Townsend Tanner '03 is a Greenie Through and Through

Townsend Tanner '03 and his wife, Christine.

Townsend Tanner '03 says point-blank that his diploma from Christ School is skyrocketing in value, far more than any stock certificate. Tanner knows a few things about valuations. He has been involved in the financial industry for nine years and is part of the Tanner/Ashe Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Hendersonville, N.C. The Asheville resident became a Certified Financial Planner in 2012. Tanner's love for Christ School comes naturally, and he has stayed involved with his alma mater in a number of ways. First, with leadership on the alumni council and presently as a member of the Board of Trustees and Capital Campaign. Tanner was on campus last week for the Board's spring meeting and spoke to the Class of 2018 following Friday's Assembly.

Question: What drew you to your line of work, and what kind of personal reward do you get from financial planning?

Answer: Being such an important influence on someone's life means a lot to me. We really focus on the distribution when it comes to the retiree. They are dependent on me from the day they stop working. They have to get a paycheck (once their professional life is over).

Question: What type of message did you share with Christ School's seniors on Friday?

Answer: This is a first-class establishment that is only getting better. Not every one of those seniors may have had the perfect experience, and others might resent the sophomores and juniors for the great opportunities they still have ahead of them. But they should be proud to be part of that next generation. I talked to them about philanthropy and giving back if they have the chance one day. This is a nationally recognized school now. Back when I went here, no one really talked about Christ School that way. Now I have fathers of 10-year-olds asking me, "Can I speak to you about Christ School?" It's changed.

Question: What stands out when you look back on your time as a Greenie?

Answer: The boarding aspect and living with all these brothers was important to me. I had two sisters my whole life up to that point. The connections with your teachers and house parents is key. (Assistant Headmaster) Jeff Miles was my house parent in South Carolina House and we're still good friends.

CAR 0323-04990

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.