Dougal Williams

Adventure: That was the theme of Dougal’s childhood, and the life he has modeled for his three daughters. Raised in Sunriver, Oregon, by an artist and stay-at-home mom, Dougal’s adventures included riding his bicycle from Oregon to Virginia with his family at age 11 and living on a beach in Mexico for a year when he was 13.

Dougal’s early ambition was to be a professional tennis player, and he spent three years post-college pursuing that dream competing on the ATP tour. But it was witnessing his parents’ horrible experience with a financial broker that set him on the path to a career that became a calling.

Formally educated in economics, Spanish, and marketing, Dougal wanted to use his brain in a field that allowed him to make a difference in people’s lives. And he’s done just that for more than 20 years, helping to create an exceptional experience for Vista’s clients and team. As chief executive officer, he makes sure Vista stays true to its mission of helping people build happier and more prosperous lives.

Dougal enjoys sharing his financial insights through Vista’s newsletter and blog. His straightforward and conversational approach encourages investors to focus on what matters most. He has shared his knowledge with various media outlets, including the Portland Business Journal, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Dougal studied at Northwestern University before graduating from the University of Oregon, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Economics and Spanish. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a past president of CFA Society Portland. A big believer in giving back, he currently serves on the board of directors at Columbia Land Trust and on the endowment committee at Jesuit High School. He previously served as board chair for Urban Gleaners and Exceed Enterprises.

Outside of work, you can frequently find Dougal exercising, reading, and watching his girls compete in their various sports.

Something you may not know about Dougal: He’s a modern-day MacGyver with a knack for fixing things in a pinch — like a broken canoe paddle in the middle of the wilderness. He may also have a minor obsession with cutting, splitting, stacking, and burning firewood.