Our Team
MELISSA GRASS
FOUNDER AND CEO
More than 25 years ago, Melissa Grass began her career working with companies such as MetLife, AIG and Transamerica serving in various leadership and executive roles. From Managing Director, Agency Director and Wealth Management Specialist, to a range of training and compliance roles, this experience laid the groundwork for the second half of her career.
Melissa has received numerous certifications through The American College and FINRA during her career. She has also completed the FedEd training through FFEBA to receive the FRC (SM) Federal Retirement Consultant designation. In her role as a Federal Benefits Educator, Melissa’s professional expertise makes her uniquely qualified to conduct educational workshops and presentations to help HR personnel and federal employees fully understand their federal benefits. She’s particularly skilled in working one-on-one with federal employees to help navigate through the complexities of their FERS/CSRS and TSP to map out a secure, financially-balanced retirement.
As the Founder and CEO of both Freedom Federal Educators (FEE) and Freedom Financial (FF), Melissa works closely with Financial Planners, Insurance Professionals, CPAs and Attorneys, providing them with the resources and comprehensive training of FERS/CSRS and related federal benefits. She’s dedicated to helping qualified professionals better serve federal employees across the nation.
Brian Ross
Brian Ross, FRC, has excelled for over 25 years helping clients with their retirement planning needs. He specializes in working with federal employees in the areas of; TSP retirement protection strategies, FERS and CSRS retirement, life insurance, and income planning.
Brian’s experience ranges from; serving as President of a multi-million dollar insurance and investment firm affiliated with a bank holding company, to owning his own private practice. He is a published author and has worked with hundreds of clients investing millions of dollars into IRA’s and other retirement accounts.
Brian holds a Business Administration degree from West Virginia State University, has completed the Wealth Management Certification Program from the Cannon Institute, and received certifications from GAMA and The American College. He has completed the FedEd Financial Advisor Training Program through FEBA and is an authorized federal benefits trainer with Freedom Federal Educators.
Brian is also Vice-President of retirement services with Freedom Financial a financial firm specializing in retirement and income planning for federal employees.
Hans Wikle
Hans Wikle has been in the financial services business for 29 years. He specialized in retirement planning with a focus on long term care planning, Medicare plans and federal benefits (FERS, CERS TSP and FEGLI).
Hans attended the Ohio State University, he has completed a number of professional designation, including Certified Long Term Care specialist (CLTC), Federal Retirement Counselor (FRC) as well as other specialized courses on Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.
Hans has been a managing general agent, district manager and agent trainer with major carriers. Currently he is part owner of two local agencies. He conducts live Benefits Seminars, online consultations and individual meetings that provide information to clients and assists them in enrollment.
CJ Huffman
During his 8 years working in the retirement market CJ has given hundreds of clients peace of mind by educating them and helping them achieve financial security in their planing for retirement. He has completed the FedEd Financial Adviser Training Program through FEBA, and is an authorized federal benefits trainer with Freedom Federal Educators. CJ has also earned the FRC (Federal Retirement Consultant) designation from Federation of Federal Employee Benefit Advocates.
“My goal as a Federal Retirement Consultant is to educate my clients on how to best utilize their hard earned savings to meet their retirement goals. I enjoy meeting these people, learning their story, listening to their objectives and I take great pride in assisting them in better understanding their TSP, FERS, CERS, Social Security, FEGLI and Health Insurance.”
Kirstin Hatfield
Kirstin Hatfield is a Federal Benefit Consultant with Freedom Federal Educators. She completed her training through FFEBA, to receive her FRC designation and certification. She specializes in working with federal employees in the areas of; FERS/CSRS retirement, TSP protection, FEGLI analysis and social security benefits.
Kirstin earned her Bachelors of Science degree from Marshall University. During her time at Marshall she volunteered and worked with various charitable organizations as well as serving on the student council. She believes that her background as a licensed Registered Nurse assisting people with health issues were an ideal foundation for her work as a benefits counselor assisting others with their financial health. She truly cares for people and the desire to help and care for them is apparent. Her attention to detail, good listening skills and empathy are symbols of her appreciation of her clients.
Jerry Potter, FRC
Jerry Potter is a Federal Retirement Counselor with Freedom Financial with 36 years of experience. He holds a BA degree from the University of Charleston. Jerry specializes in retirement planning with Federal Employees as well as providing life insurance and business consulting. He has won numerous industry awards throughout his career including the prestigious MDRT Court Of Table status for production and ethics.
John Chambers, MBA, RFC
John Chambers MBA, RFC is a Federal Retirement Consultant for Freedom Financial. He started his career in the financial services industry in 1984. Since then, John has received numerous awards for his management and production. John is a number cruncher and enjoys the analytical side of things. He has a close working relationship with several estate planning attorneys, CPA’s and trust officers. John’s areas of focus are, Federal Benefits, business succession planning, life insurance and disability income. John is married with 2 children and 2 grandchildren. He is a trustee for Enslow Park Presbyterian Church. He enjoys deer hunting, fishing, hiking and trips to Hilton Head in his spare time.
Caden Adkins
In 2023, Caden became a member of the Freedom Financial family. His area of expertise lies in computer operations and management, where he assumes responsibility for all IT-related tasks, encompassing SEO, Marketing, Trainings, Data Entry, and overseeing the operations of our Podcast.
Katie Durham
Katie became a member of the Freedom Financial team in the year 2023. She completed her education at the University of Alabama in 2021, earning a degree in Psychology & Human Development. Ms. Durham will be undertaking the position of Office Administrator, wherein her responsibilities will encompass the daily operations of the office, as well as duties such as data entry and record-keeping.