Ferguson Wellman Acquires Great Northern, Eyes Regional Dominance

By Michael Bennett

VANCOUVER, Wash. – January 06, 2026 – Portland-based investment powerhouse Ferguson Wellman Capital Management has officially expanded its Pacific Northwest footprint, announcing the acquisition of Vancouver’s Great Northern Asset Management. The deal, effective January 1, 2026, marks Ferguson Wellman's first-ever acquisition and establishes a permanent physical presence on the north side of the Columbia River, signaling a strategic push for greater regional market share.

Great Northern’s downtown Vancouver office will remain operational, transitioning into Ferguson Wellman’s second location in Washington state, complementing its Bellevue office which opened in 2021. The move integrates Great Northern’s $229 million in assets under management into Ferguson Wellman's formidable $10 billion portfolio. Critically for client continuity, Tami Oglesby, the managing principal and co-founder of Great Northern, will join the Ferguson Wellman team and continue to lead the Vancouver office alongside her colleague, Sheri Sanders.

A Calculated Move in a Consolidating Market

The acquisition arrives amidst a period of intense merger and acquisition activity within the independent wealth management sector. As firms grapple with rising operational costs and the need for scalable technology, consolidation has become a key strategy for growth. The Pacific Northwest has emerged as a particularly active arena for such deals. In recent years, firms like Wealth Enhancement Group, Waverly Advisors, and Coldstream Capital Management have all made significant acquisitions in Oregon and Washington, underscoring the region's economic vitality and appeal.

Ferguson Wellman’s move is a direct reflection of this trend. Steve Holwerda, the firm's managing director, described the partnership as a “mutually beneficial strategic match” and the “next logical move” for the firm’s growth goals. “As the region evolves, so too do our growth goals,” Holwerda stated. “Having a physical presence now on both sides of the Columbia River and occupying two offices in Washington is the next logical move.”

The choice of Vancouver is no accident. The city has demonstrated significant economic expansion, with the finance and insurance sector in Clark County experiencing substantial payroll growth over the last two decades. Having served clients in the Vancouver area for over 40 years from its Portland base, Ferguson Wellman's leadership saw a clear opportunity to solidify its commitment and capture further growth by establishing a brick-and-mortar location.

Ensuring Client Continuity and Enhanced Services

For clients of Great Northern Asset Management, the primary message from both firms is one of stability and enhanced opportunity. The decision to retain Tami Oglesby and her team at the Vancouver office is central to ensuring a seamless transition. This approach aligns with industry best practices, which prioritize maintaining trusted client-advisor relationships during a merger.

Oglesby emphasized the cultural and philosophical alignment between the two firms. “In looking to the future, it was clear in conversations with Ferguson Wellman that our clients would benefit from expanded resources through this partnership,” she said. “Our companies share the same values - from our investment philosophy to personalized approach to client service. Growing client assets through quality investments and diversification is very much aligned with how we structure our client portfolios.”

Those expanded resources are significant. Clients will gain access to Ferguson Wellman’s deep bench of talent, which includes a team of 12 Certified Financial Planners™ and, as of last year, an in-house estate planning attorney who collaborates with portfolio managers. This integrated approach allows for a more holistic alignment of investment strategies with clients' broader estate and tax planning goals.

Furthermore, Ferguson Wellman operates a tiered service model that can accommodate a wider range of client needs. This includes its primary service for clients with over $4 million, the West Bearing Investments division for those with over $1 million, and the Octavia Group, a private family office for clients with assets starting at $10 million. This structure provides a clear path for growth and access to more specialized services as a client’s wealth evolves.

A Legacy of Growth and a Vision for the Future

This strategic expansion comes at a milestone moment for Ferguson Wellman, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on December 1, 2025. The acquisition is not just a growth tactic but the culmination of a half-century of strategic evolution rooted in a consistent set of core values. Founded in 1975, the employee-owned firm has steadily adapted to meet changing client needs.

“Many of Ferguson Wellman’s founding values still ring true today: focusing on our clients first, honoring our commitment to excellence and transparency, and supporting our employees through a team approach,” Holwerda noted, reflecting on the firm's history. This client-first philosophy has guided its expansion of services and its recent decision to renew its commitment to downtown Portland by moving its headquarters to a larger space in the Fox Tower in 2026 to accommodate future growth.

Oglesby echoed the importance of this long-term stability and experience. “Our client philosophy of maintaining a boutique firm approach has always focused on building wealth and preserving it,” she added. “The longevity and experience of the Ferguson Wellman team will be valuable to our business and our clients going forward.”

The acquisition of Great Northern Asset Management appears to be a carefully considered step in Ferguson Wellman's next chapter. It combines the strategic necessity of geographic expansion with the cultural imperative of maintaining a personalized, client-focused service model. As Holwerda summarized, “We’re in growth mode and excited about what the future holds in Vancouver and the surrounding region. We look forward to continued success with serving Vancouver area clients together with Tami and her colleague, Sheri Sanders.”