2025 Trusted Advisers: Andy Drennen

Editor's note: Incorrect data that appeared in the print edition has been corrected in the online version.

Andy Drennen provides long-term support for clients as they navigate life transitions. As vice president and senior portfolio manager at Simmons Bank Private Wealth, he customizes investment portfolios for individual clients in addition to foundations and businesses. “Leveraging my background in financial planning,” Drennen says, “I incorporate tax-efficient strategies and align each plan with long-term estate planning goals to deliver a truly comprehensive wealth management experience.”

Drennen holds an associate degree in business management and bachelor’s in business administration from Drury University and a master’s in financial planning from the College for Financial Planning. He is a certified financial planner and has completed master planner advanced studies.

His roles at Simmons include being co-manager of the Core Equity Portfolio, Simmon’s flagship individual stock portfolio, and lead portfolio manager for the Sustainable Impact Portfolio, which includes stocks involving environmental, social and governance risks. He is also a voting member of Simmons’ Asset Allocation Committee.

“Andy combines deep financial expertise with an uncommon level of care and integrity,” says Stephen Smith, director of equity strategy and senior portfolio manager at Simmons. “Whether navigating volatile markets or helping clients plan for long-term goals, he brings a steady hand and clear guidance that instills trust.”

Drennen is strategic and holistic in his financial planning approach, considering macro- and microeconomic outlooks and keeping his finger on the pulse of emerging opportunities that could make valuable financial investments for his clients. He also thinks multi-generationally and plans ahead for the needs of clients’ families.

“Over the coming decades, over $100 trillion in wealth will shift to the next generation,” he says. “These inheritors will demand a very different experience than the generations before them, expecting more personalization, digital convenience and real-time access.”

Outside of his work with Simmons, Drennen is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City. He co-founded the donor-advised fund Stand For Springfield, hosted by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, where he serves on the investment advisory board.