William Creech

Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics

After earning his Master of Science in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia in 2021, Will Creech embarked on a dynamic career at First Citizens Wealth.

Alumni Spotlight: William Creech, MSFP '21

Wealth Planning Strategist, VP, First Citizens Wealth, Raleigh, North Carolina

After earning his Master of Science in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia in 2021, Will Creech embarked on a dynamic career at First Citizens Wealth. Starting in a hybrid analyst/wealth strategist role, Will successfully passed the CFP® exam and went on to earn the AFFP (Agriculture Focused Financial Planning) certification from the University of Illinois. His dedication and expertise in client-facing work, complex estate strategies, and business succession planning led to his promotion as Wealth Planning Strategist, Vice President. In this role, Will leads sophisticated planning engagements for high-net-worth clients, focusing on tax, estate, and business owner planning, while mentoring junior associates and promoting an advice-based culture across the organization.

Reflecting on his time at UGA, Will shares, “The MS in Financial Planning program gave me a strong technical foundation in investment, retirement, tax, estate, and risk management planning—knowledge I draw upon every day. The program also helped me build confidence in my analytical and communication skills, which are critical for presenting complex strategies and earning client trust. And the coursework prepared me well for the rigor of the CFP® exam, setting me up for long-term success.”

Will encourages current and prospective students to make the most of their time in the program: “Explore different planning areas and find a niche clientele you’re passionate about. Build relationships with classmates and professors—their insights and connections will continue to support you well beyond graduation. And don’t wait until you graduate to apply what you’re learning; use the program as a chance to develop both your technical and communication skills.”

When thinking back on his time at UGA, Will noted that “Seeing my name posted on the Sanford Stadium scoreboard at graduation was a memory I’ll always treasure.” Among his many achievements, Will is especially proud of passing the CFP® exam on his first attempt, a milestone that came after countless hours of study and personal sacrifice..

Outside of his professional life, Will is excited about a new chapter: “My wife and I are expecting our first child this fall, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”