Katherine Vargas is a Series 66-credentialed financial advisor at Edward Jones with two years of industry experience. She previously worked at Bank of America NA for nine years before joining Edward Jones. Outside of her advisory role, she is CEO and owner of Maktub Ventures LLC, a real estate rental business based in Raleigh, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, offering a broad range of investment advisory programs and affiliated financial services through a nationwide network of over 23,700 advisors.

Ezekial Blake is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with nine years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Edward Jones since 2017. His prior experience includes roles at Waddell & Reed, Alexander Archery, and various insurance carriers. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and offers a wide range of advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Kelby Watson is a CFP® with nine years of experience in the financial industry, currently serving as a financial advisor at Edward Jones since 2017. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he worked at BKD LLP CPAs and Advisors for one year. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management.

Khalif Dean is a financial advisor with Merrill in Durham, NC, holding a Series 66 credential and three years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Bank of America and Cardinal Financial. Outside of advising, he works as a driver for Uber Technologies. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services for Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, corporations, and charities.

Barry Venick is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and previously worked at W&S Brokerage Services and Western & Southern Life. Outside of his advisory role, he owns a family retail sports souvenir business in Raleigh, North Carolina. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services primarily to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Ryan Rosenberger is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to his current role, he was involved in Southwind Ice Cream LLC for four years. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutions. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and financial planning services through a large network of independent advisors and a multi-manager platform.

Nathan Niles is a financial advisor at Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. with four years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and previously worked at TD Private Client Wealth for three years. Outside of his advisory role, he supports client services and administrative functions at Baker Wealth Advisors LLC. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors provides financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, pension plans, and institutional clients. The firm offers tailored, non-discretionary planning and supports a broad advisor network, with a notable municipal advisory affiliation and specialized SIMPLE IRA consulting services.

Lauren Erickson Bennett is a financial advisor at Cetera with 21 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials. In addition to her advisory role, she owns a catering company and serves as treasurer for a nonprofit organization. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients through a nationwide network of over 10,000 advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and retirement services with access to both affiliated and third-party money managers across multiple program structures.

Thomas Piper Jr. is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with eight years at Edward Jones and two years of prior experience at Danone North America, totaling seven years in the financial industry. He is based in Wake Forest, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Alexis Shigapov is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Durham, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and beginning their career in 2025. Prior to joining Edward Jones, Alexis gained experience in various roles including work at Leo's Italian Social, ICryo, and Ava Rooftop Bar. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving both individual and institutional clients with a range of investment advisory programs and strategies. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets through a nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Landon Baucom is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and 12 years of industry experience. He has worked with Cetera and its affiliates since 2023 and has held roles at North Star Consultants, Securian Financial Services, and Minnesota Life Insurance since 2014. Outside of his advisory work, he is an agent/broker involved in fixed insurance sales. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform, supporting both discretionary and non-discretionary approaches with access to affiliated and third-party managers.

Ricardo Barbosa Ballester is a financial advisor at Fidelity with Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and three years of industry experience. His background includes five years of service in the US Army and a combined four years at Fidelity Investments. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, including registered investment companies and an IRS-qualified Charitable Gift Fund. The firm uses a combination of proprietary fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction to manage model portfolios comprised of mutual funds, ETFs, and ETPs.

Jordan Mermet is a Benefits & Planning Consultant in Executive Services at Fidelity Investments, a role he has held since 2026. He works with executives to simplify complex benefit programs and develop tailored financial plans aligned with their long-term goals. Jordan employs a consultative approach to help clients navigate financial decisions and build lasting relationships with Fidelity. Jordan joined Fidelity Investments in 2021, gaining progressive experience through roles including Investment Solutions Representative I, II, and III before advancing to his current position. He holds insurance licenses in Arkansas and California. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Jordan has interests in food, outdoor adventures, pets, skiing, soccer, and traveling.

Sydney Miller is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 credential and three years of industry experience. Prior to joining Cetera, Miller held roles at Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Financial Services Inc., among others. Miller is also involved with North Star Resource Group as a fixed insurance agent. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is a nationwide SEC-registered adviser serving individual, retirement plan, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform that includes affiliated and third-party managers across various account types and program structures.

Brett Walters is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he worked in healthcare settings including Duke University Health System and Village Physical Therapy. He holds the Series 66 designation. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving a wide range of individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a variety of investment strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Robert Trujillo II is a financial advisor with OSAIC based in Wake Forest, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 13 years of industry experience. He has been associated with Royal Alliance since 2014. Outside of his advisory work, he owns a sole proprietorship providing insurance services as needed. OSAIC Wealth, Inc. serves a broad mix of retail and institutional clients through a large network of affiliated advisers and multiple advisory platforms. The firm offers a range of integrated investment and financial planning services, utilizing asset-allocation tools and third-party managed account solutions.

Blair Griffin is a CFP® professional with 15 years of industry experience, currently serving at Edward Jones since 2012. He holds the Series 66 designation and is based in Wake Forest, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a broad range of advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Laura Cooper is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with nine years of industry experience, currently with LPL Financial since 2020. She has previously worked with First Allied Advisory Services and Edward Jones, and maintains a business entity, The Fox Alliance Wealth Advisors, established in 2018. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a range of financial planning and asset management services, including access to model portfolios and institutional platforms.

Elridge Emery Jr. is a financial advisor with Primerica Advisors in Durham, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Primerica Advisors since 1994 and Primerica Financial Services since 1990. His prior work includes roles at the Department of Public Safety and LifeWise Academy. Outside of advising, he is involved in part-time sales of home security and automation products through affiliated companies. Primerica Advisors sponsors a wrap-fee asset management program serving individual investors, corporate, and charitable clients. The firm uses model-delivery strategies managed by unaffiliated asset managers and supports account execution and custody through BNY Mellon Advisors and Pershing.

Blake Greiter is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 21 years of industry experience and holds a Series 66 designation. His prior roles include positions at Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services. Outside of his advisory work, he is also a licensed massage therapist. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolio programs, and institutional platforms, supported by a network of over 22,000 advisors and managing more than $819 billion in discretionary assets.