Professional history, Credentials & Personal story
Our Team

Chris Jones is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). After beginning his career in the tax department of a national CPA firm and later serving with the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Chris founded his CPA practice in 1981. His practice was built on a foundation of integrity, confidentiality, and an unwavering commitment to serving clients.
In 2000, Chris expanded his commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals by founding Carolina Financial Advisors, Inc. Today, he specializes in investment management, retirement planning, tax-efficient wealth strategies, estate planning, philanthropic planning, and comprehensive financial management. Chris works closely with clients and their families to develop personalized strategies built on honesty, advocacy, and trust.
With more than four decades of experience, Chris is dedicated to helping clients pursue financial confidence through thoughtful planning and disciplined investment strategies.
Chris and his wife, Betsy Duke Jones, have two children, Christopher Jones and Melissa White, and are proud grandparents of two grandchildren.
Financial Advisor
CFP®, CKA®, CPA

Bill Poland, CFP®, CRPS, CKA®, CFCA ®, CEPA®, CMP™
Financial Advisor
Bill Poland is an experienced financial advisor dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals while creating a meaningful and lasting legacy. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Business, Bill joined Carolina Financial Advisors in 2017 after spending 14 years serving clients in the financial services industry.
Bill holds several distinguished professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®), Certified Medicaid Planner™ (CMP™), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ (CRPS®), Christian Financial Consultant and Advisor™ (CFCA®), and Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). These credentials reflect his commitment to providing comprehensive, client-centered financial guidance across a broad range of disciplines.
His areas of expertise include comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, business succession and exit planning, long-term care and asset protection planning, Biblically based financial planning, values-based investment strategies, and customized corporate retirement benefit plans. Bill works closely with each client to develop personalized strategies tailored to their unique goals, values, and circumstances.
Known for his thoughtful approach and commitment to personalized service, Bill serves as a trusted advisor to clients seeking financial clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. His passion is helping clients make informed financial decisions that support both their current needs and their long-term vision for the future.
Financial Advisor
CFP®, CRPS, CKA®, CFCA ®, CEPA®, CMP™

David Belk, CFP®, CKA®, has been helping individuals, families, and businesses pursue their financial goals since 1989. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, David takes a holistic approach to financial planning and investment management, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with confidence and clarity.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Management, David is committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence. In addition to earning the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, he has also earned the Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) designation, reflecting his commitment to providing financial guidance that aligns with each client's personal values and long-term objectives.
Throughout his career, David has been actively involved in professional leadership and community service. He served as both PAC Chairman and President of the Greensboro Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and was honored with the 2011 W.H. Andrews Member of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to the profession.
David's professional affiliations include the Estate Planning Council, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Greensboro Kiwanis Club. These organizations help him stay informed on evolving industry trends and best practices while maintaining strong ties to the local community he serves.
David is passionate about helping clients develop comprehensive financial strategies that address investment management, retirement planning, wealth preservation, estate planning, and legacy goals. His client-centered approach is built on trust, education, and long-term relationships designed to support financial confidence at every stage of life.
Financial Advisor
CFP®, CEPA®, CKA®

Patrick Williford joined Carolina Financial Advisors after beginning his career with a large national broker-dealer, where he developed a strong foundation serving high-net-worth individuals and families through a rigorous advisor training program. As his experience grew, Patrick became convinced that clients are best served when financial advice is driven by their goals and unique circumstances rather than sales quotas or product-driven recommendations. This belief ultimately led him to establish his independent practice with Carolina Financial Advisors.
Today, Patrick helps individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions through a personalized and comprehensive planning approach. His clients benefit from access to a broad universe of investment and planning solutions, delivered with integrity, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to their long-term success.
Patrick holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®) designation and specializes in comprehensive financial planning, retirement income planning, estate and legacy strategies, and tax-aware investment management. He is passionate about helping families become intentional stewards of the wealth and resources entrusted to them, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their values and long-term objectives.
A native of Greensboro, Patrick remains deeply involved in the local community through organizations including the Greensboro 100 Club, the Piedmont Triad Clemson Club, the North Carolina MG Car Club, Friends of Jocassee and several other nonprofits and civic organizations throughout the Triad.
Patrick lives in Greensboro with his wife, who is his high school sweetheart, and he still drives the same Toyota 4Runner he got when he turned 16. He jokingly considers both facts a testament to his long-term investment philosophy. Outside of the office, he is a proud father, an avid bass fisherman, aspiring classic car tinker-er, occasional snow skier, and still foolishly believes that there is a scratch golfer buried deep inside of him somewhere.
Financial Advisor
CRPC®

Jessica Neisler
Chief Compliance Officer, Operations Manager
Jessica Neisler serves as Chief Compliance Officer and Marketing Director for Carolina Financial Advisors, Inc., where she plays a key role in supporting the firm's advisors, clients, and strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in financial services and a passion for operational excellence, Jessica helps ensure the firm's commitment to regulatory compliance, ethical business practices, and exceptional client service remains at the forefront of everything it does.
Jessica began her career in the financial services industry in California in 2014, working with broker-dealers and developing a strong foundation in financial operations, regulatory compliance, and advisor support. In 2018, she relocated to North Carolina with her family and joined Carolina Financial Advisors in 2019. Since then, she has become an integral member of the firm's leadership team, overseeing compliance programs, operational processes, and marketing initiatives that support both client education and business growth.
Jessica has a genuine appreciation for compliance and the important role it plays in protecting clients and maintaining the integrity of the financial services profession. She enjoys staying current with industry regulations and implementing processes that help advisors serve clients with confidence while upholding the highest ethical standards. Her attention to detail, collaborative approach, and commitment to excellence have helped foster a culture of accountability and professionalism throughout the firm.
In addition to her compliance responsibilities, Jessica leads the firm's marketing efforts, including website development, digital marketing, client communications, and educational outreach. She enjoys helping communicate complex financial concepts in a clear and approachable way while supporting the firm's mission of helping clients pursue financial confidence and long-term success.
Jessica values teamwork and enjoys working alongside colleagues who share a commitment to integrity, service, and putting clients first. She takes pride in supporting both the advisors and staff of Carolina Financial Advisors and contributing to an environment where collaboration and client care are top priorities.
Outside of the office, Jessica's greatest joy is her family. As a mother of five children, she understands firsthand the importance of planning, adaptability, and perseverance. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she remains actively involved in youth athletics, coaching her children's teams and helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork. She also serves as Treasurer of the Walkertown Girls Softball League, where she helps support the organization's mission of providing positive athletic experiences and opportunities for young athletes in the community.
Whether managing compliance initiatives, developing marketing strategies, balancing budgets, or coaching from the sidelines, Jessica brings the same dedication, leadership, and passion for helping others succeed.
Chief Compliance Officer, Operations Manager

Working closely with clients on a daily basis, Dawn assists with account paperwork, service requests, client communications, scheduling, and a variety of administrative needs. Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy help create a smooth and efficient experience for clients while supporting the advisors in delivering exceptional service. She takes pride in helping clients navigate processes that can sometimes feel overwhelming, providing friendly assistance and dependable support every step of the way.
Dawn's dedication to service extends beyond the office. She serves as secretary and bookkeeper for her church and is actively involved in volunteer and ministry efforts within her community. Her faith, compassion, and commitment to helping others are evident in both her professional and personal life.
Known for her reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to lend a helping hand, Dawn enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and contributing to the welcoming environment that defines Carolina Financial Advisors. She values being part of a team that is committed to helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals with confidence and peace of mind.
Outside of work, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of two grown sons and grandmother to three grandchildren. When she's not volunteering or supporting clients, she enjoys baking and sharing her homemade treats with family and friends.
Administrative Assistant