Paul Hughes

Managing Partner & Financial Advisor

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

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Paul has worked in the Financial Services industry since 1982. His vision of creating a company dedicated to providing an objective investment and financial planning experience was realized in 2009 when he and his partner, Scott Hughes, founded HUGHES FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC. 

For 40 years, Paul has worked as a portfolio manager, retirement plan specialist and financial planner. For nine years, he served as a registered principal with management oversight of more than 20 financial planning representatives who worked with employees and retirees of various local municipal governments, educational systems and not-for-profits. Paul also specializes in issues that small business owners face as he himself has been an entrepreneur, founding and running several businesses prior to entering the financial services industry.

After serving in the United States Naval Submarine Service, Paul attended the University of Virginia.  He has earned the Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBCSM) professional designation and has extensive knowledge about federal benefits programs. Additionally, he holds a Series 65 registration. 

Paul and his wife, Ronnie, live in Northern Virginia and have five adult children who have blessed them with 13 energetic and beautiful grandchildren.

Scott Hughes CFP®, CPWA®, MBA

Managing Partner & Financial Advisor

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

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Scott has worked as a Financial Advisor since 1994. His vision of creating a company dedicated to providing an objective investment and financial planning experience was realized in 2009 when he and his partner, Paul Hughes, founded Hughes Financial Services, LLC.

Prior to starting HFS, Scott had a long history of working with employees and retirees from various local municipal governments, educational systems and not-for-profits including:

1994-1999: Retirement Plan Specialist, VALIC – assisted Fairfax County Public Schools and Loudoun County Public Schools educators with retirement plans

1999-2002: Retirement Plan Adviser, VALIC – worked with Fairfax County government employees in planning for retirement and navigating their Deferred Compensation choices

2002-2009: Financial Planning Adviser, VALIC – provided pre-retirees and retirees with comprehensive financial planning services and wealth management

A graduate of George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and a Master of Business Administration degree, Scott also earned his CFP® Certification (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®) from The College of Financial Planning (Denver, CO) in 1999. He holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with the Yale School of Management.

He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Academy for Professional Financial Advisors (APFA). Scott also serves as a board member on the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board at the Costello School of Business at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA).

Scott and his wife, Melissa, live in Northern Virginia and have three children who keep them very busy with all of their school, sports and social activities.

Patrick Hughes CFP®

Managing Partner & Financial Advisor

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

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Patrick joined HFS in April of 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he worked in the insurance industry for over a decade, working directly with individuals to evaluate personal liability policies, medical expenses, wage replacement and negotiating bodily injury claims. Patrick’s experience working one-on-one with individuals in the insurance industry has been invaluable in his transition to becoming a Certified Financial Planner® professional.

He completed the University of Virginia’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® coursework in 2016 and is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia) with a Bachelor of Arts in History and minors in Political Science and Communications.   

In addition to working directly with clients as a Financial Planner, Patrick also became a Managing Partner of the firm (June 2016) and has since played a pivotal role in leading us forward. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to the firm’s vision, fostering growth, innovation, and a culture of excellence.  

He is an active member of the National Capital Financial Planning Association (NCFPA) and holds a FINRA Series 65 registration. 
Patrick and his wife, Heather, live in Leesburg, VA, and have four children who keep them active in their local community with elementary school, sports and social activities.

Berkeley Meredith CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®

Managing Partner & Financial Advisor

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

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Berkeley joined HFS upon graduating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Blacksburg, VA) in 2017, with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  During his time at Virginia Tech, he also completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® coursework during his time as an undergraduate. Upon becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional, he pursued additional designations by earning his Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) in 2020 as well as the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with the Yale School of Management. 

Berkeley enjoys being an active member of the National Capital Financial Planning Association (NCFPA) and the Academy of Preferred Financial Advisors (APFA) and holds a FINRA Series 65 registration.

In addition to working directly with clients as a Financial Planner, he also became a Managing Partner of HFS (May 2023) and has been a driving force in advancing our strategic vision.  His leadership emphasizes collaboration, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to the clients we serve. 

Originally from Snowville, Virginia, Berkeley lives Herndon, with his wife Kaitlyn, and daughter Georgia.

Heather Wilson CFP®

Financial Advisor

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

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Heather is a CFP® professional who joined Hughes Financial Services in April 2021. As a Financial Advisor, she works directly with clients to provide them with objective comprehensive financial planning.  

Before joining our team, Heather worked for a large broker dealer in Indianapolis servicing retail brokerage clients. 

Heather graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Counseling & Planning with minors in Management and Communication. In 2023, she obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification. 

She is an active member of the National Capital Financial Planning Association (NCFPA) and holds a FINRA Series 65 registration.  

Heather is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and now lives in Northern Virginia.

Patrick Moore

Senior Research Analyst

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Patrick joined Hughes Financial Services full-time in 2018, upon graduating from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  Going back to 2016, while attending GMU, Patrick also worked part time at HFS.  

His current role is instrumental in the management and maintenance of client accounts/portfolios along with providing information and making recommendations to the Investment Committee on fund providers, advisory service products, investment selection, suitability guidelines, and reporting decisions.

Additionally, Patrick holds his FINRA Series 65 Registration. 

Melissa Hughes

Marketing & Communications Manager

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Melissa currently serves as Marketing & Communications Manager for Hughes Financial Services. In this role, she plans and implements marketing strategies to meet the company's targets for client retention and growth. Melissa is responsible for the development of the communications offered to clients and prospects as well as the planning and implementation of educational workshops and client events.

Prior to joining the financial services industry, Melissa worked in communications and event planning at the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) where she served as Director of Conferences and Communications.

A native of Long Island, Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Graphic Communications from Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY. She and her husband Scott live in Northern Virginia with their three children.

Elise Dwyer

Client Relations Manager

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Elise joined Hughes Financial Services in 2015 as our Client Relations Manager. As the firm's head of first impressions, her proactive, energetic attitude has made her a favorite among clients and visitors. Elise works closely with all our team members to ensure that our schedules and meetings, client database and communications run smoothly and efficiently.

Elise earned a General Studies Degree and a Commercial Art Degree from Northern Virginia Community College. For over 25 years, Elise has used her graphic design, strategic marketing, project management, customer service and communications skills in a variety of roles. She was a Graphic Designer and Print Production Planner at a large printer in Northern Virginia, a Marketing Coordinator with a shopping center in Northern VA and a Program Manager and Executive Director for several associations with a large Association Management firm in McLean, VA.

Elise was raised in Arlington, VA and currently lives in Loudoun County.

Jo Ann Weinhardt

Operations & Compliance Manager

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Jo Ann brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to Hughes Financial Services. She began her career as a registered sales assistant for retail and institutional brokers at a regional broker/dealer. Before joining our company, she served as the Anti-Money Laundering Program Manager for a major financial services company where Jo Ann worked in the compliance department of the Life Insurance and Annuity division.

A proud graduate of the University of Richmond, Jo Ann earned a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Master of Business Administration degree. She is licensed in life and health insurance and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.  Additionally, she holds her FINRA Series 65 Registration. 

Jo Ann and her husband Randy live in Northern Virginia with their two children.

Kristina Fernandes

Financial Planning Associate

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Kristina joined Hughes Financial Services in 2023 as a Financial Planning Associate. In this role she works closely with our team of financial advisors to assist in the formation of financial plans, as well as preparing for client and prospect meetings. 

She graduated from George Mason University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and Wealth Management. During her time at GMU, she completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® coursework, building towards her goal of becoming a financial advisor. 

Kristina lives in Northern VA with her daughter. Outside of the office you can find them at gymnastics competitions, hiking, rock climbing, and snowboarding.

Eleni Milligan

Financial Planning Associate

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Eleni joined Hughes Financial Services in July of 2025 as a Financial Planning Associate. In this role she supports the advisory team through client communication, preparing materials for meetings, and assisting with planning tasks.  Through this collaboration, she is gaining valuable experience and building toward her goal of becoming a financial advisor herself one day.

She graduated from Salisbury University with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and a minor in Marketing. During her time at Salisbury University, she earned her Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist® Certification, as well as completing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® coursework. 

She plans to continue to expand her knowledge in the Financial Planning field, and work toward becoming a Certified Financial Planner®. 

Keelyn Del Gallo

Financial Planning Associate

Phone: (703) 669-3660
Fax: (703) 880-4905

Keelyn joined Hughes Financial Services in August 2025 as a Financial Planning Associate.  In this role she supports the advisory team through client communication, preparing materials for meetings, and assisting with planning tasks. Through this collaboration, she is gaining valuable experience and building toward her goal of becoming a financial advisor herself one day.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Florida Atlantic University. After college, Keelyn traded in her Florida beach days for balance sheets when she returned to her hometown in Northern Virginia to pursue her passion for helping individuals achieve financial freedom. Outside of the office, Keelyn enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and hitting the gym.