James Pontious is a financial advisor at Fidelity with 37 years of industry experience. He holds the CFP® designation as well as Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. His prior work includes eight years at TIAA and TIAA-CREF. Strategic Advisers LLC, a Fidelity Investments company, offers investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, including charitable funds and registered investment companies. The firm uses a combination of fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction to manage discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios and serves as an advisor to multiple registered investment companies.

Charles Massey is a Financial Consultant currently working at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2015. Prior to this role, he accumulated experience at several financial institutions, including serving as a Financial Consultant at E*Trade Financial from 2011 to 2015, a Financial Advisor at JP Morgan Chase from 2010 to 2011, a Branch Manager at JP Morgan Chase from 2007 to 2010, and an Investment Representative at Edward Jones Investments from 2003 to 2004. He has years of experience counseling high net worth investors on retirement planning and investment decisions. Charles focuses on understanding his clients' priorities to build and implement customized financial plans tailored to their individual situations. Outside of his professional work, Charles has interests in comedy, concerts, cooking and baking, traveling, writing, and yoga.

Robert Smith is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license, with seven years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2018 and was previously with Meadowhawk Capital, LLC from 2009 to 2018. 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 programs and investment strategies supported by a nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Amanda Kreutzer is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with five years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked at J.P. Morgan Securities since 2019. Outside of her advisory role, she is the owner of Heart Centered Guidance LLC, a business focused on spirituality services including intuitive guidance and workshops. 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 reporting through a select group of Wealth Advisors. The firm combines large institutional advisory operations with brokerage and investment management capabilities.

Parinaz Ronaghi is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with six years of industry experience. She has held roles at Bank of America, Merrill, and First Bank And Trust Company of Illinois. Outside of finance, she was involved with Krystynas Deli Inc - KD Market for four 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.

Brennan Miller III is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has been with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. since 2008, following two years at Ameriprise. Miller is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. serves primarily high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals through its Schwab Wealth Advisory wrap fee program and affiliated managed-account and financial planning services. The firm combines non-discretionary advisory relationships with access to discretionary separately managed accounts, delivering investment guidance via multi-asset model portfolios and centralized operational and custody services.

Rick Melone is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with seven years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Edward Jones since 2018. Prior to his current role, he was employed at The High Tech Solution and Capgemini. 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 services supported by a nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Mark Sessa is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with 17 years of industry experience, currently with J.P. Morgan Securities in Arlington Heights, IL. His prior experience includes roles at Golden Cord Investment Group, Inc. and Gci Group, Inc D/B/A Centurion Capital, Ltd. He has been with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan Securities since 2012. 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 large institutional advisory operations with broker-dealer and investment adviser registrations, delivering recommendations on a non-discretionary basis while clients retain final decision authority.

Josh Brown is a financial advisor at Charles Schwab with 28 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been associated with Charles Schwab since 1997, including roles at Charles Schwab Bank and TD Ameritrade Inc. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. serves a large client base primarily composed of high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals through its Schwab Wealth Advisory wrap fee program and affiliated managed-account and financial planning services. The firm offers both non-discretionary and discretionary investment management using multi-asset model portfolios and has a distinctive operational structure that combines advisory services with custody and brokerage functions.

Daniel Volk is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Grayslake, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 27 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Wayne Hummer Investments, Merrill, Chase Investment Services Corporation, and Banc One Securities Corporation. He is involved with Wintrust Investments Insurance Agency, focusing on non-variable insurance. 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 advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning and institutional platforms, and supports advisors with research-driven model portfolios and technology tools.

Jennifer Ebert is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Barrington, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and having four years of industry experience. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2022, she worked in various roles including positions at Primrose School of Algonquin and with private family clients. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved in a photography business. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individual and institutional clients with a 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 modeling techniques.

Ralph Watson is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses and 13 years of industry experience. He previously worked at firms including Avantax Investment Services, Raymond James Financial Services, WealthSouth, and BB&T Investment Services. Watson is a managing partner and involved in the day-to-day management and tax planning services at Woodford Financial PLLC. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm that serves individual, retirement plan, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients through a nationwide network of independent advisors. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with access to discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and a variety of program structures.

George Reichl Jr. is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Barrington, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and possessing 41 years of industry experience. He has been affiliated with Morgan Stanley and its related entities since 2007. Outside of his advisory role, he is an investor in the automotive and transportation business Tint World. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a large SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving both individuals and institutional clients. The firm provides tailored financial planning and manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets.

Robert Christman is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Palatine, IL, holding a Series 66 designation with 13 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2013. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs, managed solutions, and affiliated investment products. The firm operates under a fiduciary standard and is notable for its extensive national network of advisors and branch offices.

Paolina Dimitrova is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a role she has held since 2026. Prior to this position, she served as a Relationship Manager at the same firm from 2025 to 2026 and as a Financial Representative from 2023 to 2025. Throughout her tenure at Fidelity Investments, Paolina has developed expertise in client financial planning and relationship management. She approaches the planning process with care, structure, and attention to detail, focusing on aligning closely with her clients' goals to provide a thoughtful and seamless experience. Outside of her professional work, Paolina enjoys activities such as beach outings, fitness, hiking, Pilates, traveling, and exploring culinary interests.

Cheryl Kranz is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Crystal Lake, IL, with 12 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Edward Jones since 2013. 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 programs and investment solutions supported by a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Anna Wright is a financial advisor at Cetera with 10 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at Ameriprise Financial Services and Avantax Advisory Services. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered adviser serving a broad client base that includes individuals, employer-sponsored retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a variety of portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform with access to affiliated and third-party managers.

Melanie Mousheh is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, serving in this role since 2024. She has been with Fidelity Investments since 2021, progressing through positions including Planning Consultant, Relationship Manager, and Financial Representative. Prior to joining Fidelity, Melanie worked as an Associate Representative at Thrivent Financial from 2020 to 2021 and as a Member Experience Representative at Consumers Credit Union from 2018 to 2020. Melanie focuses on developing individualized financial plans, emphasizing client-specific circumstances to create strategies aimed at achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. She prioritizes maintaining open communication and nurturing ongoing relationships to support clients throughout their financial journeys. She holds an Arkansas Insurance License.

Geoffrey Wharton is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with 41 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has been with Ameriprise and its affiliated entities since 2010. Ameriprise provides retirement-income planning services primarily for individuals approaching or in retirement with substantial investable assets. The firm combines research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to deliver written, non-discretionary recommendation reports through a centralized consulting team.

Terence Foster is a CFA® charterholder and Series 63 licensee with 18 years of industry experience. He currently works at Robert Baird & Co. in Elgin, IL, where he has been since 2019. Prior to Baird, he held positions at Wells Fargo Clearing and Cambridge Investment Research Advisors. Foster serves as a finance committee member at Harvest Bible Chapel. He is part of The DDK Group within Robert W. Baird & Co.’s Private Wealth Management department, which provides financial planning, portfolio management, and consulting services to individuals, corporate clients, pensions, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a variety of managed account strategies and research tools, including artificial intelligence, and offers municipal advisory services alongside its advisory offerings.