Nicholas Ramirez is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He partners with business owners, physicians, successful professionals, and families to create personalized financial strategies. His work focuses on areas such as family wealth management, retirement planning, legacy planning, liquidity management, and tax minimization. Through Merrill and the banking capabilities of Bank of America, Nicholas provides clients with access to comprehensive resources to address both personal and business planning needs. Nicholas emphasizes understanding each client's unique story to tailor financial plans that align with their goals and values. His approach centers on building trust and maintaining transparent, candid conversations to support informed decision-making. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Leo University. Nicholas is a member of the Association of Latino Professionals for America and the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his professional work, Nicholas participates in community education workshops. He is fluent in English and Spanish. His personal interests include camping, cooking, football, gardening, hiking, pickleball, rock climbing, and spending time with his family.

Rosanna Lucero Torrez is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works closely with high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses to develop personalized financial strategies aimed at meeting both short- and long-term goals. Her client focus areas include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, retirement income, and investment consulting for defined contribution plans. Rosanna emphasizes a one-on-one approach to create flexible strategies that adapt to changing market conditions. Rosanna holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico and has earned multiple professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She is committed to community involvement and volunteers with local organizations, reflecting the Merrill tradition of service. Outside of her professional work, Rosanna enjoys cooking, gardening, golfing, hiking, music, spending time with her family, and traveling.

Alfredo Bocanegra is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, dedicated to providing personalized financial strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families. He works closely with clients to develop plans that address a range of goals, including college and education planning, retirement income, family wealth management, and supporting women in wealth management. With expertise in navigating complex financial decisions and adapting strategies to changing market conditions, Alfredo emphasizes a deep understanding of each client’s full financial picture. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and completed his high school education at Austin High School. Alfredo is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. Outside of his professional role, Alfredo has personal interests in cooking, photography, soccer, and tennis. His approach centers on uncovering what matters most to clients and creating strategies to help them pursue their financial goals with confidence.

Mason Steffensen is a financial advisor with Merrill in Albuquerque, NM. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2022. Prior to joining Merrill, Mason worked in various roles including at Rapid Reboot and NM Solar Group. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through its Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

John Tanner is a financial advisor with Merrill in Albuquerque, NM, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and over 33 years of industry experience. His career includes prior roles at U.S. Bancorp Investments, Raymond James & Associates, LPL Financial, Waddell & Reed, and Los Alamos National Bank. Outside of finance, he writes fictional stories. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model‑based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, institutions, and charitable organizations.

Michael Stevens is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a founding partner of the STS Group & Associates. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in 1994 and focuses on developing and implementing financial strategies tailored to clients' unique goals, providing services such as college education planning, family wealth management, philanthropic planning, and portfolio management. He manages personalized or defined investment strategies and partners with clients to simplify their financial lives through tailored advice. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Science in Business Administration degree from Boston University. He has earned several professional designations, including Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Certified Portfolio Manager® (CPM®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Michael has been nationally recognized on Barron's "Top 1,500 Advisors" list for sixteen consecutive years through 2026 and Forbes' "America's Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" from 2018 through 2026. He is active in the Albuquerque Economic Forum as a director and is involved with the Greek Orthodox Church in Albuquerque. Michael and his wife, Magda, live in New Mexico with their two daughters. His personal interests include traveling, hiking, hot yoga, and spending time with his family.

Jeannette Smith is a financial advisor at Merrill with 20 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been with Merrill Lynch since 2012. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party managers.

Rebekah Preston is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She specializes in family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, legacy planning, as well as women and wealth. Her background includes extensive work with nonprofits and faith-based institutions, providing her with a unique perspective in addressing the wealth management needs of individuals and families. Preston joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2008 after earning her Bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma, where she was also a four-year letter winner in women's basketball. She holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Her approach involves integrating institutional investing strategies with personalized wealth plans, utilizing modern technology to support high net worth clients and institutions. She collaborates closely with clients' accounting and legal professionals to coordinate strategies addressing complex estate planning and financial priorities. Outside of her professional work, Preston has been actively involved in community service and volunteering. She has supported organizations such as Big Brother Big Sister, the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities, the People's Anti-Cruelty Association, and the United Way. She also remains connected to her alma mater through involvement with University of Oklahoma initiatives including the Sooner Stiletto program. Personal interests include antiquing, basketball, boxing, cooking, interior decorating, and spending time with her family.

Caryn Donald is a financial advisor at Merrill with 38 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 1995 and holds a Series 63 designation. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Leigh Dean is a financial advisor at Merrill with 20 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked previously at Bradley E Justice and Northwestern Mutual Investment Services. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as Team Manager for his son's club soccer team, Atletico NM Futbol Club. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and various institutions.

Austin Wetsch is a Wealth Management Advisor with The Wetsch Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 2010 and holds Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations as well as insurance licenses. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Austin worked as a mortgage underwriter. Austin focuses on delivering wealth management strategies in areas such as investment consulting for defined contribution plans, legacy planning, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, socially responsible and values-based investing, tax minimization, and retirement income. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Born in Montana and raised in Albuquerque, Austin graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Marketing Management from the University of New Mexico. He was previously Vice President and a board member of BikeABQ. Austin lives in northeast Albuquerque with his wife and cat, and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes golfing, fishing, hiking, traveling, camping, mountain and road biking, skiing, and auto racing.

John Cordova is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in wealth management and retirement planning, focusing on helping clients achieve their personal financial goals through personalized strategies. His approach emphasizes simplicity and transparency in the complexities of investing and wealth planning. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, John brings a local perspective to his practice, understanding the unique financial landscape of the region. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico and has earned professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). As a family person with two children, John values financial security and long-term planning, which informs his commitment to his clients' financial well-being.

Junaid Ahmad is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, holding the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation as well as certifications as a CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He has earned a bachelor's degree from Oxford Brookes University. With 20 years in the financial services industry, Junaid specializes in mission-based asset allocation strategies, particularly for nonprofit organizations and Tribal Nations. Prior to his current role, he worked as an analyst at KPMG, gaining experience in financial systems, analysis, and institutional strategy. His approach focuses on aligning investment policies with purpose-driven outcomes, balancing risk with measurable goals. Outside of his professional work, Junaid enjoys chess, cricket, poetry, and relaxing with a well-earned beverage. He remains focused on providing financial guidance that supports thoughtful, mission-aligned objectives for his clients.

Sheryl Duran is the Resident Director at Merrill Lynch, where she serves as the relationship manager on the JD & Associates team, providing wealth management services tailored to client goals and priorities. She brings her clients simplicity in financial planning by identifying their unique concerns and developing long-term strategies. Sheryl's expertise includes college education planning, corporate executive services, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, special needs planning strategies, women and wealth, and retirement income. Sheryl began her career in financial services in 2003 in banking and transitioned to investments in 2006. She joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2015. Her process involves collaboration with other dedicated professionals to enhance client success. Sheryl holds several professional designations including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She earned her high school diploma from Ramona Convent Secondary School and attended Western New Mexico University and New Mexico State University without completing a degree. Born and raised in Southern California, Sheryl moved to New Mexico in 1995 and calls Las Cruces her home. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, cooking, hiking, knitting and crocheting, music and singing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Paul, their two sons, and their pug. Sheryl and her family are active in community involvement, participating in organizations such as Boy Scouts, Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico, United Way, and others, and support local small businesses and the Las Cruces community.

Lane Bird Bear is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Albuquerque, NM. He is committed to managing wealth by understanding the full financial picture of his clients and creating flexible strategies tailored to today's changing market conditions. He provides access to investment insights from Merrill and banking and lending solutions from Bank of America, working to help clients pursue their financial goals through personalized wealth management strategies. With over 10 years of experience in the wealth management industry, Lane focuses on a holistic approach to ensure that clients' financial concerns and goals are addressed through comprehensive financial planning. His areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, education planning, and personal retirement planning. Lane holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico and holds the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He participates in community activities and volunteers with local organizations, aligning with the Merrill tradition of community involvement. Outside of work, Lane enjoys camping, cooking, golfing, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Nathan Armstrong is a Private Wealth Advisor at Merrill Private Wealth Management in Albuquerque, NM, where he leads The Armstrong Group, a Merrill Institutional Consulting™ and Private Wealth Management team. His team serves institutional investors alongside a select group of successful executives and families, overseeing their financial strategies with a disciplined process that emphasizes personalized service and clarity in navigating financial complexities. Nathan began his career in financial services with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1996 and has since developed expertise in institutional investment consulting and family wealth management strategies. He focuses on serving institutional clients such as foundations, endowments, corporate retirement plans, and faith-based organizations, as well as working closely with families, business owners, and entrepreneurs to address complex liquidity and financial needs. His approach centers on understanding clients' values and goals to tailor investment and fiduciary solutions. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Nathan earned bachelor's degrees in Economics and Spanish from New Mexico State University and a master's degree through the University of South Carolina System. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is involved with the Presbyterian Health Care Foundation and the St. Pius X High School Foundation, and participates in the Albuquerque Country Club. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys biking, fishing, golfing, hunting, music, photography, swimming, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Gregory Schornstein is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings over 25 years of experience navigating multiple market fluctuations to his role, focusing on providing personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' unique financial goals and priorities. Greg's areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, and tax minimization among others. He holds the professional designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Greg earned his high school diploma from Lafayette Jefferson and his bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico. Outside of his professional work, Greg is actively involved in his community, volunteering as a basketball and football coach for local youth and his three children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and traveling with his wife Valerie and their daughter and twin boys.

Esteban Alcantar is a financial advisor with Merrill in Albuquerque, NM, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at BBVA Insurance Agency, BBVA Securities, Bbva Wealth Solutions, Bbva USA, Northern Trust Corporation, and Merrill Lynch. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Kathryn Thompson is a Wealth Management Advisor and managing partner of the Stevens, Thompson & Sweers Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been a financial advisor since 2006, focusing on wealth management planning and business development within her team. Kathryn engages in delivering personalized strategies designed to manage volatility and risk while ensuring wealth preservation and sustainable accumulation for her high-net-worth clients and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Business Arts degree in finance from the University of New Mexico. Kathryn has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification, and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and has been recognized on Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list from 2018 through 2026. Kathryn's community involvement includes participation with Girls Inc. of Santa Fe. Her client focus areas encompass family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, women and wealth, and tax minimization.

Alexandra Stevens is a Financial Advisor with the STN Group & Associates, operating within Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She began her career in the wealth management industry as an ADP Financial Solutions Advisor at a Bank of America branch in San Diego, California, where she lived for two years after earning her Bachelor's Degree from the University of San Diego. Her areas of focus include Education Planning, Legacy Planning, Personal Retirement Planning, Philanthropic Planning, and Women and Wealth. Alexandra holds professional designations as an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of her professional life, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, traveling, engaging in Greek dance, and practicing ceramics. She is fluent in English, Greek, and French.