Elliott Van Ness - Waverly Advisors

Partner, Senior Investment Analyst

CFA®

Elliott joined Waverly in April of 2024 when McShane Partners was acquired by Waverly Advisors, LLC. Elliott serves as Partner and Senior Investment Analyst at Waverly. In his role, Elliott contributes his knowledge to the firm’s in-house proprietary investment research and analysis, including analyzing global economic trends, performing in-depth equity market research and fundamental equity analysis, and conducting third-party manager reviews. He works with the Wealth Advisory Team on guiding client investment strategies and conducting systematic portfolio reviews and performance evaluations.

Elliott enjoys discovering new investment opportunities in lesser-known, overlooked stocks of companies with attractive fundamentals operating in niche sectors or industries trading at excessive discounts to their intrinsic fair market values.

Elliott and his wife live in Plaza Midwood, and spends most of their free time trying to keep up with their two French bulldogs, Hamilton and Gilbert.

In 2023, he participated as a Star in the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte and won the Judges’ Choice Award.

Areas of Expertise

The framework is organized into six primary pillars, each with detailed sub-specialties that advisors can select as self-identified areas of expertise.

Investment strategy & portfolio management

Comprehensive investment oversight across public and private markets.

Wealth Planning & Strategy

Holistic financial planning and multi-generational wealth stewardship.

Private Markets & Alternative Investments

Access to private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets.

Family Enterprise & Business Advisory

Business transition, succession planning, and family governance.

Tax, Estate & Legacy Planning

Tax optimization, estate structuring, and multigenerational legacy design.

Specialized Clients Needs

Customized solutions for unique life events and complex situations

Serving with Purpose

A Culture of Connection

Waverly takes its name from a meadow of quaking aspen trees, an ecosystem where individual trees are connected by a shared root system. Since 1999, that idea has inspired our firm: strong relationships, shared values, and the belief that we are better together.

Comprehensive Wealth Management, Connected by Design

Like an aspen grove, every part of a client’s financial life is interconnected. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we bring together investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, trust and estate planning, and family office services to create coordinated solutions that simplify complexity and support long-term success.

A Culture Rooted in Service

Our culture of stewardship is guided by Integrity, Family, Grace, Team, Drive, Empathy, and Community. These values shape every client relationship, every decision, and every interaction. They are the foundation that keeps our people connected and ensures a consistent, high-touch experience across the firm.

The Difference Is Our People

While many firms offer financial advice, our greatest differentiator is our people. Waverly’s advisors, planners, investment professionals, tax specialists, and support teams work together to deliver thoughtful guidance and personalized solutions. It is this collaborative approach, and our commitment to serving clients with excellence and care, that transforms financial advice into lasting relationships.

Education

Bachelors Degree
Davidson College

Professional Affiliations

Member of CFA Institute
Member of CFA Society of North Carolina
Former Regional Director of CFA Society of North Carolina

Community Involvement

Board Member of Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte

Ask Me About

Investment Management
Equity Research
Generational Wealth Planning
Charitable & Family Gifting