Russell began his career at Merrill in 1994. After leaving the Firm for a few years, he returned in 2007, and today he takes great satisfaction in helping affluent families bring order and meaning to their financial lives. Many of the clients he serves are busy and successful people who have amassed their wealth through hard work and smart saving. Russell’s goal is to help clients recognize the complexities of their situations, take care the financial tasks they may not have the time to pursue, and keep them well informed so that they can concentrate on their business and personal interests. 
 
Throughout his career, he has been asked to consult on major financial decisions as his clients go through various transitions in life. This may include such matters as growing, preserving and transferring assets to the next generation, preparing for the emotional and financial aspects of retirement, developing executive compensation strategies, or starting or exiting a business.

An efficient and creative problem solver, Russell is passionate about understanding each clients’ unique story. Long before he formulates any specific strategies, he spends considerable time asking questions to help uncover and address potential gaps in their wealth management design. Russell draws on his knowledge and deep experience to educate and offer strategies to help address his client’s needs. He and his team assist in such areas as retirement planning, trust and estate planning services, lending, and philanthropy.

Russell is a Portfolio Manager who can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own Personalized or Defined Strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. 

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Russell earned a B.B.A. in finance. He holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) designation. Russell currently serves on the board of directors for The Warm Place, a grief support center for children and young adults. He and his wife, Caroline, live in Aledo with their three children.

*Lending Services are through Bank of America, N.A.

*Trust, fiduciary, and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management Team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

John joined Merrill in 2012. Utilizing a team-based approach, he is dedicated to helping young professionals understand the impact that wealth management can have at an early age. Many are growing their careers, starting families, buying a home, paying off student loans or perhaps even saving for their child’s college education. John strives to understand their goals and provide direction and clarity for their financial future. 

Dedicated to providing a high level of attentive service, he looks beyond clients’ investments and welcomes the opportunity to help them organize and simplify their financial lives. To aid him in addressing clients’ unique situations, he draws not only on his own knowledge, but also on a team of specialists with deep experience in such areas as credit and lending and trust and estate planning strategies. 

At the core of John’s services is a systematic and disciplined wealth management process. He is committed to providing extraordinary service to clients and takes the time to understand their unique life situations, financial resources, investment personalities, concerns, goals and priorities. With a clear view of who clients are as investors, he can work with them to help select an appropriate mix of strategies that makes the most efficient use of their financial resources. 

John educates and keeps clients informed about economic and financial market conditions that might impact their progress toward short- and long-term goals. He conducts regular reviews to help keep their strategies and portfolios aligned with their changing goals and circumstances.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Aledo with their two sons. In his spare time, John enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time at his family’s ranch.

*Credit and Lending Services are through Bank of America, N.A.
*Trust, fiduciary, and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management Team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

Courtney joined Merrill in 2017 and is committed to developing lasting relationships and maintaining a high level of satisfaction with clients. Her philosophy is to address their needs quickly and accurately and she believes in going the extra mile to provide ongoing communication with an attention to detail. An efficient problem solver, Courtney anticipates clients’ needs before they arise. 

Dedicated, proactive, and knowledgeable, Courtney coordinates the team’s daily administrative and operational functions. As a fully licensed and registered associate, she is skilled in handling all areas of client service, including account activity and maintenance, statement inquiries, processing trades and transfers, check requests, market quotes, scheduling of meetings and new account processing.

Courtney earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She and her husband reside in Aledo with their three sons. Away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and attending her sons’ sporting events.