Christopher Ray

Derek Braggs is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined Merrill in 2011 and focuses on retirement and college planning for individuals and families. His areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and retirement income. Before joining Merrill, Derek worked as an environmental scientist for URS Corporation in Chicago, consulting for companies such as BP and ArcelorMittal. He graduated with distinction from Indiana University in 2004. Derek holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Derek lives in Valparaiso with his family. He serves as a board member for The Dunes Learning Center and Taltree Arboretum & Gardens. His personal interests include adventure sports, basketball, billiards, camping, golfing, music, reading, skiing, spending time with his family, and table tennis.

Ronda Scanlon is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been with Merrill since 1998 and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Ronda and her team work with individuals, families, and business owners to develop personalized wealth management strategies that focus on growing wealth and managing investment risks. Her client focus areas include family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services. Ronda holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She earned her high school diploma from Carmel High School and attended Indiana University without receiving a degree. Committed to understanding the unique priorities of her clients, she emphasizes creating flexible financial plans tailored to individual goals and aspirations. In addition to her professional work, Ronda participates in community volunteering and enjoys personal interests such as antiquing, baseball, and gardening.

Eric Zehnder is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2025. In his role, he focuses on assisting clients with retirement planning to align their financial strategies with their personal goals and lifestyle preferences. Eric's approach centers on helping clients manage their investments so they can enjoy their retirement without financial concerns. His professional experience is dedicated to guiding clients through planning for their needs and wants during retirement. Outside of his professional work, Eric has interests that include biking, fitness, gardening, golf, and running.