Catherine Varner

Catherine Varner works from the Financial Designs office in her role as Executive Director of the national Legacy Advisors Network (LAN), of which Financial Designs is a member-owner firm. Her 35 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, communications and business coaching augments the work of Financial Designs and its clients, as well.  

Over her 35-year professional career, Catherine has worked with for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations—from Fortune 250 powerhouses to startup firms and everything in between. Her work experience spans multiple sectors—financial services, healthcare, education, professional services, tourism and hospitality, consumer goods and arts organizations.

As Executive Director of Legacy Advisors Network, Catherine leads and advances initiatives that deliver best-in-class programs to support LAN member firms, including strategic planning, marketing and communication, network growth, operations and member services. Learn more at www.legacyadvisorsnetwork.com.

Catherine has a passion for enhancing the communities in which she lives and works and currently is a member of the boards at the Academy Center of the Arts and Old City Cemetery. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in English and Political Science, and received her Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder, with minors in Business and Arts Management. A native of Atlanta, Ga., Catherine resides in Lynchburg, Va. She enjoys the outdoors, travel and the arts; is a foodie and book lover; and delights in spending time with her two children.