McKinley Carter Wealth Services announced that Teresa Michaels and Nick Stebner each recently earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation, one of the premier credentials for professionals working with business owners.

“By completing this rigorous program, Teresa and Nick have deepened their ability to guide business‒owner clients through strategies that strengthen company value, support long‒term financial well-being, and prepare for successful future transitions,” said Tyrone C. Phillippi, CFP, CeFT Director of Wealth Management.

According to the Exit Planning Institute, the CEPA credential is for professional advisors who want to effectively engage more business owners. Through the process of Exit Planning (the Value Acceleration Methodology), owners can build more valuable companies, develop stronger personal financial plans, and better align their personal goals.

Using an executive MBA-style format, the program includes a combination of lectures, group discussions, case studies, and individual exercises to introduce participants to these concepts and to reinforce skills. The program is taught by the Exit Planning Institute’s faculty of advisors, who are highly sought-after subject matter experts and authors.

“Earning CEPA doesn’t change your expertise,” the Exit Planning Institute said. “It enhances your ability to engage business owners and have value-added conversations around growth and exit.”

McKinley Carter Wealth Services is an SEC-registered independent wealth management firm that provides wealth management services for individuals and families committed to growing and protecting their assets across multiple generations and nonprofit advisory services for organizations seeking long-term financial security and sustainability. The firm operates out of four regional offices: Wheeling and Charleston, W.Va.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Dayton, Ohio.