Meet the Cornerstone Wealth Management Team
Scott Ford, RFC
President and Founder
As president and founder of Cornerstone Wealth Management Group, Scott D. Ford is an accomplished author and lecturer who has provided individuals, families and business clients in the Tri-State area with insurance and investment advice for over a decade. He is frequently featured in the media and in speaking engagements, promoting his trademark philosophy known as the "Six Pillars of Life" — a strategy designed to balance one's spirituality, family, health, career, philanthropy, and finances.
Scott utilized this same philosophy as a foundation in developing a unique and comprehensive financial planning process. When applied, this process results in the creation of individualized financial strategies designed to increase the probability that clients will achieve their financial objectives. Scott believes this, in turn, aids the client in eliminating the distractions of an often complex financial arena. Clients are provided clarity, direction and are enabled to focus on those aspects of life they enjoy most.
Ford is an independent businessman with a focus on community involvement and activism. The proceeds from his book, The Widow's Wealth Map: Six Steps to Beginning Again, were donated to a variety of local charities. In addition, his belief in financial education led him to participate as an instructor for Hagerstown Community College's Continuing Education Department.
In an effort to ensure the highest level of service to his clients, Scott is also continually seeking his professional development. In addition to receiving his Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) designation, Scott is a member of the Financial Planning Association and is a Paladin Registry Advisor.
Scott has also been a guest on local NBC Television affiliate WHAG-TV 25 and has been featured in The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, InvestmentNews and contributed to The Today Show. He is registered with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent Broker/Dealer and is ranked in the top 1% of all advisors (based on gross dealer commissions).
Jack B. Castle
Wealth Plan Design Specialist/Wealth Advisor
Jack began his career 36 years ago in the financial services field and has experience in banking, investment management and financial planning. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a BBA degree, he began his career in Chicago at the Continental Illinois National Bank as a commercial banking trainee and later became Vice President. In 1986, he and his family moved to Maryland where he managed the Frederick Region of the First National Bank of Maryland. In 1993, he became a Financial Advisor at Legg Mason where he earned the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Retirement Plan Consultant and Wealth Management Specialist. Jack joined Cornerstone as its Chief Operating Officer in 2008.
He has a long history of community volunteerism with many leadership roles in Frederick and Washington County. Presently, he is a member of the Endowment Fund Board of the Washington County Healthcare System.
Jack and his wife, Judy, live in Hagerstown. They are the parents of six children and the grandparents of eleven. They are actively involved as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoy spending time with their family in addition to swimming and running.
Scott Toms, CIMA®
Chief Investment Officer
Scott graduated from Shepherd University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, specializing in management with a minor in communications. After a successful management career in the transportation industry, he entered the financial planning arena in April of 2000. Scott holds the professional designation of Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA); he earned the designation in 2005 after extensive graduate-level coursework and examination at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. He is among only 5,500 individuals worldwide who have attained this prestigious license.
As a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA), Scott upholds their mission of ensuring quality service to the public by developing and encouraging high standards in the investment consulting profession. He currently directs the research and tactical investment policy at Cornerstone Wealth Management Group, managing portfolio strategy and individual security selection. Scott has contributed to and been featured in Financial Week, Investment News and the Wall Street Journal Magazine: Smart Money Magazine. He is also a registered representative with and offers securities through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Scott and his wife, Stacey, have been married since 1997 and have two children, Ian and Lauren. He is a member of Paramount Baptist Church and enjoys spending his free time with family, including his German Shepherd Dog, Steffi. Scott's hobbies also include playing golf, soccer and collecting music.
John Saunders II
Wealth Advisor
John began his career track 15 years ago by becoming a partner in a local tax firm. Client demand created a natural segue into the financial arena via requests from clients for investment advice. Since that time, John has been a Financial Advisor for 14 years, having been a partner and also owning his own financial planning firm. Today, he is focused on providing customized financial advice to his clients while incorporating his knowledge of tax planning. John is currently pursuing a Certified Financial Planner designation in a continuing effort to better serve his clients. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Financial Advisors and has served as a Staff Instructor at Hagerstown Community College.
John and his wife Stephanne have been married for 8 years and have two young sons, Nathan and Logan. John is actively involved at Valley Grace Brethren Church and enjoys softball, hunting, and his sons' sporting activities.
Debbie Frey
Client Service Manager
Debbie joined Cornerstone Wealth Management Group in January of 2009. She brings nearly 10 years of experience to the firm, having previously worked as a Registered Sales Assistant and Office Manager for Parker/Hunter, Inc. of Pittsburgh.
Debbie is married and has two children. She serves as Treasurer of the Parent Teacher Organization in her community and she enjoys gardening and cooking.
Erica Shaw
Director of First Impressions
Erica has been a member of the Cornerstone Wealth Management Group team since October of 2002. She graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles/Merchandising. Erica has over 12 years experience in Customer Service and Relations. She enjoys gardening, home décor, and collecting antiques. Erica lives in Hagerstown with her husband Brian and daughter Ragan.
