We’re Strategic with Everything We Do
Earning a client’s trust takes hard work, commitment, transparency and integrity. As fiduciary asset managers and with our licenses as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, you can fully trust that we always look out for your best interests. We approach every client relationship strategically, finding ways to offer insights, add value, and make a difference in your financial future.
Being independent, we never have to worry about quotas or pushing investment products. And we’re proud of the fact that many of our client relationships have lasted 20 to 30 years. We believe in treating clients more like family and, in return, we get the opportunity to work with multiple generations of our clients’ families. It’s the ultimate honor for us.
John Wood, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®
President, Financial Advisor
John Wood serves as both president and financial advisor at Strategic Planning Group. He works with individual and business owners to create financial plans, plus he oversees critical aspects of the firm and leads high level initiatives in the financial, business, and estate planning areas.
Part of John’s experience and wisdom come from his nearly 30 years in the industry, having witnessed firsthand the economic boom of the ‘90s as well as the recent times of uncertainty and return to prosperity. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance from Ball State University, John continued to educate himself and now is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Life Underwriter®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. These designations help him provide exemplary investment management and financial planning services. John also holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, 66, and 99 licenses.
John is a member of the national and local chapters of the Financial Planning Association® to stay abreast of current financial industry news. He is also an active member of the Ball State University Alumni Association. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hiking, and boating. John is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and currently lives there with his wife and family.
Chris McCauley, CFP®, CPA/PFS
Financial Advisor
In his personal life, Chris treats his friends, loved ones, and anyone he meets with courtesy, care, and genuine enthusiasm. When working with clients, he couples these traits with the knowledge and experience gained from nearly 25 years in the financial industry, including almost 20 years as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. His goal is to make your life better through investing and financial education. Chris is an independent advisor and fiduciary acting in his clients' best interests when he manages their assets.
As a CFP® professional, Chris excels at both comprehensive planning services and individual investment management. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and a Master of Accountancy from DePaul University. Chris then acquired the coveted Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and started his career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Before working for his clients, Chris worked at PepsiCo and AT&T in financial roles. He also served as an adjunct professor with the College for Financial Planning.
A continuous learner, Chris keeps up on industry news and the latest events through his membership in the Financial Planning Association®, where he previously served on the board. Chris formerly served as Treasurer of the Legacy House, a counseling center for victims of violence, and as Chair of the St. Louis de Montfort Church Finance Council. When relaxing, he can be found homebrewing, downhill skiing, or spending time with his wife, Clarice, and their dog, Scout. He has two daughters, Kieran and Katherine. Kieran is a cadet at The US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Katherine is a Senior at Cathedral High School where she is an honor student and athlete.
Julie Ogle
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations for John Wood, Julie Ogle is responsible for the interaction and coordination with Commonwealth Financial Network, a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC., as well as various investment companies and clearing firms utilized by John and Strategic Planning Group, Inc.
Julie has been working in the financial securities industry since 1981, and has spent over 3 decades of her career working with John. With her extensive experience in the business, Julie is instrumental in assisting John, and his clients, with the administrative aspects of his practice.
Julie resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Lincoln, and their two dogs, Max and Lucy. She enjoys spending time at the softball diamonds with her daughter, Ashley, and grand-daughter, Riley. She also enjoys gardening and golf.
Kerry Zerla, CPA, CDFA®
Director of Tax Services
Kerry Zerla works alongside Chris McCauley for Strategic Planning Group and wears many hats, including assisting with opening accounts, transfers, marketing, and more. She feels that as CPAs, Chris and she bring a different perspective to the financial planning process and see the whole financial picture. Kerry has experience with individual taxation, small business, estates, and trusts. Kerry cherishes the relationships she develops with clients – they become our family. And she loves helping clients achieve financial independence and live out their dreams.
Kerry graduated from the University of Illinois with both a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Masters in Accountancy, with a Specialization in Taxation. She passed the Certified Public of Accountant exam, CPA, and began her career in public accounting at firms that include Peat Marwick (now KPMG) and Deloitte. She is a member of the Indiana CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Kerry is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and a member of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. Having experienced a divorce herself, she understands the guidance and comfort someone needs during this trying time.
Kerry resides in Fishers, Indiana. She has three children: Nick, Laura, and Jenny. Nick is a Civil Engineer, Laura is a Mechanical Engineer, and both are graduates of Purdue University. Jenny is currently attending Ohio University. Kerry enjoys renovating her house, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Boating on Kentucky Lake is an annual family tradition that started when she was 8 years old with her family, and she continues the tradition with her own children.
Our Extended Team
Our affiliation with Commonwealth Financial Network® gives us access to teams of advanced planning consultants, investment research specialists, and retirement professionals to help us address your needs. Use the links below to learn more about our support teams.
