Merrill Executive and Leadership Team

Evonne Wagner, the Chief Financial Officer at Merrill, oversees the financial health and strategic fiscal planning of the organization. Wagner manages all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal discipline and profitability. This critical role involves analyzing market trends and economic conditions to inform investment strategies and resource allocation. By collaborating with other executive leaders, Evonne Wagner drives financial performance and supports the company's growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing risk, optimizing capital structure, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Wagner's expertise is vital in leveraging the financial insights of Merrill and Bank of America to create tailored opportunities for clients, reinforcing the firm's commitment to client-centric financial solutions and long-term wealth building.

Squiddly Dot, the Chief Financial Officer, Northeast at Merrill, directs financial operations and strategic fiscal management for the Northeast region. Dot oversees regional budgeting, financial analysis, and performance monitoring, ensuring fiscal health and profitability across diverse market segments. This role involves adapting broader financial strategies to regional economic conditions and client demographics. By collaborating with local leadership, Squiddly Dot drives financial performance and supports the expansion of Merrill's wealth management services throughout the Northeast. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing regional financial risks and optimizing resource allocation to maximize client impact. Dot's expertise is essential in leveraging regional insights to deliver tailored financial advice and banking solutions, reinforcing Merrill's commitment to client success in this key geographic area.

Craigus Johnson, the Chief Operations Officer & Division Chief Financial Officer, Strategy at Merrill, orchestrates operational execution and strategic financial planning across key divisions. Johnson leads initiatives to enhance operational efficiency while simultaneously guiding financial strategy to support long-term growth objectives. This dual role requires a comprehensive understanding of both operational dynamics and fiscal management to drive cohesive business outcomes. By integrating operational improvements with strategic financial foresight, Craigus Johnson ensures that divisional activities align with Merrill's overarching mission. The Chief Operations Officer & Division Chief Financial Officer's focus is on optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes to deliver superior client value. Johnson's leadership is critical in navigating complex market conditions and capitalizing on opportunities for wealth creation and financial security for clients.

Richard Conerty, the Chief Financial Officer & Analyst at Merrill, leads financial strategy and provides critical analytical insights to guide the firm's fiscal direction. Conerty manages financial planning, reporting, and analysis, ensuring robust fiscal health and informed decision-making across the organization. This role involves deep dives into financial data to identify trends, assess performance, and forecast future outcomes. By collaborating closely with executive leadership, Richard Conerty supports strategic initiatives and resource allocation to maximize profitability and client value. The Chief Financial Officer & Analyst's responsibilities extend to evaluating investment opportunities and managing financial risks. Conerty's analytical prowess is instrumental in aligning financial operations with Merrill's commitment to delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions and fostering client financial well-being.

Adam Drucker, the Chief Operating Officer at Merrill, directs the operational efficiency and execution of the firm's business strategies. Drucker oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless service delivery across all client-facing functions and internal departments. This leadership position involves optimizing processes, managing resources, and implementing best practices to enhance productivity and client satisfaction. By fostering collaboration between different business units, Adam Drucker drives operational excellence and supports the firm's expansive wealth management services. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes streamlining operations to facilitate access to banking and cash management solutions, alongside investment management. Drucker's strategic oversight ensures that Merrill's operational framework effectively supports its mission of providing comprehensive financial advice and tailored client solutions across North America.

Michael Scherrer, the Director - Regulatory Reform Chief Operating Officer Team at Merrill, spearheads initiatives related to regulatory compliance and operational adjustments. Scherrer leads the team responsible for interpreting and implementing new regulatory frameworks impacting the financial services sector. This role demands a deep understanding of evolving compliance landscapes and their operational implications for wealth management. By coordinating efforts across various departments, Michael Scherrer ensures that Merrill's operations remain fully compliant and strategically aligned with regulatory requirements. The Director's focus is on mitigating risks associated with regulatory changes and enhancing the robustness of internal controls. Scherrer's work directly supports the firm's commitment to placing client interests first by maintaining the highest standards of integrity and operational integrity in all business dealings.

Grace Donlon, the Director - MLWM Chief Operating Officer Field Capacity Business Strategy and Initiatives at Merrill, drives strategic planning and execution for field operations within the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (MLWM) division. Donlon focuses on enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of financial advisors by developing and implementing key business strategies and initiatives. This leadership role involves analyzing market dynamics and client needs to identify opportunities for service expansion and operational improvement. By fostering strong relationships with field leadership, Grace Donlon ensures alignment between corporate strategy and on-the-ground execution. The Director's work is crucial for optimizing the delivery of comprehensive financial advice, including retirement planning and estate services. Donlon's initiatives directly contribute to Merrill's mission of empowering clients to achieve their financial goals through expert guidance and tailored solutions.

Nicholas Connor, the Division Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director at Merrill, directs operational execution and strategic management within key divisions of the firm. Connor oversees the implementation of operational strategies designed to enhance service delivery and client engagement across the wealth management landscape. This leadership position involves optimizing processes, managing resources, and driving efficiency to support financial advisors in serving client needs. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, Nicholas Connor ensures seamless integration of investment management, banking solutions, and advisory services. The Division Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director's focus is on strengthening the firm's capacity to offer tailored solutions for college savings, retirement planning, and estate services. Connor's strategic oversight is vital for advancing Merrill's mission of empowering clients to achieve their financial aspirations.

George Castellano, the Division Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director at Merrill, leads operational strategy and execution across designated divisions, ensuring alignment with the firm's core objectives. Castellano focuses on optimizing the operational framework to support the delivery of comprehensive financial advice and wealth management services. This role involves driving efficiency, managing resources effectively, and implementing best practices to enhance client satisfaction and advisor productivity. By fostering strong collaboration between operational teams and client-facing professionals, George Castellano reinforces Merrill's commitment to placing client interests first. The Division Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director's responsibilities include overseeing initiatives that expand access to banking and cash management solutions, alongside investment management. Castellano's leadership is critical for maintaining operational integrity and advancing the firm's mission of empowering clients to achieve their financial goals.

Waller Hardy, the Chief Information Officer at Merrill, directs the firm's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of information systems, Hardy ensures the secure and efficient operation of platforms supporting wealth management and financial advisory services. This leadership role involves architecting scalable technology solutions that enhance client experience and internal operational effectiveness. By integrating cutting-edge digital tools, Waller Hardy drives innovation across the organization, enabling financial advisors to deliver superior service. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on maintaining robust cybersecurity measures and optimizing data management to support Merrill's commitment to client interests and regulatory compliance. Hardy's strategic vision ensures technology advancements align with the company's mission of comprehensive financial planning and wealth creation.