facebook twitter instagram linkedin google youtube vimeo tumblr yelp rss email podcast phone blog search brokercheck brokercheck Play Pause

Serving You

Through Relationships That Last

Delivering Advanced Financial Solutions Since 1981



Our roots go back several decades when founder David Carter began in the financial services industry. Over the years, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to planning and investing. Most importantly, we’ve found that the most successful money strategies are those that are tailored to you. 

As a team, we commit to understanding your situation in detail as well as the goals you hope to achieve. Being your partner means we collaborate closely with you to learn about and tend to your needs. But while we are a boutique firm, our resources and capabilities are extensive and match those of a larger firm. Get to know us better by exploring our personal bios below.


David Carter ChFC,® CLU®  Photo David Carter ChFC,® CLU®  Hover Photo
Read Bio

David Carter ChFC,® CLU®

Financial Advisor | Managing Partner

David Carter

David Carter ChFC,® CLU® 

Financial Advisor | Managing Partner


With over [40 years] in the financial services industry, David brings a vast knowledge of various products and strategies to Carter Financial Group (CFG). He takes great care to identify and understand his clients’ financial goals and keeps continuous communication to help ensure that his strategies parallel those goals. David works from and manages operations at the Forest, VA office. As managing partner of CFG, David is responsible for the strategic direction of the business and ensuring that the CFG team is consistently working to deliver positive client outcomes.  David’s focus at CFG has been to expand business while maintaining close relationships with clients. His industry knowledge and experience has been a key element in the growth and success of CFG and its clients throughout his career. 

David is a graduate of Emory and Henry College with a degree in Business and Economics. He is a CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT (ChFC®) - which entails rigorous coursework, continuing education requirements, and adherence to strict ethical guidelines. He also holds a CHARTERED LIFE UNDERWRITER (CLU®) designation.

Outside of his commitments to CFG, David has been a leader in his community by serving his church as Chairman of the Finance Committee, on the Board of Trustees, and by teaching Sunday School. As his family grew, so did his involvement in his community. David has chaired the Jefferson Forest High School Athletic Booster and coached various youth and varsity sports teams throughout the years. He has been a member and past President of the Forest Lions Club, as well as Treasurer of the Forest View Homeowners Association. 

David grew up in Southwest, VA. After graduating college, David and his wife, Teresa, moved to Forest, VA where David started his career. When out of the office, you might find David playing golf, fishing, or spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  


Mark Carter CFP® CRPC® Photo Mark Carter CFP® CRPC® Hover Photo
Read Bio

Mark Carter CFP® CRPC®

Financial Planner | Managing Partner

Mark Carter

Mark Carter CFP® CRPC®

Financial Planner | Managing Partner


Mark joined the Carter Financial Group (CFG) team as an advisor in 2014. He currently serves as a managing partner for CFG and works out of the business’s Charlotte, NC office. During his tenure, Mark’s focus has been on the growth and advancement of CFG’s fee-based investment management, small-business consulting, and high-net-worth solutions. Mark works with clients on items such as wealth building, wealth transfer strategies, risk management, as well as business growth and exit consulting. He has successfully developed working relationships with a network of CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals to expand the breadth of advice and guidance CFG offers its clients.

Mark is responsible for implementation of CFGs investment strategies including monitoring of performance and risk, and ongoing management. He also has experience consulting on institutional investment strategies for endowments and foundations.

Mark is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a BS in Finance, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and also holds a CRPC® CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR™ designation.

Outside of his commitments to CFG, Mark serves as Chair of the Investment Advisory Council within Prudential Advisors. His responsibility, along with the other committee members, is to promote the growth of investment management business within Prudential Advisors and to work alongside the corporate team to ensure advisors have the tools and capabilities they need to build a successful investment management business. Mark has also been named an investment specialist within Prudential and regularly speaks at educational and training events for other advisors. Mark uses his personal and professional experiences to provide advice and guidance to the next generation through Hokie Mentorship Connect program for current Virginia Tech students, and by mentoring junior advisors at CFG.

Mark was born and raised in Forest, VA. Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and son, Jocelyne and Beckett, as well as their two boxers, Jaxx and Tyson. Mark lives an active lifestyle with hobbies such as fishing, hiking and golf. Mark also played football during his time at Virginia Tech.



Derek St. Clair Photo Derek St. Clair Hover Photo
Read Bio

Derek St. Clair

Financial Advisor

Derek St. Clair

Derek St. Clair

Financial Advisor


Derek joined the Carter Financial Group (CFG) in 2009. He is a graduate of Radford University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in: Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

With over thirteen years of financial experience, Derek takes great care to identify and understand his client’s financial goals; assessing risk tolerance and developing an asset allocation strategy. He helps clients structure their portfolios in a tax‐efficient manner, both before and during retirement. Derek makes recommendations and can execute and manage those recommendations, serving as a resource along the way. He sees client’s portfolios as “living documents”‐ strategies that need to respond to changing needs. As a financial advisor, he periodically reviews progress and recommends updates, when and if necessary.

Derek believes, like other advisors at CFG, that the client’s needs are the priority. Sound communication and complete understanding of the client’s goals and objectives, allows our team to effectively deal with many of the financial choices individuals face during their lifetime.

Derek is a native of Forest, Virginia, where he currently resides. Derek is an avid follower of all Hokie sports, especially football. He enjoys an active lifestyle and playing golf whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Jacob Logan Photo Jacob Logan Hover Photo
Read Bio

Jacob Logan

Financial Advisor

Jacob Logan

Jacob Logan

Financial Advisor


Jacob joined Carter Financial Group (CFG) as an advisor in 2021. His role includes working closely with CFG’s current and prospective clients to assess their current financial situation and future goals. As a part of the CFG team, Jacob has had the opportunity to guide a multitude of clients and help his community with financial education. In 2022, Jacob received the Rookie of the Year award for the top new advisor in the Carolinas.

Jacob grew up in Charlotte, NC and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. During his time as an undergraduate student, Jacob interned with a wealth management firm and the experience helped cement his passion for financial services.

Jacob has always had a passion for people. In college, he was active in Greek Life and was the Recruitment Chair for his fraternity. Jacob is also an avid sports fan and attends most Gamecocks’ home football games, and even makes it to multiple away games each season. His hobbies include playing basketball, fly fishing, hunting, cooking, and anything outdoors.


Heather McBride Photo Heather McBride Hover Photo
Read Bio

Heather McBride

Client Service Associate

Heather McBride

Heather McBride

Client Service Associate


Heather McBride joined Carter Financial Group (CFG) in August of 2021 as a Client Service Associate working closely with Mark Carter and David Carter.

Heather grew up in Rockland County, NY where she resided until attending Binghamton University in Upstate NY. During her undergraduate studies, Heather was an active member of the Binghamton University Equestrian Team as well as an active member of TriBeta Honor Society.

After graduation in May of 2021 cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Heather decided to relocate to Charlotte, NC. Since starting with CFG, Heather has begun learning about the financial services industry and has begun the process of studying for and taking her securities exams.

Heather’s hobbies include hiking with her dog, Jethro, baking, and going to motorsports tracks with her boyfriend, John. When not in the office, Heather enjoys spending time with her horse, Jax and taking him to competitions.

Claudia Jones Photo Claudia Jones Hover Photo
Read Bio

Claudia Jones

Office Manager

Claudia Jones

Claudia Jones

Office Manager


Claudia started working with David Carter in 1999 in the Forest, VA office. Claudia is a point of customer contact and handles their service needs. She enjoys meeting and working with clients as a liaison between them and their advisors. Claudia is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia. She graduated from E C Glass High School and attended CVCC. She enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends.

Mattie Hamlet Photo Mattie Hamlet Hover Photo
Read Bio

Mattie Hamlet

Client Service Associate

Mattie Hamlet

Mattie Hamlet

Client Service Associate


Mattie Hamlet joined Carter Financial Group in October of 2021 as a Marketing Assistant working closely with David Carter and Mark Carter.

Prior to joining the team at Carter Financial Group, Mattie’s previous employment was in health care and insurance. For several years, Mattie served as a manager in human resources and finance and prior to that she served as an account analyst in annuities, life and health insurance. As a customer service representative, Mattie received several awards for outstanding customer service.

Mattie is a native of rural Virginia and currently resides in Lynchburg. Outside of working at Carter Financial Group, Mattie enjoys spending time with her husband Tony, visiting family and hosting friends. Also, she enjoys serving at her church where she serves as chairman on several committees.