PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Jim Maher, Resident Director of the St. Louis Metro-East Merrill Lynch Office, is a graduate of the School of Law at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Jim was also a practicing CPA with a large accounting firm until his move to the financial services industry. Prior to his decision to join Merrill Lynch, Jim helped establish a large trust company in St. Louis and also maintained a successful law practice concentrating in estate planning. Jim helps clients determine long-term financial goals and wealth management strategies.

Scott Lollar joined Merrill Lynch in 1998 and is an Assistant Vice President. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in 1989. Before joining Merrill Lynch, he worked in the Finance and Accounting function of a large international shipping company. Scott specializes in helping corporate executives develop strategies to build, protect and transfer their wealth.

Jeff Pratl joined Merrill Lynch in 2001. Jeff has been in the financial services industry since 1987 mainly as a Trust Administrator. He earned an accounting degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1987 and, although is currently not practicing, successfully completed the CPA exam in 1989. Jeff helps clients with creating asset allocation models and implementing investment decisions. Jeff's ability to develop effective investment strategies enables clients to enhance and preserve their wealth.

Elizabeth Connelly joined Merrill Lynch as Vice President in 2005. She brings the experience of having served in high-level positions including Managing Director and Senior Trust Officer in major area banks and trust departments. Elizabeth is a graduate of the Saint Louis University School of Law and holds a B.A. from Rockhurst University-Kansas City. She received her Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation in 2000. Elizabeth is a member of the American Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association and the Estate Planning Council.

Bob Schlueter joined Merrill Lynch in 2001. Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a degree in accounting. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, he worked at a large St. Louis trust company as a tax specialist and prior to that as a CPA for a large accounting firm. With the MLP Group, Bob is responsible for the operational and administrative asset maintenance for all our valued clients.

John Russo joined Merrill Lynch in 2004. He graduated with honors from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in accounting and was a Senior Financial Services Auditor with a big four accounting firm until his move to the financial services industry in 1999. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, John was a Senior Portfolio Manager with a large trust company in St. Louis. He has over seven years experience and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. John is a member of the CFA Society of St. Louis, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Jerry West, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), joined Merrill Lynch in 2005. He has over ten years experience in the financial services industry including several years as a research anaylyst at a large financial services firm. He most recently served as a Portfolio Manager at a large trust company in St. Louis. Jerry graduated from Central Missouri State University with a degree in Finance and obtained the Chartered Fi