Meet Our Team
When you partner with Sterner Financial, you gain an entire team of highly specialized experts collaborating to enhance each area of your plan. We’re here to provide the dedicated support you deserve, and we’re committed to making your life a little bit simpler every day.
Founding Advisors
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
• Southern Adventist University
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
• FINRA Series 6, 63, 66, & 7
• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• Industry Experience: 21 years
AREA OF FOCUS
As a young college graduate, John Sterner yearned for more than just a job. He wanted to start a business that would make a real difference in the lives of others. Because of its long-standing strength, reputation, and core values, John decided that Northwestern Mutual was the right company to partner with as he launched his career.
Since 2001, John has built a solid wealth management practice founded on superior expertise, genuine client relationships, and exceptional service. He considers it a great honor to walk alongside his clients year after year as they grow their businesses, their careers, and their families. John’s unique approach of combining insurance and investment solutions has helped many of his clients accumulate wealth, prepare for retirement, and achieve other financial goals while protecting their families in the process. His dedication to his clients is evident in his intentionality to build a firm that will continue serving his client’s families for generations to come.
PERSONAL BIO
John and his wife, Liz, have a young daughter named Anna who loves all things that sparkle. He is a loyal fan of the Washington Commanders and enjoys playing tennis and spending time out on Watts Bar Lake with friends and family.
Al Waldrop , CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®
Private Wealth Advisor and Founding Partner
Al Waldrop , CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®
Private Wealth Advisor and Founding Partner
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- University of Tennessee
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- FINRA Series 6, 63, 65, 7, & 12
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 32 years
AREA OF FOCUS
For over three decades, Al Waldrop has devoted his energy, passion and knowledge to helping others make wise, future-oriented financial decisions. A mentor at heart, Al finds joy in seeing his clients achieve their truest hopes of protecting their family against an uncertain future and implementing a long, joyful season of retirement.
Al’s focus has always been fixed on loyalty and integrity for long-term, multi-generational relationships and holistic financial guidance. His decision to bring his successful firm into a partnership with Sterner Financial in 2023 was to ensure that his clients and their families would continue receiving the high level of service, expertise, and dedication they deserve, for generations to come.
PERSONAL BIO
Married for 29 years, Al and his wife Laura have four sons and enjoy their deep roots in the community of Brentwood. Al has served on the board of the McNeilly Center for Children (a non-profit working to alleviate the achievement gap for low-income families), the Downtown Nashville Rotary Club, the YMCA and the Brentwood Academy Parents Association. Al has also served as a deacon for Covenant Presbyterian Church. For years, Al’s favorite pastime was watching his boys play football, now you’ll find Al hiking into the woods, playing a round of golf or occasionally working the blues on his Blonde Fender Stratocaster guitar.
Private Wealth Advisors
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Southern Adventist University
- FINRA Series 6, 63, & 7
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 10 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Jonathan joined Sterner Financial in 2019, after beginning his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2013. He serves as a private wealth advisor with expertise in discovering and implementing financial planning strategies designed to help secure our clients’ future. He is committed to protecting our clients with the use of unique insurance and investment solutions to deliver personalized, comprehensive financial planning solutions.
PERSONAL BIO
Jonathan and his wife Kristi have two daughters, Georgia and Charlie. They enjoy going on family adventures out west, or any destination that provides the opportunity for some skiing, golf, or fly fishing. He is honored to serve on the board of directors for YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Belmont University
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- FINRA Series 6, 63, 65, & 7
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 11 years
AREA OF FOCUS
During his years at Belmont University and in the minors with the Kansas City Royals, Derek left his mark on the diamond with grit and tenacity. Driven by loyalty to his teammates, Derek thrived on the long grind, season after season. Now, Derek brings that relentless determination and ingrained sense of responsibility to his role as a private wealth advisor with Sterner Financial. Committed to a robust knowledge of this constantly evolving industry, Derek walks alongside his clients through the complexities and joys of each stage of life.
For Derek, this is so much more than just a career, allowing him to put his persistence and commitment to integrity into the service of others. Rather than simply pushing a product or providing a canned answer to a multifaceted life situation, Derek forges meaningful relationships, learning each distinctive story and crafting holistic, personalized guidance.
PERSONAL BIO
Derek and his wife Alexis have two daughters, Peyton and Tatum, and live in Brentwood. When not in the office, you can find Derek volunteering in the youth ministry at Grace Church Nashville, buried under a pile of books (mostly history and sports non-fiction) and watching Tennessee Vols football.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- University of West Florida
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- FINRA Series 63 & 7
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 19 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Len Martini joined Sterner Financial in May 2015 as an investment specialist, with 11 years of prior experience in the financial services industry. Having worked with clients through both the ups and downs of stock market cycles, Len understands the real-world impact of financial risk and return. As a private wealth advisor, he brings that experience to life, building all weather portfolios designed around his clients’ individual financial planning goals.
PERSONAL BIO
Len and his wife Danielle have three young children, Madeline, Abigail, & Benjamin. As a family, they are avid Tennessee Vols football fans and uphold a prestigious reputation as the best dressed family every year for Halloween. Len enjoys hunting, woodworking, and supporting his amazingly talented daughters in their art of dance.
Planning & Investment Team
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Harding University
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- FINRA Series 63 & 7
- Life & Health Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 22 years
AREA OF FOCUS
If you need an answer to a complex problem or someone to walk you through the weeds of intricate account issues, Stephanie finds genuine joy in rolling up her sleeves and stepping into the fray.
Over the past 22 years, Stephanie has grown through the ranks of a variety of specialized financial firms. Through this layered immersion, she developed a wide scope of expertise and developed a keen eye to meticulous accuracy. From her time with UBS Financial Services, Inc., Laffer Investments (a macroeconomic asset manager) and Capital Trust Wealth Management, Stephanie gleaned comprehensive experience that she brings to each client relationship with Sterner Financial.
PERSONAL BIO
With her two young boys, Mads and Leo, Stephanie lives in Nashville and dreams of traveling and adventure as soon as she has a spare moment.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- FINRA Series 6, 63, & 7
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 10 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Anna Lloyd joined Sterner Financial in May 2017, but has been with Northwestern Mutual in various roles since 2013. She specializes in investment analysis, research, and preparing comprehensive planning proposals. Anna provides excellent support for all investment related questions and service needs.
PERSONAL BIO
A proud Chattanooga native and GPS alumnae, Anna and her husband John Michael have a young daughter named Mary Scott and a golden doodle named Raleigh, who still thinks she’s the baby of the family. They enjoy weekend getaways with friends and soaking up these moments of parenting a fast-growing toddler.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Covenant College
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- FINRA Series 63 & 7
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 7 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Stephen Sutherland worked for Northwestern Mutual as a college intern in 2017 and joined the Sterner Financial team in 2019. He plays a vital role in assisting our clients with opening investment accounts, processing trades and transactions, and utilizing our sophisticated planning analysis software to show our clients where they stand in the pursuit of their unique goals. Stephen is a diligent problem solver and is eager to assist our clients with any questions they have regarding their investment portfolios.
PERSONAL BIO
Stephen is originally from Maryland, but made Chattanooga his home after attending Covenant College, where he played collegiate soccer. He continues to enjoy playing team sports whenever possible and is actively involved in youth ministry at Northshore Fellowship.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- University of Tennessee
- FINRA Series 63 & 7
- Life & Health Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 4 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Energized by rigorous challenges and collaboration, Austin thrives in his role as an advocate for our clients’ success. He enjoys getting to know clients as he helps simplify their lives through exceptional service. He is an innovator who is always looking for ways to improve our client experience and is a great resource for all questions related to investment accounts and portfolio performance.
Austin’s desire to serve others in the financial industry has led him to explore some diverse aspects of the market. After working for 21st Mortgage and Regions Financial Corporation, Austin gathered all this expertise and found his home at Sterner Financial.
PERSONAL BIO
Austin lives in White House, TN where you’ll find him pacing the room during Vols and Titans games, then calming down by taking laps in the pool or casting a line into the river.
Insurance & Service Team
Amy Shuff , MBA, CLU®
Director of Insurance Operations and Services
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Bryan College (MBA)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- FINRA Series 6, 63, & 7
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 12 years
AREA OF FOCUS
An essential and loyal team member since April 2011, Amy Shuff ensures that we spend the right amount of time, at the right time, with our clients. She is detailed, thorough, and well aware that our clients are busy, hardworking people who understand the value of planning for their futures. She manages John's calendar, assists clients with paperwork, and is happy to answer questions or provide information about insurance policies and accounts.
PERSONAL BIO
Amy was born and raised in Chattanooga, and we are convinced she is friends or acquaintances with at least half of the city’s population. She recently married her husband Ryan and together they enjoy traveling and being active outdoors with their friends and faithful dog, Stella.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- FINRA Series 63 & 7
- Life & Health Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 6 years
AREA OF FOCUS
With assuredness and poise, Emma guides clients through the underwriting process and provides first-rate service to existing policyowners. Whether applying for life, disability, or long-term care insurance, or navigating the workings of your policies, you can count on Emma’s attentiveness and guidance.
PERSONAL BIO
Emma and her husband Colby live in Chattanooga where you’re likely to find them spending quality time with friends, family, and their dog, Mr. Peanut Butter.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Southeast Missouri State University
- FINRA Series 6 & 63
- Life & Health Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 15 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Jennifer has worked with Northwestern Mutual since she began her career as an intern in 2008. Holding various roles within the company has allowed her to gain a comprehensive breadth of knowledge and a genuine understanding of what it means to guide clients towards financial health and security. Her goal is to ensure our clients feel they are working with a trusted partner while executing their insurance planning.
PERSONAL BIO
Growing up on a farm in Missouri instilled in Jennifer a love of the outdoors (and the St. Louis Cardinals). She lives in Nashville with her husband Matt and two young children, Parker and Addie, and volunteers with Mother to Mother and Hope Clinic for Women in her free time.
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Young Harris College
- Life & Health Insurance Licenses
AREA OF FOCUS
Coming from a background in management and customer service as a Fleet Production Supervisor for Enterprise Holdings, we are thrilled to have Sarah as our newest team member. With her enthusiasm and aptitude for learning a new industry and providing exceptional service, we know she will be a great asset to our team and add immense value for our clients in the years ahead.
PERSONAL BIO
Sarah lives just outside of Chattanooga in her hometown of Wildwood, GA. She and her husband, Rhett, have a friendly cat named Skunk. Together, they enjoy all things active and outdoors, especially pickleball, beekeeping, and her collegiate sport of basketball.
Internal Operations
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- FINRA Series 63 & 7
- Life & Health Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 24 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Tommy Adkins joined the Sterner Financial Team in 2022 as our Chief Financial Officer. In addition to his operational responsibilities for the firm, he also adds valuable expertise for tax efficient planning analysis. His career experience includes tax and audit in both public accounting and private industry.
PERSONAL BIO
Tommy is a Chattanooga native who left for several years to work in Washington, DC and New Orleans. He and his wife, Kim, have returned to Chattanooga with their dog, Ray. Their love and curiosity for experiencing the diversity of our world has led them to travel all over the globe to be immersed in other lands and cultures. They live life fully, with another adventure always on the horizon!
Beth Palmer
Director of Marketing and Communications
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
- Bryan College
- FINRA Series 6 & 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Industry Experience: 16 years
AREA OF FOCUS
Since 2007, Beth has faithfully served in many different roles for Sterner Financial. Her problem-solving skills and propensity to see challenges as opportunities for growth have been a valuable asset to the team over the years. Her current focus is on marketing, enhancing the client experience, and office administration.
PERSONAL BIO
Working part-time allows Beth to enjoy these fleeting years of mothering her four young children, Lily, Luke, Ella, & Ivey. She and her husband Rob are actively involved at Calvary Chapel Northside. They enjoy coaching their kids’ sports teams and being active in all the outdoor beauty Chattanooga has to offer.