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The Role of a Professional Fiduciary

Part of our Aging Well series

If you are a solo ager or a caregiver, or if you just want to free family members from decisions in your later life, you may want to consider the services offered by a professional fiduciary. Come to this session for an overview of the roles of a fiduciary, how to find one, and what costs you can expect.

Fiduciaries work to balance care, compassion, and professional advocacy. Fiduciary services may include trustee, guardian, estate representative, daily bill paying and money management, healthcare representation, agent under a power of attorney, personal representative for senior with no spouse or family, or a conservator for those who are mentally or physically incapacitated. Ideally, fiduciaries also nurture a bond of trust, concern, and attentive caregiving.

A fiduciary seeks to support mental and emotional well-being; reduce the stress of changing circumstances or unexpected events; and, most importantly, help each client, and their families, enjoy a fulfilling life.

Speakers

Carl A. Wayne

Assistant Vice President, Planned Giving
Board Member, National Board of Advisors in Philanthropy

Carl A. Wayne joined the University of Washington’s University Advancement team as the Assistant Vice President for Planned Giving November 2021. Prior to this he was Senior Advisor, Charitable Estate Planning for the American Heart Association (AHA). As part of the national AHA team, Carl worked across 10 western states to inspire and secure a range of complex gifts. Carl is a skilled fundraiser, relationship builder and strategist. He earned his undergraduate degree at UCLA and secured his JD at the University of West Los Angeles Law School. He is an active member of State Bar of California. He previously served on the National Board of Financial Planning Association (FPA) 2020-2022, and currently serves on National Board of Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP).

When not working, Carl enjoys spending time with family, biking, walking, movies, cooking, reading, and perusing vintage bookstores.

Heather E. Williams

Senior Director, Office for Planned Giving

Heather is currently a Senior Director in the Office for Planned Giving at the University of Washington. She was previously the Director of Development on the Gift Planning team at Seattle University for nine years. She has more than 20 years of fundraising experience and earned a J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law in 2007. After law school, Heather spent five years adjudicating disability compensation claims and appeals with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and maintained a part-time solo practice in estate planning. Heather also served as the Development Director for the Seattle International Children’s Festival and worked in development and campaign assistant roles with the Point Defiance Zoo Society, Pat Graney Dance Company, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. She earned her B.S. in Economics from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, and spent a year of study abroad at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

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