Gibson earns CWS designation

Thomas L. Gibson, Vice President and Senior Financial Consultant for D.A. Davidson & Co. is among the first 1,000 professionals nationwide to receive the distinguished designation as a certified wealth strategist from Cannon Financial Institute. The designation comes after two years of study regarding issues surrounding comprehensive client needs.

Gibson, who has worked in Sandpoint for more than 25 years as both a CPA and financial consultant, pursued CWS training because continuing education is a fundamental aspect of his business practices and philosophy.

“It is important to provide families with a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to wealth management,” said Gibson. “This program begins with truly understanding your client’s needs, hopes and dreams; protecting assets using risk management; and effectively helping clients pass assets from generation to generation with as little tax implications as possible.” 

The purpose of obtaining the CWS designation is to provide financial service professionals with the technical knowledge, practice management know-how and the critical client communication skills to create and build a wealth advisory practice that works effectively for clients with more complex wealth issues. These professionals strive to become their clients’ trusted advisor.

According to Phil Buchanan, chairman, CWS Advisory Board and CEO of Cannon Financial Institute, the creation of the designation was in response to a need in the financial industry for a practical, application-based certification program for financial professionals.

In addition to his work as a financial consultant, Gibson serves as a member of the board of directors at Mountain West Bank, is a board member of Panhandle Alliance for Education, is past president of Sandpoint Rotary and is a Chairman’s Council member of D.A. Davidson.

His wife Tracy is also active in the community as past president of Community Assistance League and is currently the coordinator of the Panhandle Alliance for Education’s Ready! for Kindergarten program.

They have raised three children in the Sandpoint community all who have been active volunteers.