Leslie Merritt Jr. is a financial advisor with OSAIC based in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 32 years of industry experience. Prior to joining OSAIC in 2023, he spent 14 years at Fsc Securities Corporation. Outside of his advisory role, he is president of Leslie Merritt, Inc., a consulting firm focused on estate and tax planning, and he manages family real estate and estate planning vehicles through various partnerships. OSAIC serves a broad mix of retail and institutional clients, offering integrated brokerage and investment advisory services through a large network of affiliated advisers. The firm employs asset-allocation tools, risk-tolerance questionnaires, and automated rebalancing to construct portfolios that include diverse asset classes, supporting both discretionary and non-discretionary account management.

Jamilahre Mcdowell is a financial advisor at Fidelity with a Series 66 credential and three years of industry experience. Prior to joining Fidelity, Mcdowell worked as a hairstylist and barber at Lady Jane’s salon in Raleigh. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides investment management and advisory services to a broad client base, including retail and institutional investors, employing a systematic investment approach that integrates fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction.

Thomas Billington is a CFP® professional with 17 years of industry experience, currently serving at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016. Prior to this, he worked with Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2011 to 2016. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and is based in Chapel Hill, NC. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA plans 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 vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Justin Clayton is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Cary, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. Before joining Edward Jones, he worked at Ferguson Enterprises for 17 years and operated his own insurance agency. He is a founder of the Exit Planning Institute's Raleigh/Durham Chapter and co-founded a regional business referral networking group. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs and affiliated investment products. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets and supports its clients through a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Jeremiah Knox is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 16 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at Thorough Financial Group LLC and Waddell & Reed, INC. Outside of his advisory work, he has operated a DBA related to his LPL business. LPL Financial is a national SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of financial planning and advisory programs, providing discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by in-house and third-party research.

Thomas Park is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with Fidelity in Durham, NC, and has four years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at TNT Construction, the Skagit County Drainage District 19, and Washington State University. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, including discretionary portfolio management and fund advisory. The firm combines proprietary fundamental research with quantitative analysis and algorithmic portfolio construction, managing model portfolios composed of mutual funds, ETFs, and ETPs.

Michael Ackerman is a financial advisor at Cetera with 22 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at several firms including New York Life Insurance Company, MML Investors Services LLC, and Eagle Strategies. Based in Raleigh, NC, he has been with Cetera since 2022. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individual investors, employer-sponsored retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a range of portfolio management and financial planning services through a multi-manager platform that includes affiliated and third-party managers, supporting both discretionary and non-discretionary account structures.

David Trca is a financial advisor at Fidelity with Series 66 and Series 63 licenses and two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments in 2024, he held diverse roles across several organizations, including Oakwood Country Club and Auburnlea Catering. Outside of his financial advisory work, he has experience in various service and mission-related activities. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, employing a systematic investment process that incorporates fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction. The firm is notable for its role in managing model portfolios, its registration as a commodity pool operator, and its advisory services to multiple registered investment companies.

Meredith Keever is a CFP® with three years of industry experience, currently affiliated with LPL Financial in Raleigh, NC. Her prior experience includes roles at OSAIC, FSC Securities, and Steward Wealth Strategies. Outside of advising, she has supported financial planning activities at Steward Wealth Strategies, assisting with client meetings and account management. LPL Financial is a national SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a wide range of advisory programs and financial planning services, utilizing both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by research and model portfolios.

Eric Hilliard is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 30 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. since 1996 and founded Hilliard Financial Group in 2002. He serves as a director on the United Methodist Church of North Carolina Board of Institutions, where he participates in overseeing financial affairs and maintaining institutional relationships. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. provides financial planning, investment consulting, and advisory services to a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, and institutional clients. The firm offers tailored, non-discretionary planning and supports municipal and public finance work through affiliated advisory programs and specialized consulting services.

Lionel Perkins III is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and possessing 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Advisors since 2015. Outside of advisory work, he serves as President of the Alumni Leadership Counsel and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Blue Ridge Boarding School. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network provides investment and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, and institutional clients, offering a broad range of planning options that include retirement, education, and business-owner transition planning, supported by Wells Fargo’s research and tools.

Anna Cantwell is a financial advisor at Fidelity with a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. Prior to joining Fidelity, she held various roles at Ohio University and UNC Health. Outside of her advisory work, she operates an Etsy shop creating t-shirt designs and provides dog walking and sitting services. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, employing a systematic investment process that combines fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction. The firm serves a diverse client base and engages in delegated management, fund advisory, and model portfolio delivery.

James Bowdish is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and having 27 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. since 1998. 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 through a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices, offering a range of advisory programs, discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, and affiliated investment products.

Joshua Beese is a financial advisor with Fidelity in Durham, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and having one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Fidelity, he was self-employed and has experience working in various roles outside the financial industry. Outside of his advisory work, he operates a private coaching business focused on developing hockey and skating skills for both youth and adults. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides investment management and advisory services to a broad client base, including retail and institutional investors as well as registered investment companies. The firm utilizes a combination of proprietary fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction to manage diversified portfolios and model investment strategies.

Wendy Busby is a financial advisor at Merrill with Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 32 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 1990 and also worked at Bank of America, N.A. since 2026. Busby is the sole owner of a rental property business in Cary, North Carolina. 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 investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Blaise Haubert is an Investment Solutions Representative III at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2025. He has been with Fidelity Investments since 2022, progressing through roles from Customer Relationship Advocate to his current position. In his role, Blaise focuses on understanding clients' priorities and working collaboratively to develop personalized financial plans tailored to their needs, ensuring they receive comprehensive support from Fidelity. Blaise brings experience in investment solutions and customer relationship management within the financial services industry. His professional background includes advancing through several roles at Fidelity, demonstrating his commitment to client service and financial planning. Outside of his professional work, Blaise has interests that include baseball, beach activities, football, social events with friends, pets, and running.

Harold Russell III is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with one year of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. since 2025. Prior to his advisory role, he held positions at West Marine and completed his education at North Carolina State University. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and tailored financial planning services. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and incorporates structured planning tools and modeling techniques in its financial planning process.

Stephen Scott is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 24 years of industry experience. He has been with Equitable Advisors and its predecessor, AXA Advisors, LLC, since 2002. Scott also has an outside business activity related to managing a power of attorney for a family trust under Legacy Wealth Strategies. Equitable Advisors serves a diverse client base including individual, high-net-worth, retirement plan, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients. The firm offers financial planning and brokerage services through a variety of third-party asset management programs and maintains dual registration as an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer.

Augustus Thompson Jr. is a CFP® with 39 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Cetera. He has been with Cetera and its related entities since 2015 and has operated his own financial services business since 1986. In addition to his financial advisory work, he provides tax preparation and planning services and serves as an elder on the governing body of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts through a nationwide network of independent advisors. The firm offers a variety of portfolio management and financial planning services and operates a multi-manager platform with access to model portfolios, third-party managers, and customizable investment strategies.

Karena Bagwell is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 31 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 63 designation and has been with Edward Jones since 1994. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a large network of financial advisors and branch offices across the United States.