Melissa Kinnard

Melissa works primarily with pre‑retirees and retirees who want steady guidance as they transition from building wealth to enjoying it. She helps clients create sustainable income from their portfolios while maintaining confidence through changing markets and life decisions.

With more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Melissa brings perspective shaped by many bull and bear markets. Her mission is to be a calm in the storm—helping clients stay focused, make thoughtful decisions, and prioritize fun and wants alongside needs and have‑to’s. She believes successful retirement planning isn’t just about financial security, but about using wealth intentionally to support the life clients want to live.

Melissa spent much of her career at large national firms, Starting at Smith Barney, and moving to Prudential Bache for a large part of her career before joining Baird in 2019. She values Baird’s client‑first culture and believes a right‑sized firm offers the balance of personal service and resources needed to support long‑term financial confidence and clarity.

A lifelong Minnesotan, Melissa grew up in Minneapolis, attended West High School and St. Margaret’s Academy, and studied at the University of Minnesota. She currently lives in Eden Prairie and is actively involved in dog rescue and animal advocacy. Outside of work, she enjoys classic ballroom and Latin dancing for both fun and fitness.