About
John M. Lewis, CFA, is a Portfolio Manager at Willis Investment Counsel, where he provides portfolio management and advisory support to the firm’s corporate and institutional clients. Based in the Atlanta area, he is the lead manager for Willis Investment Counsel’s Fixed Income Strategy and oversees investment solutions tailored to client needs, particularly for fixed income portfolios and corporate treasury management.
Mr. Lewis brings nearly a decade of progressive responsibility at Willis Investment Counsel, having previously served as Senior Analyst and Analyst before his current role as Portfolio Manager. His experience encompasses developing fixed income strategies, conducting stress testing, and advising on captive insurance investment allocations, with a focus on integrating risk management within institutional portfolios.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business and an Associate’s Degree in Business from Young Harris College. Mr. Lewis is a CFA charterholder, underscoring his expertise in portfolio construction and fixed income securities, and is recognized for his contributions to thoughtful, risk-aware investment solutions within the fixed income asset class.
Career History
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willis Investment Counsel | Portfolio Manager | Aug 2023 to Present | Management of the Fixed Income and Small Cap Strategies, along with corporate client service in matters of treasury management and allocation, |
| Willis Investment Counsel | Senior Analyst | Jan 2020 to Aug 2023 | Active role in equity and fixed income security selection and research, assisting in corporate client service including asset allocation, and special projects. |
| Willis Investment Counsel | Analyst | Jan 2015 to Jan 2020 | Assisting portfolio managers with equity and fixed income research. |
| E*TRADE | Financial Services Associate | Aug 2014 to Dec 2014 | — |
| Sentry Self Storage | Co-Manager | Aug 2013 to May 2014 | I co-managed a 700+ unit storage facility. This job required me to run the day to day operations of this business, which included all administrative work, client relations/customer service, unit sales... |
| Accurate Refrigeration | Consultant | Dec 2009 to Jan 2014 | I worked as a contracted unlicensed assistant who helped with installation of air-conditioning units, furnaces, ductwork, vents, and thermostats, to generate income for college costs. |
| The Hallmark Companies | Assistant to the Vice President of Development and Acquisitions | Dec 2012 to Aug 2013 | After my part time work for this firm, they offered me a summer internship. The Hallmark Company is a real estate investment and management company focused on rural development and tax credit properti... |
| Holy Innocents Campus Shop | Associate Summer Manager | May 2007 to Aug 2013 | During the summers I worked at this institution my responsibilities grew tremendously. I supervised 4 to 6 summer workers in day-to-day operations. Accepted and inventoried shipments of new textbooks ... |
| U.S. Census Bureau | Enumerator | Apr 2010 to Jul 2010 | I was in charge of surveying households that did not complete their census form and accurately recording their data. As well I attending regular update meanings with team leaders in order to orchestra... |
| Colonial Life | Office assistant | May 2009 to Aug 2009 | At this firm I worked to aid the sales staff. Doing this, I created presentation and booklets for upcoming presentations by the sales staff. Also, I performed day-to-day office management activities f... |
Education
University of Georgia - Terry College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance
2012 — 2014
Young Harris College
Associate's Degree, Business
2010 — 2012
Others at Willis Investment Counsel (4)
| Name | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
 | Research Analyst | Gainesville, GA , United States |
 | Investment Research and Trading Associate | Atlanta, GA , United States |
 | Chief Investment Officer and Equites Portfolio Manager | Atlanta, GA , United States |
 | Research Analyst | Gainesville, GA , United States |