Lakewood Ranch, FL Atrium Dr Office

Jenny Pace is a financial advisor at Merrill with 14 years of industry experience. She has held her Series 63 and Series 66 designations and previously worked at A.J. Pace & Co., Inc. for 16 years before joining Merrill in 2019. 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 supported by internal and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Luke Mollod is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His prior work includes positions at AML Rightsource and Heart Specialists of Sarasota. 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.

Matthew Kotuby is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he specializes in retirement planning strategies for both businesses and families. Since beginning his career in the financial services industry in 2007 and joining Merrill in 2009 upon relocating to Florida, he has focused on assisting clients in establishing financial objectives and developing customized strategies to manage income, retirement planning, and estate planning. He seeks to simplify the complexity of clients' financial lives to allow them to concentrate on business, family, and enjoying retirement. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance, both from the University of Bridgeport. He has earned multiple professional designations including Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), and Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®). His expertise includes a range of financial planning areas such as divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, institutional and corporate benefit services, tax minimization, and special needs planning strategies. Outside of his professional work, Matthew enjoys spending time outdoors in the Sarasota area with his wife, Teri, and their three children. His personal interests include baseball, biking, cooking, fishing, golfing, and gymnastics.

John Franz is a Wealth Management Advisor associated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with a limited number of financially independent clients, typically individuals or families with investable assets of $1 million to over $5 million, providing ongoing oversight, second-opinion guidance, and strategic coordination. His practice is focused on high-net-worth wealth management, including portfolio management, retirement planning, tax minimization, and services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits. John's expertise includes wealth preservation, legacy planning, and assisting clients with complex financial decisions such as career transitions, executive moves, and 401(k) rollovers. He often collaborates with clients' estate attorneys and CPAs to unify planning strategies, emphasizing goals-based investment frameworks and tax-sensitive growth portfolios. Many client relationships begin with confidential second opinions to assess alignment across investments, tax strategy, and long-term planning. He holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). John earned an Accredited Certificate from the College for Financial Planning. He is a member of professional organizations such as the Investment Consulting Association and the NFLPA, and participates in community involvement with the American Cancer Society. Outside of his professional work, John enjoys biking, boating, golfing, swimming, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Richard Hynes is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in retirement planning strategies for businesses and families. He works closely with business owners, corporate executives, and their employees to design and manage employee financial benefit programs, including equity compensation, defined benefit, defined contribution, and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. His approach connects all aspects of a client’s financial life to prioritize and pursue their goals, helping them plan for and transition into retirement. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Richard joined Merrill (formerly Banc of America Investments) in 2006. He holds several professional designations, including Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ (CRPS™), Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of South Florida. Outside of his professional work, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, Angie, and their four children. He engages in activities such as soccer, adventure sports, cooking, football, hiking, and woodworking.

Holly Thompson is a Wealth Management Advisor affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, working with clients in Kentucky and Florida. She specializes in wealth management strategies, investment consulting, and portfolio management services, focusing on clientele such as families with members who have disabilities, wounded warriors, veterans, expatriates, and other high-net-worth individuals. Thompson holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Tampa, a Master's degree (MBA) from Colorado Technical University, and a Doctorate in Management from the Institute of Advanced Studies at Colorado Technical University. She earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1993 and completed the CFA Institute's pilot Equity Specialists program in 1996. Her additional credentials include Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC), and various FINRA registrations including Series 7, 9, 10, 31, 63, 65, and 66. Beyond her professional roles, Thompson is engaged in community activities including work with Junior Achievement, Special Olympics in Florida and Kentucky, and serving as President of the Star Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. Her personal interests include camping, genealogy, reading, scuba diving, and traveling.

Matthew Burkhalter is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill and Bank of America since 2017. Prior to his financial services career, he worked at iHeart Media Honolulu and Lanikai Bath and Body. 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 serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party portfolio managers.

Sheri Swantek is a financial advisor at Merrill with 37 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 63 designation and has been with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated 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 offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, and charitable organizations.

Rosa Caba is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 18 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Citigroup Global Markets for eight years before joining Merrill and Bank of America N.A. in 2022. 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 a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Herbert Ludlam is a financial advisor at Merrill with 13 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Bank of America, N.A., Merrill, Harmony Asset Management, and Raymond James & Associates. He is based in Bradenton, FL. 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 and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Erik Vatter is a Wealth Management Advisor with a career spanning over two decades in the financial services industry. He has served both as a financial advisor and a senior executive with various regional and national responsibilities. Currently, Erik works as a Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor with The Casanueva Group, part of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he focuses on personalized strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals. Erik specializes in family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and tax minimization. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) designation and a bachelor's degree from Penn State University. His role involves leveraging cutting-edge platforms and services through Merrill and Bank of America to deliver ongoing financial advice. Beyond his professional work, Erik and his family are active in their community's sports, arts, and cultural institutions, including involvement with Take Stock In Children Manatee. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer, cooking, and supporting Penn State.

Kevin Rubin is a financial advisor at Merrill with 44 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has previously worked at UBS Financial Services from 1991 to 2009. Rubin has been with Merrill and Bank of America, N.A. since 2009. 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 serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Tyler Mcniel is a financial advisor at Merrill with 12 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2011. 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 overseen by internal and third-party managers.

Guy Allen is a financial advisor at Merrill with 19 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at prominent firms including Bank of America, Merrill, TD Ameritrade, Wells Fargo Clearing, and UBS Financial Services. Outside of finance, he is a silent partner in a family-owned fitness studio, The Pilates Loft of Punta Gorda, which he co-manages with his spouse. 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 strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and various institutional investors.

Elliott Kugel is a financial advisor at Merrill with 34 years of industry experience. He has held roles at Merrill since 1992 and at Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients via 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.