Brian Ahern is a financial advisor based in Naperville, IL, affiliated with LPL Financial. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 31 years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial in 2018, he worked at Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and Total Clarity Wealth Management, Inc. LPL Financial is a national SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, credit unions, corporations, and charitable organizations through a large network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers a variety of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, utilizing model portfolios, third-party research, and advanced portfolio management technologies.

Michael Lapinski is a CFP® with 26 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016. He previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2009 to 2016. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services grounded in modern portfolio theory and guided by investment policy statements. The firm’s approach includes a broader range of financial products than typical large institutional advisers, incorporating insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Dwight Schwartz is a financial advisor at Charles Schwab with 13 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has worked at Charles Schwab since 2015, including a period at Charles Schwab Bank. He also briefly worked at optionsXpress, Inc. in 2017. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. serves a large client base of primarily high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals through its Schwab Wealth Advisory wrap fee program and related managed-account and financial planning services. The firm offers both non-discretionary and discretionary investment options and combines advisory, brokerage, custody, and cash-sweep services within an integrated operational structure.

Jerome Gendron is a financial advisor at Stifel with 40 years of industry experience. He has been with Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. since 2001. Outside of his advisory work, he operates a business refurbishing and selling musical instruments. Stifel serves a broad range of clients including individuals, institutional clients, and nonprofit entities, offering brokerage and investment advisory services supported by a proprietary investment strategy methodology.

Alexander Binetti is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Oak Brook, IL, holding Series 66 and Series 63 licenses and nine years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at FIS Brokerage & Securities Services LLC and FIS Systems, as well as positions outside finance at Titan Plumbing and Drain and DRF Water Heating Solutions. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management provides advisory programs and tailored financial planning to individuals and institutions, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets. Their planning process employs structured discovery and firm-approved tools, leveraging market models and simulations to support client financial plans.

Natalie Nissen is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 23 years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in working with business owners, high net worth individuals, and multigenerational families, focusing on wealth creation, preservation, and efficient wealth transfer. Natalie collaborates with clients to develop tailored financial plans that address investment management, asset allocation, risk management, tax efficiencies, and estate planning. Her expertise includes delivering goals-based wealth management strategies aligned with clients' investment objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs. She has in-depth knowledge of the unique financial challenges faced by business owners and executives, such as liquidity planning, legacy considerations, concentrated stock positions, and tax management. Additionally, Natalie emphasizes sustainable investing, helping clients integrate their values into their portfolios while maintaining performance objectives. Natalie holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and has earned a Master's in Business Administration with distinction from DePaul University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Residing in Homer Glen with her family, Natalie actively volunteers with her son's school, Kingswood Academy, and the Homer Glen Junior Woman's Club.

Diego Facio Guzman is a Financial Solutions Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he collaborates with clients to define their financial goals and develop portfolio strategies tailored to help achieve those objectives. He provides ongoing advice and adapts portfolios to address changes in clients' situations. Diego holds the professional designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He earned his High School Diploma from Larkin High School.

Paul Michael Reyes is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners, corporate executives, retirees, and families, providing comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to each client's unique goals. His expertise includes corporate benefits, family wealth management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and retirement income planning. Paul emphasizes a client-centered approach, focusing on understanding clients' ambitions and responsibilities to deliver personalized financial solutions. Paul has been a financial services professional since 1999, starting his career at Deutsche Bank Alex Brown and later gaining experience at UBS and Morgan Stanley before joining Merrill Lynch in 2015. As a founding member of the RLH Group, he assists clients that include venture capitalists, private equity and technology executives, attorneys, physicians, government employees, contractors, and many recent immigrants from Asia and the Middle East. He has substantial experience in concentrated stock transactions, corporate cash management, 401(k) plans, initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, succession and exit planning, and corporate and executive services. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from George Washington University and several professional designations including Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Paul is also involved with professional organizations such as the Association of Corporate Growth - National Capital Region and the Tower Club of Tysons. His community involvement includes participation with AALEAD, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, HBI-DC, The Women Center, and Warrior Ethos. Outside of work, he enjoys basketball, golfing, running, soccer, and spending time with his family.

Adrianna Granata is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and one year of industry experience. Her prior work includes roles at Northwestern Medicine and Bank of America. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Mehmed Suta is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he has been working since 2016 in various roles including Investment Consultant and Relationship Manager. In his current position, he partners with clients and their families to develop comprehensive financial plans aimed at growing, managing, and preserving wealth. With a professional background spanning several years at Fidelity Investments, Mehmed focuses on building long-term relationships grounded in transparency, honesty, and trust. His approach involves collaborating with a dedicated team to help clients work toward their financial goals. Outside of his professional role, Mehmed has personal interests in biking, golf, and playing musical instruments.

Michael Stella is a financial advisor at Charles Schwab with 13 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has previously worked at Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE, Bank of America, Merrill, and Scottrade. He serves as a board member of the condominium association for his primary residence, participating in operational decisions. Charles Schwab serves primarily high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals through its Schwab Wealth Advisory wrap fee program and related managed-account and financial planning services. The firm offers a combination of non-discretionary advisory relationships and access to discretionary separately managed accounts, supported by a multi-asset investment approach and centralized operational infrastructure.

Steven D'alise is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has over 20 years of experience in the investment industry, beginning his career in venture capital in the mid-1990s focused on raising capital for a startup firm in the dental implant manufacturing sector. Steven joined Morgan Stanley in 2001, where he managed private and institutional assets before joining Merrill in 2007. At Merrill, he provides advice and guidance with an emphasis on wealth management, retirement planning, and institutional services to small business owners, bankers, doctors, dentists, and other professionals. Steven specializes in areas including college education planning, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, special needs planning strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College. Outside of his professional career, Steven resides in River Forest with his two children. He enjoys activities such as golfing, swimming, and attending his children's extracurricular events.

Raymond Meiers is a financial advisor at Thrivent Investment Management with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior work includes positions at Morgan Stanley, Centric Wealth Management, and roles outside finance such as at Eagle Brook Country Club. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients, focusing on holistic, goal-based financial planning without discretionary trading authority. The firm offers these services as standalone or combined with managed-account programs, emphasizing periodic reviews and detailed written recommendations across a broad range of planning topics.

Sarah Stapleton is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Homer Glen, IL, holding a Series 66 designation with two years of industry experience. She previously worked at Stepping Stones and has additional experience with Missouri Property Services and RayJus Inc. Outside of her advisory role, she manages sound for Sunday services at Crossroads Christian Church in Joliet, IL. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a variety of investment strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs and separately managed accounts. The firm is notable for its extensive nationwide network of advisors and branches, as well as its affiliated capabilities beyond advisory services.

Linda Huculak is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with five years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at LaSalle St Securities and Edward Jones. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved as a travel sales agent with World Travel Mart. Ameriprise provides retirement-income planning services primarily for individuals approaching or in retirement with significant investable assets, combining research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to generate tailored recommendation reports. The firm offers a broad range of advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions through its affiliated companies.

Taher Assaf is a financial advisor at Mass Mutual Investors Services in Lisle, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His work history includes roles at MassMutual Life Insurance Co, First Merchants Corp, and Breeze. MassMutual 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, providing clients with written recommendations based on detailed analyses and firm-approved tools.

Theresa Hahn is a CFP® professional affiliated with LPL Financial, based in Downers Grove, IL, with four years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial, she worked at Barcodes, Inc. for five years. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, credit unions, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm provides a range of advisory programs, financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and brokerage services, supported by model portfolios, third-party subadvisors, and research.

Dennis Foley is a financial advisor at Merrill with 30 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Merrill since 2009 and Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal teams and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

David Herbst is a CFP® professional with over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has worked at LPL Financial since 2005 and founded Herbst Financial Services in 2011. His career also includes leadership at Herbst Financial Advisors, Inc. from 2006 to 2018. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and brokerage services, utilizing model portfolios and research from LPL Research and third-party subadvisors.

Lade Kasim is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with three years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at various JPMorgan affiliates since 2021. Outside of finance, he is the founder and owner of MISAK LLC, a fragrance line. J.P. Morgan Securities provides investment consulting and advisory services primarily to institutional clients and retirement plan sponsors, combining quantitative asset-allocation modeling with centralized due diligence and applying an ESG framework when recommending strategies.