Walnut Creek, CA N California Blvd Office

Team
Updated today
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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,588

Across 3,189 offices

Clients per advisor

70 Very Low

Avg AUM per client

$860,085 Very High

HNW client ratio

29% High

About

Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC (MAA), provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions (SPS) Program. The firm offers model‑based and discretionary strategies constructed by internal Chief Investment Office (CIO) teams and third‑party style managers and implements trading, account administration and custody support for individuals, high‑net‑worth clients, pension and profit‑sharing plans, corporations and charitable organizations.

Portfolio implementation varies by Strategy: some are model‑based where MAA implements CIO or style manager models, while others authorize third‑party Discretionary Managers to execute trades directly; the CIO also uses strategic and tactical asset allocation and offers “tax aware” versions of related strategies for higher tax‑sensitivity investors. Cash allocations are typically swept through the Bank’s Cash Sweep Program or invested in money market alternatives, and clients can request reasonable investment restrictions (which MAA may accept or decline and may have limited effect where Funds are used).

Several features in the brochure distinguish Merrill from many peers: as part of the Bank of America group it has affiliates that operate in swaps and derivatives markets and it has disclosed planned arrangements to receive “Support Fees” and to offer optional Data Analytics to third‑party firms beginning January 1, 2027 (the brochure notes Merrill will not receive Support Fees for accounts enrolled in the SPS Program). The firm also discloses multiple SEC administrative orders and related enforcement matters (including a 2025 order with a $25 million civil penalty related to cash sweep disclosures), and the Program materials do not present the SPS service as a source of standalone financial planning.

Based on Merrill

Expertise

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Based on Merrill

Location

1331 N California Blvd

Walnut Creek CA 94596

Advisors at this office

106

Advisors at this office

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Ramshaa A

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Ramshaa Anand is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and four years of industry experience. Prior to Merrill, she worked at AXA Advisors, Fuli Investment, and has experience in other business roles including operating Ramshaa's Driving School, Inc. She is based in Walnut Creek, CA. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Jason N

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Jason Norrish is a financial advisor at Merrill with 27 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at several financial firms, including Wells Fargo Clearing, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup Global Markets. Norrish is based in Walnut Creek, CA. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services 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 constructed by internal teams and third-party managers.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

David C

Series 63, Series 65

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

David Cereghino is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career in financial services in 1996 and has over 30 years of experience in private client wealth management. David earned his B.S. in Finance from the University of San Francisco and early in his career built a practice in San Francisco advising Silicon Valley executives on strategies for managing concentrated equity positions. Since 2009, he has been based in Merrill's Walnut Creek office, serving high-net-worth families and business owners. David specializes in developing customized wealth strategies aligned with client goals, emphasizing cash flow planning, risk mitigation, and tax reduction. He leverages the resources of Merrill and Bank of America to provide integrated solutions across investment management, banking, lending, insurance, and estate planning. His client focus areas include family wealth management, legacy planning, socially responsible investing, and tax minimization. David holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA) designations. He and his wife, Shannon, reside in Moraga, California. David previously coached his children's sports teams and now enjoys traveling and attending family sporting events, including supporting his son who plays Division I football at UCLA. He is also interested in basketball, boating, football, hiking, music, and surfing.

Concentrated stock management Wealth management Tax-loss harvesting General estate planning guidance Cash flow / budgeting Founder/Business Owner Women Professionals Values-based investing SRI/ESG (Socially Responsible Investing/Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance)
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Veronica W

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Veronica Weir is a financial advisor at Merrill with 17 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill 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 for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Lindsay R

Series 63, Series 65

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Lindsay Romig is a financial advisor with Merrill in Walnut Creek, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and having 21 years of industry experience. Her prior roles include positions at Wells Fargo Clearing, First Republic Investment Management, and Morgan Stanley. Outside of her advisory work, she owns a recording music company and serves on the board of Open Floor International, a nonprofit focused on embodied movement and dance for emotional and community resilience. Merrill provides managed account services through its Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions, supported by internal and third-party managers.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Lee C

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Lee Coburn is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he leads a team serving high net worth and ultra high net worth clients. His practice focuses on retirement and multi-generational planning, concentrated stock and executive compensation strategies, liquidity event planning, charitable giving and family foundations, and sustainable and values-based investing. Lee holds the Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC) designation and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Lee holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has a background in behavioral finance from the Harvard Kennedy School. Before his financial career, he was a Division I Lacrosse co-captain, experience that informs his disciplined and team-oriented approach to client service. He has served as a member of the Merrill Financial Advisor's Advisory Council to Management (ACTM), representing Merrill Advisors in liaison to senior leadership. Beyond his professional work, Lee is committed to mentorship and leadership in his community. He founded Merrill's East Bay Women's Exchange and BAWLers (Bay Area Women Leaders), forums that foster connection and professional development for women. He serves on the Merrill SF/East Bay Board and has coached youth soccer and lacrosse. His personal interests include golfing, running marathons, soccer, yoga, and spending time with his family.

Multi-generational wealth transfer Liquidity event planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Concentrated stock management ESG / Sustainable investing Financial Professional Women Professionals Women's Finance

Patrick G

Series 63

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Patrick Greening is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Merrill since 1990 following a career in hospitality management. Patrick specializes in providing comprehensive wealth management strategies to individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations. His expertise includes divorce transition planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and working as a Retirement Benefits Consultant focusing on retirement plans such as 401(k), 403(b), Defined Benefit, and Non-Qualified Retirement Plans. Patrick holds an Associate's Degree from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificant, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). His approach emphasizes aligning financial strategies with clients' short and long-term goals, encompassing areas such as debt and home financing, estate planning, and wealth transfer. Outside of his professional work, Patrick has been involved in coaching youth rugby and soccer, served on the board of the East Bay United Soccer Club, and is a member of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team in South San Francisco. He enjoys cooking, fishing, gardening, hiking, hunting, skiing, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Debt management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance

Shawn S

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Shawn Sladek is the founder and leader of The Sladek Thompson Group, a wealth management team based in the San Francisco Bay Area operating within Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career with Merrill Lynch in 1997 and has been recognized nationally as a leading financial advisor, appearing on Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list for nine consecutive years from 2018 to 2026. His team provides tailored services including discretionary portfolio management, stock option analysis, retirement planning, hedging and monetization of concentrated equity positions, life insurance analysis and funding, and wealth preservation and transfer. Shawn holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from the University of Arizona and the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Shawn serves as a regular speaker in Merrill's advanced training programs covering wealth planning, asset allocation, trusts and estate planning. Outside of his professional role, Shawn, along with his wife Raymie and their two sons, is involved in philanthropic activities, dedicating significant time to The Food Bank of Contra Costa County and The White Pony. He participates in community organizations such as the San Ramon Valley Little League and the University of Arizona Rugby Club, and has personal interests including basketball, cooking, fishing, football, golfing, music, skiing, traveling, yoga, and spending time with his family.

Wealth management Stock option exercise strategy Retirement income strategy Life insurance needs analysis General estate planning guidance

Devyn F

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Devyn Fitchhorn is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he focuses on developing long-term financial advisory relationships tailored to each client's unique needs. He promotes a systematic and disciplined approach to wealth management and investing aligned with clients' investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Devyn provides a broad range of financial services including wealth management, retirement planning, education planning, portfolio management, and socially responsible investing. He is supported by a team of specialists and in-depth research to assist clients effectively. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2004, Devyn spent eight years as a critical care and trauma nurse. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology from the University of California at Davis and Nursing from St. Mary's/Samuel Merritt College. Devyn maintains Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations, life and health insurance licenses, and holds professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Devyn and his wife Leanne have been residents of the Newcastle area since 2018 after moving from Granite Bay, where they were active members of Bayside Church and involved with its special needs community group. Together they have twin daughters. Outside of his professional work, Devyn enjoys billiards, football, golfing, music, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) ESG / Sustainable investing Parents Values-based investing SRI/ESG (Socially Responsible Investing/Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance)

James S

Series 63, Series 65

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

James Schmidt is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on developing financial strategies tailored to wealthy individuals and business owners, providing comprehensive advice to help clients pursue their long-term goals through personalized or defined strategies. His areas of expertise include college education planning, executive compensation, services for defined benefit plans, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, legacy and liquidity management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, individual and corporate investment strategy, and tax minimization. James holds several professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. Outside of his professional role, James is the founder of the "Fore Our Schools" foundation, which raises funds for local schools. His personal interests include boating, fishing, golfing, hunting, and traveling.

Wealth management Liquidity event planning Retirement income strategy General retirement planning General estate planning guidance Founder/Business Owner Executive
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Jacquelyn H

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Jacquelyn Hernandez is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Merrill in Walnut Creek, CA, with 19 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Wells Fargo Clearing and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Hernandez serves as a board member for Benicia Youth Football, a community youth sports organization. Merrill 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 institutions.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Darius B

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Darius Bahador serves as a Client Experience Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their current financial situations and introduce them to suitable solutions available through Merrill and Bank of America. His approach involves getting to know clients personally to develop strategies that align with their financial goals. Darius has expertise in general investing, retirement planning, and saving for unexpected events. He holds professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He earned a Bachelor's Degree from McMaster University. He emphasizes ongoing advice and guidance, adapting to clients' evolving needs to help them pursue their financial objectives effectively.

General retirement planning Wealth management

David Z

Series 63, Series 65

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

David Zeising is a Senior Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 1994 and has over 20 years of experience providing clients with financial solutions and wealth strategies tailored to their risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, and overall investment goals. His primary areas of practice include retirement planning and professional asset management strategies. David holds a Bachelor's Degree from San Jose State University and holds professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He focuses on a wide range of client needs, including college education planning, legacy planning, tax minimization, and retirement income, applying a personalized financial strategy to help clients pursue their goals. David resides in Danville with his wife, Kim, and their three sons.

General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Wealth management Retirement withdrawal strategies College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.)
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Deven M

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Deven Mays is a financial advisor at Merrill with seven years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at City National Bank before joining Merrill and Bank of America, NA in 2019. Outside of advisory work, he owns and operates two family real estate investment businesses, M6 Realty Ventures, LLC and Opus Land Ventures, Inc. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program to a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal and third-party managers.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Nessa B

Series 66

Walnut Creek, CA

Merrill

Nessa Boland is a Senior Financial Advisor with The 712 Investment Group’s West Coast office, part of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She joined The 712 Investment Group in 2005 after beginning her career with Merrill in 1999, where she worked as a Financial Planning Specialist in Merrill's Manhattan East office. Nessa specializes in assisting high net worth individuals and families with identifying and prioritizing financial goals and creating comprehensive plans to achieve them. Her areas of focus include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, retirement income, and empowering clients to be financially literate at any stage. Nessa holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. She graduated from Drexel University with a bachelor's degree in finance. Outside of her professional role, Nessa lives in San Francisco with her husband Vincent and has interests in cooking, hiking, music, reading, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Wealth management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Multi-generational wealth transfer Women Professionals
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