A University of Georgia alumnus, Ernest Montford has a bachelor’s degree in business which he earned in 1969. After graduating, Ernest Montford worked with Merrill Lynch as an investment adviser.

He subsequently joined E. F. Hutton as a manager and opened a branch in Savannah, and spent the following few years overseeing its operations. Following his success in the role, Mr. Montford was promoted to vice president. He also began pursuing Investment Management Analyst certification through the Consultants Investment Management Association, which he earned in 1989.

That same year, Ernest Montford established Montford Associates, an investment advisory firm. Through the company, he also acted as a public speaker and liaison for his clients. These clients ranged from endowments and religious organizations to public corporations.

By the time he retired, the company had 35 clients and a billion dollars under advisory. Throughout this time, he has enjoyed several hobbies. An avid fly fisher, he is a member of Trout Unlimited, a conservation organization.