James M. McLendon

CFP

CFP

Managing Director/Investments

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Having run a boutique investment practice for 30-plus years, Jim offers a select group of clients a distinctive blend of experienced investment guidance and personal service. He carefully evaluates his clients’ investment goals before developing an investment strategy specifically tailored to their financial needs.

Jim began his career in 1994 with Interstate/Johnson Lane, (a predecessor firm of Wachovia Securities/Wells Fargo Advisors) in Atlanta. He holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). Having attained and maintained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, Jim met the experience requirements of the CFP Board, successfully completed financial planning coursework, and passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas: the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning.

A cancer survivor, Jim raises money for cancer research through various charities. He is an avid sportsman and accomplished endurance athlete. Jim and his wife have been married for nearly 30 years and are the proud parents of three young men, a college student, a banker, and an active-duty military service member.

Meryl Reaves

Client Service Associate

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Meryl began her banking and finance career in 1986 as a teller at Bank South and served in a customer service role at NationsBank upon their acquisition of Bank South in 1995. NationsBank later merged with BankAmerica in 1998 to form the modern Bank of America. In 1999, Meryl left Bank of America and went to work for Interstate/Johnson Lane, which is where she first began working with Jim McLendon. Interstate/Johnson Lane was acquired by Wachovia in 1999 and ultimately by Wells Fargo, and Meryl stayed with Wells Fargo until 2020, when she and Jim moved to Stifel.

Outside the office, Meryl loves to travel and spend time with her family and her dog – a black lab named Lacey.

Bonnie M. Lefief

Registered Operations Coordinator

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Bonnie began her financial services career in 1981 working in the operations department at Merrill Lynch. She later worked at Oppenheimer and TD Ameritrade before joining Stifel in 2015. Since joining McLendon Wealth Management Group, her daily tasks consist of coordinated cashiering and correspondents, facilitating internal audits, and reviewing books for the branch office.

Bonnie holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses. Outside of the office, she enjoys swimming, spending time with her five grandchildren, and heading into the Georgia mountains with her brother and sister.