Kathleen Walsh Counts has more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry and is dedicated to helping individuals, nonprofit organizations, and corporations pursue their financial goals through comprehensive investment strategies and personalized wealth management solutions. As a nine Platinum Council and Discretionary Portfolio Manager, she specializes in asset allocation, wealth management, estate planning strategies, insurance, annuities, international investing, Investment Policy Statements, retirement plans, and cash management strategies.
Kathleen began her financial services career as a commercial banker, working closely with businesses and associations to secure loans and lines of credit. Through this experience, she developed a deep understanding of cash flow management, credit structures, and the importance of balancing both sides of the balance sheet—assets and liabilities. Working with clients to support business growth and debt management inspired her transition to wealth management and investment advisory services, where she could help clients address a broader range of financial needs.
Today, Kathleen's banking background provides a unique advantage to her clients. In addition to her investment background, skill sets, specializations, experience, strengths, capabilities and insight, she brings extensive knowledge of lending, cash management, and business investment planning, enabling her to develop holistic strategies that support both short- and long-term financial objectives.
Kathleen works closely with nonprofit organizations, privately held and publicly traded companies, and high-net-worth individuals to develop customized financial strategies tailored to their goals and risk tolerance. As a Portfolio Manager, she oversees the development and implementation of personalized investment strategies, beginning with a comprehensive discovery process to understand each client's objectives, time horizon, and investment preferences. She then designs an appropriate asset allocation strategy and selects investment solutions that may include cash alternatives, stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), annuities, and separately managed accounts.
Nonprofit OrganizationsKathleen has developed a particular passion for serving nonprofit organizations and their leadership teams. She understands the unique financial and governance challenges nonprofits face and works closely with executive directors, finance committees, investment committees, and boards of directors to help ensure organizational assets are managed prudently and effectively. Going beyond traditional investment management, she assists organizations with cash management strategies, reserve fund planning, operating account structures, and liquidity management to support both operational needs and long-term mission objectives.
She is also committed to educating nonprofit leaders on their fiduciary responsibilities. Through board presentations, committee meetings, and ongoing guidance, Kathleen helps board and finance committee members better understand investment oversight, governance best practices, spending policies, and the stewardship of charitable assets. Her goal is to provide nonprofit leadership with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions that support the organization's mission and long-term sustainability.
Client PhilosophyKathleen believes successful wealth management begins with understanding what matters most to her clients. She takes a highly personalized approach, investing time to learn about each client's family, business interests, philanthropic goals, and long-term aspirations. By developing a deep understanding of their unique circumstances, she creates strategies that align not only with financial objectives but also with the values and priorities that shape their lives.
Throughout her career, Kathleen has built lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and open communication. Many of her client relationships span multiple generations, allowing her to serve as a trusted resource through life's most significant financial decisions, including retirement, business transitions, wealth transfer planning, and legacy preservation. She believes that ongoing communication and proactive guidance are essential components of a successful advisory relationship.
Known for her energetic, relationship-driven, and client-focused approach, Kathleen is committed to providing a comprehensive financial platform that helps clients address both their immediate and long-term financial needs. She is passionate about building lasting relationships and serving as a trusted advisor for individuals, families, business owners, and organizations navigating complex financial decisions. Her dedication to personalized service, proactive guidance, and long-term relationships have been a cornerstone of her practice throughout her career.
Professional Registrations and Licenses
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative
- Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative
- Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law Examination
- Series 31 – Futures Managed Funds Examination
- Qualified Plan Financial Consultant® (QPFC®).
- Life and Health Insurance License
Professional Affiliations
- Senior Member, Women's Mentoring Program
- Member, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
- Presenter, Greater Washington Society of CPAs
- Board Member, Aaron Redd Foundation
- Member, Howard County Sunrise Rotary
- Community Involvement
Kathleen is dedicated to giving back to her community and supports numerous charitable and volunteer organizations. She regularly volunteers with the Maryland Food Bank. She also participates in a variety of fundraising and community outreach initiatives throughout the year.
Personal LifeOriginally from Westport, Connecticut, Kathleen is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. She resides in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her son Ryan. Her daughter Meghan and her husband Brendan live close by in Northern Virginia.
Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her favorite teams—especially Notre Dame Football—and staying active through hiking and kayaking. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations whenever possible. Her commitment to helping others succeed financially extends beyond her profession and reflects her dedication to her clients, family, and community.
CA Insurance License #: 0M78500 Resident State MD
