Mark Stern

I work with women who feel unseen by traditional financial service providers, and are tired of being talked at instead of spoken to. This includes women breadwinners, who want to be sure they're doing all they can with their money to secure the future; and women who feel like they should be able to create a financial plan but aren't sure where to start. Outside of financial planning, I serve on the board of a non-profit affordable housing network in the metro New York area, am active in my local Rotary Club, and am slowly learning how to build a garden that is friendly to pollinators and unappealing to rabbits. My journey has included life and work in India, Vietnam and other places, an MBA from Cornell University, several years on a trading floor right out of college and stops along the way that contribute to the life experience that I bring to each of you.

George Decker is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 45 years of experience in the industry, he provides personalized wealth management strategies to help clients pursue their long-term financial goals. George is committed to creating flexible financial plans tailored to the evolving market conditions, leveraging the investment insights of Merrill and the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America. George holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He is actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for Angels of Light and having previously served on the boards of Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Hope on a Mission, and New Horizons Resources. George lives in Millbrook, New York with his wife Lori and is a father of six children and grandfather to ten grandchildren.

Marc P. Cassalina, CFP®, is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor based in the Poughkeepsie, NY office of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 35 years of experience at Merrill, including a decade as Senior Resident Director of the Poughkeepsie office, he specializes in family wealth management, personal retirement planning, and retirement income strategies. Marc develops financial plans focused on retirement assets, asset management, tax minimization, charitable giving, and estate planning to help clients pursue their goals while building and preserving wealth for current and future generations. Marc earned his Bachelor of Science degree and completed the educational component of the CFP® certification at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and is recognized as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional role, Marc and his wife Margarete are committed to supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where Marc serves on national committees and was honored with the Breath of Life Award in 2022. Their personal connection to cystic fibrosis includes their son Eric, who works alongside Marc, and their late daughter Jena. Marc and Margarete also support the Culinary Institute of America and the African Mission Health Organization, participating in donor trips to Africa. They reside in Milton, NY, and enjoy travel, golf, and their role as grandparents.

Lisa Preudhomme is a Financial Solutions Advisor (FSA) with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, she works closely with clients to understand their personal priorities and develop tailored financial strategies. Her approach emphasizes simplicity and transparency in managing investments and wealth planning. With expertise spanning general investing, retirement planning, and saving for unexpected events, Lisa focuses on helping clients pursue their individual financial goals. She holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York system.