Managing Director

Garrett Alton serves as a Managing Director at Pennington Partners & Co., and is responsible for firm growth, managing our most important professional advisor partnerships, and ensuring a brilliant arrival for new operating partner families. With a career marked by transformative leadership and a focus on people and relationships, Garrett has consistently driven results through collaboration and strategic vision. 

Prior to joining Pennington, Garrett served as EVP and Head of National Sales at Wilmington Trust, a $48B AUM subsidiary of M&T Bank. He led profitable growth across all regions, strengthened community ties, and forged key strategic alliances. Prior to that, he spent over a decade at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he advanced to Managing Director and Regional Head of Client Strategy, overseeing a business with nearly $30B in AUM and $250 million in annual revenue. There, he co-founded the National M&A and Private Business Advisory Practice Groups, shaping client strategy for about 40% of the firm’s wealth business. 

Earlier in his career, Garrett held leadership roles at Merrill Lynch, Neuberger Berman, and First Union, consistently recognized as a top producer. 

Garrett earned a BBA in Business Management and holds designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). An active board member for the Latin American Association and Veterans Empowerment Organization (Vice Chair), he also supports several nonprofits, including the Atlanta History Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Garrett brings discipline and dedication to every endeavor.