Since joining Merrill in 2001, John has worked with individuals and families from all walks of life, helping them address the needs of the people and the values they care about most. For clients who have had success as wealth creators, he believes that the assistance he can offer with the human side of wealth can be equally as important to their future as their financial approach.

When you first meet with John and his team you may have a lot on your mind while handling many financial tasks on your own. He listens for the concerns you may have about the present and the future, including those that may focus on maintaining your family’s lifestyle, regardless of what may happen in the markets or in your life. Through a transparent, disciplined and comprehensive approach, the team strives to help calm your concerns and bring order to your financial life. John believes that when your financial life can be more manageable, you may feel less burdened and open to using your wealth creatively and with purpose.

As important as your financial approach is to pursuing your goals, John and his team believe in the value of the support they can offer you every step of the way and with nearly every financial challenge you may face. That commitment to you is embedded in the fabric of the team John has assembled to help clients. He believes that whoever you interact with on the team and for whatever purpose, your needs can be addressed in a highly personalized and prompt manner.

John is a graduate of Wright State University (WSU) with a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Services. Prior to attending WSU, John was a collegiate swimmer for two years at Ohio State and was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. John holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification and was recently named to the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2020, 2021 and 2022 lists (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year). John and his wife and four daughters reside in Kettering, OH. When possible, John enjoys golf and following Ohio State football.



*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.

Kelly believes that the more she knows about you and your goals the greater the opportunity to help make an impact on your financial life. She believes there’s no substitute for doing the groundwork upfront and is committed to walking you through the wealth planning process at your own pace and in a way that you understand. In coordination with your other professional advisors, Kelly works towards ensuring your goals and objectives are carried out during life and aligned with your desires for your legacy after the fact.

 With a goal of building a long-term relationship that’s centered on your needs, Kelly works toward keeping the lines of communication open. She is committed to seeing that your priorities and voice are consistently present in your financial strategy along with the flexibility to make adjustments as your goals evolve. To help meet your preferences, she can tailor the type of information you receive from the team, and the manner in which you receive it. She believes that every interaction you have together, no matter how big or small, should help strengthen your commitment to your strategies and help you stay focused on your goals.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing and was a founding student member of the Davis Center for Portfolio Management. Upon graduation, Kelly joined another financial institution where she spent 10 years in the trust department. Kelly joined Merrill in 2011 and was recently named to the 2022 Forbes “America's Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list (*Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list, published on February 4, 2022. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2021).  She holds the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor designation. Kelly serves on the Finance Committee for the West Chester/Liberty Community Foundations. Along with her husband and two sons, Kelly enjoys being around her two field spaniels. Much of her family time is spent rooting for her sons’ football, basketball and baseball teams.



*Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list, published on February 4, 2022. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2021.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes.com. America’s Top Women Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: 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.

Michael believes that one of the most effective ways he can make a difference in your financial life is to become a part of it. Being included in your important family conversations and consulted during life-changing events is where Michael strives to be helpful. Through thoughtful discussions and ongoing communication he can offer personal attention and a disciplined, customized financial strategy.

Never content to leave unanswered questions on the table, Michael believes his thoroughness can help strengthen client relationships. This bond can be especially important during life events and uncertain times when emotions can run high, and you may be tempted to waver from your long-term strategy. If, however, there is a change in your circumstances, Michael shares a commitment with his Merrill team to be proactive. He may want to discuss potential adjustments to your investment approach with you and how those changes may help you continue to work toward your goals.

Prior to joining Merrill in 2014, Michael was an Executive Director at another financial institution where he worked in various roles for 14 years. Michael is a CFA® charter holder, a graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and received his M.B.A. from Capital University. He volunteers with Shoes for the Shoeless, which gives hope, encouragement and comfort to thousands of Dayton area children by providing shoes and socks. Michael resides in Kettering with his wife and daughter and enjoys running, golf, hiking and fishing.