Spokane, WA W Riverside Ave Office

Hugh Severs is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving clients in more than 20 states. He works with a diverse clientele including entrepreneurs, established business owners and their employees, C-level executives in the technology sector, physicians, and multiple generations of families. His focus is on clients with dynamic financial needs such as founding, buying, growing, and selling businesses, managing stock options, planning for college education, and preparing for retirement. Hugh customizes investment portfolios guided by the firm's Chief Investment Office, encompassing multiple asset classes including equities, bonds, and alternative investments like real estate and hedge funds. He collaborates with clients' CPAs, attorneys, and trust professionals to align tax minimization and estate strategies and provides access to various lending solutions through Bank of America. Prior to joining Merrill in 2022, Hugh spent 12 years at Northwestern Mutual in roles including advisor, director of training and technology, and COO of a private wealth team. He holds a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Washington State University and holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Based in Liberty Lake, Washington, Hugh lives with his wife, Jolene, and their two sons. He is active in community organizations such as the American Cancer Society, HUB Sports Center—where he serves on the board of directors—and SNAP. His personal interests include fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, boating, camping, cooking, basketball, skiing, and traveling.

Tom Cresswell is a financial advisor with Merrill in Spokane, WA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 40 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill since 1986 and has also worked at Bank of America since 2009. Outside of advisory work, he owns the trademark for the slogan "Old Fashioned Values. New Ideas." 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 a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Justin Lutz is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he works with retirees, pre-retirees, business owners, and successful professionals to navigate important financial decisions. His practice focuses on customized financial planning, retirement income strategies, investment management, business-owner planning, and helping families through significant wealth transitions. He partners with clients preparing for retirement, evaluating business sales, rolling over 401(k)s, receiving inheritances, and seeking clarity on their long-term financial futures. Justin holds a Bachelor's Degree from the Montana State University System and an Associate's Degree from Spokane Falls Community College. He has earned several professional designations, including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Outside of his professional role, Justin is involved in community activities such as baseball coaching and supports the Wishing Star Foundation. He lives in Spokane Valley with his wife, Katelyn, and their dog, Seager. His personal interests include baseball, biking, boating, camping, football, golfing, hunting, skiing, spending time with family, and traveling.

Jay Kirkpatrick is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director leading the Kirkpatrick-Violette Group, a Spokane-based wealth management team within Merrill Private Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill in 1996, Jay has focused on serving ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions nationwide. His team oversees a multi-billion-dollar practice and provides comprehensive Family Office Services, including advanced estate planning, philanthropic strategy, banking, and bespoke lending solutions. Jay's expertise includes corporate executive services, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, institutional investment consulting, legacy and philanthropic planning, and socially responsible investing. He applies a high-touch, personalized approach to complex wealth management needs, aiming to bring clarity, structure, and confidence to clients through strategic planning and long-term optimization. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Washington University and multiple professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Jay is active in his community, serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Spokane County and the Eastern Washington University Foundation. He resides in Spokane with his wife Chelsey and has two grown sons.

Shadi Nimri is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill and Bank of America in 2026, Nimri worked at Lukes Accounting and Tax Planning, STCU, Corporate Tools, Eastern Washington University, and the Washington State Department of Revenue. 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.

Savanna Brown is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and six years of industry experience. She has held positions at Bank of America and First Command Insurance Services. Brown serves on the board of MT Spokane Mead Youth Football, where she assists with budgeting and youth registration. 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 diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions.

Mary Groves is a financial advisor at Merrill with 28 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been with Merrill Lynch since 1984. 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.

Christopher Malde is a financial advisor with Merrill in Spokane, WA, holding a Series 66 designation and eight years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America, Hart Capital Management, and founding Malde Capital Management, LLC. He serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest and its Endowment Fund, both charitable organizations focused on mentoring and overseeing investment management respectively. 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, institutions, and charitable organizations, incorporating strategic asset allocation and tax-aware options.

Magaly Pelayo is a financial advisor with Merrill in Spokane, WA, holding a Series 66 designation and having 12 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2012. 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 a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Johnathan Rieger is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he partners with individuals and families to understand their unique circumstances and priorities, developing personalized strategies aimed at supporting their long-term financial objectives. His approach emphasizes listening, earning trust, and providing evolving guidance as clients' lives change. Johnathan's expertise includes family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and both individual and corporate investment strategies, with a focus on retirement income. He holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Johnathan earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University. Outside of his professional duties, Johnathan enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Evenina Ramirez is a financial advisor at Merrill with 12 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill Lynch since 2008. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved as an owner in a clothing retail and wholesale business called Threads by Nina. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies with support in trading and account administration.

Julie Ulyanchuk is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and experience beginning in 2024. Prior to joining Merrill, she worked at JPMorgan Chase Bank and has a background that includes roles in education and retail. 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 both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and various institutional investors.

Jennifer May is a financial advisor at Merrill with 19 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. since 2000, including roles at Merrill and Bank of America. 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, and institutional investors.

Bridget Walden is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In her role, she focuses on helping clients navigate life transitions by delivering personalized financial guidance and advice. She works closely with clients to develop financial strategies that align with their unique goals, providing ongoing support through regular reviews and proactive planning. Bridget's areas of expertise include family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, women and wealth, and both individual and corporate investment strategies. Bridget holds a Bachelor's Degree in Personal Financial Planning from Iowa State University and maintains the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She is actively involved in professional and community organizations such as Community Colleges of Spokane, Executive Women International Spokane Chapter, and Women Helping Women. Additionally, she contributes to community initiatives including the Boys and Girls Club Reading Rally and Second Harvest. Outside of her professional work, Bridget enjoys cooking, running, spending time with her family, and practicing yoga. Her professional philosophy centers on working one-on-one with clients to develop personalized financial strategies designed to help them pursue their long-term goals.

Travis Wheeldon is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and five years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Securities, and JPMorgan Chase Bank. Merrill 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, corporations, and charitable organizations.