Danielle Hughes

I work with women who feel unseen by traditional financial service providers, and are tired of being talked at instead of spoken to. This includes women breadwinners, who want to be sure they're doing all they can with their money to secure the future; and women who feel like they should be able to create a financial plan but aren't sure where to start. Outside of financial planning, I serve on the board of a non-profit affordable housing network in the metro New York area, am active in my local Rotary Club, and am slowly learning how to build a garden that is friendly to pollinators and unappealing to rabbits. My journey has included life and work in India, Vietnam and other places, an MBA from Cornell University, several years on a trading floor right out of college and stops along the way that contribute to the life experience that I bring to each of you.

Donald Bell is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies aimed at pursuing long-term goals. His approach integrates flexibility to adapt to evolving market conditions, leveraging investment insights from Merrill along with banking and lending solutions provided by Bank of America. Donald holds the professional designations of Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He completed his high school education at Saugerties Central. In addition to his advisory work, he is engaged in community service through volunteer activities, reflecting the Merrill tradition of local participation.

Eric Johnson is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in the Kingston, NY office. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 1981, providing financial guidance to clients through tailored investment strategies designed to address their risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, and overall investment objectives. Eric employs asset allocation models and professional money management to support clients in achieving long-term wealth accumulation goals. He also assists high net worth clients with estate planning strategies, including trust work and charitable gifting. Eric holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation, earned in 2007, and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) certification. He completed his Bachelor's Degree from Cortland State. Outside of his professional work, Eric enjoys hiking, running, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Melanie Hammond is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in delivering personalized wealth management strategies tailored to individual client goals. With over 15 years of client-focused experience, she emphasizes purposeful and personal attention to help clients pursue long-term financial objectives, including areas such as college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management, retirement income, and socially responsible investing. Melanie holds professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She graduated from Kingston High School and is an active member of the philanthropic educational organization PEO. Melanie’s commitment to her clients is complemented by her involvement in community initiatives, reflecting the Merrill tradition of service. Outside of her professional duties, Melanie engages in various personal interests, including boxing, cooking, hiking, music, reading, running, skiing, traveling, writing, and spending time with her family. As a native of upstate New York, she appreciates the diversity of her community and strives to contribute positively to both her clients and the region she calls home.

Kenneth Beesmer is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in creating personalized wealth management strategies that align with clients' life priorities, financial goals, and changing market conditions. Kenneth brings over 32 years of experience assisting families, corporations, and non-profits with asset management, portfolio creation, and tactical strategy adjustments rooted in a comprehensive understanding of capital markets. His areas of expertise include corporate executive services, divorce transition planning, equity compensation, endowment and foundation services, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, legacy and philanthropic planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, and sports and entertainment sectors. Kenneth holds a Bachelor's Degree from Lehigh University and carries professional designations such as CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He is affiliated with The Beesmer Group and actively volunteers with organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, Mentor Me of Ulster County, Mid Hudson Tigers Baseball, and YMCA Kingston/Ulster. Outside of his professional work, Kenneth enjoys a variety of personal interests such as baseball, biking, football, golfing, hiking, music, skiing, and traveling.