Robert Wilcsek is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the La Jolla office. He has worked in financial services since 1977, bringing over 45 years of experience to his role. Robert assists clients by developing personalized wealth management strategies tailored to individual needs, focusing on family wealth management, endowments, foundations, non-profit services, new wealth management, retirement planning, portfolio management, and retirement income. Robert holds a Doctorate from Washington State University and previously worked at the University of California, San Diego, before joining Merrill Lynch. He carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Raised in Solana Beach, California, Robert emphasizes a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working one-on-one with clients to help them pursue their long-term financial goals. He is also engaged in community volunteering in alignment with Merrill’s tradition of service. Outside of work, Robert enjoys billiards, surfing, and watching movies.

Melissa Snook is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over a decade of experience in financial advising. She began her career serving the retirees of Fortune 500 companies at a local advisory firm in San Diego. Melissa holds several professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Her approach centers on developing lasting client relationships built on trust and understanding the complete financial picture to help clients attain their goals. She specializes in areas such as college education planning, employee benefits planning, executive compensation, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, women and wealth, and retirement income. Melissa earned her bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. She is an active community member in San Diego, serving on the Board of the La Jolla Woman's Club. Additionally, she participates in volunteering organizations including Feeding San Diego and San Diego Coastkeeper. As a native of San Diego and a long-term resident of La Jolla, Melissa is committed to the preservation of the coastline through engagement in green initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and surfing.

Michael Judge is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on offering a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with getting to know a client and their family, financial situation, and what matters most to them. He helps clients create customized wealth management approaches that can adapt as their needs and market conditions change. Michael provides access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America to address various aspects of clients’ financial lives. With over a decade of experience, Michael is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who serves a clientele requiring detailed attention and extensive knowledge. His expertise includes corporate executive services, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, legacy planning, liquidity management, socially responsible investing, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. Michael holds a Bachelor's Degree from the State University of New York System and holds the professional designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His personal interests include adventure sports, baseball, fishing, ice hockey, music, racquetball, soccer, spending time with family, surfing, and traveling.

Bryan Plank is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing 35 years of experience to his role. Born in Queens, New York, he has been part of a team serving clients in California for over four decades. Bryan specializes in family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern California and a Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Bryan emphasizes creating personalized financial strategies that align with clients’ long-term goals, offering access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America. Committed to community involvement, he participates in local volunteer activities in keeping with Merrill’s tradition. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys gardening, music, and writing.

Dongsoo Lee is a financial advisor with Merrill in La Jolla, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has 14 years of industry experience. He has worked at Bank of America and Merrill since 2018. Outside of his advisory role, he owns and operates LA Costar Education Inc., a tutoring business specializing in Math, English, and Korean. 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.

Patrick Kearney is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the professional designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), reflecting his commitment to providing tailored investment guidance. Patrick earned a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University. His educational background, combined with his professional experience, supports his role in delivering comprehensive financial advisory services.

Christopher Demmler is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been working since 2003. He has over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry. His areas of focus include family wealth management strategies, institutional investment consulting, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and values-based investing, sports and entertainment, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income. Christopher holds a Bachelor's degree and an MBA in Finance from Loyola Marymount University. He earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation in 2008 and the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation in 2019. He has been named to the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list consecutively from 2022 through 2026. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys playing golf and volunteering in youth sports. He and his wife, Allison, have two sons.

Nathan Treadwell is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the La Jolla office. Since joining the firm in 1999, he has partnered with Senior Financial Advisor Christopher Hokokian to provide comprehensive financial guidance. Nathan employs a goals-based approach, developing tailored roadmaps to help clients achieve their unique intermediate and long-term objectives. His expertise spans investment strategies involving ETFs, individual stocks and bonds, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, and variable annuities, with a focus on wealth accumulation and preservation. Additionally, he offers services in estate planning, life insurance, income replacement, business succession, and long-term care planning. Nathan's client focus includes college education planning, divorce transition planning, executive compensation, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, defined benefit plans, managing new wealth, personal retirement, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, and women and wealth. He works with executives and business owners across all stages of the business lifecycle, providing access to Business Finance Specialists and facilitating strategies such as concentrated stock plans, 401k plans, cash management, group benefit plans, financing solutions, company valuations, corporate divestiture, and succession planning. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from the University of California, Riverside. Nathan possesses the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Fluent in English and Spanish, he resides in Point Loma with his wife Katie and children Zachary and Mackenzie. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys adventure sports, biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Iola Xiao is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and The ROK Advisory Group since 2023. She has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, providing personalized guidance to individuals and families. Iola is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and speaks basic Cantonese, facilitating communication with a diverse clientele. Iola follows a disciplined process that begins with understanding clients' needs and goals, enabling her to create flexible financial strategies adaptable to changing market conditions. She leverages investment insights from Merrill and banking and lending solutions from Bank of America. Iola holds the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) designation and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. Based in San Diego, Iola enjoys spending time with her son, Tyler, and engaging in activities such as traveling and golfing.

Karen Mortimer is a financial advisor with Merrill in La Jolla, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 24 years of industry experience. She has been affiliated with Merrill since 2009 and Bank of America since 2011. Outside of her advisory role, Mortimer has been active in the RB Sunrise Rotary, serving in leadership positions including President and Finance Committee Chair. 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 individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Stephen Cote is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He provides proactive financial advice and guidance to help clients manage their goals, focusing on retirement planning, investment selection, and cash management. Stephen works with affluent individuals, families, and business owners to manage, preserve, and grow their wealth in a tax-efficient manner, addressing areas such as executive compensation, legacy planning, family wealth management strategies, socially responsible investing, and retirement income. Stephen has obtained the Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®) designation through a collaboration between the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers and NYU Stern. He also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation, emphasizing the pre- and post-retirement needs of individuals, in addition to the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. He earned a bachelor's degree from Roger Williams University. Residing in La Jolla, California, Stephen maintains a residence in the Bay Area. In his personal time, he enjoys outdoor activities including golf, volleyball, running, baseball, cooking, fishing, and competition. He is also committed to community involvement, volunteering with organizations in the communities he serves.

Fred Berry is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill in 1995, he has worked with high net-worth clients to address their complex financial needs, specializing in portfolio construction and retirement income planning. Fred's approach emphasizes a personalized strategy designed to help clients pursue their long-term goals through a comprehensive understanding of their full financial picture. With over 30 years of industry experience, Fred provides tailored wealth management strategies focused on portfolio development, liability management, tax minimization, and asset preservation. His expertise encompasses areas such as college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management, defined benefit plan services, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, special needs planning, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income. Fred holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Fred earned his bachelor's degree in Economics with an emphasis in International Finance from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He lives in Encinitas, California with his wife and two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family. He is actively involved in his community through volunteer work.

Douglas Cochran is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the professional designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and has a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University. He has more than three decades of experience in the financial industry, having started his career in 1992 as a Fixed Income Specialist at ML Stern & Company. He has held various leadership roles, including Vice President at ML Stern & Company and First Vice President at Smith Barney. At Morgan Stanley, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and later Executive Director. Currently, Douglas serves a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth families, charitable organizations, and business clients. His expertise includes portfolio management, retirement and wealth strategies, pension consulting, and conducting educational seminars.

Oliver Kearney is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in La Jolla. He provides advice and guidance tailored to clients' family goals and priorities, focusing on a client-centered approach rather than market trends. He collaborates with clients to adjust financial plans as their needs and market conditions evolve. Oliver specializes in areas including corporate benefits, corporate executive services, education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, sports and entertainment, and tax minimization. He follows a disciplined process that begins with understanding clients' financial situations and what matters to their families. Oliver holds multiple professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. Outside of his professional work, Oliver has been involved with the USC Alumni Association from 2020 to 2023. His personal interests include golfing, pickleball, running, skiing, spending time with family, surfing, swimming, tennis, traveling, and volleyball.

Jaime Torres is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Bank of America and Merrill since 2018. Prior to that, he operated a business under Javier Torres Inc. for ten years. Merrill provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through its Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Christopher J. Hobbs is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he began his career at Edward Jones before joining Merrill Lynch in 1995. He provides Premier Wealth Management services to families, businesses, and corporate executives, utilizing the firm's extensive tools and resources to guide clients through all aspects of their financial lives. His approach focuses on addressing unique client situations with consistent, disciplined, and coordinated strategies that consider both long-term and short-term financial needs. Chris offers a broad range of services including investment and banking management, liability management, tax minimization strategies, estate planning, wealth transfer, college planning, and Rule 10b5-1 planning. He holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his bachelor's degree from San Diego State University. His client focus includes areas such as college education planning, corporate executive services, equity compensation, retirement planning, portfolio management, and tax minimization. Beyond his professional work, Chris is involved in community activities and has volunteered and coached for several youth sports organizations in La Jolla. He has served on the board of the Foundation of La Jolla High School and the Coggan Family Aquatic Complex. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, fishing, and core training. Chris resides in La Jolla with his wife Colleen and their two children, Karynn and Connor.

Steven Ford is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in offering a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with understanding a client's financial situation and priorities. Steven helps clients create customized wealth management strategies that are adaptable to changing needs and market conditions. He provides access to Merrill's investment insights as well as Bank of America's banking and lending services to support various aspects of clients' financial lives. Steven has over ten years of experience at Merrill Lynch following a career as an IMAX cameraman. During this time, he has developed expertise in serving endowments, foundations, and non-profits; legacy planning; managing new wealth; portfolio management; tax minimization; and retirement income. He holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from San Francisco State University. Outside of his professional work, Steven is active in community organizations, including the Solana Beach Little League and Solana Beach Soccer Club. He has also been involved as a coach and board member in youth sports. His personal interests include surfing, mountain biking, tennis, chess, fishing, golfing, hiking, music, photography, skiing, swimming, and spending time with his family.

Elena Hellie is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and has been in the industry since 2022. Her prior experience includes roles at JP Morgan Chase, Ruffolo Bliss 17 LLC, and Bank of America. 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 to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Monica Piepenkotter is a Private Wealth Advisor at Merrill Private Wealth Management with over 25 years of experience in comprehensive private wealth management strategies. She works closely with high-net-worth individuals, families, and non-profit institutions to develop personalized financial plans that integrate investment management, estate planning, and family dynamics. Monica's approach involves coordinating with clients' tax and legal advisors to align their wealth with their goals and values. Her professional background includes roles in derivative risk management and equity portfolio management, supporting a breadth of sophisticated financial needs. Monica holds a Master's degree and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) professional. Monica has been actively involved in community organizations, serving as a Board Member for Girl Scouts San Diego. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys boating, cooking, pickleball, reading, running, spending time with her family, and traveling.

Christopher Kay is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with clients to understand their personal financial goals and develops strategies to help pursue short-, mid-, and long-term objectives. His services include general investing, retirement planning, and preparing for unforeseen financial needs. Christopher also facilitates access to Bank of America specialists for banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his bachelor's degree from the University System of Georgia. Christopher emphasizes ongoing advice and guidance as clients' financial needs evolve.

Benjamin Meyers is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been working in the financial services industry since 2009, focusing on developing strategies for high-net-worth individuals, their families, and their businesses to help meet both short- and long-term financial goals. Benjamin's approach to wealth management is consultative and objective. He begins by listening carefully to client financial situations, preferences, and goals, then offers recommendations aligned with each client's income and growth expectations. His follow-up discussions cover a range of opportunities, including investments, retirement, estate planning services, and philanthropy. He holds professional designations as a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Benjamin earned an Accredited Certificate Program from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor's Degree from Arizona State University.

Nicholas De Ruyck is a financial advisor with Merrill in La Jolla, CA, holding a Series 66 designation and 9 years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill and Bank of America since 2018 and previously spent two years at Edward Jones. Outside of his advisory role, he owns a commercial fishing company and has created entities related to recreational fishing activities. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Spiros Protopsaltis is a financial advisor at Merrill with 42 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Bank of America and Merrill since 2013. 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 both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of client types including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Alexandra Burns is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and approximately two years of industry experience. Her prior work history includes roles at Morgan Stanley and The New York Rise, as well as experience outside finance at Abercrombie and Fitch and Pacsun. Alexandra also has an extended academic background involving six years at Molloy College. 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.

Bryan Rohr is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been in the financial services industry since 1997 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2006. Bryan specializes in client focus areas including Divorce Transition Planning, Education Planning, Family Wealth Management Strategies, Services for Endowments, Foundations, and Non-profits, Legacy Planning, Managing New Wealth, Personal Retirement Planning, Portfolio Management Services, Tax Minimization, and Retirement Income. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Linfield College and completed the Personal Financial Planning program at San Diego State University. Bryan holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) credential, the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation, the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential, and the Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA) designation. Bryan lives in La Costa with his wife Jennifer and their three children. He is involved in his community, serving on the Board of Advisors for the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA since 2017 and volunteering with the Encinitas National Little League as a coach from 2014 to 2018. His family participates in school, community, and church activities, and they enjoy travel, golf, and following college and professional sports teams.

Brian Sexton is a financial advisor at Merrill with 32 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Merrill since 1994, including 17 years with Bank of America. 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, retirement plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Peyton Witcher is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who serves business owners, executives, content creators, and athletes in managing their financial lives. He specializes in helping high-performing individuals simplify their financial complexities through a personalized, strategic approach. Peyton's services include strategic investing, tax-efficient planning, banking and cash flow management, retirement planning, and collaboration with other professionals such as CPAs and estate attorneys. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and is recognized as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Peyton earned his Bachelor's Degree from California Polytechnic State University. His client focus areas encompass education planning, family wealth management strategies, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, legacy planning, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, individual and corporate investment strategy, and tax minimization. Outside of his professional role, Peyton is a member of the Triathlon Club of San Diego. His personal interests include basketball, football, golfing, hiking, pickleball, running marathons, swimming, and volleyball.

Robert Steck is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2014 after nearly two years with Edward Jones, following a previous 26-year career at Anheuser-Busch where he held positions in sales and operations, specializing in finance and international and wholesaler operations. Based in San Diego, Robert focuses on family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income. Robert holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Master’s degree in International Economics from Tufts University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and French from Saint Louis University. He maintains professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Robert has lived in Europe during his career and has been an individual investor for more than 25 years. In his personal time, Robert enjoys baseball, basketball, hiking, tennis, and traveling. He is a widower with two grown sons and three young grandchildren, and is active in the San Diego community where he resides. His approach as a Merrill advisor emphasizes connecting all aspects of a client’s financial life to help prioritize and pursue important financial goals.

David Price is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the La Jolla office. He joined Merrill in January 2000 and has spent his entire career there, marking over 22 years of experience as of 2022. David's work focuses on providing personal attention and comprehensive services to retirees, busy professionals, and families who have significant assets but seek assistance in managing complex financial details. His expertise includes portfolio construction, discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation, tax minimization strategies, retirement income strategies, college planning, estate planning, and wealth transfer strategies. David earned a Master’s degree from San Diego State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University. Over his career, he has developed strong relationships with clients, guiding them through various life challenges such as widowhood, health crises, estate planning, and educating younger generations about retirement savings. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional role, David lives in Solana Beach with his wife, Brooke, their sons, and their dog. He participates in community activities including volunteering with the Skyline Elementary School Dad's Club, the Best Day Foundation, and has served on the board of Solana Beach Little League. His personal interests include baseball, basketball, surfing, photography, and reading.

Steven Castillo is a Senior Financial Advisor based in La Jolla, California. He specializes in guiding clients through all aspects of their financial lives by utilizing a goal-based planning approach. His methodical process focuses on wealth accumulation, preservation, and transfer, integrating investment and risk management, tax minimization, and asset preservation. Steven emphasizes the importance of lifetime retirement income streams and provides tailored insurance strategies for estate planning, income replacement, and business succession. He prioritizes building long-term, multigenerational relationships with his clients and their families. Before entering financial services in 2003, Steven served as a Naval Officer for 11 years, flying the F-14 Tomcat, and continued his service as a reservist in the U.S. Navy for another 12 years, retiring as a Commander in 2010. His financial career began at MassMutual Life Insurance Company and Smith Barney before joining Merrill Lynch in 2009. He holds an Associate's Degree from the College of San Mateo and a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University, and he is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of work, Steven enjoys landscape photography and staying active through activities such as CrossFit, running, skiing, and backpacking. He lives in the Carmel Valley neighborhood of San Diego with his wife Tamara and their four children, raising twin sons and cherishing time with their older daughters.

Connor Walton is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he works alongside his father, Neal Walton, as part of a multi-generational team. Together, they serve affluent individuals, families, executives, and business owners by providing personalized, goals-based financial planning and investment management strategies. Their approach emphasizes uncovering what matters most to clients and building trusted relationships anchored in fiduciary responsibility and a consistent standard of care. Prior to joining Merrill, Connor graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in Finance and completed a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in São Paulo, Brazil. He holds professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Connor is involved with the BYU Alumni San Diego Chapter and the Financial Planning Association San Diego Chapter. Outside of his professional work, Connor enjoys surfing, skiing, and spending time with his wife, their toddler, and their dog in San Diego. He actively participates in community activities through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Victor Ng is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America. He began his career with these firms in 2010 and is a San Diego native. Victor is an active member of the Asian Leadership Network and the Bank of America Regional Council. He collaborates with in-house specialists to provide coordinated services across wealth management areas such as banking and lending, investment management, trust and estate planning, and business and succession planning. Victor holds several advanced professional designations, including Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA™), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). He attended Mt Carmel High School, completed an Accredited Certificate Program at Yale University, and also studied at San Diego State University. His expertise encompasses corporate executive services, divorce transition planning, executive and equity compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy and philanthropic planning, small business strategies, and tax minimization. Outside of his professional commitments, Victor enjoys baseball, biking, billiards, bowling, cooking, golfing, reading, rock climbing, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is married with a young daughter. Victor is involved in community service organizations such as Fathers Joe's Villages, Feeding San Diego, and Susan G Komen for the Cure.

Neal Walton is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 1993, he has worked with a select group of families, business owners, corporate executives, physicians, and other individuals to help them pursue their financial goals through tailored advice and guidance. Neal is a qualified Portfolio Manager and manages discretionary personalized or defined strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. Neal's areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, special needs planning strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income. He holds professional designations including Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Neal holds a Bachelor's Degree from Brigham Young University and a High School Diploma from Santa Monica High School. He also attended the University of California System without earning a degree. Neal is committed to supporting the communities he serves and volunteers with local nonprofit and community organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His personal interests include baseball, basketball, camping, football, genealogy, music, skiing, spending time with his family, traveling, and volleyball.