Charlotte, NC S Tryon Office

Carter Barlow is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill, he worked at The McKay Firm and has experience in education at the University of South Carolina and Charlotte Latin School. 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 and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Hunter Conley is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their financial goals and develop strategies to pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term objectives. He serves as a resource for investment management, retirement planning, and savings strategies, providing access to a range of financial products and services including banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions offered through Bank of America specialists. Hunter brings expertise in helping individuals manage complex financial priorities such as purchasing a home, funding education, caregiving, and healthcare planning. He offers personalized portfolio strategies designed to align with clients' goals and provides ongoing advice to adapt these plans as clients' situations evolve. His professional designations include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina System.

Gordon Whittaker is a Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, part of the Ellison Kibler team. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 2003, following two years at another wealth management firm, he has focused on financial strategies and investment management for high-net-worth individuals, including professional athletes and entertainment professionals. His expertise encompasses corporate executive services, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services. Gordon has also trained financial advisors across the country through Merrill's Peer-to-Peer National Faculty program and served as the 2025 Chairman of the Merrill Financial Advisory Council to Management (ACTM). Gordon holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and the Sports and Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (SE-AWMA) designation awarded by The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. Additionally, he is a Registered Player Financial Advisor with the National Football League Players Association. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and also attended the University of Colorado. Gordon was individually ranked #4 in North Carolina-West on Forbes' "Best-In-State Wealth Advisors" 2026 list. Originally from Brandon, Vermont, Gordon resides outside of Charlotte with his wife, fellow team member Angie Whittaker, and their family. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys adventure sports, biking, hunting, exercise, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and spending time with his family.

Carlos Martinez Acuna is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill, his work history includes roles outside the financial sector, such as positions at United Cleaning Services and Central Piedmont Community College. 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 and institutional clients.

Sharon Santizo is a financial advisor with Merrill in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and more than 12 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2006. Outside of her advisory role, she holds a power of attorney position for a non-investment-related entity. 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 supported by internal and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Lane Henry is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill in 2024, he worked at Bank of America from 2021 to 2024 and held various roles outside finance, including with the Atlanta National League Baseball Club. Outside his advisory role, he occasionally works as a dog walker and house sitter and serves as a part-time business consultant for a family-owned company. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, providing model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Mary Grace Lostetter is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She specializes in helping clients align their personal wealth management plans with their goals, focusing on areas such as retirement planning, family wealth management strategies, employee financial health, and small business strategies. Mary Grace provides clients with access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, supporting a range of financial needs including mortgages, life insurance, and investments. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management with a double major in Economics from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Mary Grace holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations, a Life, Accident, and Long Term Care insurance license, a mortgage loan license, and the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation. Her expertise includes assisting business owners in establishing and maintaining fiduciary standards for 401(k) plans and workplace retirement plans. Mary Grace lives in Lake Wylie in Charlotte with her husband and four children. She is a member of several professional and community organizations, including the Charlotte Estate Planning Council, Charlotte Rotary Club, Merrill Lynch Women's Exchange where she serves as president, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Charlotte. Additionally, she is involved with the Charlotte Country Day School and enjoys interests such as golf and attending community events.

Olga Guin is a financial advisor with Merrill in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 24 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2014. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as a co-trustee of a private trust entity. 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 both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Michael Ruland is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he works with individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term financial objectives by developing custom financial and retirement plans supported by active investment and risk management strategies. He focuses on building deep relationships based on trust and transparency to create tailored solutions that address clients’ retirement planning, business exit planning, portfolio diversification, cash flow management, and tax considerations. Michael’s areas of expertise include college education planning, equity compensation services, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. He collaborates with Bank of America specialists to provide clients with access to banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions as needed, ensuring comprehensive financial guidance aligned with each client’s goals. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Carolina System and has earned the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Michael is bilingual in Spanish and English. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing, golfing, reading, running, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Karen Dunphy is a financial advisor at Merrill with 33 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has been with Merrill since 1993. 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.

Candace Wehr is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and 18 years at the firm. She has two years of industry experience. Outside of her advisory role, she is a co-owner of a vacation rental property and serves as Vice President and Treasurer on a homeowners association board in Wilmington, NC. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to fiduciary clients of Bank of America through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, institutions, and charitable organizations.

Sarah Demaree is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has more than 11 years of experience helping clients identify and achieve their financial goals. Sarah specializes in philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, special needs planning strategies, women and wealth, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income. She develops personalized financial strategies that align with clients' goals, values, and lifestyles. Her expertise includes creating and implementing financial plans using portfolio, tax, and estate planning strategies. Sarah holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. She earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in 2011. Sarah resides in Charlotte with her husband, Justin, their two children Benjamin and Elizabeth, and their goldendoodle, Franklin. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, running, playing tennis, and spending time with her family. She is also involved with the Charity League of Charlotte.

Michael Daley is a financial advisor at Merrill with 21 years of industry experience. He holds Series 65 and Series 66 credentials and has worked previously at Invesco Distributors, Inc., Oppenheimerfunds Distributor, Inc., and Merrill. 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 and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Jordan Pratt is a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their priorities and develop strategies to pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. His services include general investing, retirement planning, and saving for unforeseen circumstances, with support from Bank of America specialists in banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. Jordan holds a Bachelor's Degree from James Madison University and maintains professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He is also involved with the James Madison University Young Business Professionals Council and contributes to the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte.

Shay Desouza is a financial advisor at Merrill in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with 13 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill since 2011 and also has a long-term role at Wegmans 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.