as a deacon at both First Baptist Bryan (TX) and First Baptist Starkville (MS). Michael is thrilled to be back home in Mississippi, where he enjoys Mississippi State sporting events—especially evenings at Dudy Noble Field cheering on Bulldog baseball.
Sydney Benson – Client Care Specialist
Originally from West Point, Mississippi, Sydney brings energy, precision, and drive to every task she takes on. She’s currently pursuing a degree in finance at Mississippi State University and is already making a strong impression with her sharp attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
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Quick to learn and quick to act, Sydney works with speed and accuracy—making her a valuable support to both our team and our clients. Her tenacity and focus are already making a difference, and we’re excited to have her on board.
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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After retiring in 2024, Rhonda continues to enjoy time with her husband, Todd, their two children, Scott and Leslie, and their five beloved grandchildren. An avid traveler who always looks forward to returning home, she is also a dedicated Alabama Football fan—bleeding crimson and white. These days, her favorite moments are spent relaxing at the beach and cherishing precious time with her grandchildren.
