Alexa Alchevsky is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, based in the Mount Pleasant office. In her current role, she supports advisors by conducting annual plan reviews to help clients stay on track with their financial goals. Prior to this, she worked as a Relationship Manager at Fidelity Investments from 2024 to 2025. Alexa has a professional background focused on financial planning and client relationship management. Outside of work, she has interests in music, soccer, and traveling.

Richard Malinowski is a Financial Advisor specializing in wealth management and retirement planning at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and retirement income. He holds several professional designations, including Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Richard earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Carolina. Outside of his professional work, Richard has interests in football, golfing, and running.

Cynthia Sellers is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding a Series 66 designation and 20 years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill since 2004 and has been affiliated with Bank of America, N.A. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Robert Stiles III is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Mt Pleasant, SC, holding a Series 66 designation and 16 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Robert W Baird for six years before joining Ameriprise in 2020. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Health Guidance Center and is involved in independent insurance brokering and business administration through Bluestar Venture Group LLC. Ameriprise Financial Services is a large advisory firm serving individual and institutional clients, offering specialized retirement income planning focused on dependable income sources and tax-aware withdrawal strategies. The firm’s approach includes a centralized retirement income service team that collaborates with financial advisors to provide tailored Recommendation Reports using proprietary research and third-party data.

Louis Falvo is a financial advisor with LPL Financial who holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 35 years of industry experience. He has previously worked at Merrill and has been involved with Good Life Advisors, LLC and Cross Roads Divorce Advisors, LLC, where he provides financial planning and consulting services related to divorce. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser offering a range of advisory and brokerage services to individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm supports its network of over 22,800 advisors with multiple investment programs and operational tools while managing more than $819 billion in discretionary assets.

Aaron Watkins is a CFP® professional with 17 years of industry experience, currently advising clients at Ameriprise since 2020. His prior experience includes roles at Bank of America, Merrill, and Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. He is also the owner and manager of Aaron Watkins Holdings, LLC, a business used to manage miscellaneous expenses related to financial planning. Ameriprise provides retirement-income planning services focused on clients approaching or in retirement, typically those with significant investable assets. The firm combines research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to deliver personalized, non-discretionary recommendations, supported by a centralized consulting team and algorithmic tools.

Julie Saunders is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with a Series 65 credential and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL, she worked at Premier Wealth Partners, Georgia United Credit Union, and held various roles including at Forsyth County Government and the University of North Georgia. She is also a commissioned notary in Summerville, SC. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions through a network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers a range of services including financial planning, model portfolio programs, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms, supported by technology and a broad array of affiliated financial activities.

Derrick Boots is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Supported by the resources of Merrill and Bank of America, he provides a comprehensive approach to wealth management that helps clients make informed financial decisions across various aspects of their financial lives. He focuses on building lasting relationships and offering thoughtful guidance as clients' goals and circumstances evolve. Derrick began his financial services career with Morgan Stanley and has entrepreneurial experience in the landscaping industry. He holds a degree in Finance from Michigan State University, which he completed with honors ahead of schedule. Additionally, he holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of work, Derrick is active and enjoys outdoor activities such as running marathons, playing pickleball, and bass fishing. He also appreciates exploring new restaurants with a particular interest in good barbecue.

Stephan Zacharkiw is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Charleston, SC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 25 years of industry experience. He has worked at Morgan Stanley Private Bank since 2015 and has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney since 2009. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs that include tailored financial planning supported by firm-approved tools and methodologies.

Maxwell Huggins is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on building long-lasting relationships with a select group of clients to provide customized investment advice aligned with their unique financial goals. His approach integrates a client's immediate financial needs with long-term objectives, supported by strategic business partnerships and access to industry research. Max holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Carolina. He is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and has expertise in family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, and sports and entertainment sectors. Maxwell is actively involved in his community, serving as Secretary for the Mt. Pleasant Exchange Club and participating in organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, and Operation Home. His personal interests include fishing, football, golfing, music, soccer, and surfing.

Colin Johannessen is a financial advisor at Equitable Advisors with 11 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. His prior work includes roles at Citigroup Global Markets and Edward Jones, as well as two years as a self-employed advisor. Equitable Advisors serves a diverse client base including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, providing financial planning, retirement consulting, and asset management programs through a network of Investment Adviser Representatives and third-party asset managers.

John Elson is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Charleston, SC, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 10 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC and UBS Financial Services. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management provides a broad range of advisory programs to individuals and institutional clients, offering tailored financial planning and managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets. The firm’s planning process uses structured discovery conversations and firm-approved tools without providing individual security recommendations as part of standalone plans.

Jeffrey Malott is a financial advisor at Thrivent Investment Management with five years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Thrivent Financial and LGCY Power, among other firms. Outside of his advisory role, he volunteers with The Exchange Club of Charleston, a community organization that supports local nonprofits through events such as the Coastal Carolina Fair. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients, focusing on comprehensive, goal-based financial planning without discretionary trading authority. The firm combines planning with managed-account programs under consolidated billing while keeping these services distinct.

Richard Young Jr. is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Mt Pleasant, SC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and 33 years of industry experience. He has been with Ameriprise and its affiliated entities since 2005. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as president of the Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo Legacy of Life Foundation and the Rivertowne Swim Team Board. Ameriprise offers retirement-income planning services targeted at individuals nearing or in retirement with significant investable assets, providing written recommendation reports that include income sources, Social Security options, and tax-smart withdrawal strategies. The firm combines research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis with a centralized consulting team to deliver tailored, algorithm-supported retirement advice.

Mary Davey is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with five years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at Ameriprise, Clawson and Staubes, The Keynote Group, and First Citizens Bank. Mary is also involved with Wordsworth Mgmt Group Inc., a non-investment related business entity. 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 portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms.

Michael Zechmann is a CFP® professional with 18 years of industry experience. He is currently with LPL Financial and has prior experience at Morgan Stanley and Mutual of Omaha Investor Services. Outside of advisory work, he is an author of financial content and involved in multiple business ventures, including ownership roles in equestrian and farm enterprises. 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 advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning and access to various portfolio management strategies, supported by advanced operational and research tools.

Andrew Kernich is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His prior experience includes roles at South Carolina Federal Credit Union and CUSO Financial Services, LP. Outside of advisory work, he has managed hospitality ventures such as Rooftop at The Vendue and Sole on the Green. 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 and access to model portfolios, utilizing a variety of investment strategies and technology tools.

Robert Hatala is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Charleston, SC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 33 years of industry experience. He has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney since 2009. Outside of his advisory role, he is a sole proprietor in real estate investment. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs, emphasizing tailored financial planning supported by firm‑approved tools and extensive asset management.

Edward Gilbert is a financial advisor with Cetera who holds the Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has 29 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Strategic Resources Group, Ascend Financial Services, and Minnesota Life. Gilbert serves as an officer on the board of the Commonwealth Cares Foundation. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC serves a broad range of clients including individuals, retirement plans, corporate, charitable, and institutional accounts. The firm offers portfolio management, financial planning, and access to multiple investment strategies through a large national network of independent advisors.

Caroline Mahoney is a financial advisor at Cetera with eight years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has previously worked at NYLIFE Securities LLC, New York Life Insurance Co., Commonwealth Financial Group, Northwestern Mutual, and Cetera Wealth Services. Mahoney is the owner of CM Financial Group, LLC, which she maintains for tax purposes but does not actively use. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is a nationwide SEC-registered firm that serves individual clients, employer-sponsored 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 that includes affiliated and third-party managers, with more than $256 billion in assets under management and over 10,000 advisors.