Jonathan Brecht is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over three decades of experience working with individuals, families, and small businesses across multiple market cycles. He specializes in areas including services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. His focus encompasses advising families and small businesses in service industries, the media, the arts, and professional sectors on managing personal and retirement assets and business retirement plans.
Mr. Brecht holds a Bachelor's Degree from Manhattan College and an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University. His career began as a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Department of State, with postings in Washington D.C. and Saudi Arabia, and extensive travel throughout the Middle East and Africa. He is a Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Proficient in English and Arabic, he is also affiliated with professional organizations such as the Foreign Policy Association and the Middle East Institute.
Residing in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and two daughters, Jonathan is actively involved in community organizations including the Boerum Hill Association and Gowanus Conservancy. He pursues personal interests in fine art photography with a focus on 20th century Central European photography, leads a local historic preservation movement, and participates in foreign affairs initiatives through his membership in related organizations.