Atealem Ford is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She provides personalized investment advice to a diverse clientele including individuals, families, non-profit and for-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, women business owners, executives, and families navigating sudden wealth across the United States.
Atealem holds a Bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland – UC. She has earned multiple professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Her expertise encompasses areas such as college education planning, family wealth management strategies, equity compensation services, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, and personal retirement planning.
Outside of her professional work, Atealem is involved in community organizations such as the Annapolis Rotary Club and Maryland Hall, and volunteers with several local centers and nonprofits including Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Lighthouse Homeless Prevention Center. Her personal interests include cooking, baking, painting, football, and spending time with her family.