Debra Smiley, CTFA, ATFA

Wealth Manager & Trust Services

Debra oversees LNW client trusts and estate plans to implement legacies that will have meaningful positive impact on family and community, often over many generations. With change a given as the lives of clients and their beneficiaries evolve, Debra is ready with analysis and insights that reflect a deep level of expertise as well as an understanding of client values and priorities.  

To her work, Debra brings more than two decades of experience in trust administration and estate planning. Prior to LNW, Debra was an advisor at predecessor firm Laird Norton Wealth Management. Before that, she worked as trust administrator at the Seattle offices of major U.S. banks — US Bank, BNY Mellon, Union Bank and Harris Private Bank.  

A big believer in sharing her knowledge to help others, Debra is actively involved with community nonprofits that create opportunities for minorities to learn and achieve. She is especially focused on creating awareness among underserved populations about how to build multigenerational wealth and attracting more minorities to work in trusts and estate planning.   

This too shall pass and it can always be worse.
Designations and Education
  • Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor
  • Graduate of Cannon Financial Institute
  • DePaul University School of Music – Music Performance
Community and Industry Affiliations
  • President (2023-2024), Seattle Estate Planning Council 
  • Member, East King County Estate Planning Council  
  • Member, UNCF Seattle Leadership Council 
  • Seattle Children’s Hospital Legacy Council board member
  • Jazzed board member  
Personal Passion

Anything about music, especially classical, movies and crafts.