As president and founder of Jeff Harris & Associates, Inc., Jeff brings more than twenty-five years of experience in the financial services profession to his clients. He's the author of "Retire Rich and Happy: 12 Secrets to Retirement Success" and a contributing author of "60 Things to do When You Turn 60". As a professional speaker, Jeff shares his extensive hands-on knowledge built over years of practical experience of what does and doesn't work with personal finance.

After attending Bridgewater College, Jeff worked as a Stockbroker for a small regional Brokerage firm, but he never felt comfortable with traditional commissioned sales. He believed clients would be served best by an independent consultant whose compensation would be based on fee-for-service, like the clients existing CPA and attorney relationships. After earning a Regional Vice President position, Jeff chose to leave and open his own independent financial consulting firm.

Jeff has earned numerous professional designations, and he maintains his professional "edge" by teaching Continuing Education courses for CPAs and attorneys. He obtained his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.in 1996. ChFC's receive advanced  training over a broad range of financial management issues including income taxes, investments, insurance, retirement and estate planning.

He earned his Certified Estate Planner designation from the Abts Institute in Reno, NV in 1997. This specialized training enables Jeff to help clients utilize Wills and Trusts to preserve and protect their assets from estate taxes, probate fees and expenses. He works closely with his client's attorneys to help ensure the proper legal documents are drafted and implemented.

Jeff completed the comprehensive Financial Planner series and the Trust School through Raymond James University in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1999. In addition, he completed the Cannon School of Wealth Management in 2001 at Northwestern University in Chicago. This training focuses on advanced financial concepts utilized by the nations leading independent financial advisory teams.

He's a member of the International Association of Financial Planners and the Society of Financial Service Professionals. Jeff has served as an Adjunct Professor teaching Personal Finance at James Madison University and Blue Ridge Community College. His unique ability to communicate complex financial concepts in simple, understandable terms is considered by his students to be one of his greatest strengths.

Jeff's a past president of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

When he's not working Jeff enjoy's cooking, flying his private airplane, fitness, traveling with DeAnn and playing with his border Collie Max. Jeff is a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight Mid Atlantic.

Probably the first person you'll see when you come to our office is Jean Hampe. Jean is Jeff's personal assistant and she works with all aspects of client services. Jean's uniquely gifted to handle multiple tasks, while maintaining an eye for detail. She helps keep Jeff on track and ensures our client's needs are handled promptly and professionally. Jean has earned her series 7 license (stockbroker) as well as her series 23 registered principal license.

Jean is a native New Yorker and graduated from Eastern Mennonite University. She earned a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from James Madison University. Jean has more than 25 years of business experience and has been with the firm since 2002. She enjoys golf, hiking, gardening and spending time with her husband Scott, her two grown children Kate and Jordan and her St. Rottie Samie.

Jeff's wife, DeAnn Harris, is also actively involved in the business. She handles payroll, accounting and ensures compliance with various regulatory agencies. Although she doesn't work directly with clients, DeAnn has earned her securities license. She's been Jeff's business partner right from the start, and has worn many hats within our organization over the years as the business has grown.

Prior to joining Jeff in the startup of their business, DeAnn attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond where she studied pre-med. She gained critical business skills managing several dental practices in Richmond and Hopewell, VA before joining with Jeff full-time.