David Waddell

The Fog Cutter. Visionary. Trailblazer. Global Economics Thought Leader. Writer. Speaker. Father. World Traveler. David is W&A’s fearless leader. As the firm’s CEO and Chief Investment Strategist, David chairs the W&A investment committee and, leveraging almost three decades of experience, combines macro-economic forecasting, macro market analysis and macro risk assessments to design portfolio strategies for clients. His signature ability? Making the complex simple; cutting through the noise (hence the nickname The Fog Cutter) to deliver clarity in a world of financial confusion. A dynamic communicator and compelling storyteller, David has earned national recognition as a thought leader in global economics and investments. He has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business and Barron’s, and frequently speaks to business and civic groups nationwide. David earned his BA in Economics at The University of the South and his MBA with a concentration in finance and investments from Babson College in Boston. He launched his career at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., quickly rising through the ranks thanks to his strong performance in business development and strategic partnerships. David is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®). An active force in his community, David is a founding member of Epicenter Memphis and serves on the Board of Governors at the New Memphis Institute. He chaired the capital campaign to build the “Live” stage at the Memphis Botanic Garden and held leadership roles with The Leadership Academy, the RISE Foundation, the Economic Club of Memphis and more. Are you planning your next bucket list trip? You might want to give David a call. He has traveled to more than 32 countries and has no plan to stop anytime soon. He has made connections worldwide through his memberships in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Young Professionals Organization, Chief Executives Organization and Tiger 21, and continues to learn by immersing himself in diverse cultures. David also lived in Hong Kong for 18 months, studying Asian economies and the long-term prospects for the “Chinese miracle.” David stays just as busy outside of work, keeping up with his two college-aged children in Nashville and Scotland. A skilled guitarist and avid yachtsman, David now captains his own boat, living out a passion that once inspired his father to start W&A. Today, he brings that same energy and vision to helping his clients chart a course toward their own dreams. Read the full W&A story here. See David’s Awards