Amanda Thomas

MS, CFP^®, CDFA^®

Partner and Director of Philanthropic Strategy (Ret.)

Santa Barbara

"The definition of philanthropy is 'a spirit of goodwill toward all people.' It is so rewarding to guide clients to identify and implement their philanthropic goals and to spread this spirit of goodwill to the causes and passions that can create lasting change."

With heartfelt gratitude and bittersweet emotion, we announce the retirement of Amanda Thomas, a Partner and our Director of Philanthropic Strategy and one of Mission Wealth’s most tenured and impactful team members.

Amanda has dedicated her career to helping clients achieve financial security. After devoting over 18 years of service, Amanda retired from the firm in November 2024, leaving a lasting impact on the Mission Wealth team, clients, and community.

AMANDA'S RETIREMENT ARTICLE

"The definition of philanthropy is 'a spirit of goodwill toward all people.' It is so rewarding to guide clients to identify and implement their philanthropic goals and to spread this spirit of goodwill to the causes and passions that can create lasting change."

Learn About Amanda Thomas

Professional Background

With more than 35 years of financial expertise, Amanda is a seasoned veteran in the industry. In 2006, she brought her wealth of experience to Mission Wealth, where she made a significant impact as a Partner and Director of Philanthropic Strategy. Before joining the team, Amanda served as Vice President of Private Banking at Northern Trust Bank in Santa Barbara for over a decade. During her tenure, she worked closely with high-net-worth clients, providing tailored solutions to meet their diverse banking, investment, and trust needs. Amanda's extensive finance background and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a trusted advisor and valuable asset to the Mission Wealth team.

Amanda has a Master of Science in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Classics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®.

In 2024, Amanda was invited to join the select Schwab Charitable Advisory Council, which provides feedback on Schwab's philanthropic resources, facilitates networking with like-minded advisors, and shares best practices related to charitable giving.

Personal Pursuits

Amanda hails from Miami, where she spent her formative years before relocating to Santa Barbara where she met her husband. She's an ardent fan of outdoor sports and can often be found participating in a range of activities, including beach volleyball, golf, tennis, hiking, skiing, and swimming. Amanda's love of travel has taken her to various destinations around the world, where she enjoys exploring new cultures and cuisines.

Community Impact

Amanda's commitment to giving back to her community is evident in her active involvement in various charitable organizations. She is a Past President of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and currently serves on its Planned Giving Committee. Amanda is also a former board member of the Junior League of Santa Barbara, City of Santa Barbara Human Services and Community Development Commission, and Santa Barbara Small Business Loan Fund. She played a pivotal role in co-founding the Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club which continues as an active organization. Amanda's tireless efforts to support these organizations reflect her deep-seated belief in the power of community and the importance of social responsibility.

Awards and Recognitions

Top 50 Women in Business, Pacific Coast Business Times (2017)

*for award disclosures and methodology, visit awards & rankings

In the News

Check out these recent articles and blogs, authored by Amanda Thomas.

Mission Wealth Volunteers at Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade

Mission Wealth Volunteers at Santa Barbara Nonprofit, The Bucket Brigade

The Mission Wealth team in Santa Barbara recently took time off to volunteer for The Bucket Brigade, a nonprofit organization.

From Financial Chaos to Philanthropic Clarity: The Legacy of Sue and Paul Slater

This interview shares the story of Sue Slater, from financial confusion to a lasting legacy of giving, guided by her son Scott Slater.

Family Legacy & Philanthropic Considerations

Year-End Legacy Planning, Wealth Transfer, and the Power of Philanthropy: Insights from Our Recent Webinar

Discover how to leave a lasting legacy for your family while making a positive difference in the world of charitable giving.

About Mission Wealth

Mission Wealth is a nationally recognized Registered Investment Advisory firm (RIA) founded in 2000 known for its service model, driven by a world-class technology stack that offers financial planning, investment counsel, tax strategies, estate planning coordination, philanthropic advice, and asset protection solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Mission Wealth’s vision is to provide caring advice that empowers families to achieve their life dreams. Our founders were pioneers in the industry when they embraced the client-first principles of objective advice, comprehensive financial planning, coordination with other professional advisors, and proactive service. Mission Wealth is a fiduciary, and our holistic planning process provides clarity and confidence.