Neil Schmerling is a CFP® and PFS™ professional with 26 years of experience in financial advising. He is currently with Cetera and has previously worked with Avantax Advisory Services and led his own firms, including Schmerling Financial Group and The Schmerling Group. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as president of Rodef Sholom Congregation, overseeing its operations alongside volunteers and staff. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving a broad client base that includes individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with a variety of portfolio management options and access to third-party money managers, managing over $256 billion in assets through a network of more than 10,000 advisors.

Robert Babcock is a financial advisor with LPL Enterprise holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Securities LLC, Marsh McLennan Insurance, and Elon University. Babcock is also involved with MainBridge Wealth, a DBA related to his LPL business. LPL Enterprise serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, charitable organizations, corporations, and institutional clients through advisory and brokerage channels. The firm offers financial planning, access to model portfolios, third-party asset management, and a range of brokerage and insurance products via its integrated platform.

Raul Coronado Mardonez is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he currently collaborates with clients to develop tailored financial plans that address their unique family needs. His approach emphasizes building strong, lasting relationships based on trust, reliability, and knowledge to serve as a trusted advisor for his clients. Raul has held various roles within Fidelity Investments since 2021, including Investment Consultant and Planning Consultant. Prior to joining Fidelity, he gained experience in banking roles such as Priority Relationship Manager at Citibank and Personal Banker positions at Suntrust Bank and Wells Fargo. This diverse background has contributed to his expertise in financial planning and client relationship management. Outside of his professional work, Raul has personal interests that include family activities, music, parenthood, photography, running, and soccer.

Michael Rodriguez is a financial advisor at Edelman Financial Engines with a Series 65 designation and experience at multiple firms since 2018. His prior roles include positions at Fiduciary Decisions and Facet Wealth, as well as work at First United Land Transfer and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Edelman Financial Engines provides technology-enabled investment advisory services focused on workplace retirement accounts, IRAs, taxable accounts, and institutional clients. The firm manages model-based and customized portfolios, offers sub‑advisory services to other financial institutions, and supports a large participant base through both advisor-led and online offerings.

Mitchell Disler is a Series 66-credentialed financial advisor with eight years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms including Fidelity Investments, JPMorgan Chase Bank, and Edward Jones prior to joining Cetera. Disler also serves as a Wealth Management Associate with Lydon Financial Advisors LLC, assisting in financial planning and investment strategies for individual clients. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered adviser that operates a large nationwide network of independent advisors, serving a broad client base from individuals to institutional accounts. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform with discretionary and non-discretionary program options.

Thomas Lydon III is a financial advisor with Cetera and holds the Series 66 designation. He has 19 years of industry experience, including prior roles at Avantax and 1st Global Advisors. In addition to his advisory work, he is a practicing attorney and has been self-employed in legal services since 2005. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving a broad range of clients, including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and institutions. The firm offers various portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform, supporting discretionary and non-discretionary strategies with extensive resources and affiliations.

Tyler Gillies is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and 10 years of industry experience. His work history includes roles at Securian Financial Services, Financial Advantage Associates, and Minnesota Life Insurance Company. Gillies has been with Cetera and its affiliated entities since 2023. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered adviser serving a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporate, charitable, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform that combines affiliated model portfolios, third-party managers, and customized strategies.

Jennifer Calara is a financial advisor with Mass Mutual Investors Services and holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. She has seven years of industry experience, including prior roles at Farmers Financial Solutions and Allstate Insurance. Outside of her advisory work, she owns and operates The Calara Agency, which provides property and casualty insurance as well as Medicare insurance services. Mass Mutual Investors Services is a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers financial planning, asset management, and educational seminars, focusing on collaborative client relationships and goal-based recommendations.

Joel Goldberg is a CFP® professional with 37 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently works at Cetera and has held prior roles including at Avantax Advisory Services and Pincus & Goldberg, CPAs. Goldberg is also involved with a nonprofit focused on financial literacy education. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC serves a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers various portfolio management and financial planning services through a nationwide network of independent advisors and operates a multi-manager platform allowing diverse investment strategies.

Patrick Gibbons is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 66 designation and 23 years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL in 2019, he worked for Northwestern Mutual in various capacities from 2003 to 2019. He serves as finance committee chairperson for Emory Church and is involved with nonprofit boards including the Construction Finance Association. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers financial planning, advisory programs, retirement plan consulting, and brokerage services supported by research, model portfolios, and technology-enhanced strategies.

Laura Gonzalez Portillo is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated since 2013. 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 using model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party managers.

Jeffrey Byrnes is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a co-founder of The Byrnes, Hollander Group, a boutique-style multi-generational wealth management team. He specializes in helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence, focusing on wealth accumulation, preservation, and legacy planning for future generations. His team's services encompass a range of areas including wealth planning, investment management, income and liquidity management, credit and lending, estate planning, social security maximization, wealth transfer, and philanthropy. Jeffrey holds a Bachelor's degree from Salisbury University, where he studied Finance and Information Systems and participated as a student-athlete on the men's soccer team. He carries professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Over his career, he has been recognized on Forbes' Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors lists for multiple consecutive years, as well as on the Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list as a member of The Byrnes, Hollander Group. In addition to his professional work, Jeffrey is involved in community service, including support for a dog shelter. He speaks both English and Spanish and is engaged in several professional organizations such as the Bloomberg Essentials Training Program, Financial Management Association, National Society of Leadership & Success, Salisbury University Men's Soccer Alumni, and the Student-Athlete Mentorship Program. He resides in Bethesda, MD, with his family and enjoys activities including traveling, golf, and supporting local sports teams.

Joseph Martin is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Charles Town, WV, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 41 years of industry experience. He has worked at Ameriprise and its predecessor Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. since 1984. Outside of his advisory role, he leases farmland for cow grazing. Ameriprise offers retirement-income planning services focused on clients approaching or in retirement with significant investable assets. The firm combines research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide tailored, non-discretionary recommendations through a centralized consulting team.

Richard Rowan is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates in Rockville, MD, bringing 27 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James & Associates since 2013. Raymond James & Associates is a large, dually registered broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser managing approximately $501 billion in assets. The firm serves individuals, institutions, and municipal entities, offering financial planning, non-discretionary investment consulting, and municipal advisory services supported by a nationwide adviser network.

Ronald Schwarz is a financial advisor with LPL Financial and holds a Series 66 designation. He has 19 years of industry experience, having previously worked at Grove Point Investments, LLC and related firms, as well as The Investment Center, Inc. He volunteers as a math tutor for public school students and serves on the board of directors for his local homeowner association. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement consulting, utilizing model portfolios and research from multiple sources.

Syed Rumin is a Financial Advisor affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in assisting executives, professionals, and business owners with coordinated financial decision-making. He focuses on areas such as equity compensation, retirement planning, tax considerations, estate planning, and major life or business transitions. Syed collaborates closely with clients' CPAs, attorneys, and other trusted advisors to ensure cohesive financial planning. He holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and has completed an Accredited Certificate Program from St Philomena's High School. Syed is multilingual, fluent in English, Hindi, Kannada, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi. Outside his professional role, he participates in community organizations including the Beltway Cricket Club and Parkside Condominiums in Bethesda. Personal interests include billiards, boating, bowling, fishing, hunting, music, spending time with family, traveling, and watching movies.

Chamila Gunawardane is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with eight years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Morgan Stanley since 2018, following eight years at Protege Partners, LLC. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving both individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a variety of advisory programs and financial planning services supported by structured discovery conversations and advanced modeling tools.

Marlena Lameo is a Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works with individuals, families, and business owners to provide personalized wealth management strategies. Marlena focuses on connecting all aspects of clients' financial lives to help prioritize and pursue their most important goals. Her areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, women and wealth, and tax minimization. Marlena maintains a personalized planning approach to help clients understand their full financial picture and make informed decisions. Marlena holds a Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She is a member of the Pi Beta Phi professional organization and actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club. Outside of work, she enjoys basketball, boating, cooking, football, pickleball, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Malcolm Mc Coy is a financial professional with one year of industry experience, currently with Charles Schwab. He holds a Series 66 credential and has prior experience with firms including Cetera Investment Advisers LLC and Kinnect Advisors. Outside of advisory work, he is also involved in fixed insurance sales as an insurance agent. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. serves a large client base of primarily high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, offering a range of advisory, brokerage, custody, and financial planning services through its Schwab Wealth Advisory wrap fee program and affiliated managed-account options. The firm combines non-discretionary advisory relationships with access to affiliated discretionary separately managed accounts, supported by centralized operations and alternative investment options.

Paul Li is a CFA charterholder with eight years of experience at FHL Investment Management Company, LLC and twelve years at Brown Advisory. He serves as portfolio manager of the FHL Healthcare Fund, LP, a private placement fund focused on publicly traded equities. FHL Investment Management Company, LLC advises a small number of discretionary individual accounts and manages the FHL Healthcare Fund, LP, employing a long-only, bottom-up fundamental research approach. The firm offers both a diversified separately managed strategy for individuals and a healthcare-specialty strategy through the Fund.