Chelsea Smith

Donald Newton is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in Baton Rouge. He provides comprehensive financial advice and wealth management services tailored to meet the complex needs of individuals, families, and businesses. His areas of focus include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, portfolio management, retirement income, and services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits. Newton assists clients in making informed life decisions, aligning financial options with their goals, and facilitating tax-efficient wealth transfer. He also offers guidance on personal and corporate liquidity, financing, and cash management. Newton holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and French from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University, where he also served as a graduate assistant football coach. Since beginning his career with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1991, he has maintained a comprehensive approach that emphasizes listening to clients and developing strategies grounded in their overall life objectives. He is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and is fluent in English and French. Outside of his professional work, Newton enjoys coaching, playing guitar, and canoeing. He is engaged in community service consistent with Merrill’s tradition of local involvement.

Bryan Mcclendon is Senior Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he provides wealth management planning services and portfolio strategies tailored to individuals and businesses. His expertise encompasses investment style diversification, liability management, hedges, option strategies, and alternative investments. Bryan works closely with clients and, when appropriate, their tax and legal advisors to develop financial strategies aligned with clients’ goals, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and timelines. His focus areas include college education planning, family wealth management, retirement income, tax minimization, and services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits. Bryan began his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hampden-Sydney College and a high school diploma from Darlington School. He has earned the designations Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Bryan is involved with professional organizations such as Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Coastal Conservation Association, Knock Knock Museum, and Baton Rouge Symphony. He also volunteers with Grace Episcopal Church in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. Residing in St. Francisville with his wife Laura and their two sons, Turner and Mills, Bryan enjoys a range of personal interests including cooking, fishing, gardening, golfing, hiking, hunting, traveling, watching movies, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

Cory Ludwick is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in personalized wealth management strategies. He focuses on developing comprehensive approaches tailored to clients’ unique financial situations, goals, and values, offering flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. Cory provides clients access to Merrill's investment insights alongside the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America, addressing diverse aspects of their financial lives. His areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, socially responsible and ESG investing, and tax minimization. Cory holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His education includes a High School Diploma from Seven Rivers Christian, coursework in finance at the University of Arizona Global Campus, and attendance at the University of Central Florida. Cory participates in community service consistent with Merrill's tradition of community involvement. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys baseball, basketball, football, golfing, swimming, and spending time with his family.

Donovan Davis is a Wealth Management Advisor leading the Davis Kelleher Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has over 45 years of experience serving wealthy individuals and families, as well as institutional and nonprofit clients. The group provides a range of services to meet diverse client needs, with combined experience exceeding 120 years. Donovan joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1980. He focuses on strategic asset allocation, manager identification, and wealth management planning. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Louisiana System and a Master's Degree from the Louisiana State University System. He is certified as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Donovan is involved with the American Israel Public Affairs Council (AIPAC) and contributes to the community through Hillsdale College. He is married to Tricia and has two children, Christine and John.