Honor Society® member
Charles Porterfield
- Finance and Environmental Science
- Class of 2028
- Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Member since September 2026
About
I am a junior at UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management studying Finance with a minor in Environmental Science. I currently hold a 3.92 cumulative GPA, have earned Dean’s List recognition every completed semester, and am a member of the Isenberg Dean’s Academy.
My experience has taken me from financial planning to municipal harbor operations and oyster aquaculture. At Vineyard Wealth Group, I work in a small-firm environment where I often have to direct my own work, identify useful projects, and create value across nonprofit research, charitable-giving education, and business operations. Years working in Martha’s Vineyard harbors and aquaculture have also shaped my interest in sustainability and the connection between strong economies and healthy natural resources.
Outside of work and academics, I coach middle school basketball and volunteer through Meals on Wheels and youth sports. In Spring 2027, I plan to study abroad in Barcelona. Long term, I am interested in using finance to help people and organizations make sound, responsible long-term decisions.
Education
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Finance and Environmental Science
2024 – Present
Honors and awards
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Isenberg Dean's Academy
Selected member of Isenberg’s academic and professional development cohort.
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UMass Amherst Dean’s List
Earned Dean’s List recognition every completed semester at UMass Amherst.
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Elmer DeLoura Scholarship Trust
2026–27 scholarship recipient
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Tisbury Waterways Environmental Studies Scholarship
2026–27 scholarship recipient recognizing my environmental studies and community connection.
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EAF Launch Scholarship
2026 scholarship recipient
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Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation Scholarship
2026–27 scholarship recipient
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My strongest career interests are wealth management and financial planning, sustainable finance, risk management, and financial analysis. Long term, I want to use financial analysis and planning to help people, businesses, or organizations make stronger long-term decisions. I am particularly interested in work that combines financial judgment with relationships, sustainability, and community impact. I am still intentionally exploring which area of Finance is the best long-term fit rather than committing too early to one specific job title.
- Graduate school interests
I am considering continuing my education at UMass Amherst through an accelerated master’s or +1 program after completing my BBA, if it makes sense academically and financially. My strongest graduate interests are Finance, business analytics, and related programs that deepen quantitative decision-making and complement my interests in AI, data, and sustainability. I am also interested in eventually pursuing professional credentials that strengthen my ability to advise people and organizations.
- Outside the classroom
Exercising (lifting, running, swimming, basketball), music production, researching, nutrition, sports, and food.
Experience
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Financial Planning Intern
Vineyard Wealth Group
Jan 2026 – Sep 2026
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Assistant Harbormaster
Edgartown Harbormaster
May 2025 – Aug 2025
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Oyster Farmer / Aquaculture Assistant
Cottage City Oysters
May 2024 – Aug 2026
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Harbormaster Assistant / Pump-Out Boat Operator, Seasonal
Vineyard Haven Harbormaster Department
May 2021 – Sep 2024
Volunteering
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Volunteer Assistant Basketball Coach
Oak Bluffs School Middle School Basketball
Dec 2025 – Feb 2026
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Volunteer, Meal Packaging Event
Rise Against Hunger / UMass Isenberg
Mar 2025
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Little League Volunteer
Martha’s Vineyard Little League
Mar 2022 – Sep 2026
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Meals on Wheels Volunteer
Meals on Wheels
Apr 2016 – Sep 2026
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- Spanish Intermediate
Additional information
Organizations
