Tara McAlister

Tara McAlister, SHRM-CP, RCC, brings over 25 years of experience in human resources, coaching, and organizational strategy to her work at Emerald Financial Group. She is enthusiastic about helping business owners and individuals align their goals, values, and people because when life and business are aligned, everything grows stronger.

Tara’s path to financial wellness consulting began in the world of HR, where she spent years advising leaders on how to grow and scale their businesses by investing in their people. After working with hundreds of small and mid-sized companies, Tara realized that business success and personal financial health are deeply connected. This insight led her to join Emerald Financial Group, where she partners with clients to bring clarity to their financial picture and confidence to their next steps.

At Emerald, Tara focuses on business owner planning, succession strategy, and organizational health. She is especially skilled at guiding founders through major transitions—whether they are scaling up, stepping back, or planning for the future. Her background in coaching and HR gives her a unique ability to ask the right questions, simplify complex decisions, and help clients develop plans they can effectively implement.

Tara holds certifications as a SHRM Certified Professional and a Registered Corporate Coach. She serves on the board of Union Diversified Industries and the Union County Human Resources Association, is a member of the Advisory Board for Caregiver Mental Wellness, and leads on the Leadership Committee for My Breast Friend’s Wedding, a signature event raising funds for Go Jen Go, which supports women with breast cancer in the Charlotte region. She regularly speaks and writes about leadership, employee experience, and the value of aligning people strategy with business growth.

Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with her family in the garden, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and finding any excuse to meet new people, whether it is at a local event or a spontaneous conversation over coffee. She has a passion for building community, creating meaningful connections, and helping others see their worth, both in business and in life.