Stella Pederson

Adams Brown Trust Solutions, Chief Executive Officer

How I Help…

I support our staff at all levels as they assist clients and beneficiaries, ensuring thoughtful, well-coordinated care throughout the trust and estate process.

Most recently, we partnered with an animal wellness concierge company to elevate how we care for clients’ pets when managing trusts or estates. In one case, the concierge assisted a client transitioning to assisted living by arranging the rehoming of their animals and coordinating ongoing pet visits. This approach significantly reduced stress and improved medical outcomes for both the client and the pets—while also allowing the trust officer to remain focused on other critical responsibilities.

MEET STELLA
"An attorney by trade, I have worked in estate and trust administration for a very long time. The work we do helps families and individuals through some of the most challenging events in their lives. I also value opportunities to help my team develop and advance their careers in ways that are meaningful to them."

Q&A with Stella

What does above+beyond mean to you?
Above+beyond means anticipating the needs of others and doing my best to prepare them to meet those needs, as effectively and as efficiently as possible.
What makes you unique?
Last year, I finally traveled to South America and Antarctica and now I have been to all seven continents!
What is your favorite music?
Bluegrass, Americana, rock, country - love it all!
What are you most proud of and why?
I once had an adult autistic legal aid client who was seeking more independence as an adult. I represented him in his guardianship and we successfully reduced those restrictions. Now he travels the globe as an ambassador for autistic families and a global disability consultant. I am so proud of his application of those increased freedoms to make his own decisions.
What is/was your biggest life challenge?
One year, my family lost three close family members in 13 months. It was rough to say the least. But when the pandemic was ongoing, this gave me the empathy to help others who were losing many family members and friends within a relatively short period of time.

Life Outside the Office


Hobbies & Interests

  • Dogs
  • Travel
  • Live music

Frequented Websites

  • New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
  • IRS.gov
  • NextDoor

Little Known Facts

  • I was born in Scotland.
  • I lived in China while it was under martial law.
  • I grew up in Aberdeen, Washington.

My Professional History


Memberships

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • State Bar of New Mexico
  • Santa Fe Estate Planning Council
  • New Mexico Estate Planning Council
  • Leadership Santa Fe Alumni

Education

  • University of Puget Sound
  • North Seattle Community College
  • University of Washington
  • University of Beijing
    • B.A., China Regional Studies
  • East China University of Politics & Law
  • Willamette University College of Law
    • J.D.

Work Highlights

  • Year you joined the industry: 1993
  • Year you joined Adams Brown: 2025
  • Jobs Prior to Adams Brown
    • Heritage Trust Company of New Mexico – President
    • Pregenzer Baysinger – Wideman & Sale (Of Counsel)
    • Gravis Law – Managing Attorney

 

Designations

  • JD