Lynne M. J. Ford, CTFA, a star in the finance arena, is vice president and senior wealth manager at Bar Harbor Wealth Management in Canaan, New Hampshire, in a plumb position she has held since 2021. She joined the company in 2003 as a wealth administrator and steadily advanced through key roles, including senior wealth administrator and wealth manager, eventually becoming vice president in 2016.
Ms. Ford’s expertise lies in IRA compliance and administration, trust and estate administration, and municipal account administration. Her responsibilities at Bar Harbor Wealth Management encompass a wide range of client-focused tasks, from frequently communicating with clients to ensuring their accounts are well-managed and compliant with regulations. She also handles estate planning by seeing that trust documents are in order and making sure retirement accounts are up to date. In regular meetings with clients, she discusses estate planning, asset administration, and retirement goals. When clients pass away, Ms. Ford administers trusts and estates, collaborating with beneficiaries to ensure smooth transitions and sensitive adherence to the wishes of the deceased. Her position demands strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a robust sense of accountability and work ethic.
Ms. Ford ascribes much of her success to working for an “excellent” organization that solidly supported her during a significant merger process a few years ago. The company’s provision of necessary tools has been instrumental in expanding her knowledge and skill set, enabling her to perform her job more effectively. As she began her tenure as an administrator, Ms. Ford immediately found she loved the work. She still finds immense satisfaction in helping people with their estate planning and retirement goals. She also values the opportunity to assist families during their time of sorrow by managing estates and trusts, allowing them to focus on the grieving process without additional stress.
In recognition of her dedication and hard work, Ms. Ford was honored as a member of the American Bankers Association’s 40 Under 40 in 2021. This prestigious award highlights her achievements, leadership, and potential for future success in the banking industry. The rigorous selection process evaluates nominees based on their accomplishments and potential, making Ms. Ford’s induction a testament to her abilities and an inspiration for others aiming to excel in their careers. In preparation for her own journey, Ms. Ford graduated from Rivier College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in law and government with a concentration in legal studies. She also holds the certified trust and fiduciary advisor (CTFA) certification through the American Bankers Association, which further underscores her expertise and commitment to continual professional development. Moreover, she is grateful for the mentorship and support of Ruth Franks, who hired her and guided her throughout the years at Bar Harbor Wealth Management.
Ms. Ford has set clear objectives for herself for the next five years. She aims to continue her work in the industry and advance within Bar Harbor Wealth Management with her sights set on reaching senior vice president. At that stage, she hopes to lead her own team of employees, expand her leadership impact, and pay forward the guidance she received early in her career. Now managing a team with one direct report, her ambition is to become a role model who supports and mentors many aspiring and emerging employees early in their careers to help them develop and gain knowledge. She also seeks to foster a culture of growth and expansion to witness both her colleagues’ progression and the company’s continued success.
Adjacent to her professional life, Ms. Ford relishes time with her family. She also enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep her connected to her roots, including helping on the family farm, hiking, gardening, and crocheting.