Michael Best serves as a Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 2000, he collaborates with clients to establish quantifiable financial goals and prioritize their needs. He develops customized strategies utilizing a wide range of financial instruments to assist clients in pursuing long-term objectives. His client focus includes college education planning, family wealth management, retirement planning, portfolio management, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and retirement income strategies. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University, an M.B.A. from Fayetteville State University, and an associate degree from Wayne Community College. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). A lifelong resident of eastern North Carolina, Michael is active in charitable organizations and community service. He is a past president of the Lafayette Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and volunteers with Liberty Point Rotary Club service projects. In his personal time, he enjoys boating, fishing, camping, cooking, football, gardening, writing, and spending time with his three children.