Ameer Akrouche is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Bank of America, N.A., PRUCO Securities, LLC, and involvement with Two Crowns Timepieces and Watch Talk Consulting. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional entities.

Benjamin Hauge is a financial advisor at Merrill with 15 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked previously at firms including Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan Securities, and First Republic Investment Management. His background also includes six years at Ohio University. 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 strategies supported by internal Chief Investment Office teams and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Christoph Chatfield is a financial advisor at Merrill with 22 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Merrill since 2012 and Bank of America, N.A. since 2015. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program to fiduciary clients of Bank of America. 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.

Jeffrey Acuff is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 27 years of experience focusing on private wealth, investments, estate planning services, and philanthropy. Prior to joining Merrill in 1996, he spent ten years at Ferrari North America, bringing valuable expertise from both corporate finance and wealth management sectors. Jeffrey and his team utilize a collaborative and coordinated approach, incorporating “high-touch, high-tech” systems to ensure ongoing portfolio reviews and frequent client contact. His practice includes family wealth management, legacy and philanthropic planning, liquidity management, and socially responsible investing, among other specialized strategies. Jeffrey holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and completed his high school education at Whitehall Yearling High School. He also attended The Ohio State University, though he did not receive a degree. He is a member of the Columbus Foundation professional advisors committee, reflecting his engagement with professional networks. Outside of his professional role, Jeffrey is a collector of vintage cars and motorcycles, and participates in vintage auto racing. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, and traveling with his daughter. Jeffrey is actively involved in community organizations including The MS Society, The Boy Scouts—where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout—Habitat for Humanity, and the Columbus Foundation. He resides on five acres near Hoover Reservation with his daughter and their dog.

Julia Barchent is a financial advisor at Merrill with 22 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2000. Outside of her advisory role, she manages a family craft business, Dandelion Crafts, as the sole member of its LLC. 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 strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Brittany Dupont is a financial advisor with Merrill in Columbus, OH, holding a Series 66 designation and having 10 years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill since 2014. Outside of her advisory role, Dupont is involved in fitness instruction, teaching classes at The Athletic Club of Columbus and operating her own fitness business, Get Fit Wit Britt LLC. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Nicholas Beebe is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and no prior industry experience. His background includes roles at Bank of America, Gartner, and running a private business, Beebe's Co. LLC. He also has experience in education and hospitality. 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 a range of individual and institutional clients.

Alicia Dassylva is a financial advisor at Merrill with 12 years of industry experience and holds a Series 66 designation. She has been with Merrill since 2013 and has also worked at Bank of America, N.A. since 2020. 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 and serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Jeffrey Daniels is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor with The Barcza Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, and retirement income. Jeffrey works closely with clients to design and manage investment portfolios, conducting thorough due diligence on money managers and mutual funds, while providing strategies for retirement and estate planning. Jeffrey holds a bachelor's degree in finance from The Ohio State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) as well as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). A lifelong resident of Ohio, he began his career with Merrill Lynch in 1994. Outside of work, Jeffrey is actively involved in his community, serving as head coach at St. Michael's Church since 1997 and as a member of Rotary since 2008. He enjoys cooking, golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Brinton Brafford is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 2007. He began his career at Merrill after working as Assistant Director in the Financial Aid Office at Ashland University. In his role, Brinton manages personalized and defined investment strategies on a discretionary basis, which may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment solutions. He also serves as a Retirement Benefits Consultant, focusing on defined contribution plans and providing ERISA 3(21) Fiduciary Advisory Services to Plan Sponsors. Brinton holds multiple professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ashland University and was part of the Ashbrook Scholar program. He resides in Mansfield, Ohio with his wife, Susan, their two children, and several family pets. Brinton's client focus areas include college education planning, divorce transition planning, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, special needs planning strategies, tax minimization, and retirement income.

Mc Kenzie Allen is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works closely with families and individuals to develop personalized financial strategies tailored to their long-term goals. Her areas of focus include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, women and wealth, and retirement income. Allen holds a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio University and maintains professional designations as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She and her team guide clients through significant life events such as starting a family, financing a home, preparing for retirement, and transitioning jobs, aiming to provide exceptional customer service and education particularly to those in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Raised in the Mid-Ohio Valley, Allen participates actively in her community, serving on the board of the Marietta Noon Rotary Club. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys antiquing, biking, boating, gardening, hiking, music, reading, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Neal Patel is a financial advisor with Merrill in Columbus, OH, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and having two years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Coastal Equities, Inc. 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 strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth investors, and institutional entities.

Joshua Blevins is a financial advisor with Merrill in Columbus, OH, holding a Series 66 designation and six years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill and Bank of America since 2020 and previously spent two years at Ronald Blue Trust. Prior to his advisory career, he was employed at Liberty University for four years. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Lydia Johnson is a financial advisor with Merrill in Columbus, OH, holding a Series 66 designation and 19 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill Lynch since 1998. 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.

Kevin Walsh is a financial advisor at Merrill with 42 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has been with Merrill since 2010, concurrently serving at Bank of America since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, he is a board member of the Cancer Support Community Central Ohio, a nonprofit providing free healthcare programming. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, providing both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Alexis Ecker is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She began her career with Merrill in 2016 as a Client Associate and transitioned to a Financial Advisor role driven by her passion for building meaningful relationships and assisting individuals and small business owners in achieving their financial goals and desired lifestyles. Alexis provides personalized financial strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances, focusing on investment planning and wealth management to align with their long-term objectives. Alexis holds several professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She earned a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and also studied at the University of Cincinnati. Alexis is involved in community activities such as the Alex Rezkalla Open, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. She enjoys football, golfing, music, pickleball, spending time with her family, and traveling.

Michael Elsner is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill in 2001, he has served clients by delivering financial guidance rooted in integrity and sincerity. Michael takes a holistic, planning-based approach that emphasizes understanding each client’s unique goals, concerns, and family dynamics. He regularly communicates with multiple generations within client families, including spouses, grown children, and elderly parents, to provide coordinated wealth management strategies. Michael’s expertise includes retirement planning, legacy planning, tax minimization, socially responsible and values-based investing, special needs planning, and education funding. He works with individuals such as business owners, corporate executives, physicians, and attorneys to address complex financial challenges. Michael holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. He graduated from The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance. Outside of his professional work, Michael resides in Upper Arlington, Ohio, with his wife and three children. He is involved in his community through coaching youth sports and participating in Cub Scouts. His personal interests include baseball, biking, cooking, golfing, music, running, spending time with family, and tennis.

Brandon Smith is a Senior Financial Advisor and co-founder of The Geiger Smith Team, a nationally recognized financial advisory team based in Columbus. The team was named to the Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams list for 2024 through 2026. Brandon leads his wealth management practice and has played a key role in developing new talent at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management by running the new financial advisor training program and speaking at national conferences. With more than 20 years of experience providing financial advice to individuals, families, and businesses, Brandon works with clients including corporate executives, business owners, doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurial professionals. His areas of focus include college education planning, institutional investment consulting, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Brandon graduated from The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business with a bachelor's degree in finance. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations, is FINRA Series 7 and 66 registered, and is licensed in Life and Health insurance by the State of Ohio. He is involved with professional organizations such as the Athletic Club of Columbus, College for Financial Planning, Ohio State Alumni, and Sigma Chi Fraternity. In the community, Brandon volunteers with Columbus Men for Others, Goodwill, and Merrill Bull Run. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in activities like basketball, softball, golf, and traveling.

Conley Blair is a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career at Merrill in 2019 and has served as a resource and guide for clients in various aspects of finance. Conley works closely with business owners, entrepreneurs, and ultra-affluent families to develop strategies that address their financial objectives, including college education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, liquidity management, and personal retirement planning. Conley holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Liberty University. He has earned several professional designations, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). His expertise spans portfolio management, tax minimization, philanthropic planning, and concentrated stock strategies. He emphasizes understanding clients' short-, mid-, and long-term goals to provide customized financial guidance. Outside of his professional role, Conley resides in Columbus, Ohio. He has interests in golfing, hunting, music, pickleball, running, soccer, tennis, traveling, and watching movies.

Michael Cress is a financial advisor at Merrill with 44 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Merrill since 1982, also serving Bank of America since 2010. 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 individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.