Sue Thomas
Trustee Services Assistant
Responsibilities:
I handle the day-to-day needs of our trustee clients, such as paying bills, trouble shooting issues that come up (like leaking roofs, needing care givers, needing dog walkers, water heaters going out, etc.)
Education:
Associates degree in Business Studies, Mesa College, San Diego, CA
Professional Fiduciary certificate courses at UC Riverside Extension, Riverside, CA
Personal:
My husband, two sons, and I are all native San Diegans. We enjoy the ocean, being outdoors, boating at Lake Havasu, traveling, art, and getting together with friends and family. My husband is a high school art teacher and my sons attend college. My favorite things are cactus and succulent plants, mid-century design, trying new foods, a strong cup of coffee, and taking the road less traveled.
Background:
I like to say I’ve had three careers, all rising from good fortune and opportunity. During high school and through college, I worked at my local bank. In those days, one could start at the bottom and move up, and after several advancement opportunities, banking became my career. Twenty-one years later, after many roles within the bank, I “retired” to raise my two sons. I took with me experiences in management, loans, training, auditing, mergers, etc., and discovered a strong need to advocate for those who needed help in the world of business. This would turn out to be a theme in my life.
I was grateful for the time raising my sons but I also enjoyed learning and honing my skills so I continued my education and discovered a wealth of opportunity in volunteer work, my second “career.” Over the next fifteen years, I founded a community action council; developed and managed an after school program; served on two boards; and was editor and treasurer for a large non-profit organization. I made many lifetime friends along the way.
After my sons were grown, I put much thought into what would be my third and final career, and after handling the estate of family member and helping several friends navigate through difficult situations, I realized I wanted to work as a fiduciary. I didn’t have to look far to find the perfect fit as I was so impressed by Shima and Stacy’s handling of my own estate plan, I joined the team at DenHerder & Associates and helped establish Trustee Services. Our clients are a joy and I appreciate helping them with day to day tasks and making sure they have an advocate.