Carlsbad, CA Aviara Pkwy Office

Team
Updated today
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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,545

Across 3,141 offices

Clients per advisor

70 Very Low

Avg AUM per client

$860,085 Very High

HNW client ratio

29% High

About

Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC (MAA), provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions (SPS) Program. The firm offers model‑based and discretionary strategies constructed by internal Chief Investment Office (CIO) teams and third‑party style managers and implements trading, account administration and custody support for individuals, high‑net‑worth clients, pension and profit‑sharing plans, corporations and charitable organizations.

Portfolio implementation varies by Strategy: some are model‑based where MAA implements CIO or style manager models, while others authorize third‑party Discretionary Managers to execute trades directly; the CIO also uses strategic and tactical asset allocation and offers “tax aware” versions of related strategies for higher tax‑sensitivity investors. Cash allocations are typically swept through the Bank’s Cash Sweep Program or invested in money market alternatives, and clients can request reasonable investment restrictions (which MAA may accept or decline and may have limited effect where Funds are used).

Several features in the brochure distinguish Merrill from many peers: as part of the Bank of America group it has affiliates that operate in swaps and derivatives markets and it has disclosed planned arrangements to receive “Support Fees” and to offer optional Data Analytics to third‑party firms beginning January 1, 2027 (the brochure notes Merrill will not receive Support Fees for accounts enrolled in the SPS Program). The firm also discloses multiple SEC administrative orders and related enforcement matters (including a 2025 order with a $25 million civil penalty related to cash sweep disclosures), and the Program materials do not present the SPS service as a source of standalone financial planning.

Based on Merrill

Expertise

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Based on Merrill

Location

1000 Aviara Pkwy

Carlsbad CA 92011

Advisors at this office

20

Advisors at this office

Shawna S

Series 63, Series 65

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Shawna Such is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been providing financial and wealth management advice and services since 1997, serving individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Her responsibilities include identifying and delivering financial strategies tailored to clients' financial goals and objectives. Shawna's client base includes business owners, medical professionals, non-profits, and entertainment clients. Her approach emphasizes developing lifelong business and personal relationships while delivering service with integrity and timeliness. Shawna earned her bachelor's degree from the University of San Diego. She holds several professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). She is affiliated with the San Diego Sports Association and contributes to community initiatives such as the Fowler Business Concept Challenge and the Million Meals Project. Shawna resides in Carlsbad, California, with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys surfing with her family, skiing, hiking, softball, and traveling.

Wealth management Divorce financial planning Founder/Business Owner Financial Professional Women Professionals Women's Finance

Donovan F

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Donovan Filpi is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Bank of America/Merrill since 2006 and brings extensive experience in providing financial strategies focused on family wealth management, retirement planning, portfolio management, and socially responsible investing. He emphasizes the importance of balancing risk management, portfolio allocation, and comprehensive spending plans tailored to clients' lifestyles to help restore confidence in financial planning amidst market volatility. Since 2016, Donovan has been a member of The Special Needs Team at Merrill, collaborating with special-needs professionals and family members to support individuals unable to care for themselves. His role involves addressing unique financial challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with special needs, aligning with his commitment to compassionate service. Donovan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a business specialization from UCLA in 2000. He holds several professional designations including Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He resides in Vista, California, with his wife Jessica and their three children. Donovan is active in his community, participating in Anthem Church and Strong Families For Children, and enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with his family in San Diego County.

Wealth management Cash flow / budgeting Planning for children with special needs Elder care planning Parents

Solmaz M

Series 63, Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Solmaz Morales is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works closely with clients to define their financial goals and develop personalized portfolio strategies aimed at achieving those objectives. Her approach involves ongoing advice and portfolio adjustments in response to changes in clients' situations. Solmaz focuses on various client needs, including college education planning, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, women and wealth, and retirement income. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from San Jose State University and is designated as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She communicates fluently in both English and Farsi. Beyond her professional role, Solmaz balances her work with personal interests such as ice skating, music, running, tennis, traveling, and spending time with her family. She aims to help her clients navigate financial priorities in a way that aligns with their unique ambitions and family needs.

College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Elder care planning Caring for aging parents Parents Women Professionals Women's Finance

Michael H

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Michael Holl is the Resident Director and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill in Carlsbad, with over 17 years of industry experience. Born and raised in San Diego, he focuses on providing personalized financial advice tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. Michael works closely with individuals and families to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and develop strategies that align with their long-term aspirations. His expertise encompasses a range of areas including college education planning, equity compensation services, family wealth management, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. Michael holds the designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of California System. Michael is an active member of the MSAG San Diego professional organization and participates in community activities through this group. His approach is centered on collaboration and trust, aiming to chart a financial course built on shared values and knowledge.

Wealth management Equity Recipients (RS/RSU, SOP, ESPP) Retirement income strategy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Executive Founder/Business Owner HENRY (High Earners, Not Rich Yet) Established Professionals

Michael S

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Michael Such is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, having joined the firm in June 2011. He focuses on delivering financial strategies, research, and portfolio reviews tailored to individual clients’ goals. His areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, managing new wealth, and personal retirement planning. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and served nine years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy. After his military service, he spent six years in the defense industry, including consulting to the Navy at Booz Allen Hamilton and business and product development at Ocean Systems Engineering Corp/QinetiQ North America. He holds several professional designations, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Residing in Carlsbad, California, Michael lives with his wife Shawna and their three children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as surfing, skiing, camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains, cooking, fishing, gardening, hunting, and scuba diving.

College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Divorce financial planning Family Business Wealth management General retirement planning Parents

Damon S

Series 63, Series 65, Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Damon Skinner is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 23 years of experience in the financial services industry. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2016 and has developed expertise in providing open and honest guidance to clients, educating them on financial options, and tailoring strategies to their individual goals. His client base includes high net worth families, institutional clients such as 401(k)s, endowments, and foundations. Damon specializes in retirement planning, defined benefit and contribution plans, investment consulting, and asset allocation. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University and carries professional designations, including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Damon is proficient in both English and Spanish and applies his experience from prior roles in business banking and alternative investments to serve his clients effectively. His approach focuses on education, risk management, capital preservation, and wealth accumulation for current and future generations. Damon resides in Oceanside, California, with his wife and twin sons. He is active in his community, volunteering with organizations such as Children's Memorial Hospital, Heal The Bay, Open Eyes Ministries in Nicaragua, Ronald McDonald House, and the Surfrider Foundation. Damon enjoys outdoor activities including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and football, reflecting his engagement with both professional and personal endeavors.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business Financial Management Private / alternative investments
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Linda H

Series 63, Series 65

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Linda Hollman is a financial advisor with Merrill based in Carlsbad, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and offering 38 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 1985 and has also worked with Bank of America since 2009. 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 serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party teams.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Karen L

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Karen Lacey is a financial advisor with Merrill in Carlsbad, CA, holding a Series 66 designation and 20 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith since 2000. 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, retirement plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Kathleen B

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Kathleen Byrnes is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She specializes in investing, wealth management, and tax minimization, working closely with individuals and families to help them preserve and invest their wealth smartly and tax efficiently. Kathleen focuses on understanding the goals and values of her clients to provide tailored planning across various areas such as retirement income, legacy planning, philanthropic planning, and small business strategies. Before joining Merrill, Kathleen spent a decade at investment management firms including Goldman Sachs and AllianceBernstein. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designations. Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics, Spanish, and International Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. Originally from Philadelphia, Kathleen resides in Carlsbad, California with her husband and two daughters. Outside of her professional work, she is involved with the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation and the San Diego Penn State Alumni Association. Her personal interests include cooking, football, interior decorating, music, reading, running, soccer, traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family.

Wealth management Tax-loss harvesting Retirement income strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Business sale tax planning Women Professionals Parents Mid-Career Professionals

Todd M

Series 63, Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Todd Mcgraw is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in comprehensive wealth strategies tailored to families and local business owners. Based in San Diego, he emphasizes a personalized, goals-based approach that takes into account clients' financial situations, priorities, risk tolerance, and time horizon. His practice integrates investment insights from Merrill and banking services from Bank of America to address diverse financial needs, including education planning, retirement income, legacy planning, and socially responsible investing. With professional designations as an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Todd brings expertise in portfolio management, tax minimization, and wealth preservation and transfer strategies. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University and is affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America. Todd is active in his community, inspired by Merrill’s tradition of community participation. Outside of work, he enjoys adventure sports such as skiing, hiking, fishing, golfing, baseball, and football.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Retirement withdrawal strategies Charitable giving & philanthropy Family Business Founder/Business Owner Married/Couples/Partners Parents Values-based investing SRI/ESG (Socially Responsible Investing/Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance)
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Thomasina S

Series 63, Series 65

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Thomasina Sanchez is a financial advisor at Merrill with 26 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and previously worked at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC for 13 years. Sanchez serves as a trustee for T B B Trust in Encinitas, California. 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 investors.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Delanie M

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Delanie Millan is a financial advisor at Merrill with one year of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has prior experience at Morgan Stanley and her own firm, Millan Group Inc. Outside of her advisory roles, no additional activities are noted. 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 individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Tyler S

Series 63, Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Tyler Slavin is a Wealth Management Advisor and Portfolio Manager with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 2014 and manages custom portfolios tailored to his clients' individual needs. Tyler specializes in areas such as retirement income planning, wealth building strategies, company retirement plans, and tax minimization techniques. His client service model emphasizes communication, goal tracking, portfolio management, and personalized advice. Tyler holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from San Diego State University. He earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He also holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation through the Investments and Wealth Institute and the CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR® designation through NAPA. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Tyler spent several years working in banking. Outside of his professional pursuits, Tyler resides in Rancho Peñasquitos with his wife Kayleigh and their two children, Owen and Harper. He enjoys activities such as mountain biking, running, hiking, and paddle boarding. Tyler also participates in community volunteering, reflecting the Merrill tradition of serving the communities where they work.

Retirement income strategy Wealth management Tax-loss harvesting General retirement planning Retirement withdrawal strategies Parents Mid-Career Professionals
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Aleksandra D

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Aleksandra Drake is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding a Series 66 designation and 11 years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill and Bank of America since 2017 and previously spent two years with JPMorgan Securities LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank. 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.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Shannon A

Series 66

Carlsbad, CA

Merrill

Shannon Arballo is a Financial Advisor affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, dedicated to serving clients with integrity and honesty. She focuses on helping clients pursue their personal financial goals through family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, women and wealth, and individual and corporate investment strategies. Shannon brings a personalized approach to financial advising, emphasizing transparency, open communication, and trust. She combines investment insights from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with the banking services of Bank of America to offer a wide range of financial strategies tailored to client priorities and goals at every stage of life. She holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and has educational credentials from Poway High School and Ashford University. In addition to her professional work, Shannon is involved in community service through organizations such as the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Operation Homefront Inc, Support the Enlisted Project Inc, and the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter. Her personal interests include camping, cooking, golfing, music, spending time with family, and watching movies.

Wealth management General retirement planning Women Professionals
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