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.

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.

Jeff Slattery is a financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities in Wheaton, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 26 years of industry experience. He has been with J.P. Morgan Securities since 2012 and previously operated DreamLander Eco-Adventure Tours for five years. J.P. Morgan Securities 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 large institutional advisory operations with brokerage and investment management capabilities.

Aira Lodygowski is a financial advisor with LPL Financial based in Saint Charles, IL. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has seven years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial in 2021, she worked at BMO Harris from 2011 through 2018. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement consulting, utilizing model portfolios, third-party subadvisors, and proprietary research.

Michael Ulaszek is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Geneva, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 16 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2015. 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 range of advisory and investment solutions supported by a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Adisa Hadzic is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with 10 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has been with J.P. Morgan Securities since 2015, also affiliated with JPMORGAN Chase Bank, N.A. since 2014. 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. The firm combines large institutional advisory operations with brokerage, distribution, and investment management capabilities, delivering recommendations on a non-discretionary basis while clients retain final decision authority.

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.

Martin Friel II is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Geneva, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and over 21 years of industry experience. He has been with Ameriprise and its affiliated entities since 2004. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as president of the Tri-Cities Soccer Association and has been a youth soccer referee for multiple local leagues. Ameriprise provides a retirement-income planning service designed for individuals approaching or in retirement 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.

Jennifer Kaehu Hervai is a financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities in Wheaton, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and seven years of industry experience. Her work history includes positions at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC provides investment consulting and advisory services primarily to institutional clients and retirement plan sponsors, combining quantitative asset-allocation modeling with centralized due diligence and an ESG eligibility framework in its approach.

Gregory Farber is a financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 26 years of industry experience. He has worked with J.P. Morgan Securities and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank since 2018, and previously held roles at T2 Asset Management and Calamos Wealth Management. In addition to his advisory role, he is also employed by J.P. Morgan Bank, where he offers bank products such as deposit and credit services. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to corporations, foundations, and defined contribution plan sponsors, delivering asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm combines large institutional advisory operations with brokerage, distribution, and investment management capabilities, offering recommendations on a non-discretionary basis while clients retain final decision authority.

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.

Sean Borchers is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Cary, IL, holding Series 66 and Series 63 licenses and five years of industry experience. His prior work history includes positions at JP Morgan Chase and its affiliates from 2010 to 2025. Outside of his advisory role, Borchers manages a music band called Wings of Severance, performing in the Chicagoland and Milwaukee areas. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of investment advisory programs and manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets through a large network of advisors and branches.

Vito Della Polla is Vice President and Executive Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he assists clients with retirement planning, investment planning, and benefit consulting. He works with a team that includes a benefit planning consultant and dedicated executive services associates to support clients' needs. Vito has been with Fidelity Investments since 2010, holding various positions including Vice President Financial Consultant from 2016 to 2021, Financial Consultant from 2012 to 2015, and Investment Consultant from 2010 to 2012. Prior to joining Fidelity, he worked as a Financial Representative at AXA Advisors from 2009 to 2010. He is a Certified Financial Planner, which supports his expertise in providing comprehensive financial planning services.

Kassidy Gountanis is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Elgin, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, Kassidy worked in community therapy services and held various roles including early childhood teacher and sales associate. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of investment solutions, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm operates under a fiduciary standard and maintains a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Nathanael Ramos is a financial advisor with Thrivent Investment Management in Carol Stream, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and six years of industry experience. His career includes roles at Thrivent Financial since 2019 and prior positions at The Leazer Group and People Helping People. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients, offering comprehensive written recommendations on various financial planning topics without implementation. The firm emphasizes holistic, goal-based analyses and allows clients to combine planning with managed-account programs under a consolidated billing option called “WealthPlan.”

Aaron Roehl is a Series 66-registered financial advisor with Merrill, where he has worked for 10 years. Prior to and concurrently with his advisory role, he was involved with Aircraft Training Services, LLC for 12 years. Outside of his advisory duties, he serves as a trustee for the R. W. K. 2022 Trust and holds multiple roles at Hope Lutheran Church, including board member and mutual ministry committee member. 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 strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.