Daniel Perez

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.

Arturo Aupont is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who joined the team in 2018. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Illinois Chicago and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He maintains FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations. Arturo specializes in wealth management strategies tailored to a select group of successful business owners and company executives. His areas of focus include education planning, equity compensation services, LGBT wealth planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. He is dedicated to providing clarity and confidence throughout his clients’ financial journeys by aligning their wealth with their personal goals. Outside of his professional role, Arturo is a husband, father, and soccer enthusiast. He speaks both English and Spanish.