Profile
“Clients tell me all the time that they feel more connected, more informed, and more confident because of those little touchpoints. It’s a way to educate, stay visible, and reinforce that I’m here for them – not just at review meetings, but all year round”
Megan Dorn, Dorn Wealth Management
As a young woman, Susan Washburn, CFP®, CeFT® lived a charmed life. By age 30, she had a career, a family, and a beautiful home in New Orleans. But two events derailed her life. Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home, forcing her to evacuate and relocate to Florida. After rebuilding her life, she finally felt settled, only to be knocked off her feet by a divorce.
While she could not control the hurricane’s devastation, she could have better managed the financial chaos of her divorce. Here, she was educated as a lawyer, working as a stay-at-home mom, and she delegated her financial affairs, leaving herself vulnerable, overwhelmed, and embarrassed by her lack of financial knowledge. To regain her life, she needed to become smarter and savvier about money and this journey to her career as a financial planner.
As Washburn shares her story, she remains surprised by how many women face their own financial hurricanes, leaving themselves vulnerable. That is when she realized her true purpose as a financial planner goes far beyond simply managing her clients’ money.
By encouraging women to face their fears and get smarter about their relationship with money, they become confident, engaged, and empowered in their financial futures.
611 Druid Rd., #105, Clearwater, FL 33756
727 441 9022
washburn@provise.com
linkedin.com/in/susan-washburn-cfp%C2%AE-jd-8285b64
provise.com
Susan Washburn, CFP®, CeFT®
Principal, Senior Financial Partner
ProVise Management Group LLC
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Bio
Milestones
“My clients are more like family, and I want to make sure I can provide real value to them”
Megan Dorn, Dorn Wealth Management
1987–1990
2013
2017
2019–Present
2025
1987: Obtained her BA from Goucher College
1990: Graduated from Tulane Law School
1987–1990
Earned CFP® and CeFT® (Certified Financial Transitionist)
Susan Washburn obtained her CFP® certification
2013
Joined ProVise Management as senior financial planner and became a shareholder in 2022
Joined ProVise Management Group
2017
2019–2020: Worked with consultant Adri Miller-Heckman to write her story and create her path in the financial industry
2023: Earned Certified Financial Transitionist designation
Ongoing: Presents “Savvy Women Invest on Purpose” events to educate women on the importance of financial planning
2019–Present
CEO of Meridian Financial Partners, where she manages a team of eight that delivers investment management and financial planning to over 450 households in 24 states
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Despite facing industry biases, such as being mistaken for an assistant at events, she refused to let female stereotypes define her. Instead, she’s built a thriving network of women advisors and found a strong ally in Harbour Investments, which supports her growth as a leader, business owner, and mother.
Client satisfaction isn’t measured in Dorn’s office by closing ratios or one-time feedback – it’s reflected in loyalty, longevity, and referrals. Her communications strategy features handwritten and even hand-drawn birthday cards because in her words, “the little things matter”.
Another offering is short videos delivered a few times per month, providing quick updates on market changes, financial tips, or just simple reassurance during uncertain times.
She explains, “Clients tell me all the time that they feel more connected, more informed, and more confident because of those little touchpoints. It’s a way to educate, stay visible, and reinforce that I’m here for them – not just at review meetings, but all year round.”
Empowerment is an ambition of Dorn’s, believing that financial education leads to strong communities. However, she only works with individuals who match her values.
“I also don’t take on every prospective client who walks through the door. I’m intentional about making sure it’s a good fit on both sides,” she adds. “My clients are more like family, and I want to make sure I can provide real value to them. That means listening closely, being transparent, and never overpromising.”