Matt Ward is the new financial advisor for the Huntington branch office of Edward Jones.

The 1996 Proctorville High School graduate has been with the firm for two years, but said he has worked with budgets for years. After graduating from Ohio University in 2000, Ward worked as an aide to Ohio Sen. John Carey, who was the finance committee chairman.

“I gained a wealth of knowledge from that,” Ward said. “The state budget was $44 billion at the time, so I really got an education when I was working for him.”

He has also worked for Ohio Rep. Clyde Evans, the City of Ironton and the Collins Career Center.

He said the difference between working on a state budget or a family’s budget is just a matter of scale.

“I’ve always liked working with people and finances is the most important thing to be taken care of,” Ward said. “With the background and the experience I had, becoming a financial advisor just fit nicely.”

Ward said he likes the job.

“The clients I’ve been in contact with have been fantastic and I’m looking forward to really expanding and growing the Huntington and Tri-State area. It’s been great so far.”

He said the reason for having a single advisor in an office is simple.

“They like to keep their financial advisors as close to the community as possible,” he said.

James D. Weddle, Edward Jones managing partner, said the company was proud to have Ward in its Huntington office.

“The people of this community have grown to rely on our firm for their investment needs, and I am confident Matt will continue to our outstanding tradition by providing one-on-one services.”