Jerry G. Sutton, J.D., CFP®, AIF™

Founder of SuttonAdvisors a strategic advisory firm helping its clients create the future in which they would like to live, Jerry's personal experience as a business owner, husband and father led him to adopt a unique business model.

Instead of looking at his company as a financial planning, estate planning, investment advisory or risk management company, he and his team are strategic advisors for his clients. This business model for SuttonAdvisors has allowed Jerry to pursue his vision of helping each of his clients to live with confidence.

Jerry and his wife, Linda Sutton have partnered since 1977 to create SuttonAdvisors, and continue to lead it into the future.

Professional Designations
Jerry, an attorney, is both a Certified Financial Planner™ professional (CFP®) and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF™). He is also a fellow of the Esperti Peterson Institute, and of the Estate and Wealth Strategies Institute at Michigan State University. Jerry is licensed in insurance and is a Registered Principal for securities transactions, holding his Series 7, 24, 27, and 63.

Professional Organizations
WealthCounselLLC, Financial Planning Association, Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council, Ingham County Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Mid-Michigan Planned Giving Council, and International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy.

He has served as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, as a Board Member of the Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council, a Board Member of the Financial Planning Association, and serves on the T.M. Cooley Law School Alumni Board of Governors. Jerry is a member of the Arts, Communications, Entertainment & Sports Section and the Probate & Estate Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Community Involvement
A Lansing native, graduate of J.W. Sexton High School, Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Jerry is passionate about how he and SuttonAdvisors provide for the community - and how he helps his clients to do the same.

Jerry is a member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association External Relations Committee and The People Church Endowment Committee. He has served as an Elder at The Peoples Church in East Lansing. A past board member of the East Lansing Educational Foundation, Jerry also has served as the organization's treasurer. He is past President of the Old Timers Baseball Association, past President of the Bull Pen Club (MSU Baseball's Booster Organization) and past President of the Varsity "S" Club (MSU Athletics Varsity Alumni Organization).

Honors and Awards
Jerry has been twice honored in the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame. First for participation on two State Championship basketball teams for J.W. Sexton High School (1960 -1961), as well as for his accomplishments as an MSU baseball player and an All- American.

In 2005, Jerry received the distinguished alumnus award from Michigan State University, and the MSU baseball program.

In 2003, Jerry and Linda jointly received T.M. Cooley Law School's Distinguished Alumni Service Award. Jerry is a member of the inaugural T.M. Cooley Law School class.

Books, Articles and Presentations
Love, Money and Control: Reinventing Estate Planning. Sutton, Esperti and Peterson. Denver CO: Quantum Press, 2002.

Selected Presentations
Invest in the Investment Fiduciary Process, Michigan Society of Association Executives. July 13, 2010

Transitioning Relationships to the Next Generation, Association of Fundraising Professionals. January 8, 2009

Leaving a Lasting Legacy, PTO.

"Planning with Annuities", Ingham County Bar Association, Lansing, Michigan (March 21, 2006).

"Understand the Reality of Your Financial Future*", The Commander's Club, Lansing, Michigan (March 9, 2006). [*BetaVest Technologies, Inc.]

"Business Succession Planning", The Academy of Multidisciplinary Practice, Inc.

Real Estate Law, Lansing Community College

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Workshops for numerous groups and organizationsacross the Mid-Michigan area.