Brett Coffman is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Strategist at PNC Private Bank Hawthorn and a Family Firm Institute Fellow bringing over two decades of experience in financial, business, wealth, and family governance advising. He specializes in the protection and transition of client business value, preserving, and growing wealth, and preserving family harmony, while focusing on clients most important goals and aspirations.

Previously, as a Senior Vice President at BB&T, he created the business advisory platform foundation and worked in advisory work for several boutique advisory firms. He has helped very successful clients determine how they would retire, transition their business interests, and transition assets to the next generation, while minimizing taxes and protecting family members from unforeseen events.

Brett earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Utah, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Syracuse University, a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from New York University, an Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family Firm Institute and is a Cannon Trust School graduate. He has earned the designation Enrolled Agent (EA). In addition, he earned a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University, with a focus on family business dynamics and succession preparedness. He has been an Adjunct University Professor, published in several professional publications, is a reviewer for several academic journals, and has been quoted in regional and national media. He is a member of the Financial Therapy Association, Family Firm Institute, and the Estate Planning Council of Charlotte.