Newport Beach, CA 520 Newport Center Dr Office

Jay Cobarrubias is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Merrill in Newport Beach, CA, and has three years of industry experience. He previously worked at Banc of California, Anchor and Control Trading, Online Trading Academy, and KCSC Radio. 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 Benefiel is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he collaborates with families, individuals, and businesses to develop customized wealth management strategies. His expertise includes portfolio design, manager selection, investment due diligence, and performance evaluation. He utilizes a disciplined process to build custom portfolios aligned with clients' objectives and regularly assesses investments to adapt to changing needs and market conditions. Additionally, Matthew employs Merrill Personal Wealth Analysis® to develop personalized financial plans that establish clear goals and track progress. Matthew joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2017 as a Financial Advisor for the Benefiel Group. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Biola University and maintains the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Furthermore, he has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, Matthew lives with his wife, Heather, and their daughter, Ruby. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys playing golf and supporting the Phoenix Suns basketball team.

Heidi Lynn is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding a Series 66 designation and over 26 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2009 and has an overlapping tenure at Bank of America dating back to 2006. Outside of her advisory role, she serves on the board of Texttelligent Inc. and is involved as a general partner in an LLC that manages a power catamaran for leasing and personal use. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors. The firm employs model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party managers, with a focus on tax-aware options for investors with higher tax sensitivity.

Thomas Doughty is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Newport Beach, California. He leads a team with over 48 years of combined industry experience, providing tailored financial advice and guidance to entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives. Thomas specializes in various areas including employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Thomas began his career in finance at the age of 17 after securing an internship that turned into a full-time position. Over several decades, he has built long-term relationships with clients and their families, with many clients referring others to him and becoming personal friends. His experience spans numerous market cycles, allowing him to offer seasoned and thoughtful advice. Thomas holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his bachelor's degree from San Diego State University. Outside of his professional life, Thomas participates in community organizations including Curing Autism Now and Huntington Beach Charger Special Needs Flag Football. He is also a member of USRowing. His personal interests include biking, cooking, golfing, music, and spending time with his family.

William Moore is a financial advisor at Merrill with 45 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been with Merrill since 2008, also working at Bank of America 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 offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies designed for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Jin Yao is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, Jin works alongside a team of specialists to provide goals-based wealth management services to affluent families, accomplished professionals, and successful business owners. Jin's approach involves collaborating closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies designed to help pursue long-term objectives, whether that involves retirement planning, managing new wealth, or navigating liquidity events. Jin holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Butler University and has earned professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Jin specializes in areas such as college education planning, retirement income, portfolio management, socially responsible and ESG investing, and individual and corporate investment strategy. Beyond professional work, Jin participates in community activities such as volunteering with Komen Orange County and engages in personal interests including biking, football, golfing, running, skiing, swimming, and traveling.

Maricella Solorzano is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, joining the Brennan, Dill team in 2025. She focuses on providing tailored wealth and business planning services, including investments, banking, and lending solutions through Bank of America. Maricella is committed to promoting financial literacy and aims to deliver financial well-being to her clients during critical moments in their lives and careers. Her professional background includes extensive experience in financial services and advisory roles, as well as senior executive positions in Finance, Human Resources, Corporate Development, and Mergers & Acquisitions. Maricella gained expertise working with hyper-growth technology firms, hedge funds, and professional services companies such as Google, Pershing Square Capital, Sanford Bernstein, and McKinsey & Company. She has a deep understanding of the financial needs of entrepreneurs and business owners and is skilled in navigating complex financial decisions and planning for multigenerational wealth transfer. Maricella holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master's degree from the JFK School of Government. She is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and speaks English and French. In addition to her professional commitments, Maricella is involved in community service through Habitat for Humanity.

Nick Givogri is a financial advisor at Merrill with 28 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 1997. Outside of his advisory role, he is a promissory note holder in a for-profit 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 for individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Joanne Paucar Tevenan is a financial advisor with Merrill in Newport Beach, CA, holding a Series 66 credential and two years of industry experience. Her prior roles include positions at Bank of America and involvement with GC Brothers Entertainment LLC. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through model-based and discretionary strategies, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, and various institutional investors.

Matthew Mc Bride is a financial advisor with Merrill in Newport Beach, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and five years of industry experience. His work history includes roles at Bank of America and NYLife Securities LLC. Outside of finance, he is involved with the CenterCourt Tennis Academy. 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 individual and institutional clients.

Annette Jurkatis is a financial advisor at Merrill with 11 years of industry experience and holds a Series 66 designation. She has worked at Merrill since 2014 and Bank of America, N.A. since 2018. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Loni Ang is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has over 28 years of experience in the financial services industry and was recruited to Merrill Lynch in 2009 from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Loni advises families, business owners, and corporate executives, focusing on private wealth management. Her expertise includes tax-aware investment management, cash management strategies, liability management, retirement planning, estate planning services, philanthropic consulting, and insurance solutions for risk management and wealth transfer strategies. She holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and maintains insurance and annuity licenses, as well as Series 7, 63, 65, and Futures Managed Funds FINRA registrations. Loni began her career as a Certified Public Accountant at Ernst & Young, LLP. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Master's degree in Finance, both from the University of Southern California. She serves on the board of the Ernst & Young, LLP Alumni Association and has been a Director for the California Society of CPAs. She was named to the 2024 Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" list.

Gabriele Bliss is a financial advisor at Merrill with 32 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has worked at Merrill since 2009 and Bank of America, N.A. since 1999. 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 designed for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Russell Cecil is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management located in Irvine, California. He joined the firm in 2019 and serves as a managing member of a family-led team with over 80 years of combined experience. His team focuses on providing customized wealth management strategies that emphasize simplification, tax efficiency, transparency, and results meaningful to clients. Russell graduated from Chapman University's Argyros College of Business and Economics with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He has earned the Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA™) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC™) designations, which enhance his capabilities in overseeing client portfolios and aligning financial strategies with client goals. His areas of expertise include education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, liquidity management, socially responsible and ESG investing, investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. Outside his professional work, Russell is actively involved in community and professional organizations such as the Sons of the American Revolution, Orange Elks Lodge 1475, the Boy Scouts of America, and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He holds the rank of Eagle Scout and serves as an Assistant Scout Master for local Orange County troops. Additionally, he mentors students at Chapman University who are pursuing careers in wealth management. He lives in Orange County with his wife, Cambria, and enjoys camping, exploring local cuisine, and gardening.

Jeffrey Fichtner is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and leads a team of four professionals known as The Newport Group. Since beginning his career in wealth management in 1984, Jeff has accumulated over 35 years of experience in the industry. He focuses on a range of client needs including college education planning, family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Jeff resides in Newport Beach with his wife Nancy and has two grown sons. His personal interests include biking, billiards, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, scuba diving, skiing, table tennis, yoga, and spending time with his family.