Heather Maki

Joellen Coffman is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing extensive experience in family wealth management, personal retirement planning, socially responsible and values-based investing, and a focus on women and wealth. She joined Merrill in 1998 following nearly two years at American Funds, and prior to that served in the US Navy from 1990 to 1997. Her military background influenced her dedication to strategy and service, qualities she applies daily in her role advising clients. Joellen holds professional designations as a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and is affiliated with the US Social Investment Forum (USSIF). She completed high school at both Austin High School and Lake Mills High School and attended Saint Leo University, Central Texas College, and Austin Community College without earning a degree. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of financial priorities including income generation, education savings, retirement savings, healthcare, and insurance strategies, facilitated through a disciplined goals-based planning process. Beyond her professional work, Joellen is active in community service, volunteering with organizations such as the 23rd Veteran, First Witness Child Advocacy Center, Tee It Up for The Troops, and The Nature Conservancy. Her personal interests include cooking, gardening, golfing, and traveling. She emphasizes understanding clients’ life priorities as an essential element of creating personalized financial strategies tailored to individual goals and aspirations.

John Docter is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining Merrill in 1984, he has focused on customizing asset allocation strategies to address the evolving needs of individual, family, and business clients. John incorporates both traditional and alternative market-linked investments in portfolios designed to enhance alpha, reduce beta, and implement downside hedging strategies. John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional work, he is actively involved in community activities such as Habitat for Humanity and has served as a pace car driver for Grandma’s Marathon since 1976. John is married and pursues personal interests in fitness, competitive water skiing, and trail building.

James Joynes is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor based in Merrill Lynch’s Duluth, Minnesota office. As the senior and founding partner of Joynes Wealth Management Group, he leads a team of financial professionals dedicated to serving the specialized needs of individuals and families of wealth. The group includes three financial advisors and an administrative professional, each contributing distinct skills to deliver comprehensive and responsive client service. With a career at Merrill beginning in 1988 following his graduation from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a major in Finance and Marketing, James leverages decades of experience to assist clients in setting long-term financial goals and implementing customized wealth management strategies. His expertise spans wealth management, retirement planning, college planning, portfolio development, and small business strategies. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, he manages personalized strategies that may include individual securities, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investments, sometimes on a discretionary basis. He holds multiple professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). James draws on his background growing up in a multi-generational family business to offer insight into family dynamics and the challenges facing small business owners. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he is involved in community initiatives such as the Joynes Youth Challenge, which provides scholarships for youth participation in the Lutsen 99er mountain bike race, and participates in various sporting events and races. His personal interests include adventure sports, biking, hiking, running, skiing, and spending time with his family.