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Chief Operating Officer

Zachary Waterer

“Learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about applying that knowledge in a meaningful way.”

“Ancora imparo” – often attributed to the great Michelangelo late in his life, is a 16th century Italian expression of humility and lifelong growth, meaning “And yet, I am still learning.” Despite creating some of the most celebrated works in Western art, mastering sculpture, architecture, anatomy, painting, and poetry, Michelangelo remained humble and intelligent enough throughout his whole life to recognize a simple truth: There is always more to learn.

As Chief Operating Officer at LeConte Wealth, Zachary partners closely with leadership to oversee the operational foundations of the firm with structured integrity. That same orientation toward curiosity, humility, and continual personal growth has helped shape Zachary’s core values and influence his leadership journey from the beginning. He strongly believes learning is not merely about acquiring or accumulating knowledge, (just to have knowledge), but also about how we then go apply that knowledge in a meaningful way – especially in service of others. This perspective continues to guide how he leads, grows, and supports his teams and colleagues every day.

Zachary’s work centers on strengthening core operational processes, integrating technology that scales for growth, and building systems that promote smooth, consistent and repeatable standards of excellence across the firm. He champions a collaborative, transparent, and people-first approach to operational leadership, balancing thoughtful strategy with timely execution to support exceptional fiduciary care.

Zachary brings extensive experience built by over two decades of service administration, operational strategy, business management, and team leadership from within multiple highly regulated financial environments. Throughout his career, he has focused heavily on optimizing financial stewardship, process improvement, people development, project management, and issue resolution. He excels in creating systems and structures that help teams navigate complexity while remaining grounded in purpose, quality, and accountability. Colleagues value his caring nature, combined with an efficient and pragmatic leadership style, disciplined follow through, and commitment to helping others find ways to succeed at their fullest potential.

Having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership & Ministry, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ohio Christian University, Zachary has also completed formal coursework in Lean Six Sigma, and Agile Project Management. He continues to study and practice effective leadership skills gained through the works of Gino Wickman, Simon Sinek, Sean Covey and Jim Collins, building towards a higher proficiency in additional methodologies, and his academic focus on organizational leadership and continual development shapes his approach to operational excellence today.

Outside of work, Zachary enjoys being around the people he values most, his wife and children. Whether out getting dinner together at a new restaurant, backpacking through the Smoky Mountains, catching a movie at the theater, hiking the local trails, or just simply camping out in the yard with a telescope, he loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys watching college football on the weekends, playing Fortnite with friends, going to concerts, and is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He is most inquisitive about nature and the vastness of space, continually in awe of our Creator, and will always be an advocate for the meaningful application of lifelong learning.

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GET IN TOUCHContact Zachary

Address
4th Floor
333 E. Broadway Avenue
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone
(865) 379-8200
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