Lexington, SC Office

Brandy Otterbacher Ragan is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She focuses on helping clients develop personalized financial strategies tailored to their long-term goals, drawing on her understanding of each client's full financial picture. Her areas of expertise include legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. Brandy has been in the financial services industry since 2008. A Toledo native, she earned both her bachelor's degree and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo. She adheres to the Merrill tradition of community involvement and dedicates time to volunteering with local organizations. Outside of her professional work, Brandy enjoys golfing, rock climbing, and running.

Derek R. Johnson is a Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor based in the San Jose, California Merrill Lynch Wealth Management office. In this role, he employs a disciplined process to deliver a personalized wealth management experience that takes into account each client's full financial picture. Derek works closely with individuals and business professionals to understand their values and priorities, enabling him to establish appropriate objectives, develop tailored strategies, and recommend solutions aligned with clients’ risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, and overall investment goals. He draws upon the comprehensive resources of Merrill Lynch to integrate all aspects of clients’ financial lives. With 26 years of experience as a financial advisor since joining Merrill Lynch in 1996, Derek specializes in areas including college education planning, corporate benefits and executive services, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, and investment consulting for defined contribution plans. He conducts regular reviews with clients to monitor progress and adjust strategies as necessary in response to changes in their personal or business circumstances. Derek holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from San Jose State University and has earned multiple professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). His professional philosophy centers on developing one-on-one, personalized financial strategies designed to help clients pursue their long-term goals. In addition to his work, Derek is involved in community service, upholding Merrill’s tradition of volunteer participation. Outside of his professional and community activities, he enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as engaging in adventure sports, biking, boating, camping, horseback riding, surfing, traveling, billiards, and yoga.