James Szczesniak is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Syracuse, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 30 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Merrill from 2009 to 2022 before joining Wells Fargo Clearing in 2022. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both non-discretionary and discretionary services. The firm’s IPS-driven advisory process incorporates modern portfolio theory and includes a broader set of financial product offerings, such as insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options, compared to many large institutional advisers.

Ryan Kowadla is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined Merrill in 2008 as a financial advisor and works closely with individuals and families to develop clear financial objectives and implement customized strategies tailored to their needs. Ryan's areas of expertise include employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, institutional consulting, and personal retirement planning. He holds several professional designations including Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ (CRPS™), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Ryan earned his bachelor's degree in business from Florida Atlantic University and a master's degree in business administration with a distinction in finance from Florida Gulf Coast University. As a native of Southwest Florida, Ryan and his family reside in Lakewood Ranch where they enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting Disney World.

Peter George is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 20 years of industry experience. He previously worked for M&T Securities, Inc. for 10 years before joining LPL Financial in 2021. 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, model portfolio programs, third-party asset management access, and institutional platforms, supported by extensive technology and research resources.

Jadon Lee is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Syracuse, NY, holding the Series 66 designation and beginning his advisory career in 2026. Prior to joining Equitable Advisors, he gained experience in various roles across industries including consulting, electronics, flooring, and food service. Equitable Advisors provides financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and asset-management services to a broad client base including individual investors, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm utilizes a range of advisory programs and third-party asset managers to tailor investment solutions based on client risk tolerance and objectives.

David Schneid is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 20 years of professional experience to his role. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2016 and holds Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations, along with NMLS licensure. David works with business owners, high net worth individuals, and families to develop financial strategies aimed at achieving both short and long-term goals. Before joining Merrill Lynch, David served as CEO of Summit Software, Microsoft’s authorized licensing agent for Visual Basic for Applications, and began his career as a mortgage trader. His background also includes experience with technology startups and investment banking. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from Cornell University, where he played four years of varsity lacrosse and three years of junior varsity ice hockey. David later obtained an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Columbia University. David is active in his local community, coaching youth hockey and youth lacrosse with the Camillus Youth Hockey and Camillus Youth Lacrosse organizations. He resides in Syracuse, New York, with his wife and six children, and balances his professional career with his personal interests in various sports and family activities.

Jorge Martinez is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, having joined the firm in 2024. He brings nearly 11 years of experience in the financial industry, focusing on building strong client relationships and providing personalized financial advice. Jorge works closely with clients to understand their individual and family goals, enabling informed decisions about their financial futures. His areas of expertise include managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and retirement income strategies. Jorge holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. He earned his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and remains committed to continuing education in his field. Residing in Liverpool, NY, Jorge lives with his wife Tiffany, their son Benny, and two dogs, Colby and Moose. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys cooking, listening to music, and spending time with his family.

Rylee Ganter is a financial advisor at Equitable Advisors in Syracuse, NY. Holding a Series 66 designation, Ganter has less than one year of industry experience. Prior roles include positions outside of finance, such as work at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield and Samaritan Medical Center, as well as involvement with Clarkson University and Wood Boat Brewery. Equitable Advisors serves individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and charitable organizations by providing financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and asset management programs through a network of Investment Adviser Representatives. The firm emphasizes client-specific risk assessment and utilizes third-party advisory programs and asset managers for portfolio implementation.

Gary Stam is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 39 years of industry experience. He has been with LPL Financial since 2004 and holds a Series 63 designation. Stam serves as a for-profit board member of Madison Mutual Insurance Company. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and brokerage services to individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm offers a range of financial planning and investment management solutions, utilizing both proprietary research and third-party strategies across various account types.

Bethany Nassimos is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 66 license and eight years of industry experience. Her prior experience includes positions at Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., The Investment Center Inc., IC Advisory Services Inc., and BNY Mellon. Outside of work, she volunteers as a Girl Scout troop leader with the Girl Scout of NYPENN. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser providing advisory and brokerage services to individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm offers a range of financial planning and asset management programs, supported by both proprietary and third-party strategies, and is notable for its scale and diverse financial services platform.

Matthew Payne is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Syracuse, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and three years of industry experience. He previously worked at Pacer Financial, Inc. and LPL Financial. Outside of finance, he serves as President of the Board for The National Chamber Orchestra and provides public speaking and vocal coaching. Equitable Advisors serves a broad client base including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, offering financial planning, retirement consulting, and various asset management programs through a network of Investment Adviser Representatives and affiliated third-party managers.

Katherine Schmid is a financial advisor with Primerica Advisors, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and three years of industry experience. Her work background includes roles at Primerica Financial Services, On Point For College, and Erie Materials. Outside of finance, she owns The Soulful Abode, a craft business through which she creates and sells handmade items at craft events. Primerica Advisors offers discretionary asset management through its Lifetime Investment Program, serving individual and high-net-worth clients with model-delivery strategies and separately managed account options under a wrap-fee structure. The firm curates third-party asset managers and delegates trading responsibilities to BNY Mellon Advisors while providing custody and trade execution through Pershing and Primerica Brokerage Services.

Andrew Mangano is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Liverpool, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 19 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at Community Bank since 2013 and INVEST Financial Corporation from 2013 to 2018. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as a general agent for a non-variable insurance business. 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 financial planning and investment management services, utilizing various portfolio strategies and advisor-facing tools, while maintaining a broad platform that includes affiliated insurance and banking services.

Melanie Videto is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and two years of industry experience. Her prior experience includes roles at Equitable Advisors LLC and Community Bank N.A. She has also worked in diverse fields such as education and hospitality. 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 broad range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolios, and institutional platforms, supported by a network of over 22,800 advisors.

Neil Pecka is a financial advisor with Cetera who holds a Series 66 designation and has 19 years of industry experience. He has previously worked at Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., and currently manages operations at Horan Wealth Management. Outside of finance, he serves as a soccer referee for the United States Soccer Federation. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is a nationwide SEC-registered advisory firm serving individuals, retirement plans, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with a range of portfolio management and financial planning services, supporting various investment approaches and account structures.

Mason Gasbarre is a financial advisor with LPL Enterprise and holds a Series 66 designation. He has four years of industry experience and has previously worked at firms including Ameriprise, Northwestern Mutual, and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. LPL Enterprise provides investment advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual and high-net-worth investors, retirement plans, banks, and charitable entities, using a primarily model-driven investment approach and offering access to third-party asset managers and insurance products.

Scott Mackenzie is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Syracuse, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 34 years of industry experience. He has worked at Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. since 2015 and has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC since 2009. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer that provides advisory programs and tailored financial planning to individuals and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and employs a structured financial planning process supported by firm-approved tools and modeling techniques.

Jamie Johnson is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Baldwinsville, NY, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. Prior to rejoining Edward Jones in 2023, Jamie worked at Seint Beauty as an artist and sales consultant and was employed at Best Buy Mobile. Outside of advising, Jamie has been involved in beauty sales through Seint, mainly for personal product discounts. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm that serves individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment solutions supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Kevin Witmer is a financial advisor with LPL Financial based in Syracuse, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and possessing 11 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Empower Federal Credit Union, CUSO Financial Services, Key Investment Services, NYlife Securities, and New York Life Insurance Company. Outside of his advisory work, he was involved with Holy Cross Church for eight years. 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 services including financial planning, model portfolios, and institutional platforms, supported by a large network of investment adviser representatives and advanced advisor tools.

Paul Spero is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 39 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and previously worked at Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. for 36 years. Outside of advising, he is a notary public. 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 wide range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms, supporting advisors with both discretionary and non-discretionary account management.

Michael Rulison is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and with 53 years of industry experience. He has been with Morgan Stanley since 2009, including roles at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving both individual and institutional clients with a variety of advisory programs and financial planning services. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and utilizes structured planning tools, including Monte Carlo simulations and Secular Return Estimates, to support its financial planning process.