Meet Chris : Washington Wealth Group

Chris's Role

Chris is the lead advisor for a select group of individuals, families, and institutions, and his deepest motivator is to help his clients obtain meaningful, lasting peace of mind. In addition to architecting and refining custom family office services, Chris leads Family Summits which create opportunities for clients to explore, discuss, nurture, and transmit values across generations.

As the founder of Washington Wealth Group, mentoring his team is also incredibly important to Chris. With his passion and years of experience, he spearheads the team’s efforts to deliver an exceptional client experience. He strives to cultivate an environment where clients feel valued and cared for, and he encourages every advisor to develop high-quality relationships that put clients at the center—creating legacies that last for generations.

Advising Specialty

For more than 20 years, Chris has acted as a fiduciary consultant for institutions such as nonprofit organizations, foundations, and endowments to help them fulfill their financial obligations and achieve their goals. Leveraging his own investment expertise and the guidelines outlined in each organization’s bylaws, operating agreement, or mission statement, he helps those within the organization manage the institution’s money with transparency and efficiency. He becomes a long-term advisor, helping members navigate proper reporting; writing, editing, and polishing investment policy statements; and communicating between boards and financial committees.

Industry Background & Education

After graduating from The Colorado College in 1984, Chris reported to his first job ready to learn about life insurance. Unfortunately, the hiring manager had departed for another company, leaving Chris with an uncertain future. Undeterred, Chris greeted each day with enthusiasm and spent time studying and learning the business. Little did he know; he was building a foundation for what eventually became Washington Wealth Group.

With a desire to provide his clients the best, most comprehensive guidance, Chris began to expand his knowledge of the industry. In 1991, he studied and earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, and in 1998, he earned his Chartered Financial Consultant designation. In 2000, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter. Today, he places a high value on professional growth and continuing education, and he continually seeks opportunities to learn and stay current in the industry.

Philanthropy

Chris is a volunteer mentor for students at Year Up, a nonprofit that provides education, mentoring, and internship opportunities to at-risk youth. He and partner Aaron Brachman received Year Up’s Urban Empowerment Award for their continuous stewardship and community-based support within Year Up’s National Capitol Region.

Personal Life

Away from the office, Chris cherishes time with his wife and two sons, as well as the family’s golden retrievers. Chris is an avid fisherman who spends time on Nantucket each year. He is passionate about the preservation of natural resources, particularly marine life. Chris and his wife can be found rooting for the Washington Capitals.

Fun Facts

Q: If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: A delicious and diverse plate of sushi with an ice-cold ginger ale.

Q: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what age would you choose and what would you say?

A: After graduating college, I would tell myself to remain intellectually curious for the rest of my life.

Q: What makes you laugh?

A: My family gets together for reunions a lot, and I find myself enamored with stories of our past—those stories make me laugh.

Q: What is one thing every person should add to their daily routine?

A: A moment of gratitude for the gifts in your life.

Q: What’s your favorite part of your day?

A: I love the morning, especially 5:30 to 8:00am—I exercise, meditate, walk the dogs… it’s my personal quiet time.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP^® (with plaque design) and CFP^® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Meet Chris

Christopher J. Detmer , CFP®, CHFC®, CLU®