Williamsville, NY Sheridan Dr Office

Blake Dougherty is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Williamsville, New York. Since joining the firm in 2015, he has focused on understanding the priorities of individuals, families, and businesses to provide personalized attention and customized investment management strategies. Blake leverages the investment capabilities of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management alongside the banking resources of Bank of America to support clients in addressing various aspects of their financial lives. Blake works closely with clients to identify key goals such as education funding, tax minimization, retirement planning, and wealth preservation. His expertise encompasses corporate benefits, executive compensation, family wealth management, liquidity management, and retirement income strategies, among other areas. His approach involves crafting disciplined strategies aimed at helping clients build, manage, and preserve wealth for current and future generations. Blake earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he also played Division I Ice Hockey for four years. He holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Outside of his professional life, Blake enjoys football, golfing, ice hockey, watching movies, and practicing yoga.

Peter Biltekoff is a financial advisor with Merrill in Williamsville, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 41 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated since 2007 and with Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. 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 strategies tailored for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Kristin Marusza is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been active in the financial services industry since 1991 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2006. Kristin specializes in developing financial strategies for high net worth individuals, their families, and businesses to support both their short- and long-term goals. She is a qualified Portfolio Manager who offers traditional financial advice and can manage personalized investment strategies that include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party investment options. Kristin holds several professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). She earned both her Bachelor's degree and MBA from Canisius College. Kristin participates in community service activities and is involved with professional organizations such as Merrill Lynch Women's Exchange and New York State Women Inc., Buffalo Niagara.

Matthew Gorton is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 2011, he has focused on working with executives and business owners to address their unique financial goals and needs. Matthew collaborates closely with clients and their other advisors to coordinate financial, legal, and tax-related decisions. His areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and values-based investing, and services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Wayne State University and maintains professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC), and Sports & Entertainment (SE).

Peter Pane is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in providing financial guidance to business owners, retirees, corporate executives, and affluent individuals. Leveraging the resources of Bank of America N.A. and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, he offers a comprehensive range of services including executive compensation, family wealth management, legacy and philanthropic planning, portfolio management, and retirement income strategies. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2014, Peter has adopted a consultative approach to wealth management. He emphasizes understanding each client’s financial priorities to provide tailored recommendations for asset allocation that align with their income and growth goals. His services cover a broad spectrum including investments, retirement planning, estate services, and philanthropy, supporting clients as they work towards both short- and long-term financial objectives. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Niagara University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He is also designated as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Committed to community involvement, Peter participates in local volunteer organizations as part of Merrill Lynch’s tradition of community service.

Gerald Cornish is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been employed since 1990. He serves as a Portfolio Manager in The Merrill Lynch Personal Investment Advisor Program, managing personalized and defined investment strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party strategies. His client focus encompasses corporate executive services, education planning, family wealth management, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, as well as socially responsible and ESG investing. With over 33 years of experience, Gerald provides goals-based wealth management advice and guidance to affluent families, businesses, and non-profit institutions. He holds several professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Gerald earned his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Community involvement is an integral part of Gerald's life. He has served as Chairman of The Buffalo State College Foundation and currently serves on the board of The Summit Center. In his personal time, he enjoys boating, fishing, gardening, reading, running, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Jonathan Armstrong is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill in 1998, he has worked with clients to develop goals-based strategies for managing both personal and business finances. He serves as a Portfolio Manager, overseeing discretionary personalized and defined strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. His areas of expertise include family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Jonathan collaborates with clients and their other advisors to coordinate financial, legal, and tax decisions. Jonathan holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College and a High School Diploma from Canisius High School. In his personal time, he enjoys camping, gardening, golfing, hunting, reading, skiing, woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Robert Walter serves as the Senior Resident Director and International Wealth Management Advisor at the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management office in Williamsville, New York. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 1992 and holds a leadership role at Cornish Walter & Associates. In this capacity, Robert provides clients with access to the investment insights of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management alongside banking services from Bank of America to manage various aspects of their financial lives. Robert's expertise includes executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, institutional consulting, international wealth management, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, sports and entertainment, tax minimization, and retirement income. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University and holds several professional designations, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and Sports & Entertainment (SE). He has been recognized multiple times on Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list from 2018 through 2026. Robert is affiliated with professional organizations such as the Country Club of Buffalo and the Kaleida Health Foundation. Outside of his professional pursuits, his personal interests include baseball, football, golfing, and ice hockey.

Sebastian Fasanello is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a founding partner in the Kane Fasanello Group. With over 25 years of experience, he serves individuals, affluent families, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations across Buffalo and the United States. The group provides customized portfolio management, personalized financial advice, wealth transfer strategies, retirement plans, cash management, and credit lines through Bank of America. Sebastian's responsibilities include constructing, managing, and overseeing customized portfolios and providing financial planning and advice. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 1996, Sebastian practiced law with a large regional law firm. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Canisius College, a Master's degree from Temple University, and a Law Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. His professional designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA), among others. Sebastian has been active on not-for-profit boards and has served on the Board of Regents and as President of the Alumni Association at Canisius College. He lives in East Amherst with his wife and has three sons. His personal interests include fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Matthew Mendola is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), indicating his professional qualifications in financial advisory services. Matthew earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University at Buffalo. Additional details regarding his experience, areas of expertise, or personal interests were not provided.

Zachary Gewurz is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, joining the firm in 2021. He supports clients by collecting necessary information to develop comprehensive wealth management plans. Zachary contributes to portfolio management through equity, fixed income, and options transactions, focusing on areas such as college education planning, family wealth management strategies, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and tax minimization. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from Michigan State University and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional role, Zachary enjoys traveling and playing golf at top public courses nationwide. He also spends time watching sports and being with family and friends.

James Kranz is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 2010. He specializes in providing personalized financial strategies tailored to clients' individual goals, managing custom investment strategies on a discretionary basis, and selecting from a broad range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment options. His expertise spans managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, tax minimization, and retirement income. James holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations from the University at Buffalo. He is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor within the Merrill Investment Advisory Program and maintains Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations. Additionally, James holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designation. Based in Williamsville, New York, James has lived in the Buffalo area his entire life. He is actively involved in his community, serving as a mentor and supporter of the Kenya Project. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys football, golfing, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Jay Sackett is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career as an investment banker in New York City, focusing on mergers and acquisitions within the private equity community. In 2006, he joined Merrill Lynch to form The Sackett Team aimed at helping individuals and families manage and steward their multi-generational wealth. Jay graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in applied economics and management. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification and serves as a qualified Portfolio Manager in the firm's Investment Advisory Program. His expertise includes family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and managing new wealth. Jay resides in Clarence Center with his wife, three daughters, and two rescue dogs. He is actively involved in his church and local community and enjoys camping, cooking, fishing, football, hiking, running, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Ronald Viavada is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He collaborates with a team of specialists to provide goals-based wealth management services to affluent families, accomplished professionals, and successful business owners. Ronald focuses on areas such as family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Brockport and has earned professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Ronald emphasizes a disciplined approach to investing and is committed to cultivating long-lasting client relationships through exceptional service and customized advice. Outside of his professional role, Ronald participates in community organizations such as Dayton Pheasant Farmers Preserve, Southtowns Walleye Association, and St. Bonaventure University Men's Lacrosse. He enjoys personal interests including boating, fishing, hunting, gardening, football, running, and running marathons.

Joshua Pereira is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since beginning his career in August 2000, he has focused on creating strategies and providing advice tailored to individuals, families, and businesses, with an emphasis on understanding their short- and long-term financial goals. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Saint Bonaventure University. Joshua prioritizes client satisfaction and applies disciplined strategies to assist clients in achieving their financial objectives. He lives in Lakeview, NY with his wife, Meghan, and their two daughters.