Michael Passero

Valerie Reyes is an Investment Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where she partners with clients to develop personalized financial plans that align with their goals. She aims to ensure clients feel informed, supported, and empowered to make decisions regarding their financial future. Valerie has held several roles at Fidelity Investments, including Planning Consultant from 2022 to 2025 and Relationship Manager from 2021 to 2022. Prior to joining Fidelity, she worked as a Financial Consultant at LA Pension Planners and Equitable Advisors. She holds a California Insurance License. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys board games, cooking and baking, spending time with pets, Pilates, snowboarding, and traveling.

Carlos Benites is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in long-term, consultative, and goals-based wealth management strategies. He provides integrated and customized services to a select group of high net worth families and business owners, including discretionary portfolio management, stock-option analysis, retirement planning, concentrated equity position strategies, life insurance analysis, and wealth preservation and transfer strategies. Carlos serves both domestic and international clients, helping them navigate complex financial needs with tailored solutions. Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with honors and played soccer. He also earned an MBA from American University’s Kogod School of Business, graduating as a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. His professional designations include CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Carlos is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. Outside of his professional work, Carlos is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys coaching and resides in Boca Raton with his wife and four children. He participates in community activities through Habitat for Humanity and the Naval Academy Alumni Foundation. His client focus areas include corporate executive services, education planning, family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, non-profits, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, employee financial health, managing new wealth, and personal retirement planning.