Corning, N.Y. – John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc. is proud to announce that Melissa Johnson has earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification and has been promoted to the role of Senior Associate Advisor. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Johnson’s nearly 19-year career with the firm, defined by her commitment to client service and professional growth.
Widely regarded as the standard of excellence in financial planning, the CFP® certification requires professionals to meet rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethical standards. Those who earn the designation are committed to acting in their clients’ best interests and helping them prepare for a more secure financial future.
“This promotion is a testament to Melissa’s continued growth and meaningful impact she has had on our clients, our team, and our firm”, stated Amanda Herrick Smith, CFP®, Team Manager and Senior Advisor. “Her proactive approach and thoughtful nature allows her to consistently build strong, trusted, and meaningful relationships with the clients she serves.”
Johnson joined John G. Ullman & Associates in October 2007 and has steadily advanced through the firm by pairing technical proficiency with a client-first mindset. She graduated from Mansfield University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education, with a focus on elementary education—an academic background that continues to influence her approach to client communication, learning, and long-term planning.
She began her career at JGUA as an Account Coordinator and earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP®) designation on May 17, 2010. This achievement further strengthened her role in supporting comprehensive financial planning initiatives and laid the groundwork for her continued advancement within the firm.
“Choosing to pursue and earn the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification has been a huge milestone for me both professionally and personally,” noted Johnson. “Utilizing the skills that were needed to persevere through the rigorous requirements to obtain the designation, I look forward to helping our clients achieve their financial goals by providing them the highest quality of service through my dedication, integrity, and continuous improvement.
“With a background in education, I understand the importance of fostering learning and mentorship by developing trusting and personal relationships,” continued Johnson. “I am excited to be able to assist our clients by offering a collaborative and holistic approach to all the areas of financial planning that will guide and meet their needs.”
Johnson earned the CFP® certification in December 2025 after years of dedicated study, experience, and adherence to high professional and ethical standards. In her new role as Senior Associate Advisor, she will continue to play an integral role in supporting clients as they work toward their long-term financial goals.
About John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc.
Founded in Corning, N.Y. in 1978, John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) registered federally with the Securities & Exchange Commission*. As an independent, fee-based investment management firm, JGUA provides comprehensive wealth management strategies and services to its clients. The firm manages over $1 billion in client assets and employs more than 70 professionals across four locations, including Corning and Horseheads, N.Y., Rhinebeck, N.Y., and Charlotte, N.C.
To learn more about John G. Ullman & Associates, visit our website HERE or call 607-936-3785. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and The JGUA Blog.
*Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.