our team
Mark Watson, Michael Parsons, and Elizabeth Hanning-Yu
About Mark Watson, CLPF
Mark Watson (License #744) is a licensed Professional Fiduciary who brings a wealth of experience to this role of management, trust, and care. As an ordained Presbyterian minister and now a hospice chaplain, he has spent over 15 years caring for people in crisis and leading non-profit organizations, including overseeing finances and facilities. Mark demonstrates faithfulness to the trust placed in him when caring for vulnerable individuals and in financial stewardship. He’s known for strong skills in administration, employee supervision, project management, and conflict negotiation. Caring, insightful, and winsome, Mark brings the empathy, insight, and humor needed to guide any situation.
Mark brings his educational training in cross-generational communication, religion, and the creative arts to his fiduciary work. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from The Ohio State University and a Master of Music in Music Composition from Bowling Green State University. Mark then received his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary, specializing in intergenerational communication and ministry.
He is a Certified Chaplain from the Professional Instruction for Ministry and earned his Certificates in Professional Fiduciary Management for Trustees and Conservators from California State University, Fullerton. Mark is a Respecting Choices First Steps Advanced Care Planning Certified Facilitator certified through the Alliance for Living and Dying Well.
A longtime Santa Barbara resident, Mark has proudly adopted Santa Barbara as his “hometown.” Mark also volunteers with the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association, where he leads support groups for patients and caregivers.
Photo by Claire Wentzel
“Mark is an individual in whom anyone can place their trust and confidence to manage and protect property or money. He has keen insight and discernment and understands the relationship that encompasses the idea of faith and confidence. One of Mark’s greatest asset is his loyalty to those he works for and with. He is diligent in his care of the assets within his custody. ”
Photo by Claire Wentzel
About Michael Parsons, J.D.
Michael has over 35 years of business, legal and real estate experience, and has held executive positions at public and private companies. As a licensed attorney in California, Michael brings strong problem-solving skills to difficult situations and is trustworthy and empathetic.
Michael has an undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Barbara, and a law degree from the University of Pacific. Michael lives in North Santa Barbara County with his wife and has two grown children.