Meet the Team

Forest Dutton, MBA

Forest Dutton, also a Columbia native, joined Brightworks Financial Planning following a short tenure working for an independent broker-dealer and entered financial services after many years as a physical therapist. As someone who always focused on putting the client first, the transition to fiduciary financial planning was natural. "I strive to put the goals and aspirations of our clients first, while seeking to continually grow in my planning philosophy and industry knowledge to serve them better."

Forest is a lifelong student who seeks to bring that knowledge to bear on building enduring relationships with our clients and positioning them for success. He previously earned his MBA from USC's Moore School of Business with a certificate in business analytics. He is pursuing a master's in financial planning through the University of Georgia and aspires to attain the CFP® designation upon graduation.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations
Series 66 & Series 7
SC Life, Accident, and Health License

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Lori Nelson

Lori Nelson is our Advisor Assistant. Although Lori is not a Columbia native, she has lived here for decades. Lori joined the Brightworks team in the spring of 2022 and brings with her 20 years of experience working in small business accounting and 401k plan administration. Lori believes everyone should have an understanding of personal finance as well as being a good steward of financial resources, big and small. 

Lori received her BSBA degree in Accounting from the University of South Carolina, during which she completed a cooperative education experience as a federal auditor. 

Lori is a current South Carolina Notary Public.