Towson, MD Office

Max Hyatt is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with individuals, families, and business owners to navigate complex financial decisions and pursue long-term goals. Max assists clients through key liquidity events such as business sales and equity compensation, providing proactive planning during pivotal financial moments. After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, Max joined the financial wealth management industry. His perspective on thoughtful planning was shaped by witnessing the 2008 financial crisis through his father's work in the mortgage industry. Max and his team deliver comprehensive, tax-efficient strategies by coordinating investments, tax strategy, lending, and cash flow decisions. Max holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He leverages Merrill's global research platform and integrated banking, lending, and investment capabilities to provide a streamlined client experience. Outside of his professional role, Max's personal interests include boating, football, golfing, music, pickleball, skiing, spending time with family, tennis, traveling, and watching movies.

Christopher Elmonus is a financial advisor at Merrill with one year of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation. His prior roles include positions at Bearlight Marketing, Fairview, and Wake Forest University. 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.

Danijta Torres Harris is a Series 66–licensed financial advisor with Merrill, based in Towson, MD, and has 10 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2015 and previously worked at Bank of America, N.A. since 2024. Outside of her advisory role, she has maintained a long-term position at Sheraton Baltimore North since 2011. 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 a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Baylee Gray is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in assisting individuals, families, and business owners with financial strategies focused on investing, retirement, and long-term planning. She emphasizes building trust and meaningful relationships with clients to understand their priorities and develop practical approaches to wealth management. Prior to her career in financial advising, Baylee worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), where she gained skills in critical thinking, effective communication, and maintaining composure under pressure. She then spent several years supporting high-performing advisory teams, acquiring experience in investment management, financial planning, and client service. This background informs her straightforward and personalized approach to financial decision-making. Baylee holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University System of Maryland and an MBA from the Louisiana State University System. She has earned the designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Additionally, she is involved with the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Ashley Rowett is a financial advisor at Merrill with 10 years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill since 2017 and previously spent two years at T. Rowe Price. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. 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 a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Amy Mc Elhose is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and 4 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2005. Outside of her advisory role, she is the author of the book *Didi—The Life and Death of a Hidden Artist*. 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 a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Christina Boyer is a financial advisor at Merrill with 15 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2015, following four years at Wells Fargo Clearing. 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 supported by internal and third-party managers.

Sandra Liotta is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with a career that began in 1985. She works closely with clients and their tax and legal advisors, providing a personalized, planning-based approach to family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, philanthropic planning, socially responsible and ESG investing, as well as women and wealth. Sandra and her team assist clients with financial matters ranging from income and estate planning to education savings, aligning portfolios to individual values and goals. Sandra holds a Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College and a Master's degree from the University of Baltimore. She earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation in 2006 and also holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credentials. She has been recognized on the Forbes "America's Top Women Advisors" and "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" lists multiple times, reflecting her extensive experience and client-focused approach. In addition to her professional work, Sandra is actively involved in her community. She serves as President of the Board of Trustees at Baltimore Center Stage and participates in organizations such as LEAD for Women, the Merrill Hispanic Latino Advisory Council, and The Harbour Schools of Annapolis and Baltimore. Her personal interests include boating, gardening, golfing, hiking, music, reading, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Daniel Anderson is a Series 66-registered advisor at Merrill with 11 years of industry experience. He has been with Bank of America and Merrill 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Kevin Brandel is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Towson, Maryland. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and serves as a Senior Portfolio Advisor. Kevin focuses on developing personalized financial strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families, emphasizing listening to clients to understand their goals and priorities. Kevin's expertise spans various client focus areas including executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, special needs planning strategies, and retirement income. His approach integrates thoughtful financial decision-making to provide clarity and confidence to his clients. He earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in finance and marketing from the University of Kentucky in 2013 and completed the Financial Planning Certificate Program at Bryant University in 2019. Kevin holds additional professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He is a member of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Kevin lives in Sykesville, Maryland with his wife, Kristen, and their two sons, Shane and Grant. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Ryan Engles is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with clients to develop personalized financial strategies that align with their individual goals and priorities, focusing on areas such as retirement planning, college education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, tax minimization, and socially responsible investing. He brings experience in helping clients navigate the complexities of wealth planning by providing clear and personalized advice. Ryan holds a Bachelor's Degree from Babson College and has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He emphasizes understanding clients' personal perspectives to create strategies tailored to their financial objectives. Residing in Towson, Maryland, Ryan is involved in his community through youth sports with Towson Rec. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching and staying active with activities including running, basketball, baseball, football, pickleball, chess, and table tennis.

William Benassi is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his financial advising career in 1984 and offers expertise in areas including college education planning, equity compensation services, philanthropic planning, retirement income, tax minimization, and wealth management for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Mr. Benassi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Roanoke College in 1984 and completed an MBA in International Finance through the University of Hartford’s American MBA in Paris program in 1994. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and serves on the Board of Trustees for Notre Dame Preparatory School. Additionally, he is co-chair and co-founder of the Roanoke Men's Lacrosse Legacy Alumni Committee and contributes to the Roanoke College Lacrosse Alumni Legacy Committee. He resides in Towson with his wife, Pilar, and their two children. Mr. Benassi is actively involved in community efforts, including Swim Across America-Baltimore to support cancer research, and volunteers as a coach and executive for various athletic programs.

Keith Silverstein is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over three decades of experience in financial advising and retirement planning. Since beginning his career in 1987 and joining Merrill in 2005, Keith has worked with self-motivated entrepreneurs, professionals, and affluent individuals and their families to develop strategic financial plans designed to withstand various market conditions. Keith holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and a Master's degree in finance from the University of Baltimore. He has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. His expertise includes retirement planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, and retirement income. Keith emphasizes understanding clients' needs, goals, and risk tolerance, utilizing sophisticated Merrill tools to tailor customized investment strategies. In addition to his professional work, Keith is active in community organizations including The Associated and The Nikki Perlow Foundation. He resides in Owings Mills, MD, with his wife and enjoys personal interests such as basketball, golfing, music, skiing, tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Jason Slotkin is a Wealth Management Advisor with The Pearce Group at Merrill. He serves as a key client relationship manager for select high-net worth clients and oversees the team's sports and entertainment division. His responsibilities include portfolio analysis, investment manager selection, holistic wealth management forecasting and planning, and heading the team's life and long-term care insurance planning. Jason also has extensive experience with high-net worth family trusts and estates, often coordinating with clients' attorneys and CPA's. He joined Merrill in 2013 and has over ten years of industry experience. Jason holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. He is also a Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designee, a certification from The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. Jason earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Maryland - College Park. He is a member of professional organizations including the Associated Italian American Charities and the Association for Corporate Growth. Outside his professional work, Jason enjoys activities such as chess, football, golfing, music, reading, running, spending time with his family, traveling, volleyball, and watching movies.

Karl Porter is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, and Senior Portfolio Advisor with The Pearce Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Merrill since 1998 and previously worked with Morgan Stanley and Dean Witter. Karl holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation earned in conjunction with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and the Investments & Wealth Institute™. He is also a Retirement Benefits Consultant and a member of a specialized group of Merrill Financial Advisors registered with the Firm's Defined Contribution Investment Consulting (DCIC) platform. Karl is a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) and holds the CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA) designation. His areas of expertise include family wealth management strategies, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible investing, values-based and ESG investing, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Prior to his career in financial services, Karl gained extensive experience in the real estate industry. He attended Boston University and received his bachelor's degree from the College of the Atlantic. Additionally, he has worked as a researcher for The Smithsonian Institution. In 2023, Karl was recognized as a member of The Pearce Group on the FORBES "Top 100 Private Wealth Teams in America" list. Outside of his professional work, Karl enjoys boating, fishing, football, reading, scuba diving, spending time with his family, and traveling.