Our Associates - Coastline Advisory Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Victoria, TX

Managing Partner

John’s depth and breadth of experience, notable tenure with Wells Fargo Advisors & Coastline Advisory Group, and community commitment are what he believes differentiates him. An advisor since 1995, John spent his career working with individuals, families, and nonprofits to help them make informed financial decisions and achieve their goals. He pioneered Coastline Advisory as an independent practice with his Managing Partner, Aaron Ralston, because he takes great pride in playing a key role in impacting lives through managing endowments, charitable trusts and foundation assets, resulting in grants that make a difference in his own community.

As a child, John’s family lived all over the country following his father, who was an Air Force pilot. Though proud of his father’s service, John wanted to build a life grounded in stability, which is what he has done in Victoria, where he settled after college, and with his long Wells Fargo Advisors career. In 2013, he was named one of The Barron’s Top 1000 Advisors* award winners. John has been recognized as an Award Recipient** for 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024, & 2025. What’s more, Coastline Advisory Group was recognized as a Teams Award Recipient*** in 2023, 2024, & 2025.

John and his wife, Melody, have a daughter, Mabry, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. When they sought a differentiated educational experience for her, they discovered one was not available nearby. So they took the lead to create it — for Mabry and to serve the community need. They established The Vine School, a private 501(c)3 school for children with autism, communication disorders, and learning disabilities. The school began with 4 students in 2008 and today more than 70 are enrolled. John served as President of the school’s Board of Directors from 2008 through 2024 and today serves school leadership as needed through their Advisory Board. When not at work, John can be found playing golf, talking about wine, or reading spy novels.

_{*2013 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2013; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2011 - Sept. 2012 (Source: Barrons.com). The Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

_{**2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23 - 6/30/24. (Source: Forbes.com). View Award Disclosures}
_{See full list of winners: Forbes award page.}
_{2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23. 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18. 2018 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: (Awarded February 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/16 - 6/30/17 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

_{***2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24. (Source: Forbes.com). View Award Disclosures}
_{See full list of winners: Forbes award page.}
_{2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23. 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

Education:
Texas Tech, B.B.A. Marketing

Professional:
Wells Fargo Advisors: 1995–June 2023
Coastline Advisory Group: June 2023 – Current

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Registered Senior Administrative Assistant

Pam has been helping people with their financial lives for nearly 50 years. Her background includes a 25-year banking career, culminating with a position as Vice President of Bank Operations and Financial Services, followed by 5 years as a financial advisor before she joined John Handley as his assistant in 2005 — a role she has now held for more than 15 years. As a key member of the operation, Pamela was instrumental helping the Managing Partners, John Handley and Aaron Ralston pioneer Coastline Advisory Group as an independent advisory. Today, she is responsible for ensuring the office runs efficiently and effectively as well as personally assisting clients with their investment and personal needs. Whether the task is large or small, Pam is quick to jump in and help clients and colleagues alike, and her extensive experience makes her a knowledgeable and reliable resource for both.

Pam values the strong relationships she has built with clients, and recognizes many of them by voice when they call. Steadfast and unflappable, she is known as a professional who can be counted on to do whatever is necessary to get a job done and done well. She is personable and purposeful, and takes pride in the opportunity to make a difference for people every day. The industry has taken notice – Coastline Advisory Group believes Pamela’s excellence was a crucial factor in the team being listed as an Award Recipient* in 2023, 2024, & 2025.

Pam has lived in Victoria since she was 4 years old. She and her husband, Bob, have two adult sons, Joey and David, and four teenage grandchildren. Pam loves being a grandmother and is a big fan supporting many school sports events including baseball, basketball, volleyball, and football. She is an avid gardener who grows prized plumerias and trying to master the Desert Rose. Pam also enjoys jigsaw puzzles, walking at the creek near her home, spending time with her rescue dog and helping to take care of her family’s menagerie of pets.

^{*2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). View Award Disclosures}
^{See full list of winners: Forbes award page.}
^{2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23. 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

Education:
Victoria College

Professional:
Wells Fargo Bank: 1974–1999
Wells Fargo Advisors: 1999–June 2023
Coastline Advisory Group: June 2023 – Current

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Registered Branch Administrator

Eric has been putting customers first since joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2007. He believes customer service is a lost art in today’s world, and strives to deliver an exceptional level of service to clients and colleagues every day. He is driven by his passion for doing good for people, and always aspiring to uphold the Golden Rule. As Aaron Ralston’s assistant for 15 years, he interacted daily with clients to answer questions, solve challenges and help manage their accounts. In addition, he is responsible for ensuring day-to-day office operations run efficiently and effectively. Eric’s commitment to customer service was critical when the Managing Partners, Aaron Ralston and John Handley, pioneered Coastline Advisory Group as an independent advisory. Eric was then presented, by Aaron & John, with the opportunity to become the Branch Administrator of Coastline Advisory Group.

Eric credits his strong work ethic to how he was raised, and his ability to successfully interact with many different people to his diverse early career background, which includes roles as a fiberglass boat builder and gas treatment plant operator. He is a responsive, hands-on professional with remarkable attention to detail and seemingly limitless energy. A problem-solver in and out of the office, Eric takes pride in being able to find a solution for anything — and won’t quit until he does. Coastline Advisory Group believes this tenacious attitude is one of the factors that lead to the team being an Award Recipient* in 2023, 2024, & 2025.

Originally from Bay City, Eric lives in Schroeder with his wife, Kristi, who was his college sweetheart, and their two children: Hatley and Holden. His two passions are his family and helping people. He enjoys spending time in his shop, sometimes building random items, and other times using his woodworking skills to build items for charitable auctions in his community. He helps coach his son’s little league team and enjoys being outside and working the land on his tractor. He is also an accomplished cook known for BBQing meat and cooking fried rice hibachi-style on his flat top, which is a particular favorite of his kids.

^{*2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). View Award Disclosures}
See full list of winners: Forbes award page.

^{2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23. 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

Education:
University of Houston, Victoria, B.S. Accounting

Professional:
Wells Fargo Advisors: Nov 2007–June 2023
Coastline Advisory Group: June 2023 – Current

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Managing Partner

Having been sitting in the same seat since 2006, Aaron knows that stability and consistency are both of real value to his clients. He’s felt privileged to have many of them count on him throughout his career – and will continue to for the duration. Aaron pioneered Coastline Advisory Group with his Managing Partner, John Handley, to be that lifelong guide for his clients, no matter *what* may come next. Aaron is proud to have built strong long-term relationships with clients, including individuals, couples, sole proprietors and small businesses who rely on his guidance to help them achieve their financial goals and establish retirement plans. He believes every client is unique and strives to fully understand each client’s priorities and circumstances in order to provide the best advice possible.

Aaron holds himself to a high standard in everything he does. He is proud of his commitment to traditional values like honoring your word, the value of a handshake, and that actions speak louder than words — all attributable to his small-town upbringing. He is known as a straight-shooter who is easy to talk to and always gives 100 percent. Aaron has been recognized as an Award Recipient* for 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025. Aaron and his team at Coastline Advisory Group were also recognized as a Teams Award Recipient** in 2023, 2024, & 2025.

Aaron grew up in Port Lavaca and returned to South Texas after college to be near family and in the area he loves. He and his wife, Devon, have three children: Ellyson, Chayson, and Brennon. Aaron is an active community volunteer. He is a former board member of the Education Foundation of Calhoun County and served on the selection committee for the Victoria County United Way. A competitive BBQer, he is the cook for the Buyer Appreciation Dinner at the Victoria Livestock Show and does BBQ fundraisers for local people and causes. He is also an accomplished woodworker and welder who builds items for use in charitable auctions. In addition to building and BBQing, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.

^{2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23 - 6/30/24. (Source: Forbes.com). View Award Disclosures}
^{See full list of winners: Forbes award page.}
^{2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23. (Source: Forbes.com) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. (Source: Forbes.com) 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

^{**2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24. (Source: Forbes.com). View Award Disclosures}
^{See full list of winners: Forbes award page.}
^{2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23. (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

Education:
Texas Tech University, B.S. Personal Financial Planning

Professional:
Wells Fargo Advisors: 2006 –June 2023
Coastline Advisory Group: June 2023 – Current

Contact

Administrative Assistant

As an Administrative Assistant, Christina Donnelly pairs a strong work ethic with genuine kindness to go the extra mile for the clients at Coastline Advisory Group. With a well-credentialed background and quiet efficiency, Christy is the dependable resource both clients and advisors recognize to have mastered the art of follow through.

After quickly rising up the ranks at the State of Alaska’s Department of Law, Christy soon found herself working alongside the litigators of the State’s most critical and highly publicized cases. In a fast-paced environment where her attention to detail and meeting tight deadlines made Christy an important asset to the State’s Prosecutors during that time.

And that’s not the only place she’s flourished. Having experience with Wells Fargo Bank dating back to 2010, Christy similarly rose the ranks there to ultimately become an Assistant Branch Manager. Word soon grew about her excellence in client service. Registered Branch Administrator Eric Heidrich & Managing Partner John Handley took notice - and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to enhance their business. After maintaining the same staff for 16 years, they brought on Christy as the very first recruit into their partnership! Since her arrival, she has been a key part of the team at Coastline Advisory Group, which has been an Award Recipient* in 2025.

A native of Boise, Idaho, Christy lived in Alaska for over a decade before moving to Texas to be closer to family and much nicer weather. Her Dad, a veteran of the armed forces, instilled a deep admiration and respect for those her served our country in her, which is why she’s an avid supporter of the USO and Wounded Warrior Project. Outside of the office, Christy loves spending time with her daughters Ava and Olivia doing activities like gardening, antiquing, and road tripping to the quaint small towns of Texas – or the beach!

^{*2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

^{See full list of winners: Forbes award page.}

Our Difference

John D Handley

Pamela James

Eric Heidrich

Aaron Ralston

Christina Donnelly