Helping our clients build their way toward their dreams—that’s what Elisa Leftridge Jones loves about her role as Client Operations Executive for the Sircy-Hurd Wealth Team. Her positive spirit and strong-willed determination have led her to flourish in the financial services industry for more than twenty years. Her plethora of experience is an asset to her team and a gift to her clients. In this spotlight, you’ll learn more about Elisa and how her dedication to her clients makes her an essential part of the team.
Elisa’s Background
Elisa was born in Chicago, where her family lived on the Southside. When she was in middle school, they migrated south to a small rural town outside of Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama (Huntsville) in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and a minor in computer science. Elisa later obtained her Masters of Business Administration from Tennessee State University. She has been registered with FINRA (NASD) since 2001, holding her Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and 66 registrations, as well as life and health insurance licenses.
How Elisa Came to Southwestern Investment Group
After starting her career in Nashville as an advisor for a Wall Street-based mutual fund company, Elisa later transitioned to an independent advisory firm for seven years. She took a short time away from the business for the birth of her son and returned to the industry in a dual role as a licensed banker for Fifth Third Securities, a subsidiary of Fifth Third Bank. She would later come to work as part of the Sircy-Hurd Wealth Team. “I feel very fortunate to have landed at Southwestern nearly four years ago, where our team works tirelessly to help our client achieve their own version of financial success,” Elisa said.
What Elisa Loves About Her Role
The most fulfilling part of Elisa’s role is helping clients verbalize their financial vision and helping them see that vision come to fruition. “At this point, I’ve been in the industry long enough to see the children of clients attend college with funds that we set up in 529 college accounts when they were babies. Those are definitely full-circle moments for me,” she said.
Elisa’s Advice to Others Considering a Career in Finance
“It’s never too late to be GREAT!” says Elisa. She knows firsthand how women’s careers are sometimes stalled due to familial obligations, whether caring for elderly parents or raising children. “I would encourage women, specifically, to keep moving forward in your career, even if you have to ‘press pause’ temporarily. The role we play in the workforce is vital, and even more so in the financial industry,” she added.
Elisa’s Joys in Her Personal Life
Elisa married her college sweetheart, Nick, in 2003. They have two children, Tyson Alexander (11) and Savannah Reneé (7), and a sweet four-year-old Boxer, Remy Michelle. Elisa’s family is very active in their community, regularly hosting book drives for Book’em, a local literacy organization, and volunteering with various other organizations in Middle Tennessee. She also serves on several boards, including the Nashville Chapter of Alabama A&M University Alumni Association, of which she is the Vice President. Elisa also serves as Vice President for the Parent-Teacher Organization and as Recording Secretary of the Nashville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Her family’s weekends are busy with visiting family and friends and supporting local organizations.
