Jamestown, NY Office

Jason Brown is a financial advisor with Merrill in Jamestown, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and having 25 years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated since 2012 and at Bank of America, N.A. since 2013. Merrill serves a wide range of clients, including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients, offering managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm integrates its investment strategies with Bank of America’s broader banking and capital-markets platform and emphasizes tax-focused capabilities and manager-selection expertise.

Derek Watkins is the Senior Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he oversees operations and provides financial advisory services. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 2003 and became the Resident Director of the Jamestown Office in 2009. Derek primarily works with individual families and privately held business owners, focusing on family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Derek served four years in the United States Army, achieving the rank of captain. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Clarkson University and holds professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Derek lives in Lakewood with his wife, Margaret, and their two children. He is actively involved in his community, currently serving on the board of the Gebbie Foundation and the Jamestown City Center Development Corporation (JCCDC Ice Arena). His personal interests include baseball, ice hockey, running, tennis, and spending time with his family.

Taylor Swanson is a Wealth Management Advisor and partner with the Brown Group at the Merrill Lynch office in Jamestown, New York. With over 17 years of experience as a financial advisor, Taylor works with high net worth families, businesses, and foundations throughout Chautauqua County and across the country. The Brown Group, established in 1986, currently serves more than 200 clients. Taylor specializes in retirement planning, portfolio design, and wealth management, focusing on creating personalized financial strategies tailored to each client's goals. Services include defined benefit and defined contribution plan consulting, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, and retirement income strategies. Regular reviews ensure that client plans adapt to changing market conditions and personal objectives. Taylor leverages the investment insights of Merrill Lynch and the banking services of Bank of America to support clients' comprehensive financial needs. Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in business from Buffalo State College and an associate's degree from Jamestown Community College. Professional designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Outside of work, Taylor enjoys biking, football, spending time with family, and traveling.

Michele Turk is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been in the financial services industry since 1998 and has been a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch since 2010. In 2013, she joined Swartz Watkins & Associates, working alongside the Senior Resident Director and a team of client associates to provide comprehensive financial services. Michele serves clients in the Western New York area as well as in multiple other states. She works with individuals and businesses focusing on areas such as family wealth management strategies, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and retirement income. Michele holds several professional designations including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She earned an Associate's Degree from Jamestown Community College. Michele is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Falconer and volunteers with the Junior Achievement program. She enjoys camping, hiking, hunting, spending time with her family, and engaging in projects on the farm or at home.