Matthew Nies is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, working as part of the Thorndyke Sheppard Group. He collaborates with select individuals and families to develop tailored financial strategies aligned with their specific long-term goals, including retirement planning, education funding, wealth maximization for future generations, and tax exposure minimization. Matthew also coordinates with clients' estate planners, accountants, and other financial professionals to ensure cohesive goals-based planning. Matthew began his career in financial services in New York in 2005 and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2014. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in 2012. Additionally, he is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and holds designations as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and Sports & Entertainment (SE) specialist. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor's degree. Residing in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Kalli, and their daughter, Hannah, Matthew's personal interests include golfing, skiing, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Celeste Center is a financial advisor at Merrill with 19 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and has worked at Merrill since 2009. Her career also includes a role at Bank of America, N.A. since 2008. 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 offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Jack Czeszewski is a financial advisor at Merrill with six years of industry experience and holds a Series 66 designation. He has worked at Merrill since 2018 and has been affiliated with Bank of America, N.A. since 2022. Prior to his financial advisory roles, he had brief engagements in online education, construction development, and sports performance. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Kristy Gonzalez is a financial advisor with Merrill in Chicago, IL, holding Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 designations and bringing 20 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2015 and has also worked at Bank of America, N.A. since 2021. 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.

Suzanne Austin is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 25 years of industry experience, currently serving at Merrill in Chicago, IL. She has been with Merrill and Bank of America since 2014. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as President and Commissioner of the Clarendon Hills Park District and is a co-trustee for a private trust. 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 offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions.

J Wood is the Regional Managing Director at Merrill Private Wealth Management. He has been with the company since 1993, bringing extensive experience from his prior career as a Naval Commander and Flight Officer in the United States military. Over his 25-year tenure with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Wood has held roles as a wealth management advisor and Market Executive in multiple locations across the United States. He was appointed to his current leadership position in 2019.

Timothy Frazier is a Private Wealth Advisor with Merrill Private Wealth Management. He specializes in advising ultra-high net worth families and organizations across the Midwest and nationwide. His expertise includes financial analysis, investment management, trust and estate advisory, and banking, enabling him to deliver personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' comprehensive financial needs. Timothy holds a Bachelor's Degree from Hobart & William Smith Colleges and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He focuses on areas such as corporate executive services, equity compensation, family wealth management, legacy planning, liquidity management, new wealth management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, sports and entertainment, and tax minimization. He provides clients access to Merrill's investment insights and Bank of America's banking and lending solutions. In addition to his professional work, Timothy participates in his community by coaching youth sports, including baseball and lacrosse. His personal interests include baseball, cooking, golfing, hunting, music, skiing, spending time with family, traveling, watching movies, and woodworking.

Michael Dwyer is a Private Wealth Advisor with Merrill Private Wealth Management. In his role as the senior member of the Dwyer Group, he directs asset allocation, investment management, and wealth transfer strategies for the team. He is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Manager, offering clients personalized investment strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. His position provides him with flexibility in portfolio construction and discretionary management of client assets through the firm's Investment Advisory Program. Michael brings over 40 years of experience in financial and wealth management, having joined Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2002. His previous professional tenure includes fourteen years with Morgan Stanley's Private Wealth Advisors Group and eleven years with Smith Barney. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Lake Forest College. Michael resides in Wilmette with his wife, Peggy, and has three adult children. *Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.*

Xachary Lightner is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with clients to understand their priorities and develop strategies to pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. His services cover general investing, retirement planning, and saving for unexpected events. He also facilitates access to Bank of America specialists for banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. Xachary specializes in areas including LGBT wealth planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and tax minimization. He holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois System. Born and raised in Chicago, Xachary is a music lover and fitness enthusiast. Outside of his professional role, he spends time with his family, enjoys boxing, yoga, and watching movies.

Shen Li is a Private Wealth Advisor with the Bhatia Group at Merrill Private Wealth Management. He works with a select number of corporate executives, company founders, individuals and families, family offices, endowments, and foundations, helping them with wealth management plans, asset allocation, portfolio management, and broader financial strategies. Shen applies his expertise in investment management, liquidity and risk management, and wealth planning to assist clients in acquiring, growing, preserving assets, and planning for wealth transfer and legacy creation. Shen began his financial services career in 2008 as an Investment Analyst at Morningstar, a Chicago-based investment research and management firm, before joining Merrill in 2011. In his role, he develops discretionary equity, fixed income, and multi-asset strategies, conducts quantitative analyses on various investment vehicles, evaluates mutual funds, ETFs, hedge funds, and private equity funds, and executes equity, fund, and option trades. Shen holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago. He earned his M.B.A. with concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Oberlin College. Shen lives in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood with his wife and enjoys basketball, music, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Veronica Monul is a financial advisor with Merrill in Chicago, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and approximately one year of industry experience. Her prior work experience includes roles at Trivium Packaging and ZF Holdings. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and various institutional investors.

Bradley Wiss is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career in 2011 with Gelber Group, a trading firm in Chicago, and has since served as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley before joining Merrill Lynch in 2016. Bradley is committed to helping clients pursue their financial goals by considering each client's human capital—the skills, experience, and attributes that influence financial potential—to recommend wealth management strategies aligned with how they accumulate and maintain wealth. Bradley holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant, as well as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). His client focus areas include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Active in the Chicago community, Bradley has supported organizations such as Back on My Feet, Jumpstart, and the National Tourette Syndrome Association. He has participated in marathons to raise funds and previously served on advisory boards related to these causes. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Bradley enjoys outdoor activities including adventure sports, basketball, golfing, skiing, yoga, and spending time with his family.

Olga Yuzlenko is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Bank of America and Merrill since 2018. Prior to that, she was employed in the restaurant industry and was self-employed for five years. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Connor Mc Hugh is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation. Connor earned a Bachelor's Degree from Miami University of Ohio.

Alexis Sferra is a financial advisor at Merrill with 12 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has been with Merrill since 2014. Prior to joining Merrill, she has also worked at Bank of America, N.A. 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. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party managers.

Gregory Otte is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he is part of the Gilbert Group. He has experience working with trading groups specializing in LIBOR and SOFR options. Gregory takes a holistic approach to financial planning, considering each client's individual financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. He collaborates closely with clients to develop strategies aligned with their values and aspirations, and partners with specialists within the firm to address more complex financial needs. Gregory holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from John Carroll University and is designated as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional work, he enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife.

Elizabeth Jaimes is a financial advisor at Merrill with 15 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 credential and has been with Merrill since 2010. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Thomas Tyndorf is a Private Wealth Advisor with Merrill Private Wealth Management, specializing in serving wealthy individuals, family groups, and corporate executives. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, beginning his career in 1987 while still in college. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with entrepreneurs and startup founders, providing guidance on tactical and strategic asset allocation, private equity, structured products, and lending solutions. Tom also advises numerous private companies and families via investment and advisory boards. Tom is a Chicago native and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Loyola University Chicago. His expertise includes portfolio management, legacy planning, liquidity management, tax minimization, and retirement income strategies tailored to corporate executives, families, and small businesses. He and his two business partners lead a ten-person team that focuses on meeting the complex needs of multi-generational families and growing companies. Beyond his professional work, Tom volunteers locally as needed. He has personal interests in baseball, golfing, and traveling.

Gianna Traylor is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor with the Thorndyke Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works with successful families, executives, business owners, and creative professionals to bring clarity, structure, and confidence to their increasingly complex financial lives. Gianna serves as a single point of contact across many aspects of a client's financial life, developing comprehensive strategies that integrate investment management, tax-aware planning, risk management, estate considerations, liquidity, banking, and lending. She takes a planning-first approach grounded in understanding clients' current situations, goals, and potential opportunities and trade-offs. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, Gianna has called Chicago home since 2018. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Florida State University and completed the Financial Planning Certificate Program at Northwestern University. She holds several professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Sports & Entertainment (SE), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Gianna also participates actively in professional organizations and community boards. Gianna's community involvement includes serving as President of the Leadership Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and engagement with the Florida State University Alumni Association and related groups. Her commitment to mentorship and connection continues to shape how she works with clients. Outside of her professional life, she is interested in travel, yoga, music, sports, cooking, football, reading, running, and spending time with her family.

Kristina Baratov is a financial advisor at Merrill with 13 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations. Prior to joining Merrill in 2025, she worked at JP Morgan Securities LLC and JP Morgan Chase Bank from 2012 to 2025, and was involved with Helpsource of North Shore and Comfort Keepers between 2012 and 2022. 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 plans, corporations, and charitable organizations by offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal and third-party managers.