Jeff Johnson

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.

Riley Fieldhouse is a Financial Solutions Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their priorities and develop tailored strategies aimed at achieving their short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. He provides guidance on general investing, retirement planning, and saving for unexpected events, while also facilitating access to specialists in banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions through Bank of America. With expertise as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA), Riley focuses on helping clients navigate complex financial demands such as home buying, education funding, eldercare, and healthcare planning. He emphasizes ongoing advice and portfolio adjustments aligned with clients’ evolving needs. Riley holds a High School Diploma/GED from Lake Central Highschool.