Jacob Normand

Karlena Renan is the Senior Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she oversees a team of financial advisors. She brings extensive experience in providing financial strategies and guidance to successful individuals and business owners. Karlena follows a disciplined wealth management process that incorporates time-tested investment principles and adapts to evolving economic conditions. Her approach emphasizes listening closely to clients in order to develop customized strategies that align with their personal and financial goals. Karlena’s expertise includes areas such as college education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, retirement income strategies, tax minimization, and portfolio management services. She is dedicated to delivering premier service and leveraging Merrill’s extensive resources to help clients navigate each stage of their financial lives. In addition to her advisory role, she has been serving as the Resident Director of Merrill's Plantation, Florida office since May 2013, where she manages the activities of 16 financial advisors. Karlena holds a Bachelor's Degree from Nova Southeastern University and maintains professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She is based in East Fort Lauderdale and enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, traveling, and engaging in various sports and cultural activities.

Albert Merchent is a Senior Vice President and Senior Resident Director - Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill in Fredericksburg, VA. With a career spanning over four decades since 1982, he has dedicated more than 25 years to financial, wealth, and asset management. Albert focuses on helping clients develop personalized financial strategies aimed at pursuing long-term goals, including college education planning, personal retirement planning, tax minimization, and retirement income. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond's Robins School of Business and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Investments from George Washington University's School of Business. Albert has earned several professional designations, including Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His approach is informed by extensive experience navigating market cycles and the power of compounding returns. Beyond his professional work, Albert is active in his community as a member of the Rotary Club of Rappahannock-Fredericksburg and has held various positions at Trinity United Methodist Church. His personal interests include basketball, cooking, football, music, and spending time with his family.