Thomas Neesmith

James Willis is a Financial Solutions Advisor (FSA) with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he works closely with clients to understand their financial priorities and develop strategies aimed at achieving their short-, mid-, and long-term goals. He provides guidance on various financial matters, including investing, retirement planning, and emergency savings. Additionally, he facilitates access to specialized Bank of America services such as banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. James holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western Governors University. His approach centers on uncovering what matters most to clients and their families to help create tailored financial strategies that support their objectives.

William Baxley is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He collaborates with a select group of families and businesses to develop and implement strategies that manage wealth effectively, focusing on asset and liability management. William’s approach emphasizes clear communication and individualized wealth management plans that support clients’ retirement goals and income needs. William began his career in financial services with SunTrust Bank, where he completed the Executive Management Program and worked as a commercial lending officer. He joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1997. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University and completed a year of study at the London School of Economics. William holds multiple professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). In addition to his professional work, William is involved in his community, volunteering with Upward Bound and Vine Ingle Little League and serving on the Board of Trustees at Stratford Academy. He resides in Macon with his wife, Karen, and their children. His personal interests include fishing, golfing, and hiking.

Jorge Valdes is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in education planning, family wealth management strategies, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Jorge provides personalized wealth management strategies aligned with clients’ long-term goals, drawing on investment insights from Merrill and the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America. Jorge holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Georgia and a Master's Degree from Mercer University. He is also a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Committed to community involvement, Jorge participates in volunteer activities locally. Outside of work, his interests include fishing, hunting, and reading.

Kevin Frounfelker is the Resident Director of the Macon office and a Senior Vice President/Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional and a member of the Frounfelker and Maley Group. Kevin's work encompasses goals-based wealth management planning for individuals and families, as well as managing 401(k) plans through Merrill's Fiduciary Advisory Services Platform, which includes services such as investment policy development, fiduciary services, participant education, and plan design consulting. Kevin holds a High School Diploma from Beavercreek High School, an Associate's Degree from Middle Georgia State University, and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Georgia. He also holds several professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). In addition to his professional responsibilities, Kevin is actively involved in his community. He is a current member of the Macon North Rotary Club, served as its President during 2015-16, and participated in the 2018 Leadership Macon Class. He has also been a board advisor for United in Pink and served on the Middle Georgia State University Alumni Board. His personal interests include spending time with his wife and two daughters, mentoring, public service, cycling, running, swimming, yoga, and CrossFit.

Jackson Evans is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He transitioned from a career in the banking industry to focus on helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals and dreams. Jackson utilizes Merrill’s investment insights along with access to Bank of America’s banking services to develop comprehensive financial strategies tailored to clients' unique needs. His expertise includes retirement planning, lifetime cash flow analysis, risk tolerance assessment, and wealth planning services, integrating credit, lending, and banking solutions through Bank of America. Jackson’s client focus areas include college education planning, defined benefit plans, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, and small business strategies. Jackson holds a Business degree with a major in Management from Georgia Southern University. He is involved in his community through participation with Habitat For Humanity of Macon, Georgia, supporting efforts to build safe and affordable homes in the local area. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, camping, golfing, hiking, music, and spending time with his family.