John Clinger is the Senior Vice President and Senior Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, leading the Fort Myers office. He has more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, focusing on helping individuals, families, and business owners with complex financial decisions and long-term goals. John specializes in areas such as family wealth management, personal retirement planning, tax minimization, and portfolio management. He is a founding member of Clinger, Sizemore & Associates and has been with Merrill Lynch since 2000.
Before joining Merrill Lynch, John held leadership and lending positions at SunTrust Bank and Barnett Bank, gaining valuable experience in banking, lending, and business development. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business from the University of South Florida. John holds several professional designations, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC).
John is actively involved in his community and serves in leadership and board roles with nonprofit and educational organizations such as the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Children's Advocacy Center, Diocese of Venice School Board, Fort Myers American Little League, and United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties. He has held positions including United Way Campaign Chair and Advisory Board Chair for Bishop Verot High School. John and his wife, Rusti, have four daughters and reside in Fort Myers.