Zachary Frangos is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing extensive experience since joining the firm in 1982. A 1977 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, he served as an officer on active duty and in the reserves for 19 years. Zach holds an MBA in Finance from Old Dominion University and has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. He is a qualified Portfolio Manager, providing clients with personalized portfolio management and estate planning advice, including the construction and discretionary management of defined investment strategies utilizing individual securities, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party options. Zach advises individuals, families, and businesses on areas such as college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management, legacy planning, and retirement income. His professional affiliations include serving as a former Director and Investment Advisory Committee Chairman of the United States Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association. Additionally, he is an Admissions Partner for the Coast Guard Academy, connecting the institution with prospective cadets. Zach participates in community organizations including the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, and National Breast Cancer Foundation. He is an Eagle Scout and has served as Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman for Troop 604 in Moorpark, where he resides with his wife and two sons. Outside of his professional work, Zach enjoys boating, skiing, and swimming. He emphasizes a client-focused approach, working one-on-one to develop personalized financial strategies aligned with clients’ long-term goals.

Faten Khoder is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) certification and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Faten earned her Bachelor's Degree from Lebanese University and is proficient in both Arabic and English. With over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, Faten specializes in assisting clients with pre- and post-retirement needs, asset management, and estate planning. She works one-on-one with clients to define their financial goals, develop portfolio strategies, and provide ongoing advice tailored to changing situations. Prior to her role at Merrill Lynch, Faten gained firsthand experience running a family business, which provided her with insights into entrepreneurial challenges and balancing work-life demands. She applies this experience to help clients manage competing financial priorities such as home buying, saving for education, and healthcare needs.

Adam Brown is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 2019. He has been active in the financial services industry since 2007. Adam focuses on relationship management and supports his team members with wealth management strategies and investments. He specializes in areas such as college education planning, family wealth management strategies, employee financial health, legacy planning, managing new wealth, retirement income, and socially responsible and ESG investing. Adam uses retirement income planning tools to help clients evaluate their savings, income, expenses, and investment assets to assess their ability to meet retirement goals and desired lifestyles. He emphasizes open and frequent communication and strives to build long-term client relationships based on accessibility and clear explanations of complex topics. Adam holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and completed his high school education at Thousand Oaks High School. He resides in Thousand Oaks and enjoys golfing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Jordan Shapiro is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill in Westlake Village. In his role, he provides sustained advice and guidance to clients, helping them advance their priorities, streamline various aspects of their finances, and pursue their envisioned lives and legacies. Jordan's expertise includes portfolio construction, implementation, and refinement, investment research and modeling, as well as credit management services such as securities-based lending, residential lending, and life insurance reviews. Jordan began his wealth management career in 2014 as an Analyst for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. He then moved to Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management as an Investment Associate and later was promoted to Financial Advisor. In 2020, he joined Merrill, where he holds the designation of Portfolio Manager, managing discretionary Personalized or Defined Strategies. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Outside of his professional work, Jordan's personal interests include baseball, chess, cooking, football, golfing, reading, skydiving, spending time with his family, traveling, and writing.

Katayoon Bahadorani is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since 2003, she has worked in banking, investing, and wealth strategy, providing financial guidance and wealth management services to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. Katayoon’s approach emphasizes detailed wealth-management strategies that align with clients' goals, values, and aspirations, helping them navigate complex financial decisions and plan for their legacies. Prior to her current role, Katayoon spent eighteen years with Wells Fargo as a Vice President in Private Banking. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Bou Ali Sina, a Master’s degree from the University of Tehran, and an MBA with a concentration in finance from California Lutheran University. Katayoon is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, and a Personal Investment Advisor. Fluent in English, Persian, and French, she also has experience as a professor of French language and literature. Katayoon is a member of Rotary Club Rancho Park and dedicates time to community involvement. Outside of work, she enjoys biking, hiking, music, reading, traveling, and yoga, activities through which she finds balance and shares a sense of serenity with others.

Mary Strong is a financial advisor at Merrill with 21 years of industry experience and holds a Series 66 designation. She has been with Merrill since 2009. 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. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Gayane Grigoryan is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She uses her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations to provide comprehensive financial planning services. Gayane joined Merrill in 2015 and leverages the investment insights of Merrill Lynch and banking services of Bank of America to help clients manage their financial lives. Gayane graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Management and Business Administration. Her focus areas include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, socially responsible and values-based investing, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income. She participates actively in the communities she serves, volunteering regularly with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Heal the Bay, MEND, Nature Park Pasadena, Operation Gratitude, and Tree People. Gayane and her husband enjoy hiking and staying active with their two dogs.

Adam Bedrossian is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, entrepreneurs, professional athletes and actors, nonprofit organizations, and endowments to develop customized financial plans. His services include investment management, estate planning, generational wealth transfer, philanthropic giving, and pre- and post-liquidity event planning. Adam has particular expertise advising entrepreneurs throughout the business cycle and collaborates with strategic professionals such as M&A attorneys and CPAs. Adam began his career as a financial analyst, focusing on developing and implementing investment strategies for nonprofits, private foundations, and ultra-high-net-worth families. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and serves as a guest lecturer at USC on business communications strategy. His professional designations include Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Sports & Entertainment (SE), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Born and raised in Los Angeles, Adam lives locally with his fiancé and their two dogs. He volunteers with the Challenger League, an adaptive baseball program for children with physical and intellectual challenges, and also coaches baseball and basketball. Additionally, he is an avid golfer.

Bertha Valentine is a financial advisor at Merrill with 24 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill Lynch since 2011. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as executor for a special needs trust. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to fiduciary clients of Bank of America through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Christian Fuess is the Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Woodland Hills, California. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation and serves clients by developing personalized financial strategies to help them pursue their long-term goals in various areas including college education planning, executive and equity compensation, family wealth management, retirement planning, tax minimization, and legacy planning. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Christian focuses on assisting foundations, endowments, public and private retirement plans, businesses, and individual clients with wealth accumulation and preservation decisions. He earned an Associate's Degree from Moorpark College, a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from San Diego State University, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration specializing in Financial Planning from California Lutheran University. In addition to his CFP® certification, he holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Christian is involved in his community as a weekly mentor for C.A.R.E. Foster Kids, a board member for the Cancer Hope Foundation, and a participant in Malachi Dads. He resides in Westlake Village, California, with his wife Stephanie and their two children.

Eyal Yaffe is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works directly with clients to develop personalized financial strategies tailored to their individual goals. Eyal leverages the investment resources of Merrill Lynch alongside the banking and lending services of Bank of America to support clients’ wealth management needs. Eyal holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Canisius College. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Eyal is actively involved in his community through volunteer work, reflecting his commitment to the tradition of service valued by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Mark Caubo is a Client Experience Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their current financial situations and introduces them to financial solutions available through Merrill and Bank of America. He focuses on empowering clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of their financial lives and select platforms that best fit their needs. Mark has expertise in helping clients manage diverse financial priorities such as buying a home, saving for college, caring for elderly parents, and preparing for healthcare needs. As a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor, he works one-on-one with clients to define their financial goals, design appropriate portfolio strategies, and provide ongoing advice tailored to changing circumstances. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Mumbai and professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA).

Martin Waschitz is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 1987. He specializes in managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, tax minimization, and retirement income. Martin works closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies that align with their long-term goals. He holds both a Bachelor's degree with Honors and a Master's degree from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and has completed coursework at the Graduate School of Business at Tulane University. Martin carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Residing in Westlake Village, California, Martin is actively involved in his community as a member of the Los Angeles Rod and Reel Club. He enjoys salt-water fishing, ocean sailing, racing, boating, music, and traveling.

Ryan Cagle is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has worked since 2018. He focuses on developing strategies and providing advice for individuals, families, and businesses by understanding their short- and long-term financial objectives. His areas of expertise include education planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, and socially responsible, values-based, and ESG investing. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. He also carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, he gained seven years of experience in accounting, which, combined with his passion for finance, supports his ability to assist clients in achieving their financial goals. Outside of his professional work, Ryan enjoys spending time on soccer fields and exploring the outdoors with his Golden Retriever, Charlie. He currently resides in Woodland Hills. Ryan does not provide tax advice in his current role with Merrill Lynch.

Bryon W. Smith, CFP®, CEPA®, CPFA® is a Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Westlake Village, California. He serves a diverse clientele including business owners, veteran entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, retirement plan sponsors, families, and mission-driven leaders. Bryon's professional focus is on providing personalized financial planning and developing long-term wealth management strategies to help clients make informed financial decisions with confidence and clarity. With experience at firms such as Merrill Lynch, UBS Financial Services, Morgan Stanley, and RBC Wealth Management, Bryon has been in the financial services industry since 2013. His approach coordinates investment management, retirement planning, risk management, estate considerations, business transitions, charitable giving, and employer-sponsored retirement plans. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations and licenses in Life, Health, and Long-Term Care insurance. Bryon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, an Associate of Science in Fire Science from Los Angeles Valley College, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School. Bryon is a United States Coast Guard veteran and founding member of the Department of Homeland Security. He actively participates in veteran advocacy, homelessness prevention, food insecurity, and community development. He serves on the Audit Committee of Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and holds leadership roles within the American Legion, including Finance Officer for California's 24th District and Treasurer of the American Legion Riders Chapter 61 aboard the Battleship IOWA. Outside work, he enjoys traveling, exploring art museums, fishing, hiking, riding motorcycles, and sports. Bryon resides in Agoura Hills, California, with his wife Tess, their children Cash and Hunter, and their dog Daisy.

Michael Mcgovern is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he specializes in assisting high net worth families, corporations, business owners, and executives with their financial, investment, and retirement goals. He focuses on creating tailored investment strategies that address the unique needs of clients at various stages of life. Michael holds a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University and has earned several professional designations, including the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification, which is administered through the Investments and Wealth Institute in partnership with the Yale School of Management. He also holds the CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA) credentials. Outside of his professional work, Michael remains active in his community by coaching youth and high school lacrosse programs in Southern California. He enjoys spending time with his wife Mikala and their three children, Caden, Cole, and Sage.