Securities and Insurance Licensed Advisors
John J. Brais, Owner
Financial Planner
Family Wealth Counselor
Licenses: Series 65
IAPD – Investment Adviser Public Disclosure report
John formed Horizon Financial Services, LLC in 2011 and New Horizon Financial Services, Inc. in 2004 to serve his clients and offer a solid selection of investment options to help them achieve their retirement goals. John believes people are empowered by being able to choose from a wide range of options through which to help secure their futures. His focus is on comprehensive financial analysis, conservative investment strategies, and “big picture” planning.
He is committed to educating clients about the various investment options available and guiding them in choosing the appropriate plan to fit their unique needs. Since John considers his clients to be his “extended family,” the work he finds most challenging and rewarding is individual retirement counseling, tax minimization strategies, and estate/legacy planning.
John has maintained a steady increase of new clients through the quality of services he provides. John’s eagerness to learn, his excitement to share his knowledge and his standing as an active, positive force in the community has earned him the respect and admiration of his clients and staff.
Melissa Chadwick, CCO
Financial Planner
Family Wealth Counselor
Licenses: Series 65
IAPD – Investment Adviser Public Disclosure report
Melissa joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in January of 2010. As Chief Compliance Officer, Financial Planner and Family Wealth Counselor, Melissa works closely with John Brais in managing client relationships and delivering comprehensive financial planning to help clients achieve their financial and life goals. She is also a member of the Horizon Financial Investment Committee. Melissa believes there is more to life than money and that success is not measured solely by your financial standing, but how happy and confident you feel about your future.
She holds her Series 65 license as well as her NC Life Insurance license. Melissa previously served as the Director of Operations and Marketing for Horizon Financial, responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations and marketing. Melissa’s background makes her uniquely qualified to provide advice on a broad array of financial, business, and life issues.
Melissa was born in Winston-Salem and is a life-long resident of the Triad area. As a member of the WS Elks Lodge, she enjoys volunteering in their many different programs to support the Veterans, schools, and the community.
Scott D. Walker
Financial Planner
Family Wealth Counselor
Licenses: Series 65
IAPD – Investment Adviser Public Disclosure report
Scott joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in June of 2011. As an independent Financial Planner and Family Wealth Counselor, Scott has a simple philosophy that most people are really looking for someone they can trust to always do the right thing and a true friend who will not just tell them what they want to hear or take advantage of the relationship. He is a teacher at heart. He truly loves to educate his clients about appropriate financial products specific to their individual needs that are available in today’s confusing financial marketplace.
Prior to joining Horizon Financial, Scott came from the retail banking world where he worked for both Wachovia Bank and Wells Fargo Advisors as a Regional Bank Private Banker in Winston-Salem. With more than two decades of experience working with individuals and businesses, he has considerable knowledge of insurance and investment products, a solid professional reputation and passionate commitment to helping others achieve financial success. Scott believes there is nothing more crucial to building and maintaining long-term relationships than integrity. He takes his client responsibilities seriously and continuously strives to develop a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the financial concerns and needs of all of his clients.
Scott was born and raised in Winston-Salem. His wife, Cheryl, likes to tease him by claiming “Walkers never leave Forsyth County” which is not a stretch since part of his family history dates back to the original settlers of Bethania. The proud father of two wonderful daughters, Rebecca and Samantha, Scott is actively committed to our community.
Joe M. Perkins, MBA, CLTC
Financial Planner
Family Wealth Counselor
Licenses: Series 65
IAPD – Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Report
Joe joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC as an independent Financial Planner, Family Wealth Counselor in July of 2017. Approaching his role as that of a financial coach, Joe endeavors to direct his clients toward their stated financial goals while helping them avoid financial risks along the way. He encourages his clients to be forward-focused and courageous in conversation.
He began his career in the capital markets industry in 2004 and became a registered representative of a broker/dealer in 2014.
A collegiate wrestler at Appalachian State University, Joe completed his undergraduate degree in Finance and Banking in 2002. In 2008, he earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Wake Forest University. Joe holds a Life/Health/Medicare Supplement & Long-Term Care License and obtained his Series 65 securities registration. He previously held his Series 6 and 63 securities registrations. Joe is an Investment Advisor Representative registered with the state of NC.
Joe is an active member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and the National Ethics Association (NEA). In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter in the great outdoors, volunteering at his church and local non-profits, and coaching youth athletics.
Specialty Planning Areas Include:
Strategic Financial Planning | 401(k) & Retirement Planning | Tax Planning Strategies Life Insurance | Long-Term Care | Supplemental Disability Insurance | Medicare Benefits Planning
Insurance Licensed Professionals
Debra Mackie
Insurance Professional
Debra joined New Horizon Financial Services, Inc. in July of 2010. As a Financial Professional, Debra uses her experience in the financial services and retirement income planning industry to help clients cut through all the noise and confusion and keep their focus on reaching financial goals. She enjoys a special camaraderie with her clients; working with energy, enthusiasm and genuine care for their best interest.
Debra has been in the financial services and retirement income planning industry for more than 20 years. She began her financial services career in 1994 as a representative with Nationwide Financial Services. After being named the top representative in the Southeast Region for Nationwide, she was promoted to State Director for North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. In 2001, Debra started her own company specializing in individual retirement income planning. Prior to joining New Horizon Financial, she was a representative with a local wealth management group for eight years.
As a native of Yadkin County and a resident of Forsyth County, Debra specializes in retirement planning for women in the Triad. Debra regularly shares her professional expertise through educational workshops focused exclusively on the unique financial needs of women. Her passion is working with retirees and those nearing retirement to help produce useful results through insurance planning.
Joe King, CLTC
Medicare Benefits
After receiving his degree in Business Administration from Duke University, Joe enjoyed a career in sales as the Oldsmobile/Nissan dealer in Spartanburg, South Carolina. His dealership was consistently recognized by General Motors and Nissan for achieving the highest possible ratings in sales and customer satisfaction.
In addition to his professional career, Joe has been and continues to be an active member of various civic and charitable organizations. While in Spartanburg, he served as a chairperson for the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Way. Joe led the annual campaign for United Way and served as capital fund chairman for Salvation Army.
In 1998, Joe moved to Winston-Salem to be closer to family and pursue a career guiding seniors on the insurance issues involved in planning for their futures. He earned the designation of Certified in Long Term Care and as a member of the New Horizon Financial Services, Inc. team, Joe specializes in the complex arena of Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D benefits, life insurance, and long-term care planning.
Jeff Cecil
Financial Professional
Born and raised on a farm in Davidson County, Jeff has developed a well-rounded range of expertise. Serving as an instructor in the U.S. Army Reserves, he provided the necessary structure and fortitude to not only achieve his individual goals, but also assist others in reaching theirs.
Jeff spent twenty-seven years in Duke Power’s marketing department and several years operating his own construction company. These experiences expanded Jeff’s capabilities in taking ownership of tasks at hand and seeing them through to a successful conclusion.
As a member of the New Horizon Financial Services, Inc. team, Jeff has complemented his experience by aiding individuals with insurance and health care coverage. In the financial arena, Jeff applies the versatile knowledge he has gained from the diverse endeavors he’s preformed. And, as evidenced by his numerous associations and affiliations, he’s great at putting out all kinds of “fires!”
Client Service and Operations Team
Dawn Rutledge
Director of Client Services
Dawn joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in January of 2006. She assists clients with their account needs including new securities applications, transfers and withdrawals, Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), IRA contributions and Roth conversions.
She has 20 years of customer service experience with a focus within the financial services industry.
Dawn is a resident of Clemmons and enjoys spending time at her place in the North Carolina mountains and with her family and friends.
Tassa Cremedy
Assistant Director of Client Services
Tassa joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in December of 2014. As Assistant Director of Client Services, Tassa assists clients with completing annuity applications, preparing for anniversary reviews, and facilitating client withdrawal and reallocation requests. She also manages all the day-to-day administrative and clerical activities which keep the office running smoothly.
She has 15 years of administrative experience and prior to joining Horizon Financial, Tassa worked for BB&T.
Tassa was born and raised in Winston-Salem which she proudly calls home. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and her dog, Gizmo (long-haired dachshund).
Ashley Parrish
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Ashley joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in July of 2019. As Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, she provides support to the Horizon Financial team, assists with front office duties and gives direct customer service to clients.
Prior to joining Horizon Financial, Ashley was the Administrative Assistant at Miracles In Sight. She handled accounting, IT and facilities while there for more than four years.
Ashley is originally from Danville, VA until moving to Orlando, FL in 2005 and then to the Winston-Salem/Kernersville area in 2007. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her 13-year-old daughter Chloe and 5 -year-old son Nate.
Yvonne Albarran
Assistant Compliance Officer/Accounts Receivable Specialist/IT Solutions Coordinator
Yvonne joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in November of 2003. As Assistant Compliance Officer, Accounts Receivable Specialist, and IT Solutions Coordinator, her responsibilities range from working closely with the Chief Compliance Officer and accounting departments of various insurance carriers to ensuring that all client files are maintained and current. She also provides information technology (IT) support and coordinates technological needs to keep the office processes running smoothly. In addition, Yvonne works closely with the Portfolio Manager providing assistance in maintaining and updating all portfolio management programs.
She has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industry. Prior to joining Horizon Financial, Yvonne served as a Senior Service Coordinator with Prudential Financial where she worked collaboratively with financial and insurance associates to help them provide sustainable, customer-focused solutions.
Yvonne and her husband, Wilfredo, have called North Carolina home since 2002. She enjoys volunteer work, gardening, cooking, reading and the outdoors, but her greatest enjoyment comes from being a mom to her son and daughter.
Jessica Patterson
Marketing & Business Development Manager
Jessica joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in December of 2017. As Marketing & Business Development Manager, she manages all of the marketing activities for Horizon Financial including, but not limited to, event planning and logistics, collateral and promotional material development, client gifts, and digital marketing initiatives.
She has 19 years of marketing communications experience in a variety of industries including finance/accounting, technology, and manufacturing.
Jessica graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and she also holds an MBA from High Point University. She also has certificates in Computer Graphics and Photography from Guilford Technical Community College.
She was born and raised in Greensboro and has resided in Clemmons since 2008. Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, Wes, and their daughter, Johanna, along with their family cat, Ninja.
Julie Sayers
Director of Finance & Operations
Julie joined Horizon Financial Services, LLC in February of 2007. As Director of Finance & Operations, she is responsible for overseeing many of Horizon Financial’s operations from marketing to corporate financial compliance, human resource management, accounts payable/accounts receivable, corporate financial planning and reporting.
Prior to joining Horizon Financial, Julie served as the office manager for a law firm in Kernersville for more than seven years. In addition to the duties associated with that position, she also assisted with the firm’s marketing efforts and client services.
Julie and her husband, Bryan, have called Winston-Salem home since 1999. In addition to their love for travel and the outdoors, they enjoy spending time with family and friends. Their daughter, Emma, was born in March of 2009.
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