Thomas Drongoski

Thomas Rocco is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined the firm in 2010, bringing a comprehensive understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities faced by corporate executives and private business owners. Thomas focuses on providing personalized wealth management strategies, emphasizing transparent communication and a thorough understanding of his clients’ aspirations and concerns. His approach involves translating complex financial concepts into clear, accessible advice to help clients pursue their goals, whether achieving near-term milestones, sustaining retirement lifestyles, or planning for future generations. Thomas holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, along with credentials such as CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He earned master’s degrees from the University of California Berkeley and Columbia University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee System. His client focus encompasses areas including divorce transition planning, executive compensation, equity compensation services, retirement income, socially responsible investing, and small business strategies. In addition to his professional work, Thomas contributes to his community by serving as a financial literacy instructor for NORWESCAP. Outside of his advisory practice, he enjoys fishing, football, music, reading, spending time with his family, surfing, tennis, and yoga.

Douglas Sheroff is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining the firm in 2016, he has applied his expertise to help clients understand their current financial situation, define their future goals, and develop efficient strategies to achieve those objectives. His approach emphasizes personalized financial planning, designed around the unique needs, aspirations, and priorities of each client and their family. Mr. Sheroff is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional and a qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registrations, as well as all applicable insurance licenses for the states in which he conducts business. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from Quinnipiac University School of Business. His areas of focus include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, sports and entertainment, tax minimization, and retirement income. Active in his community, Douglas participates in the local Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Musconetcong Lodge #42 F&AM in Mt. Olive. He supports the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which aids active and retired Armed Forces members and their families returning from combat with traumatic brain injuries. Outside of work, he enjoys adventure sports, boating, cooking, golfing, skiing, and traveling.

Carolyn Ottenbreit is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill’s Sparta, New Jersey office. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who works with a select group of affluent clients, including current and retired corporate executives and professionals. Carolyn helps clients manage various aspects of their finances and investments, providing services such as retirement planning, estate planning, tax minimization strategies, and portfolio management. She collaborates with a team of Merrill and Bank of America specialists, as well as clients’ tax and legal advisors, to deliver comprehensive financial solutions. Carolyn graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She joined Merrill in 1986, transitioning from corporate finance to the Private Client Group in 1996. Her expertise focuses on family wealth management, philanthropic planning, retirement income, and supporting women and wealth. Outside of her professional work, Carolyn has been involved in community organizations, serving as past chairperson of The SCARC Foundation, Inc. in Augusta, New Jersey, and as past president of the Newton Rotary Club in Newton, New Jersey. Her personal interests include cooking, reading, and traveling.

Ava Nelson is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works closely with clients to understand their unique ambitions and create personalized strategies focused on retirement planning, tax minimization, and addressing the financial needs of women. Ava serves as a resource for a wide range of financial topics, including investing, retirement readiness, and planning for unexpected expenses, providing ongoing guidance as clients’ goals evolve. Ava holds several professional designations including Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She earned both her Bachelor’s degree and MBA from William Paterson University. Ava emphasizes building lasting, impactful relationships with her clients by aligning financial plans with their personal priorities and fostering transparency throughout the wealth management process. Outside of her professional work, Ava enjoys cooking, hiking, and playing soccer. She is dedicated to helping clients uncover what matters most to them and their families to support the pursuit of their financial objectives.