Waverly Advisors
Partner, President & CEO
CIMAยฎ

Justin T. Russell

Justin Russell has been with Waverly Advisors since 2006 and serves as Partner, President, and CEO of the firm. Over nearly two decades, he has helped guide Waverly from a regional advisory practice into a nationally recognized wealth management firm, today encompassing over 500 team members, 50 offices, and more than $34 billion in assets under management as of 4.24.2026.

As the leader of Waverly’s executive team, Justin’s focus is both strategic and deeply personal. He is driven by a commitment to growing and developing high-performing teams, ensuring the long-term financial success of the business, and fostering a culture rooted in service and genuine care for every team member. His leadership philosophy is simple: lead with a servant’s heart, and the rest will follow.

Culture isn’t just an internal initiative, it’s a strategic advantage. He believes that the right culture attracts the right people, and that principle extends well beyond hiring. At Waverly, our culture acts more like a magnet and a filter when considering clients, team members, and potential partner firms. It draws in those who share Waverly’s values of integrity, service, and long-term commitment, and naturally filters out those who don’t. It’s this intentional approach to culture that has fueled the firm’s organic growth and cemented its reputation as a destination for top-tier talent and discerning clients alike.

Justin resides in Homewood, Alabama, with his wife and daughter.

Specialization

Areas of Expertise

Portfolio Construction & Asset Allocation

Customized portfolio design aligned with risk tolerance and objectives.

Holistic Wealth Planning

Integrated financial planning across investments, taxes, estate, and risk.

Retirement Planning & Income Strategies

Retirement income optimization, withdrawal strategies, and Social Security planning.

Family Office Services

Comprehensive wealth management, concierge services, and family coordination.

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 clientโ€™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. Waverlyโ€™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

  • Bachelor of Science in Finance/Economics
    Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

Professional Affiliations

  • Investment Management Consultants Association
  • Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, 2016

Community Involvement

  • Homewood City Schools BOE, Board member
  • Homewood City Schools Foundation, Former Board Member
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, Former Board Member

Ask Me About

  • How to talk to your children about the responsibility of wealth
  • How to retire with confidence and security
  • Why Buy and Hold isn’t dead
  • The conversation that changed my life
  • Why I love my ever-increasing golf handicap
  • How a diehard Bama fan graduated from Auburn