Robert Ward

Thomas Leonard is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With a 30-year career in the financial markets, he has led Institutional Sales teams for several major global financial firms and guided sophisticated investors through significant market events including the 1987 Stock Market Crash, the ERM Currency Crisis, the Dot-Com Stock Crisis, 9/11, and the 2008 Great Financial Crisis. This extensive experience has equipped him with practical knowledge to help individual investors navigate financial uncertainty. Thomas specializes in a broad range of client focus areas such as college education planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, special needs planning, and retirement income. He and his team adopt a consultative approach to develop customized financial strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals. As an active manager, Thomas is adept at adjusting clients’ portfolios to shifting market conditions, emphasizing organization and planning as keys to successful investing. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and a Master of Business Administration from Fordham University, and he holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Thomas participates in community service through involvement with the American Cancer Society. In addition to his professional interests, he enjoys golfing, traveling, yoga, and spending time with his wife and four daughters.

Michael Lagnese is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over seven years of experience in providing financial guidance to clients. He and his team employ a Goals-Based Wealth Management approach that places client priorities at the center of the wealth planning process. Leveraging the global resources of Merrill Lynch, Michael assists clients in identifying and prioritizing key financial objectives such as college education funding, retirement income planning, health care cost coverage, and family wealth preservation. Michael’s expertise encompasses a broad range of client focus areas, including personal retirement planning, portfolio management, employee and corporate benefits, as well as strategies tailored for small business owners and the LGBT community. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and completed his high school education at Hicksville High School, followed by an Associate's Degree from Nassau Community College. In addition to his professional activities, Michael is involved with the community organization Long Island Cares. His personal interests include biking, chess, cooking, golfing, and yoga.

Kerri Biondo is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in Riverhead, NY. She provides tailored financial advice and guidance to both individual and corporate clients. Kerri’s expertise spans various areas, including divorce transition and settlement planning, corporate and institutional benefit services, personal and corporate retirement planning, institutional and individual investment strategy, tax minimization, philanthropic planning, and trust management. She also specializes in working with endowments, foundations, and non-profits, focusing on aligning growth goals and managing corporate cash reserves. Kerri holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She earned her high school diploma at Rocky Point High School and an associate’s degree from Briarcliffe College. Fluent in English and Italian, she collaborates closely with her clients to develop personalized financial strategies designed to support their long-term goals and adapt to changing market conditions. Kerri prioritizes being available to clients throughout different stages of their financial and personal journeys to help position their assets for both growth and risk mitigation. In addition to her professional role, Kerri is active in her community through volunteering, reflecting a deep commitment aligned with the Merrill tradition of service. Her personal interests include cooking, interior decorating, reading, soccer, and spending time with her family.

Jeffrey Worthington is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in personalized wealth management strategies, focusing on areas such as college education planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, women and wealth, and retirement income. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Huntington, New York, Jeffrey attended Bowling Green State University and the University of Denver. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green State University and has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. With over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 37 years at Merrill, he brings extensive expertise to his role. Jeffrey is actively involved in his community and participates in volunteering with organizations such as the Kent Animal Shelter. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, reading, skiing, and spending time with his family. He is happily married with two grown children.

Cameron Russ is an Investment Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2024. He has been with Fidelity Investments since 2022, progressing through roles including Relationship Manager and Financial Service Representative. Prior to joining Fidelity, Cameron worked as a Financial Services Representative at Suffolk Credit Union from 2020 to 2022. Cameron works closely with clients to develop financial plans tailored to their individual goals and priorities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs to effectively build and implement these plans. His professional experience spans investment consulting, relationship management, and financial services. Outside of his professional role, Cameron has interests in baseball, cars, golf, snowboarding, soccer, and tennis.