Thayer Willis

Thayer Willis is an internationally recognized author and expert in the area of wealth counseling. Since 1990, she has specialized in helping people of all ages handle the psychological challenges of wealth. Being born into the founding family of the multi-billion dollar Georgia-Pacific Corporation gives her a unique insider's perspective on the privileges and tragedies that wealthy families deal with on a regular basis.

Willis has an MA from the University of Oregon, an MSW from Portland State University, and is a licensed clinical social worker. She is a very popular speaker, facilitator, and counselor and is famous for her caring, no-nonsense, practical approach to resolving conflict. Clients have highly rated her interactive approach based on field-tested ideas that clarify understanding, problem-solving, and action-planning. She helps people create pathways between generations, prioritize parenting tasks, and instill financial responsibility in young family members.

Thousands have attended her presentations ranging from small groups to top corporations and organizations including many private family retreats, the NAPFA National Conference, The Capital Trust Company Symposium, Campden Conferences, "The Family Wealth Management Conference" and the Morgan Stanley Senior Consultants' Conference. Her programs are customized for families, attorneys, and financial professionals. Her book, Navigating the Dark Side of Wealth: A Life Guide for Inheritors (New Concord Press) has received rave reviews. Her professional affiliations are with the Family Firm Institute, the Family Wealth Alliance, and the National Speakers Association.