Meet the Southard Financial Team

Founded in 1987 by Doug Southard, the Southard Financial team has helped business owners, attorneys, and other professionals around the country who need to determine a company’s fair market value. We provide you with a credible valuation so you can take the next step with confidence – whether you are preparing to sell a company, setting up an ESOP, creating an estate plan, or staying in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Douglas K. Southard, DBA, CFA

Doug Southard, principal and founder of Southard Financial in 1987, has over 44 years of business valuation and advisory experience. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and previously served as an officer of the American Society of Appraisers, West Tennessee Chapter.

Mr. Southard earned both Masters and Doctor of Business Administration degrees from Indiana University, and held faculty positions at Rhodes College and Virginia Tech. Mr. Southard has appeared as an expert witness in local, state and federal courts, has spoken publicly on business valuation topics, and serves on the Board of Directors of various closely-held business entities.

You can reach Doug here.

David A. Harris, CFA, ASA

Dave Harris, principal and managing member of Southard Financial, has been with the firm since 1990 and has over 40 years of business valuation experience. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, is an Accredited Senior Appraiser in the Business Valuation discipline of the American Society of Appraisers, and has served as an officer of West Tennessee Chapter, Memphis Branch, of the American Society of Appraisers.

Mr. Harris is a recognized expert witness in local, state, and federal courts, and has been a presenter of business valuation topics to various organizations. Active in the community, he has served on the boards of several organizations and supports a variety of non-profit entities. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University and an MBA from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). Dave is an avid golfer and a lifelong tennis player and snow skier.

You can reach Dave here.

Mark A. Orndorff, CFA, ASA

Mark Orndorff, principal of Southard Financial, has over 26 years of business valuation experience supported by prior experience as a banker. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is an Accredited Senior Appraiser in the Business Valuation discipline of the American Society of Appraisers.

Mr. Orndorff holds the office of Vice President of the Memphis Branch, West Tennessee Chapter, of the American Society of Appraisers, and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Memphis Society of Financial Analysts. He earned an MBA from the University of Memphis.

You can reach Mark here.

Matthew L. Jakes, CFA, ASA

Matthew Jakes, principal of Southard Financial, has over 20 years of business valuation experience. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is an Accredited Senior Appraiser in the Business Valuation discipline of the American Society of Appraisers.

Mr. Jakes is a member of the CFA Institute and the Memphis Society of Financial Analysts. Mr. Jakes graduated cum laude from Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Administration.

You can reach Matthew here.

Mark L. Winger, CFA, CPA/ABV, ASA

Mark Winger joined Southard Financial as a Director in 2026 and has over 30 years of prior business valuation experience in nationally recognized firms. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is an Accredited Senior Appraiser in the Business Valuation discipline of the American Society of Appraisers. Mr. Winger is a Certified Public Accountant and has earned the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) designation from the AICPA.

Mr. Winger is a member of the CFA Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and the ESOP Association. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Marquette University.

You can reach Mark here.

Trust in Southard Financial for comprehensive financial consulting and valuation Services:

Litigation support
Settlement negotiation
Expert witness testimony
Expert analysis
Speaking engagements
Board retreats

Southard Financial is here to help with your business appraisal and transaction advisory needs.

For responsive support and assistance, or to discuss a matter in confidence, contact us today!