May 17, 2024 William Blair Expands Private Wealth Management Team

William Blair expands in Philadelphia with the addition of three veteran advisors.

CHICAGO and PHILADELPHIA – William Blair, the premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, announced today the expansion of the firm’s Private Wealth Management presence in Philadelphia with the addition of Fernberger Wealth Management. The team is led by managing director, wealth advisor James Fernberger, and includes Alex Fernberger and Zach Fernberger, also joining as managing directors, wealth advisors. The group was most recently with Raymond James, where they had $1.2 billion in client assets.

“The addition of Jim, Alex, and Zach continues our growth trajectory with a multigenerational team of veteran advisors,” said Ryan DeVore, head of Private Wealth Management at William Blair. “The group’s commitment to their clients and understanding of their goals helps them tailor their investment guidance and wealth planning expertise.”

Jim Fernberger’s career spans 45 years of advising high-net-worth individuals, executives, family offices, endowment funds, nonprofits, and corporations in the management and preservation of their assets. Before joining Raymond James, Jim held senior wealth management roles at Merrill Lynch and Advest, Inc. As team lead, Jim is responsible for development of personalized solutions for sophisticated investors and client service, supported by the group’s team: business manager Jeannie Schneider, senior client relationship associate Jennifer Dreibelbis, and sales associate Eileen Gravinese.

For more than 10 years Alex Fernberger has been advising individuals, families, and businesses on their short- and long-term wealth planning goals; before Raymond James, he served at Merrill Lynch. Zach Fernberger offers more than 10 years of wealth advisory experience with high-net-worth individuals, families, and organizations, offering customized investment strategies. In addition to Raymond James, he was a financial professional at WisdomTree Asset Management and AXA Advisors, and holds his Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Certified Wealth Strategist certifications.

“We are thrilled to join Private Wealth Management at William Blair, a respected firm that combines a comprehensive, independent, and growth-minded platform with the hands-on approach and culture of a boutique,” the Fernbergers said in a joint statement. “William Blair will offer our team access to holistic resources and unique investment opportunities while supporting our delivery of the highest level of service to our clients.”

With approximately $70.3 billion in private wealth assets as of March 31, 2024, William Blair’s wealth management business has substantially expanded in the past decade, including the addition of advisors in Atlanta, Baltimore, Beverly Hills, Boston, Denver, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford in the last 10 years.

About William Blair
William Blair is the premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet our clients’ evolving needs. As an independent and employee-owned firm, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide.*

*Includes strategic partnerships with Allier Capital, BDA Partners, and Poalim Capital Markets.

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