Mary Ann Best is a Senior Managing Director and a Senior Vice President at Bernstein Private Wealth Management, responsible for Bernstein’s private client practice in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic offices.

Best has served on the faculty for training efforts for multiple constituencies within the firm, as an integral part of the Bernstein culture centers on learning and improving. She is highly committed to the training program for financial advisors which reflects Bernstein’s commitment to helping advisors become the best versions of themselves. In addition, Best was responsible for both designing and implementing the training program for new managing directors who join the firm in leadership roles.

She is also involved in national marketing efforts. Working closely with colleagues throughout the firm, Best led an effort to create and refine a business development program for Bernstein’s top advisors to improve client experiences and outcomes. After an extensive beta test in the Washington, DC region, this plan is currently being rolled out nationally.

Best is a student of the industry, and her true passion is advising clients and developing her team. Jordan Forney joined Best’s team in 2016 as a financial advisor, and together they concentrate on litigators, entrepreneurs, and non-profits. Through excellent investment and planning advice, Best & Forney seek to impact and empower their clients to reach their own unique versions of achievement and success. Best & Forney work diligently to understand each client’s individual relationship with money and risk in order to create bespoke investment plans geared toward their clients’ personal situations.

Prior to rejoining Bernstein in 2011, Best was an executive director and senior banker at JP Morgan Private Bank, responsible for providing banking services and wealth management strategies to individuals, families, and foundations. She served as a financial advisor for Bernstein from 2001 through 2009.

Best currently serves on Bernstein’s Women’s Development Council. She is also an active member of The Economic Club of Washington, DC., Hillwood Estate and Museum, The Campagna Center, and NAIOP. Best is past Chairman of the Saint Stephens & Saint Agnes School Foundation and is a past board member of ACT for Alexandria and the Concerto Foundation. She earned a BS from East Carolina University and holds an MBA from Mercer University.

Best is married to Dave Millard, and they have four daughters. She spends ample time with her friends and family, and her interests include tennis, travel, politics, and national affairs. She also enjoys reading biographies, autobiographies, and mysteries.