Mercedes Mendez

Mercedes joined The Forrest Group in April 2026 as the Executive Assistant to Gib Surles.  In her role, she assists Gib in managing his daily tasks and client engagements, to allow him to focus on providing high-quality planning for each of our prospective and existing clients. In 1999, Mercedes earned an Associate’s Degree in Legal Secretary/Paralegal Studies from the Kelsey-Jenney College in San Diego, CA.   She brings more than 14 years of office management experience, along with four years of experience in the probate and estate planning arena.  Mercedes is married to her firefighter husband and has one daughter.  Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, tending to her flower beds, taking walks and spending quality time with her family.