Our History
Johnson Financial Advisors (JFA) was founded in 1981 by Phil Johnson, who used one of the first Apple II computers to create retirement projections. While technology has transformed how clients access financial information, one thing hasn’t changed: the trusted relationship between client and advisor.
Over the decades, Phil, Marcus, and their team have seen how thoughtful financial planning can guide families through life’s transitions. Today, JFA serves multiple generations—often the children and grandchildren of our earliest clients—helping them manage wealth and navigate inheritances.
We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships, offering objective advice, customized strategies, and personalized service. If you’re looking for a financial advisor who provides trusted guidance and support, we invite you to connect with us.
Philip O. Johnson, CFP Ⓡ
President & Advisor
Phil is President of Johnson Financial Advisors and has been involved in financial services since 1976. He is a popular speaker and writer on the subject of money management, Phil has been featured in USA Today, the Washington Post, Worth, Money Magazine, the Arizona Republic and the Arizona Business Gazette.
Phil has served on the national board of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners and as President of the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP), Greater Phoenix Chapter. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association and is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
Not only was Phil born in Phoenix, but he is a fifth-generation Arizonan and is very committed to community and civic causes. He does fundraising for scouting and college scholarship programs and encourages parents to teach money skills to their children at a young age. When families cannot afford a financial advisor, he frequently donates his time and experience.
Phil and his wife, Lynn, are active in their church and enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
Marcus F. Johnson, CFP Ⓡ
Vice President of Investment Management & Advisor
Marcus Johnson is Vice President of Johnson Financial Advisors, where he specializes in portfolio management and comprehensive wealth planning for families and business owners. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he also holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as life and disability insurance credentials. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from the BYU Marriott School of Business, where he later served as an employee, and completed Boston University’s Financial Planning Certificate Program. He is currently pursuing the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation through the Yale School of Management Executive Education program.
Marcus began his career with experiences that broadened his perspective on people, planning, and leadership—including an internship with Beneficial Life Financial Group, working for U.S. Representative Jeff Flake in Washington, DC, and teaching Spanish. He went on to serve as President of the Financial Planning Association of Greater Phoenix, leading its 500-member advisor network, and has been a featured panelist for the Arizona Republic as well as on local TV and radio.
Deeply engaged in community and faith, Marcus has led in a wide range of settings—from serving as Stake President over congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tempe, to organizing interfaith initiatives as Chairman and Producer of the Golden Rule Awards Celebration, Arizona’s largest annual interfaith event. He also serves on the Tempe Police Chief Advisory Council, has been President of the Rotary Club of Tempe South, and served on the Boy Scouts of America executive board.
Marcus and his wife, Alexandria, are active supporters of education and philanthropy, serving together on the National Advisory Council for the BYU Marriott School of Business and on the ASU President’s Club. They are raising six energetic boys, and Marcus enjoys photography, cooking, and the occasional break on his mowing tractor.
Amy Stedelin
Operations & Client Support
Amy is deeply committed to delivering every client at Johnson Financial Advisors the personalized, professional service they deserve. With a strong foundation in office operations and client-facing support, she ensures that behind-the-scenes systems—scheduling, documentation, correspondence—are reliable and seamless. What people may not see: Amy is often the one ensuring that our client meeting prep is flawless and that no detail falls through the cracks, allowing Marcus, Phil, and the advisory team to focus on strategy and advice.
Derrick Petersen
Operations Support & Investment Research
Derrick plays a dual role: he helps new and existing clients feel welcome and confident in coming aboard with JFA, and he supports the investment process with research. On the service side, he’s often “the guide” during onboarding, helping clients understand what to expect and making sure their transition into the firm is smooth. On the investment side, he digs into data, market trends, and portfolio analytics to support Marcus and the advisory team. His mix of client empathy + analytical skill is valuable for balancing what clients want with what’s prudent.
Anna Currit
Operations Support
Anna ensures that new accounts at Johnson Financial Advisors are opened accurately and efficiently, providing clients with a smooth and reliable start to their relationship with the firm. She brings a strong focus on detail and organization to every step of the process, from preparing paperwork to coordinating with custodians. Her work builds the foundation for long-term client confidence, allowing the advisory team to concentrate on strategy and planning.
Carla Miller
First Impressions Concierge
Carla helps individuals take the first step toward meaningful financial conversations with Johnson Financial Advisors. She manages inquiries, answers initial questions, and guides prospects toward connecting with an advisor so they can receive the advice and direction they need. With her approachable style and consistent follow-up, Carla ensures that those considering JFA feel supported and confident as they explore their options.
Let's have a free no-obligation conversation
Let our experienced advisors help you navigate the complexities of investing, retirement planning, and wealth management. Take the first step by filling out our form to schedule a consultation today. We look forward to working with you to achieve your financial goals.