Erick De La Cruz is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley in Barrington, IL, holding a Series 66 designation. He began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2025. Prior to this role, his work experience includes positions at Coro Enterprises LLC The Red Lion, Exmoor Country Club, and Target Corporation. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered adviser and broker-dealer that provides a range of advisory programs to individual and institutional clients. The firm offers tailored financial planning supported by structured discovery processes and firm-approved tools, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets.

Melanie Sheedy is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 25 years of industry experience, currently with J.P. Morgan Securities. She has been with J.P. Morgan Securities since 2012 and also has a long tenure at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. from 2001 to the present. Her prior experience includes managing The Sheedy Family Living Trust. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC provides institutional consulting services to corporations, foundations, and defined contribution plan sponsors, offering asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting through a select group of Wealth Advisors. The firm combines institutional advisory services with brokerage, distribution, and investment management capabilities.

Svitlana Sheppard is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been active in the financial services industry since 2003, beginning her career with Merrill in 2010. Svitlana works closely with high-net-worth clients as part of The Sheppard Group, contributing to the delivery of a broad range of wealth management services and strategies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Northeastern Illinois University, graduating summa cum laude. Svitlana also possesses several professional designations, including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Originally from Ukraine, Svitlana is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. She engages with the community through involvement with Better Money Habits in partnership with Khan Academy and the Chicago Public Library Foundation Associate Council. Outside of work, she resides in Chicago with her husband and enjoys biking, cooking, hiking, running, skiing, traveling, and yoga.

Brian Magura is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Schaumburg, IL, holding CFP® and ChFC® designations and 23 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2002. 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, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, and operates under a fiduciary standard.

Brandon Nguyen is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with four years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at Fidelity Investments, M1 Finance, and Merrill Edge/Bank of America. J.P. Morgan Securities provides investment consulting and advisory services primarily to institutional clients and retirement plan sponsors, combining quantitative asset-allocation modeling with centralized due diligence and applying an ESG eligibility framework in its recommendations.

Brian Schnell is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Barrington, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 10 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Northern Trust Bank, Bank of America, Merrill, and Morgan Stanley Private Bank. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and tailored financial planning supported by structured discovery processes and firm-approved tools. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and provides planning services alongside broader investment and brokerage capabilities.

Dennis Gorman is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 23 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Cetera Advisor Networks LLC for five years and has operated Gorman & Associates since 1990. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved with a CPA Affiliate Program through Gorman & Associates. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, banks, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a variety of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement consulting, utilizing both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by research and model portfolios.

Joseph Miceli is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 35 years of industry experience. He has been with Cetera and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC since 2000. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in health and life insurance renewals as an insurance agent. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered adviser serving individual, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients through a network of over 10,000 independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and consulting services, utilizing a multi-manager platform with various program options, including automated allocations and direct indexing.

Roger Smith is a CFP® professional with 25 years of industry experience, currently serving at Edward Jones since 2000. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs, investment options, and fiduciary services supported by a nationwide network of over 23,000 financial advisors.

Erik Rosencrans is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. He joined The Rosencrans Group in 2022 and works alongside his father and business partner, Jeff Rosencrans, who has been a Merrill advisor for over 40 years. Erik brings his background in corporate financial strategy and experience in management consulting and private equity—where he advised corporations on financial strategy and operational efficiency across technology, healthcare, and finance sectors—to his role in wealth management. Erik's expertise includes investment management, retirement planning, tax minimization strategies, insurance, and estate planning services. He supports clients in areas such as college education planning, family wealth management, legacy and liquidity management, managing new wealth, small business strategies, and retirement income. His approach is grounded in research, analytical rigor, and a commitment to client success, emphasizing thoughtful, personalized guidance and building lasting relationships. He holds bachelor's degrees in Entrepreneurship, Corporate Innovation, and Marketing from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. Erik lives in Chicago with his wife Lauren and participates in community organizations including Groop of Friends and The Friendly Scholars Foundation.

Peter Van Houten is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 39 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Merrill and LPL Financial since 2010. Outside of his advisory role, he is a co-owner of a real estate rental investment on Amelia Island, Florida. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, financial institutions, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, retirement plan consulting, and brokerage services, utilizing both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by internal and third-party research.

Patricia Ciebien is a financial advisor at Merrill with 30 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Merrill since 1986. Merrill, along 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 for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Morgan Hensel is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor at Ameriprise with three years of industry experience. Prior to joining Ameriprise, Hensel held various roles including positions at Bethel University and multiple leadership development centers. 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 retirement income service uses a centralized team to deliver customized Recommendation Reports supported by proprietary research and third-party data.

Kelly Karecki is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. She has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC since 2016. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients, offering a variety of advisory programs including tailored financial planning. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and utilizes structured planning tools and scenario modeling as part of its financial planning process.

Timothy Matta is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor at Edward Jones with one year of industry experience. He previously worked for SRI Systems Research Inc for 19 years. 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 strategies, supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Kenneth Molnar is a financial advisor at Fidelity with 31 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked at firms including Southwest Securities and Invex, LLC. He has also held a role at Communitech Outposts. Strategic Advisers LLC, a Fidelity Investments company, 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 deliver systematic model portfolios and manages sub-advisers while maintaining oversight and conflict-of-interest controls.

David Vucovich is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in providing a comprehensive approach to wealth management by carefully listening to clients' needs and crafting customized strategies aligned with their financial goals. His role benefits from the investment insights of Merrill and the banking services of Bank of America, enabling him to address various aspects of clients' financial lives. With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, including three decades at Merrill, David serves high net worth families and institutions. His expertise includes access to commercial banking and financing strategies, management of concentrated stock positions, and assistance with significant life events such as retirement, inheritance, and business sales. Additionally, he collaborates with Bank of America Private Bank and clients' legal and tax advisors to support legacy planning. David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He maintains the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designation. Residing in Palatine, Illinois, David and his wife, Veronica, are actively involved in volunteering and fundraising efforts for autism organizations.

Robert Dion is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Crystal Lake, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and with 34 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 individuals and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs, including tailored financial planning. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and employs a structured planning process supported by firm-approved tools and analytics.

Brendan Haggard is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in working with corporate executives, business owners, and families to navigate complex financial decisions. He employs a defined process to create customized and disciplined financial strategies, aiming to build personalized roadmaps that align with each client's unique goals and circumstances. His expertise includes wealth planning, estate and income tax planning, asset allocation strategies, and portfolio management. Brendan regularly meets with clients to review their financial plans and ensure they remain consistent with their evolving personal situations. His client focus areas comprise corporate executive services, family wealth management, liquidity management, new wealth management, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and retirement income. Brendan holds a Bachelor's Degree from Governors State University and holds multiple professional designations, including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Outside of his professional work, he enjoys baseball, basketball, fishing, football, hunting, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Alex Rojas is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, bringing over 25 years of capital market experience to his current role. He assists clients in aligning their financial decisions with their individual goals and priorities through disciplined long-term strategies tailored to their needs. Alex focuses on retirement, education, and legacy planning, helping clients make informed and confident financial decisions. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments in 2026, Alex worked as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch from 2019 to 2026. His background includes extensive experience in capital markets and financial advisory services, supporting clients across various financial planning needs. Outside of his professional work, Alex has interests in hiking, skiing, tennis, traveling, and exploring food.