Derek Braggs is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined Merrill in 2011 and focuses on retirement and college planning for individuals and families. His areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and retirement income. Before joining Merrill, Derek worked as an environmental scientist for URS Corporation in Chicago, consulting for companies such as BP and ArcelorMittal. He graduated with distinction from Indiana University in 2004. Derek holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Derek lives in Valparaiso with his family. He serves as a board member for The Dunes Learning Center and Taltree Arboretum & Gardens. His personal interests include adventure sports, basketball, billiards, camping, golfing, music, reading, skiing, spending time with his family, and table tennis.

Ronda Scanlon is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been with Merrill since 1998 and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Ronda and her team work with individuals, families, and business owners to develop personalized wealth management strategies that focus on growing wealth and managing investment risks. Her client focus areas include family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services. Ronda holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She earned her high school diploma from Carmel High School and attended Indiana University without receiving a degree. Committed to understanding the unique priorities of her clients, she emphasizes creating flexible financial plans tailored to individual goals and aspirations. In addition to her professional work, Ronda participates in community volunteering and enjoys personal interests such as antiquing, baseball, and gardening.

Jeff Johnson is a financial advisor at Merrill with 22 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Merrill since 2014. Outside of his advisory role, he works part-time as a rideshare driver for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. Merrill serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients by providing managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm is known for its integrated approach supported by Bank of America affiliates and emphasizes managed account and manager-selection capabilities.

Riley Fieldhouse serves as a Client Experience Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, Riley works with clients to understand their financial situations and introduces them to solutions available through Merrill and Bank of America. Riley's approach involves helping clients define their financial goals and develop portfolio strategies to pursue them. Riley holds the designations of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Riley completed a High School Diploma/GED at Lake Central Highschool. The focus remains on providing ongoing advice and adapting financial strategies as clients' situations change.

James Gingerich is a financial advisor with Merrill in Merrillville, Indiana, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 46 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill since 1980 and has also worked at Bank of America, NA, since 2009. 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.

John Breckenridge is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He assists clients in identifying their financial goals and developing strategies to achieve them, with a focus on improving the likelihood of success and mitigating risks. His approach includes customizing financial strategies to individual clients, incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors when appropriate. John has been working in the financial services industry since 1991. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Indiana University. He has earned several 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). His client focus areas include liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, socially responsible and values-based investing including ESG strategies, women and wealth, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Outside of his professional work, John has interests in music, reading, and running.

Crystal Bilderback is a Team Financial Advisor – Business Development I at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She specializes in a range of client focus areas including education planning, family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, legacy planning, managing new wealth, philanthropic planning, small business strategies, special needs planning strategies, women and wealth, and tax minimization. With over 18 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Crystal brings a unique perspective to financial advising, emphasizing advocacy, trust, and clear communication. Prior to joining Merrill, she worked in clinical and operational management, skills she applies to helping families and businesses achieve their financial objectives and plan confidently for future generations. She holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University. Outside of her professional role, Crystal enjoys boating, camping, cooking, hiking, music, reading, and traveling with her husband and two daughters. She also spends time caring for their pets and backyard flock.

Amanda Nagel is a financial advisor at Merrill in Merrillville, IN, with 10 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2015. 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 Chief Investment Office teams and third-party managers.

Michelle Rachford is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She focuses on developing personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' individual financial goals and adapting to changing market conditions. Michelle leverages investment insights from Merrill and banking services from Bank of America to provide comprehensive financial solutions. She holds professional designations as a CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Michelle earned a High School Diploma from Merrillville High School. In addition to her professional work, Michelle is engaged in community service and dedicates time to volunteering with local organizations, reflecting the Merrill tradition of community involvement.

Kevin Ribordy is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, having joined the firm as a Financial Advisor in 2014. Based in Northwest Indiana, he works with clients in the Chicagoland area to help them achieve their financial goals. Kevin provides objective advice to high-net-worth individuals and families, focusing on risk management and risk mitigation through portfolio construction as part of their financial planning. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) certificant awarded by the Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and also holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. His expertise includes family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. In addition to his professional work, Kevin is actively involved in his community. He serves as President of Union Township Dollars for Scholars, Vice President of Family House of Valparaiso, and coaches for Union Township Robotics. His personal interests include camping, running, and woodworking.

Corey Hecht is a Wealth Management Advisor affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. Corey earned a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Joseph's College. Corey specializes in financial planning services including college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, LGBT wealth planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income. He serves a client base primarily consisting of retirees, business owners, and non-profits. Corey's investment approach is personalized and goal-driven, focusing on essential, important, and aspirational client objectives. Outside of his professional role, Corey participates in various community and professional organizations such as the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders group, Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Duneland Family YMCA, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, and the Northwest Indiana Forum. He is also involved with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Corey resides in Chesterton, Indiana with his wife and three daughters, and his personal interests include golfing, singing, and spending time with family.

Jonathan Peller is a financial advisor at Merrill with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at firms including Cetera Advisor Networks, Carson Group Partners, and Bank of America. Outside of his advisory role, he self-published a motivational and personal development book titled *Attract Your Potential* in 2021, which is available on Amazon. 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.

Grant Gingerich is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in executive compensation, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, tax minimization, and retirement income. Grant works closely with clients to develop personalized financial plans that align with their unique ambitions and long-term goals. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University Northwest and has earned professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Grant aims to provide clarity and transparency in wealth planning, helping clients navigate the complexities of investing. Outside of his professional role, Grant has interests in camping, chess, hiking, ice hockey, music, reading, skiing, traveling, and writing.

Diana Nyman is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over two decades of experience in the financial industry. Based in Princeton, IL, she specializes in estate investment planning, retirement planning, and qualified corporate retirement plan services. Diana holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She earned her Bachelor's Degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Indiana University. Throughout her career, Diana has obtained licenses such as Series 7, Series 66, and Life Insurance including Fixed and Variable Annuities. She achieved the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist designation in 2012 and was recognized with the Premier Advisor distinction in 2017. Beyond her professional work, Diana is an active member of several community organizations including Duneland Rebuilding Together, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Reach for Recovery through the American Cancer Society, and VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana. As a breast cancer survivor, she participates in lobbying efforts for breast cancer research funding and affordable healthcare. Diana is also a mother of two grown children, supporting their higher education and life goals.

James Peller serves as Senior Resident Director at Merrill, where he leads the Peller Koleff Team, a financial advisory group focused on assisting families, corporate executives, and small business owners with wealth management and retirement planning. The team helps clients address critical financial issues including portfolio management, retirement income strategies, philanthropic services, risk management, and trust and estate planning. James works closely with clients to develop customized plans that align with their personal goals, such as funding education, managing new wealth, legacy planning, and small business strategies. James is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He earned a high school diploma from Valparaiso High School and two bachelor's degrees from Purdue University. James emphasizes transparency and simplicity in his advisory approach, focusing on creating a collaborative and thoughtful experience for his clients. Outside of his professional work, James enjoys golfing, swimming, and traveling. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana with his partner Jodie and their dog Jammer. He is involved in community support through organizations including the Crisis Center and Lakeshore PAWS.

Alexander Koleff is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on serving families by helping them preserve, grow, and pass on their wealth, working closely with clients who have developed successful careers or businesses and seek to establish a lasting legacy. His areas of expertise include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, tax minimization, and retirement income. Alexander holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He earned a Master's Degree from Indiana University and a Bachelor's Degree from Wilmington College. Outside of his professional role, Alexander enjoys golfing, spending time with his family, and playing table tennis.

Paul Shook is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 2001. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Paul provides traditional financial advice and guidance, as well as the discretionary management of customized investment strategies. These strategies may include individual stocks and bonds, model portfolios, and third-party investment options. He focuses on wealth management strategies tailored for business owners, professionals, and high net worth clients. Paul’s areas of expertise include retirement planning, education planning, equity and fixed income selection, portfolio management, tax minimization, and retirement income strategies. His approach involves a consultative and objective process to develop personalized plans suited to each client’s long-term financial goals, with an emphasis on managing risk throughout the implementation and monitoring phases. He utilizes the resources and research support available from Merrill Lynch to offer comprehensive services such as estate planning, liability management, and wealth management. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Engineering from the University of Miami, earned in 1982. He has earned professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Outside of his professional role, Paul enjoys gardening, hiking, music, and running.

Scott Ribordy is a financial advisor at Merrill in Merrillville, Indiana, with 39 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Merrill since 1986 and Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as a co-trustee of a family exemption trust and manages a family-held LLC established for estate planning purposes. 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, and various institutional entities.