Baird announced that John McAuley and Mary Weeks Fountain have joined the firm’s wealth management office in Charlotte, North Carolina.
McAuley joins Baird as a Director and Financial Advisor, bringing more than 25 years of industry experience. Fountain joins as a Director and Financial Consultant with more than 40 years of experience.
The pair joins from Sterling Capital Management, where they managed more than $600 million in client assets. At Sterling Capital, McAuley served as Managing Director and Head of the Family Office & Foundations Practice, while Fountain served as Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager.
Their addition strengthens Baird’s Charlotte wealth management presence and expands the firm’s capabilities for high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices, foundations, and other clients seeking tailored financial guidance.
Before Sterling Capital Management, McAuley worked at Bank of America Capital Management and William Blair & Company. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University.
Fountain received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her decades of portfolio management experience further adds to Baird’s depth in serving clients with complex wealth planning and investment needs.
Baird has continued adding financial advisors across multiple markets this year, including Chandler, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Waukesha, Wisconsin. Recent additions also include the Kashian Karrels Group in Edina, Minnesota, and Michael and Neale Foody in Bellevue, Washington, from RBC.
Baird’s Private Wealth Management business provides tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families. The business had more than $372 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2026, with more than 1,400 financial advisors averaging 20 years of industry experience.
Founded in 1919, Baird has more than 5,300 associates serving individual, corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. The firm had more than $565 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2026.
Baird ranked No. 16 on the 2026 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, marking its 23rd consecutive year on the list.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are thrilled to welcome John and Mary Weeks to Baird. Professionals of their caliber are highly respected throughout our industry and their commitment to putting clients first aligns perfectly with Baird’s culture and values. Their experience, integrity, and dedication to helping families achieve their financial goals make them an outstanding addition to our firm. Beyond their professional accomplishments, John and Mary Weeks are wonderful people who will be a tremendous addition to our Charlotte office. We are excited to have them join our team and look forward to the positive impact they will have on clients, colleagues, and our community.”
Drayton Henderson, Branch Manager at Baird
