Joseph Palmesano is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been advising high-net-worth families and institutional clients since 2003. He leads a team managing over 120 client relationships and more than $900 million in client assets, focusing on retirement planning, defined contribution and benefit plan consulting, individual and corporate investment strategy, and wealth management for South Florida auto dealers and captive insurance trusts. Joe and his team emphasize developing wealth management strategies that align with clients’ complex financial goals, utilizing the analytical tools and resources available through Merrill Lynch to enhance investment outcomes. In 2025, Joe and his team were recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list.
Before joining Merrill Lynch, Joe spent 14 years working in retirement plan consulting across the Washington, D.C., and South Florida markets, assisting business owners and executives with company retirement plan design and implementation. In 2010, he was selected by Bank of America leadership to support Commercial Bank clients with wealth management needs. Joe holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation, among other credentials, and is a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute™. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from John Carroll University and completed his CIMA® education at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
A native of Rochester, New York, Joe attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his wife Michelle and their two sons. Outside of his professional work, Joe enjoys golfing, skiing, traveling, and is involved in community activities including supporting St Anthony's Friends for Education.