Ralph Cole, CFA
Director
Equity Strategy and Portfolio Management
Opening a Washington office had long been a goal for Ferguson Wellman. In 2021, as businesses globally grappled with remote work transitions, we established our first office in the state.
The City of Bellevue reports that nearly four million square feet of space has been added since 2021, fueled by a surge in the tech industry. Southwest Washington continues to thrive due to robust economic development incentives and favorable tax advantages for businesses and families.
On January 2, 2026, Ferguson Wellman completed its first acquisition, integrating Great Northern Asset Management’s professionals with our investment and client service teams, resulting in a second Washington office. Now, with a location in Vancouver, we can serve clients on both sides of the Columbia River.
Our colleagues, Chris Bixby, CFP®, EA, Tami Oglesby, and Sheri Sanders, manage our two Washington offices and maintain direct relationships with many clients across the state. Thirty-six portfolio managers and client relationship associates in total work with Washington clients, with our assets under management totaling $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2025.
Last month, we completed our 2026 Outlook season, hosting 217 guests in Bellevue, Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver. Seattle had lighter attendance this year due to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl Championship Parade coinciding with the date of our event, which we of course viewed as a fortuitous problem.
Since 2019, Washington has introduced several tax measures, increasing the importance of regularly assessing clients’ wealth strategies in collaboration with their tax and estate advisors. Recent federal and state budget reductions have brought uncertainty to Washington’s businesses and nonprofits, prompting increased inquiries from both individual clients and nonprofit organizations whose assets we manage.
Today, our entire team serves clients in more than 30 states and closely monitors the evolving estate and tax planning scenarios shaped by ongoing policy changes. As our firm has expanded over the last decade, we continue to strengthen relationships in regions where our client base is growing. Through economic booms and downturns, we partner with both individual and institutional clients, guiding them through key planning decisions and encouraging long-term investment commitments.
As policy changes continue in 2026, we look forward to our ongoing work to adapt wealth planning strategies for families and develop sustainable income streams for nonprofits.
Disclosure
The views expressed represent the opinion of Ferguson Wellman. The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Statements of future expectations, estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on available information and Ferguson Wellman’s views as of the time of these statements. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Ferguson Wellman, Octavia Group and West Bearing do not provide tax, legal, insurance or medical advice. This material has been prepared for general educational purposes only and not as a substitute for qualified counsel who can determine how this information applies to you. We believe the information provided is from reliable sources but should not be assumed accurate or complete.
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