Denise Hotch is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2021 and is also a group fitness instructor at Edge Fitness and the Westport Weston Family YMCA, where she has worked since 2002. 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 both model-based and discretionary investment strategies to a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and charitable organizations.

Jorge Valdes Rodriguez is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Norwalk, CT, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 37 years of industry experience. He has been with Equitable Advisors since 1999 and previously worked at Axa Advisors, LLC. His other business activities include involvement with Ashar Group Life Settlements and Aegis Wealth Partners, LLC, focusing on disability and insurance-related services. Equitable Advisors serves individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, corporations, and charitable organizations by offering financial planning, retirement-plan support, and access to asset management through LPL programs and various third-party asset managers. The firm operates a hybrid referral and implementation model, combining advisory and brokerage channels to tailor services based on client goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Barbara McMahon is a financial advisor at Merrill with 21 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and has worked at Merrill since 2008 and Bank of America since 2010. 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 plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Andre Mirkine is a CFP® with 37 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016. He previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2009 to 2016. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and based on modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Sean Donovan is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in New Canaan, CT. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has four years of industry experience, including prior roles at Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc. and a background outside finance working at Russell Speeders Car Wash and New Canaan High School. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving a broad range of clients, including individuals, retirement plans, and institutional entities. The firm offers a variety of advisory programs and financial planning services, utilizing model portfolios and research from multiple sources, and supports both discretionary and non-discretionary management approaches.

James Steele is a financial advisor with Merrill in New Canaan, CT, holding a Series 66 designation and 26 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill and Bank of America since 2010. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as a power of attorney in several fiduciary capacities. 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.

Connor Breit is a Series 66-licensed advisor with Merrill based in Fairfield, CT, and has four years of industry experience. His professional background includes roles at Bank of America, N.A. and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Outside of his advisory work, he performs food delivery on a part-time basis for Uber Technologies, Inc. and DoorDash Inc. 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 serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal teams and third-party managers.

Filiz Hoops is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Redding, CT, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and eight years of industry experience. She previously worked at Wells Fargo Clearing and Wells Fargo Bank. Ameriprise Financial Services is a large, diversified advisory firm serving individual and institutional clients, offering a specialized Premier Retirement Income service that provides written recommendation reports and ongoing retirement-income planning advice focused on income sources and tax-aware withdrawal strategies.

Michael Zadlo is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with 27 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has previously worked at Oppenheimer and ScottTrade, Inc. since 2018, he has been with Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC. 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 advisory process is IPS-driven and grounded in modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Love Malhotra is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing based in Norwalk, CT, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and possessing 28 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Wachovia Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related products and bank deposit sweep options in its investment menus.

Andrew Starks is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 2013 as part of The Hetherington Group. His responsibilities include financial planning, relationship management, investment screening, manager due diligence, and risk analysis. The team focuses on affluent and ultra-affluent clients across the United States, providing tailored strategies in areas such as college education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, sports and entertainment, and tax minimization. Andrew earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies from Princeton University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation since 2018 and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) in 2024, along with the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Prior to his financial advisory career, Andrew pursued a brief professional football career with the Chicago Bears. Based in Stamford, Connecticut, Andrew lives with his wife Morgan and son Wesley. His personal interests include golf, football, softball, traveling, spending time with family, and baking. He is a member of professional organizations such as the Princeton Football Association and the Princeton Varsity Club.

Michael Bucci is a financial advisor at Merrill with one year of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked previously at Bozzutos Inc and First Republic Bank. Before his financial services career, he spent several years in education and building maintenance. Merrill provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Donald Larson Jr. is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney since 2009 and Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association since 2015. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs including tailored financial planning. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and utilizes structured planning tools and firm‑approved methodologies in its financial planning process.

Robert Giannini is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc., holding a Series 63 designation and over 55 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James and its affiliated entities since 2012. Giannini also serves as a trustee of a small bank account for a previous client. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. provides financial planning, investment consulting, and advisory services to a diverse client base that includes individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and institutional clients. The firm offers tailored, non-discretionary planning and uses analytical tools to support client goals, with notable offerings in municipal finance and SIMPLE IRA employer advisory services.

Matthew Beninati is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Westport, CT, holding a Series 66 designation and 15 years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial in 2019, he worked at Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Private Bank from 2011 to 2019. He also operates Matthew Beninati LLC, a business entity used for tax and investment purposes. 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 financial planning and advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary management, with access to model portfolios, research, and various technology-driven investment strategies.

Saul Mag is a Wealth Management Senior Relationship Manager at Fidelity Investments. In this role, he supports Fidelity's most valued clients and their families by helping them navigate the firm's resources and providing a personalized approach to assistance that strengthens client relationships. Saul has been with Fidelity Investments since 2013, progressing through several roles including Investment Representative, Relationship Manager, Planning Consultant, and currently Senior Relationship Manager. His experience spans wealth management and client relationship services, focusing on delivering tailored financial solutions. Outside of his professional work, Saul's personal interests include comedy, golf, parenthood, pets, and tennis.

Frederick Lawrence is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with 37 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and previously worked at UBS Financial Services for 27 years before joining Morgan Stanley in 2020. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as an assistant coach for the Weston High School football team in Connecticut. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management provides a broad range of advisory programs to individual and institutional clients, offering tailored financial planning supported by firm-approved tools and strategies. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and combines advisory services with various investment and planning capabilities.

Ryan Cassidy is the Vice President and Branch Leader responsible for leading Fidelity's New Haven Investor Center. In this role, he offers guidance to customers on a range of financial planning services including one-on-one retirement and investment planning, income strategies, college planning services, and integrated employee benefits strategies. He has been with Fidelity Investments since 2016, initially serving as Director of Investor Center Operations from 2016 to 2021 before assuming his current leadership position in 2021.

Maria Mcardle is a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services in Westport, CT, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and having 8 years of industry experience. Prior to joining UBS in 2019, she worked at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, Mitchell Janoff, Northern Trust, and other firms. UBS Financial Services serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients through brokerage and investment advisory offerings, including fee-based financial planning and portfolio management. The firm combines institutional trading capabilities with wealth management services and uses proprietary research and model-based asset allocations to tailor investment strategies.

Katherine Bernardi is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Danbury, CT, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 33 years of industry experience. She has been with Wells Fargo Advisors LLC since 2012. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory solutions that are IPS-driven and grounded in modern portfolio theory. The firm’s services include investment policy statement preparation, investment recommendations, performance reporting, and participant education, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.