Spotlight: Personal Trust Department

Trusts can be invaluable tools that offer significant benefits and an array of financial solutions, especially for those who have substantial assets or complex family situations. The Trust Company of Tennessee’s personal trust department is stacked with expertise, and the team supports clients across all stages – from determining the needs that align with their goals to administration and beyond.

At the helm is Vice President of Personal Trust Kassandra Richardson, who ensures that policies and procedures are in place and in compliance while making it as easy as possible for trust clients to do business. With 15 years of experience in the field, Kassandra also is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) and Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) and serves on our management team.

“Every client has unique situations and goals,” Kassandra shares. “Intently listening to those needs, then finding the right tools to preserve family legacies, protect and provide for loved ones is essential. We’ve aligned the team to utilize each individual’s deep and nuanced trust knowledge to best serve clients.”

Trust Officer Fiona Hill, JD, is a trust expert. With more than a decade of experience in trust administration and estate planning while in private legal practice, she has a keen understanding of both sides – trust creation

and administration – and utilizes that understanding to ensure trusts are meticulously administered in the most advantageous way. Additionally, she specializes in the niche of special needs trusts, working with attorneys and settlement planners to ensure that the trust aligns with the needs of the beneficiary.

Trust Officer Erin Wallen, JD, recently joined the team to handle the growing needs on the trust administration side. She routinely goes above and beyond to assist the team and clients to find optimal solutions, empathetically solving unique challenges as if they are her own. Her legal background in real estate, business transactions and estate planning is especially beneficial to clients with trusts that include non-liquid assets.

Vice President and Specialty Trust Director Dalia Matthias leads the structured settlement trust team, which helps protect and manage settlement proceeds for individuals who may need lifelong care or financial oversight. She brings a deep passion for service and advocacy to this unique team.

Kassandra understands that some may struggle with discussing their wishes, have complex estates or be overwhelmed with the best way to proceed, which is why the personal trust department is so important. “We hear them out – their needs and concerns and what they’re trying to achieve as their legacy – then we fill in the gaps,” she shares. We’re a partner, we are careful and we help them navigate the process.”

Kassandra has an abundance of appreciation for the personal trust department. “They’re phenomenal and the reason we’re successful in taking such good care of clients. I’m honored and thankful to be in this role to move forward as times evolve, help make things easy for clients and usher in change when needed. There are so many partners throughout the company as well who are integral in working with us to support clients at every step.”