Justin Brashear

Scott Thomas is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 22 years of experience in wealth management. He specializes in a range of client focus areas including corporate benefits, employee benefits planning, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, and personal retirement and retirement income planning. Scott employs state-of-the-art wealth management planning tools to develop personalized financial strategies aimed at helping clients pursue their long-term goals. Scott earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal biology from the University of Florida in 2000. He began his career with a small independent firm in Jacksonville, Florida before joining Merrill Lynch. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation, further underscoring his expertise in investment advisory services. Residing in Orlando, Florida, Scott is married and a father of two sons. His personal interests include boating, fishing, football, hiking, and hunting, and he emphasizes spending time with his family in nature through activities such as fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding. He and his family are active in their church and participate in fundraising and community service projects. Scott’s dedication to his family informs his commitment to helping clients achieve their financial aspirations.

Walter Szturma is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings a disciplined and creative approach to advising, developing personalized financial strategies designed to help clients pursue their long-term goals. Walter collaborates closely with individuals, families, businesses, and non-profits to provide investment management solutions focused on growing and preserving wealth. His client expertise includes college education planning, family wealth management, divorce transition planning, legacy and retirement planning, as well as specialized services for endowments, foundations, defined benefit and contribution plans, and sports and entertainment sectors. Walter began his career after working with the New York Stock Exchange and joined Merrill in 1978. Over more than four decades, he has integrated his entrepreneurial skills with a commitment to client-centered service, leveraging research and resources from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. His educational background includes a master’s and bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, where he was recognized by Beta Gamma Sigma and Omicron Delta Epsilon honor societies for scholastic achievement. Walter holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and he is a voting member of the American Economic Association. Walter’s career also reflects strong community involvement. He spent 21 years conducting business in the US Virgin Islands, where he was active in local non-profit boards and mentoring programs, supporting organizations such as the Caribbean Dance Company, Island Center for the Performing Arts, and the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. A lifelong Rotarian, he continues to dedicate time to volunteer activities. His personal interests include baseball, football, ice hockey, music, photography, scuba diving, singing, softball, swimming, and tennis.

John McCullough is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving clients primarily in Citrus County, Hernando County, Pasco County, Polk County, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County in Florida. He has been in the financial services industry since 1995 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2006. John holds several professional designations, including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). John earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University and holds additional credentials such as Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). His expertise includes retirement income planning strategies, 401(k), Defined Benefit Pension, and Cash Balance Retirement Plans focused on corporations, successful business owners, corporate executives, retirees, and their families. In his role, John provides personalized wealth management planning, investment advice, estate coordination, and legacy implementation, tailoring strategies to fit each client’s risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, and investment goals. Residing on the Nature Coast of Florida, John is a parent of two grown daughters. Outside of his professional duties, he enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming, and traveling. He also has a passion for cooking and values spending time with his family.