Michael is highly regarded in the industry, among generations of client families, and in his community.

In 2013, Michael was named to Barron’s “Top 1,000 Financial Advisors” and in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 to Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State"* (published annually in Feb-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.) In 2018, 2019 and 2020 Michael was named to Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors”** (published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1982, Michael has devoted himself to managing risk across distinct aspects of clients’ wealth. Working closely with clients’ other trusted advisors, Michael believes in helping preserve clients’ capital by customizing tax-efficient*** wealth management strategies that utilize a defined process. Michael holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation awarded by the CFP® Board of Standards, requiring him to act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to his financial planning and investment advice. 


Michael serves on the Board Trustees for The Union League Legacy Foundation; the charitable organization that promotes the values and spirit of The Union League of Philadelphia. Michael has served on The Board of Directors of The Hopewell Valley Golf Club, The Investment Committee at The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, Bucknell University's Parent Board of Directors, and the Princeton YMCA Board of Directors. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Drexel University.

*Source: The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in Feb-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.  

The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. This is a list of the top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. Other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and 100-plus points of data provided by the advisors themselves. Rankings and recognition from Barron’s are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Years prior to 2014, this Barron's list consisted of 1,000 advisors.

**Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

***Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

Alex brings to his clients substantial experience in working with ultra-high net worth families providing advice, guidance, clarity, and strategies for the issues that they face.  His biggest area of focus is providing education and support to privately owned businesses, particularly around their successful transitions, whether arranging a business sale, merger, acquisition, ESOP strategies or recapitalization services.  As a result of his diligent work, Alex has been recognized by Forbes as a “Best in State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” in 2019* (published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019)

Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Alex launched his career with Ernst & Young in Philadelphia. That experience, and earning his CPA** license, gives Alex a deep understanding of complex tax and estate planning strategies with a focus on tax minimization and wealth transfer.  He coordinates with clients’ CPAs throughout the year to facilitate proper tax planning. Alex is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant awarded by the CFP® Board of Standards.

A proud graduate of Bucknell University, Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Alex has been involved as the president of the Bucknell University Club Ice Hockey Alumni Board and a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and is actively involved on the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville investment committee.

Alex his wife Ally are members of the Union League of Philadelphia, where they enjoy golf and trap shooting.  Alex, Ally, and their dog Copper currently reside in Bucks County, PA.


*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.

Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list was developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors considered for this ranking were born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience; advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

**Alex does not offer tax advice in his role at Merrill.

As a Marine Corps veteran, Matthew focuses on serving the unique wealth management needs veterans and other individuals with sophisticated financial needs. His military background helps Matthew bring a methodical, detailed orientated and results driven approach to the group. Passionate about delivering excellent service, Matthew works to help individuals make more informed financial decisions as they transition through the various phases of their lives.

Prior to joining Merrill, Matthew spent five years in the United States Marine Corps. He served with the 3rd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team from 2009-2012 where he conducted security operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and supported FASTCENT operations in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt. In 2012, Matthew deployed to the South Pacific with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines as a member of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 2014, Matthew went on to graduate magna cum laude from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Matthew currently reside in Fairless Hills, PA with his wife Katie and sons, Calvin and Carson.