Chad Zawacki serves as a Senior Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill. Raised in Duluth, Minnesota, he began his career at Merrill while attending Bethel University of St. Thomas, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance. Chad has maintained his professional tenure in the Saint Paul office throughout his career. Chad's experience includes assisting pre-retirees with lifestyle planning, working with business owners on liquidity strategies and company benefit plans, and helping surviving spouses with budgeting. He has worked through multiple economic cycles and significant life events, focusing on helping clients pursue their personal, family, and business goals. Chad is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™) designations. Beyond his professional work, Chad is a past board member of Special Olympics Minnesota and has participated in fundraising events such as The Northland 300. He resides in Linwood Township, Minnesota, with his wife Heidi and enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, boating on Lake Superior, snowmobiling, and driving all-terrain vehicles. Chad is also a life member of Safari Club International and a member of the Madeline Island Yacht Club.