Navigating Your Financial Future with Our Central Kentucky Wealth Management Team

At Stock Yards Bank Wealth Management & Trust, we understand that navigating the complexities of wealth management requires not only expertise but also a deep understanding of your unique goals and aspirations. We are proud to have a dedicated and experienced team in Central Kentucky, committed to providing you with personalized guidance and unwavering support. This quarter, we are delighted to spotlight three key members of our Lexington wealth management team: Selina Shepherd, Chad Rudzik, and Greg Watkins. Their diverse backgrounds, extensive knowledge, and shared commitment to client success form the bedrock of our service in this vibrant community.

Selina Shepherd: Collaborative Leadership for Client Success

As a Wealth Advisor Manager, Selina champions a collaborative approach, ensuring clients benefit from the collective expertise of her team. Her leadership fosters an environment where diverse talents converge connect, providing comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to individual needs. Selina believes achieving financial goals is a shared journey, demanding seamless coordination and unwavering dedication from every advisor.

Selina’s path to financial services reflects her inherent drive and commitment to growth. Raised in Letcher County, Kentucky, the values of hard work, family, and community deeply shaped her. Her upbringing, from working on her family’s farm, to enjoying summers on Norris Lake in Tennessee, instilled a practical understanding of resourcefulness and the rewards of effort. The influence of her mother and grandmother nurtured her creativity and attention to detail through sewing and quilting, while also imparting a strong faith that guides her principles. From her father, she learned the importance of a strong work ethic and prioritizing family – values central to her professional and personal life.

Selina earned an Accounting degree from Letcher County Technical Center. Recognizing the specialized nature of wealth management, she completed the Trust Administration program at Cannon Financial Institute and earned the prestigious Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®) certification, signifying her deep understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and ethical conduct.

Having spent her life in Central and Eastern Kentucky, Selina possesses a nuanced understanding of the local economic landscape and the unique needs of her clients. Her commitment extends to active involvement in the Bluegrass Estate Planning Council and the Institute of Certified Bankers, demonstrating her dedication to staying at the forefront of industry best practices and upholding the highest professional standards. Her past service on the Lexington Public Library Foundation board highlights her commitment to the community's cultural vitality.

Selina’s experience in both banking and wealth management provides her with a comprehensive perspective on the financial world. She approaches complex issues with meticulous detail, strategic thinking, and a client-first focus. Her ability to connect with clients personally, combined with her deep industry knowledge, allows her to build strong, lasting relationships based on trust, open communication, and a shared understanding of their financial aspirations.

Beyond her professional achievements, Selina cherishes time with her family, including her two married daughters and three grandchildren. She finds immense joy in creating lasting memories with them. Selina’s enthusiasm, dedication, and warmth extend from her personal life to her profession, making her an invaluable asset to Stock Yards Bank and a trusted advisor to the individuals and families she serves.

Chad Rudzik: Guiding High-Net-Worth Clients with Comprehensive Estate Planning Expertise

Chad stands as a seasoned Wealth Advisor at Stock Yards Bank, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a dedicated focus to serving the complex financial needs of high-net-worth clients. His expertise lies in providing comprehensive financial guidance, with a particular emphasis on overall estate planning and addressing the immediate and future financial well-being of clients and their families. Chad possesses a unique specialization in advising trust beneficiaries, ensuring that their financial goals align seamlessly with the original intentions of the trust.

Chad’s academic foundation is rooted in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Kentucky, providing him with a strong analytical and strategic thinking framework. He has further augmented his expertise with the prestigious Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation earned from Cannon Trust School. This certification underscores his deep understanding of trust administration, fiduciary responsibilities, and the intricacies of wealth transfer strategies.

Prior to joining Stock Yards Bank, Chad honed his skills and gained invaluable experience serving as a Senior Trust Officer and Wealth Management Advisor at two well-respected financial institutions. This background has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of wealth management for affluent individuals and families, allowing him to navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence and precision.

Chad’s commitment extends beyond his professional responsibilities to actively contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our community. He currently serves on the LexArts Board of Directors, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Lexington. His involvement demonstrates his belief in the importance of a thriving cultural ecosystem and his willingness to dedicate his time and expertise to its advancement. Additionally, Chad serves as the Lafayette Women’s Volleyball Booster President, showcasing his support for local youth and his commitment to fostering community spirit through athletic engagement.

Chad’s approach to wealth advising is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of various financial aspects. He takes the time to thoroughly understand each client’s unique circumstances, family dynamics, and long-term objectives. This holistic perspective allows him to develop tailored strategies that address not only their current financial needs but also their future estate planning considerations. His expertise in advising trust beneficiaries ensures that these individuals receive the guidance necessary to manage their inheritances effectively and in a manner consistent with the grantor’s wishes.

Clients working with Chad can expect a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to their wealth management needs. He is dedicated to providing clear and concise explanations of complex financial concepts, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their financial future. His commitment to building strong, long-lasting relationships based on trust and open communication makes him a valuable partner in navigating the intricacies of wealth management and achieving long-term financial security for generations to come.

Greg Watkins: Leveraging Decades of Investment Management Experience for Your Financial Success

Greg brings nearly three decades of invaluable investment management experience to his role as a seasoned Investment Advisor at Stock Yards Bank. His extensive tenure in the financial industry provides our clients with a depth of knowledge and a nuanced understanding of market dynamics that is crucial in today’s ever-evolving economic landscape. Greg’s passion lies in working directly with clients in the Lexington area, helping them define and achieve their unique financial aspirations.

Greg’s career path reflects a dedicated commitment to serving his clients effectively. Prior to rejoining Stock Yards Bank in 2024, he was a partner and owner of Sapphire Fiduciary Advisors, further solidifying his understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and the importance of always acting in the best interests of his clients. Interestingly, this marks Greg’s return to the Stock Yards Bank family, having previously served clients in Louisville from 2015 to 2022. His decision to return underscores his appreciation for the community bank model, where local decision-making allows for a more personalized and responsive approach to client needs.

A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Greg possesses a strong academic foundation in investment principles and financial analysis. His commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by his attainment of the prestigious Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation. This globally recognized certification signifies a high level of competency in investment consulting, asset allocation, and risk management, ensuring that Greg provides his clients with sophisticated and well-informed investment advice.

Greg’s investment philosophy is centered on a client-centric approach that prioritizes understanding individual life goals and tailoring investment strategies accordingly. He emphasizes the importance of planning for significant life events, such as purchasing a home, funding education, or securing healthcare needs. By utilizing sophisticated financial modeling tools, Greg helps clients gain a clear understanding of their current financial position and project their potential future outcomes with careful and strategic planning. This proactive approach empowers clients to make informed decisions and feel confident in their financial trajectory.

Beyond his professional dedication, Greg is an active and engaged member of the community. He serves as a board member and secretary of Music at the Island, a nonprofit organization that makes a significant positive impact on the Rough River community in Breckenridge and Grayson counties. Since its inception in 2020, this organization has successfully raised over $200,000, highlighting Greg’s commitment to giving back and supporting causes that are important to him.

When he is not immersed in the world of finance, Greg enjoys the culinary art of cooking country hams, a process that reflects his patience and attention to detail. He also enjoys spending time boating and embracing the outdoors. His deep roots in Kentucky are further evidenced by the fact that both of his children are currently attending the University of Kentucky, continuing a family tradition that spans four generations. 

A Collaborative Approach for Your Financial Well-being

Selina, Chad, and Greg, along with the entire team at Stock Yards Bank, are united in their commitment to providing you with exceptional service and personalized guidance. Their diverse expertise and shared dedication to your financial success ensure that you receive comprehensive and tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. We are proud to have these talented individuals serving our clients and are confident in their ability to help you navigate your financial journey with clarity and confidence. We encourage you to reach out to Selina, Chad, or Greg to experience firsthand their commitment to your financial well-being.

We provide the information in this newsletter for general guidance only. It does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, investment, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. The information is provided “as is,” with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

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