Barbara Bridges is a financial advisor at First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. with seven years of industry experience. She holds Series 66 and Series 63 licenses and previously worked at Bank of America, N.A. for 21 years. Bridges is based in Charlotte, NC. First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. provides advisory and brokerage services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, and corporate entities. The firm emphasizes IAR-led financial assessments and employs a mix of fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis to manage portfolios across various asset classes.

Orlando Cruz Jr. is a financial advisor with Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and 25 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at ICMA-RC Services, PNC Investments, MSI Financial Services, and METLIFE Securities. Ameritas Advisory Services provides fee-based investment management, financial planning, and retirement-plan advisory services to individuals, corporations, and institutional clients. The firm offers a variety of discretionary and non-discretionary programs, combining in-house models, third-party managers, and co-advisory relationships to serve a diverse client base.

Matthew Fortenberry is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Denver, NC, holding a Series 66 credential and eight years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Prudential and Wells Fargo Clearing Services. He also operates Alpha Omega Financial, LLC as a separate business activity. Equitable Advisors serves a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, and institutions, offering financial planning, insurance distribution, broker-dealer services, and access to third-party asset management programs. The firm emphasizes a dual-registered model and works extensively with program sponsors and third-party managers to deliver advisory and brokerage solutions.

Gregory Beck is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses with 10 years of industry experience. He worked at TIAA and TIAA-CREF from 2014 to 2022 before joining Wells Fargo Clearing in 2022. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both non-discretionary and discretionary investment advice. The firm’s process is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Sulayman Nyang Jr. is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with 13 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2012. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as a mentor and business coach for at-risk young adults and holds positions on several nonprofit and advisory boards related to business coaching, education, and community initiatives. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of investment advisory programs and affiliated financial services. The firm is notable for its extensive advisor network, comprehensive service offerings, and fiduciary standard of care.

Brendan Cole is a financial advisor with Merrill based in Charlotte, NC. He holds the Series 66 designation and has one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill, he held various positions including roles at Principal Financial Services and The Hanover Insurance Group. He also worked as a retirement consultant offering personalized investment advice to Principal retirement plan participants. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Harold Ballard Jr. is a financial advisor with Primerica Advisors in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 65 and Series 63 licenses and eight years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Charlotte Christian College and Cornwell Center, alongside ongoing work with PFS Investment Inc. and Primerica Financial Services. Outside of finance, he is involved with Yom Tov Enterprises, LLC, a non-investment-related partnership. Primerica Advisors manages a wrap-fee asset management program primarily serving individual investors, including both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate and charitable organizations. The firm utilizes model-driven strategies developed by unaffiliated asset managers and provides advisory services through a large network of financial advisors.

Mary Grace Cardow is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. Her background includes roles at The Vanguard Group, Clemson University Academic Success Center, and Ameriprise. Ameriprise Financial Services is a large, diversified advisory firm serving individual and institutional clients, known for its Premier Retirement Income service that provides tailored retirement planning advice through a centralized team using proprietary research and tools.

Caleb Wyckoff is a financial advisor with Merrill in Huntersville, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. He has worked at Bank of America N.A. and Merrill since 2023 and previously spent seven years at Harris Teeter. 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 and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Ganna Wenzell is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with 11 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has previously worked at firms including Wells Fargo Clearing, Fifth Third Securities, JP Morgan Chase Bank, and LPL Financial. Ameriprise offers a retirement-income planning service designed for individuals nearing or in retirement with significant investable assets, providing written Recommendation Reports that cover income sources, Social Security options, and tax-smart withdrawal strategies. The firm employs a combination of research, modeling, and algorithmic tools to deliver tailored, non-discretionary advice through a centralized consulting team.

Laura Spivey is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Edward Jones, based in Cornelius, NC. She has three years of industry experience, including prior roles at Movement Mortgage. She has been with Edward Jones since 2018. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment solutions supported by a large national network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Joshua Dodge is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing in Charlotte, NC, with three years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at UBS Financial Services, Merrill, and Bank of America. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients with investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting. The firm manages approximately $671 billion in assets and offers both brokerage and advisory solutions, relying on research and analytics to guide investment selections.

Carter Barlow is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill, he worked at The McKay Firm and has experience in education at the University of South Carolina and Charlotte Latin School. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Jason Farouk is a financial advisor at Merrill with 14 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations. His career includes roles at Bank of America, The Vanguard Group, Citizens Securities, and Santander Securities. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

David Hahl is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with Edward Jones in Cornelius, NC, where he has worked since 2010. He has 15 years of industry experience. Outside of advising, he is involved in managing rental properties through several real estate entities. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, and is notable for its extensive advisor network and affiliated capabilities such as a trust company and securities-based lending.

Hunter Conley is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their financial goals and develop strategies to pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term objectives. He serves as a resource for investment management, retirement planning, and savings strategies, providing access to a range of financial products and services including banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions offered through Bank of America specialists. Hunter brings expertise in helping individuals manage complex financial priorities such as purchasing a home, funding education, caregiving, and healthcare planning. He offers personalized portfolio strategies designed to align with clients' goals and provides ongoing advice to adapt these plans as clients' situations evolve. His professional designations include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina System.

Gordon Whittaker is a Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, part of the Ellison Kibler team. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 2003, following two years at another wealth management firm, he has focused on financial strategies and investment management for high-net-worth individuals, including professional athletes and entertainment professionals. His expertise encompasses corporate executive services, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services. Gordon has also trained financial advisors across the country through Merrill's Peer-to-Peer National Faculty program and served as the 2025 Chairman of the Merrill Financial Advisory Council to Management (ACTM). Gordon holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and the Sports and Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (SE-AWMA) designation awarded by The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. Additionally, he is a Registered Player Financial Advisor with the National Football League Players Association. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and also attended the University of Colorado. Gordon was individually ranked #4 in North Carolina-West on Forbes' "Best-In-State Wealth Advisors" 2026 list. Originally from Brandon, Vermont, Gordon resides outside of Charlotte with his wife, fellow team member Angie Whittaker, and their family. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys adventure sports, biking, hunting, exercise, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and spending time with his family.

Kathryn McKenzie is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with 16 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at Ameriprise Financial Services, BMO Harris Financial Advisors, and Wells Fargo. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as a trustee for family trusts. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both non-discretionary and discretionary investment advisory solutions. The firm’s approach is IPS-driven and grounded in modern portfolio theory, with a broader range of financial product offerings including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Amy Sigmon is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Davidson, NC, holding Series 66 and Series 63 licenses and bringing 14 years of industry experience. She has been with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2013 to 2016. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients with investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting. The firm manages approximately $671 billion in assets and offers both brokerage and advisory solutions supported by research from Wells Fargo Investment Institute and third-party sources.

Carlos Martinez Acuna is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill, his work history includes roles outside the financial sector, such as positions at United Cleaning Services and Central Piedmont Community College. 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 and institutional clients.