Yonglin Ren is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors and holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations. He has 20 years of industry experience, including prior roles at LPL Financial and Edward Jones. Ren also operates a tax services firm as an IRS Enrolled Agent and works as an independent insurance agent. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base, including individuals and institutions such as pension and charitable organizations, offering financial planning, investment management, retirement-plan advisory, and wrap-fee programs through multiple platforms and custodians. The firm provides both discretionary and non-discretionary management and features proprietary model strategies under the Founders Gate Capital brand.

Jon Meek is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with 23 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC since 2015. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved with the Center for Enriched Living, a recreation-focused organization in Riverwoods, Illinois. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offers a wide range of advisory programs serving both individual and institutional clients, with a focus on tailored financial planning and a structured discovery process using firm-approved tools.

Derek Bergquist is a financial advisor with Primerica Advisors, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and bringing 20 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at BSI Group and Sterling Engineering. In addition to his advisory work, he is involved in sales of loan products and home security referrals through Primerica affiliates. Primerica Advisors is a large-scale firm serving individual investors, corporate, and charitable clients through a wrap-fee asset management program. The firm utilizes model-delivery strategies managed by unaffiliated asset managers and supports trade execution and custody through established industry partners.

Tracy Cook is a financial advisor at Merrill with 18 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has been with Merrill since 2008. 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 supported by internal Chief Investment Office teams and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Derek Nichols serves as Vice President and Branch Leader at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2026. In this role, he leads a team of advisors by providing support and coaching aimed at maximizing their potential. He focuses on fostering a positive work environment and developing the skills and capabilities of his team to serve more clients effectively each day. Prior to his current role, Derek was a Branch Leader at Fidelity Investments from 2024 to 2026, and before that, he was Vice President and Wealth Planner at the company from 2018 to 2024. His mission is to create a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within his branch while delivering exceptional service and value to clients. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Derek has personal interests that include fitness, football, golf, hiking, and motorcycles.

Blake Ripes is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with five years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has previously worked at Fidelity Investments and Fifth Third Bank. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients through a select group of Wealth Advisors. The firm’s advisory process combines quantitative and qualitative research to build model asset allocations, focusing on written asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting.

James Oshaughnessy is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and more than 34 years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms, including Global Retirement Partners, HUB International, Sheridan Road Advisors, and Equitable Advisors. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a range of financial planning and investment solutions, including model portfolio programs and institutional platforms, supported by a large network of advisors and advanced operational tools.

Eva Maria Atanassova is a financial advisor at Fidelity with three years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Fidelity Investments since 2023. Her prior roles include positions at Aramark, Enterprise Holdings, and various educational institutions. Fidelity’s Strategic Advisers LLC provides 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 deliver model portfolios and advisory services.

Todd Bauman is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Arlington Heights, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 30 years of industry experience. He has been with Ameriprise and its affiliated entities since 2009. Ameriprise provides retirement-income planning services primarily for clients approaching or in retirement with substantial investable assets, using a centralized consulting team to deliver tailored, non-discretionary recommendations that incorporate research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis. The firm offers a broad range of advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions typical of a large institutional provider.

Nicholas Curio is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Deerfield, IL, holding a Series 66 designation. He has been with Morgan Stanley and its Private Bank since 2026 and previously worked at Second Avenue and UBS Financial Services Inc. Outside of finance, his background includes work in the hospitality and retail sectors. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving both individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and financial planning services, utilizing structured planning tools and investment models while generally acting in an advisory capacity.

Kelly Ipjian is a financial advisor with LPL Financial based in Lake Forest, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 13 years of industry experience. His previous roles include positions at OSAIC, Triad Advisors, Alera Investment Advisors, GCG Financial Services, and Securian Financial Services. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory services and platforms, including financial planning, model portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional programs, supported by a large network of investment adviser representatives.

David Carter is a financial advisor at Merrill with 14 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations. Prior to joining Merrill in 2022, he worked at J.P. Morgan Securities and JP Morgan Chase Bank from 2011 to 2022. 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. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Kathleen Liggins is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Edward Jones in Buffalo Grove, IL, where she has six years of experience. She has been with Edward Jones since 2007 in various roles. Outside of her advisory work, she serves as Treasurer for the Barrington Juniors Women’s Club and is a managing member of BK Legacy Holdings LLC, a consumer retail products business. 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 variety of advisory strategies, including both discretionary and non-discretionary options, and maintains a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Christopher Auer is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing extensive experience in wealth management and financial planning since beginning his career in 1998. He specializes in education planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Christopher focuses on delivering a comprehensive approach tailored to each client’s individual needs by listening carefully and helping them make informed decisions to achieve their financial goals. He holds professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Christopher also completed an Accredited Certificate Program at Northern Illinois University. Outside of his professional role, he is involved with the Porsche Club of America and enjoys hiking, music, photography, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Spencer Hunzeker is a financial advisor at Charles Schwab with the CFP® designation and a Series 66 license. He has 10 years of industry experience, all with Charles Schwab and Charles Schwab Bank. 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 offers a combination of non-discretionary and discretionary investment guidance, utilizing multi-asset model portfolios and a centralized operational structure.

John Lancaster III is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. He is a partner at Porte Brown LLC, where he provides tax preparation, planning, and consulting services to both individual and corporate clients. Lancaster also serves as the treasurer on the board of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, participating in local business events and chamber activities. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is a national SEC-registered firm serving a broad client base that includes individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutions. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with a range of portfolio management options, including model portfolios, third-party managers, and customized strategies, overseeing more than $256 billion in assets through over 10,000 advisors.

Blade Varian is a financial advisor at Fisher Investments with nine years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has been with Fisher Investments since 2013. Fisher Investments serves a global mix of institutional and private clients, providing discretionary portfolio management across equity, fixed-income, and blended mandates. The firm employs a centralized investment process that combines quantitative screening and qualitative research to construct diversified portfolios and offers sub-advisory and retirement plan services.

Dejan Acimovic is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings over 15 years of experience in wealth management, sales, and finance, with a focus on helping clients achieve their financial goals through personalized strategies. Dejan holds the designations of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University Paris XII and is fluent in Serbo-Croatian, French, and English. Dejan emphasizes understanding each client’s full financial picture to develop flexible strategies that align with their long-term objectives. In addition to his professional work, he participates in community activities and volunteers with local organizations. Outside of work, Dejan enjoys basketball, reading, soccer, and traveling. His approach is centered on working closely with clients one-on-one to establish tailored financial plans that pursue their personal goals.

Pandit Singharuksa is a financial advisor at Merrill with Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill and its affiliate Bank of America, N.A., Pandit worked at the University of Arizona Global Campus, Interfirst Mortgage Company, and the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America. 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, and institutional accounts.

Vanessa Drolshagen is a financial advisor with Merrill in Northbrook, Illinois, holding a Series 66 designation and 2 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2015 and previously worked at Bank of America, N.A. Vanessa is a co-trustee of a family trust and owns a home remodeling business where she assists with administrative tasks. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services 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.