Financial Advisors

Jonathan M. Gardey - President and Chief Executive Officer

Before he joined the firm in 1993, Jon learned leadership, discipline, and responsibility from six years in the US Navy. Jon served on an aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean and was Chief Engineer on a high-speed hydrofoil in the Caribbean.

Prior to his Naval service, Jon’s academic career began at the University of Wisconsin. When he returned from the Navy, he continued his studies and earned a MBA in both Finance and Money and Financial Markets from Columbia University.

Following a successful military service and graduate studies, Jon pursued a career in finance and gained the designations of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charterholder and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional. This knowledge and years of experience made Jon a valuable team player as well as a leader and trusted professional.

In his 22+ year career with Gardey Financial Advisors, Jon has worn and continues to wear many hats. In addition to his duties as President and CEO, he is also, a Financial Advisor, the Director of Research, Chairman of the Investment Strategy Committee, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee and Chairman of the Leadership Committee.

Jon brings his knowledge, experience and leadership skills to a number of key institutions in his field, and he is also an active member of his community. He is a Past-President of the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council, a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Detroit. He is a member of the Board of Directors at financial, educational, and private enterprises, including Covenant Healthcare System, Delta College Foundation Investment Advisory Committee, and Central Equity Investments Incorporated.

Jon lives in Freeland with his wife and two son’s. His two older daughters are attending Saginaw Valley State University and Central Michigan University. He enjoys spending time with his children, serving as Treasurer of his eldest son’s Boy Scout troop, assistant coach for his youngest son’s football team, and also helping children in his community through the Saginaw READ program. In his spare time, he has earned a black belt in Taekwondo and also enjoys racing sailboats.

Lisa J. Whelton - Vice President of Administration, Financial Advisor

Lisa is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and has been part of the Gardey Financial Advisors Team since 2006. Lisa has worked in a variety of fields including, financial planning, long-term care, and personal insurance, to bring a broad range of experience to the company.

This unique blend of expertise makes her a valuable member of many committees, including the firm’s Leadership Committee, Investment Strategy Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Financial Planning Committee. She is also the chairperson of the Processes, Efficiency and Technology Committee.

Lisa majored in Finance at Saginaw Valley State University and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Her career began in the insurance industry in 1994 and her interests later shifted to financial planning. Lisa continues to expand her experience and remain current of emerging trends in finance as a member of the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council.

Lisa lives in Saginaw with her husband and two daughters. She takes an active part in her daughters’ many sports including dance, cheerleading, softball, and soccer. She is also involved in her family’s church, previously serving on the Endowment Fund board. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, scrapbooking and reading in her spare time.

Robert M. Whiting - Vice President, Financial Advisor

Bob has been a part of the team since 2006 and brings expertise on multiple levels to Gardey Financial Advisors.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood Institute and began his finance career with Second National Bank, now Huntington Bancorp, where he was Vice President and Trust Officer. There he worked as a senior manager in several fields, including business development, personal trust administration, and retirement plan administration. With over 30 years of experience in trust administration, Bob is the team’s trust specialist. He is also a valuable member of Gardey’s Investment Strategy Committee, Financial Planning Committee and Center of Influence Committee.

Bob shares his expertise with important finance and community institutions, including the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council and the Health Source of Saginaw Advisory Board. A Saginaw native, he is active in his home town as chairperson of weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at Health Source Pathways Substance Abuse In-Patient program and the Saginaw Correctional Facility.

Bob is passionate about American history, particularly the Colonial era. He takes a trip every year to Colonial Williamsburg and also visits historic landmarks in Newport, Cape Cod, and Nantucket. A proud grandfather, Bob enjoys spending time with his grandkids, reading, personal investing and gardening.

Thomas R. Chisholm - Senior Financial Advisor

Tom is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and has been part of Gardey Financial Advisors since 1997. He is one of our most experienced and dedicated team members.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree summa cum laude from Saginaw Valley State University. During his 30 plus year career in finance, he has also worked in real estate. Tom is the Chairman of the Financial Planning Committee and Centers of Influence Committee. He is a member of the Marketing Committee, Investment Strategy Committee and Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council.

Tom lives in Saginaw with his wife. Outside the office, Tom enjoys spending time with his family at their cottage in Northern Michigan.

Melissa A. Seamon - Financial Advisor

Melissa is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and has been with Gardey Financial Advisors since 2001. Melissa graduated cum laude from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1999 and in 2006 earned her Certified Financial Planner™ license.

With her role as Financial Advisor, she serves on the firm’s Investment Strategy Committee and the Financial Planning Committee. Melissa is also a member of the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council.

Melissa and her husband live in Saginaw with their dog and two cats. She continues to share her professional skills outside the office by writing and submitting grants for the food distribution committee at church. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys traveling with her husband on his motorcycle, volunteering at the local animal shelter and discovering new ice cream shops throughout Michigan.

Douglas L. Hail Jr. - Investment Strategist

Doug joined Gardey Financial Advisors in 2008. A member of the firm’s Investment Strategy Committee, Doug assists the Research Department with the formulation of company-wide investment policies.

Before coming to Gardey, Doug earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University. After graduation, he started at the Dow Chemical Company. During his 35-year career at Dow, he initially held managerial and technical positions in engineering and operations before joining Dow’s Corporate Finance Department. His knowledge and expertise in finance, and his leadership abilities later brought him to Gardey.

Doug and his wife Barb are active members of their church and community, and proud parents and grandparents. He is president of his church congregation and volunteers his time serving lunches to the homeless. For relaxation, he enjoys spending time outdoors and trail hiking with his family.