Advisors
Edward B. Simmons
Managing Director, Partner
Mr. Simmons is a Managing Director and Partner at HighTower. Previously he was with Merrill Lynch since 1987. Mr. Simmons specializes in income generating portfolios and family wealth transfer techniques. He also focuses on fixed income investments, analyzing and researching fixed income securities for our clients.
Mr. Simmons’ education includes a BA in economics from Wesleyan University, an MA in mathematics from the University of N.H. and a doctorate in education from Harvard. He is an active athlete, and currently serves on the boards of many non-profit organizations including Maine Handicapped Skiing and Yarmouth Rowing Club. He and his wife Priscilla live on Cousins Island, Yarmouth, Maine.
Mr. Simmons holds Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
Gibson R. Wilkes, CFP®
Managing Director, Partner
Mrs. Wilkes joined HighTower as a Managing Director and Partner from Merrill Lynch. She focuses her time on financial planning and protecting our clients’ wealth. Mrs. Wilkes guides our clients through the planning process working closely with their other trusted advisors so that all areas of their financial lives are working together.
Mrs. Wilkes has been in the financial services industry since 1983. She graduated from Williams College and earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. Mrs. Wilkes is an active member in her church and community and lives in Falmouth, Maine with her family.
She holds Series 7, 9/10, 24, 63, and 65 licenses.
Michael B. Simmons, CFP®
Managing Director, Partner
Mr. Simmons joined HighTower with 17 years experience in the investment management industry. Previously he was a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Simmons main focus is in developing investment strategies for the team. He helps clients implement an institutional approach to portfolio construction blending both active and passive management with alternative investments.
Mr. Simmons education includes a BA from Tufts University and an MBA in finance from Golden Gate University. He has experience in statistical and performance analysis, venture capital, and pension fund management. Mr. Simmons and his family live in North Yarmouth, Maine
He holds Series 7, 65, and 66 licenses.
Blake Wilkes
Managing Director, Partner
Mr. Wilkes is a Managing Director and Partner at HighTower. He is responsible for managing our team investment strategy and is also responsible for the group’s educational seminars, event planning and marketing efforts.
Previously, Mr. Wilkes was with Merrill Lynch since 2002. A graduate of Williams College and a former small business owner, he brings many years of experience in finance to the team. Mr. Wilkes lives in Falmouth, Maine and balances his free time between family, church and hobbies.
He holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Grey Terry, CRPC®
Financial Advisor
Mr. Terry is a Financial Advisor at HighTower. His focus is building retirement plans for clients and assisting the team with marketing and event planning.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Mr. Terry started working as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in San Francisco and then Merrill Lynch in Portland.
Mr. Terry holds Series 7, 31, and 66 licenses.
Monica A. Cormier
Senior Client Associate
Ms. Cormier is a Senior Client Associate with Simmons Wilkes Investment Advisors. Previously, she worked at Merrill Lynch and has been a registered assistant since 1990. Ms. Cormier earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maine, Orono and lives in Windham, Maine with her husband and daughter.
She holds Series 7 and 63 licenses.
Mary Beth Malone
Senior Client Associate
Ms. Malone brings over 23 years experience to her role as Senior Client Associate. She has been a registered assistant since 1988. Ms. Malone has earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern Maine and lives in Westbrook, Maine with her husband.
She holds Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.