Mark A. Ward
CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, VP & Chairman IPC

Mark’s fascination with Financial Planning took root at the age of 16 when he invested in his first mutual fund. Since joining Lucien, Stirling & Gray Advisory Group in 1999, Mark has elevated this interest into an integrated practice based on delivering the highest level of customer service and on a genuine interest in his client’s financial future. Mark says, “I count the decision to accept the invitation to join this wonderful team of professionals as one of the smartest and most gratifying of my life.”

Mark prides himself on providing the same high level of service to all his clients. He works diligently to tailor financial plans that mesh with each client’s investment philosophy and financial goals. “Like my compatriots here at LSG, my professional philosophy flows from my core values: Life lived in the context of teamwork, integrity, balance, excellence, and enjoyment.”

Of his clients, Mark says, “The majority of my clients are very capable of managing their investment plans. What I offer them is the comfort and confidence of having a dedicated professional take that time and burden off their shoulders, so they may have time to spend with their families, or to devote to the things they find most satisfying.”

Mark’s strengths include big-picture financial planning, multi-generational wealth planning, asset management, employee stock option planning, insurance needs analysis, and estate planning. He also has expertise in helping his clients maximize their employee benefits packages including 401(k) plans, health insurance options, Health Savings Accounts, and a myriad of other benefits.

Mark has an unyielding belief in keeping his knowledge up to date through continuous education. He obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2006 from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Further he obtained the Chartered Financial Consultant® designation from The American College in 2010 as well as the Retirement Income Certified Professional® Designation in 2021.  From the year 2000 through 2017, to improve his general knowledge, Mark studied for, passed, and held the FINRA Series 7, 24, 27, 28, 53, 63, 65, and 99 licenses, as well the Texas General Lines (Life, Health, Variable, Annuity, Medicare, and LTC) Insurance Licenses. He attended the University of Texas as a National Merit Scholarship Award recipient and received his undergraduate degree in History and Economics.

Mark is a native Texan who has lived in Austin since 1971. He is a proud member of American Mensa and the Austin Film Society. He enjoys snow skiing, SCUBA diving, fine dining, wine, and traveling with his family and friends. In pursuit of his interest in wine he received his Level III Advanced Wine & Spirits Sommelier Award from the Wine Society Education Trust of London in December of 2012.