Michael Benedict is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and less than one year of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America, Echo Global Logistics, PepsiCo, and Morgan Stanley. 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 a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Nicholas De Nicolo is a CFP® with 15 years of experience in the financial industry, currently serving at J.P. Morgan Securities. His work history includes roles at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and operating his own independent practice. Outside of advisory work, he is the owner of MND Real Estate Ventures, LLC. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients. Their approach involves non-discretionary, written asset allocation advice supported by centralized due diligence and a combination of quantitative and qualitative research.

Grace Duecker is a financial advisor with Fidelity Investments, holding a Series 66 designation and beginning her industry career in 2025. Her work history includes roles outside finance such as positions at restaurants and a university. Strategic Advisers LLC, a Fidelity Investments company, provides investment management and advisory services to a diverse client base, combining fundamental research with quantitative analysis and algorithmic portfolio construction to develop model portfolios for retail and institutional investors.

Sharon Shapiro is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with 39 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at firms including PNC Bank, Regal Advisory Services, Charles Schwab, and LaSalle Financial Services. Shapiro has been with J.P. Morgan Securities and Jpmorgan Chase Bank since 2017. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients, focusing on non-discretionary asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm’s advisory process combines quantitative and qualitative research supported by a manager solutions team and incorporates an ESG eligibility framework within its recommendations.

Robert Michalak is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Deerfield, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and possessing 51 years of industry experience. He has been with Equitable Advisors since 1999 and previously worked at Axa Advisors, LLC for 21 years. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as president of a six-unit townhouse association. Equitable Advisors provides financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and asset-management services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, charitable organizations, and institutional clients. The firm delivers its services through a network of Investment Adviser Representatives and emphasizes matching clients to program models or discretionary managers, utilizing both proprietary and third-party asset management solutions.

Slavko Ivanisevic is the Vice President and Executive Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments. In this role, he supports executives in utilizing their company's benefits and developing efficient wealth plans across all five pillars of Wealth Planning. He has held this position since 2022. Slavko has been with Fidelity Investments since 2006, progressing through roles including Stock Plan Services Representative, Financial Consultant, and Vice President, Financial Consultant. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and has extensive experience in helping clients grow and protect their wealth. Outside of his professional work, Slavko has interests in music, soccer, and traveling.

Sharon Wierzba is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley in Deerfield, IL, with 25 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at firms including Citigroup Global Markets, Hightower Advisors, Noyes Advisors LLC, and David A. Noyes & Company. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved with Curion, a market research company. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves individuals and institutional clients with a wide range of advisory programs and financial planning services, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets. The firm’s planning process uses structured discovery and approved tools, including the Global Investment Committee’s projections and Monte Carlo simulations, to model financial outcomes.

Victor Simonelli is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Mt Prospect, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior work history includes roles at Ernst & Young LLP and DJE Holdings. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, offering discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management through a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Adam Herakovich is a financial advisor with Fisher Investments, holding a Series 65 designation and over 22 years of industry experience. He worked at Morningstar Investment Services, Inc. for 21 years prior to joining Fisher Investments in 2026. Fisher Investments serves a global mix of institutional and private clients, including pension plans, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, offering discretionary portfolio management across various asset classes. The firm employs a centralized investment approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research to construct globally diversified portfolios and manages risk through tax-aware strategies and defensive tactics.

Christopher Pina is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with one year of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Prudential and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. before joining J.P. Morgan Securities. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients, focusing on written asset allocation advice, investment manager and fund searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm’s advisory process combines quantitative and qualitative research and offers a broad range of investment strategies, including derivatives and commodities capabilities.

Derrick Manuel is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with 14 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Northern Trust Bank and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Manuel is currently based in Deerfield, IL. 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, including tailored financial planning supported by firm-approved tools and analyses, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets.

Todd Stewart is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 39 years of industry experience. He has worked at J.P. Morgan Securities since 2013, following roles at Accountants Investment Advisory Services, Raymond James & Associates, Howe Barnes Capital Management, and Morgan Stanley DW Inc. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients through a non-discretionary advisory program that emphasizes written asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm’s advisory process integrates centralized due diligence and may incorporate ESG criteria within eligible strategies.

Laura Driver is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with 22 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and has previously worked at Citigroup Global Markets, JPMorgan Chase Bank, and Securian Financial Services. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients through a non-discretionary program focused on asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm’s advisory process combines quantitative and qualitative research and includes capabilities in derivatives and commodities.

Jolanta Faszczewska is a financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities in Chicago, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 19 years of industry experience. She has been with J.P. Morgan Securities since 2012 and with JPMorgan Chase Bank since 2007. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients. Their advisory program focuses on written asset allocation advice, investment manager and fund searches, and customized performance reporting, supported by centralized due diligence and a mix of quantitative and qualitative research.

Anthony Segalla is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Mount Prospect, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 27 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 1998. Segalla is a retired member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including a broad range of households, pension plans, corporate clients, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a variety of advisory strategies and maintains a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Gail Crowley is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 66 designation and 18 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Equitrust Financial Group, Ltd and Securities America, Inc. Crowley is also involved in a non-variable insurance business related to investment activities. 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 access to model portfolios and third-party asset management.

Russell Wilson is a Series 66-registered financial advisor with 17 years of industry experience, currently with Cetera since 2025. He has prior experience at Avantax Advisory Services and 1st Global Advisors, and he is a partner at Porte Brown LLC, where he provides tax and accounting services. Wilson also serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois CPA Society Peer Review Committee. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individual, retirement plan, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients through a nationwide network of independent advisors. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with various portfolio management options, including model portfolios, third-party managers, and bespoke strategies.

Christopher Harris is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and possessing 22 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2003. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

John Negovetich Jr. is a financial advisor with Mass Mutual Investors Services and holds a Series 66 designation. He has 16 years of industry experience with prior roles at Thrivent Financial and its affiliates. Outside of his advisory work, he is the owner of a retail business specializing in guitar sales and restoration. Mass Mutual Investors Services, a subsidiary of MassMutual, provides financial planning and asset management services to individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations, using firm-approved tools to deliver detailed, collaborative financial plans.

Thomas Benedict is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he focuses on helping clients define their life goals and align their financial plans accordingly. He holds the professional designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Northwestern University. Thomas applies his expertise to assist clients in developing strategies that connect their personal aspirations with their financial objectives.