Adam Walsh

John Jacobi is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 30 years of experience to his role. He specializes in wealth management and investment strategies, retirement planning and income solutions, executive compensation planning, managing concentrated stock positions, small business 401(k) plans with fiduciary guidance, tax-efficient strategies and generational wealth planning, as well as sustainable and values-based investing. He serves individuals, families, and business owners, focusing on providing clarity and control over their financial futures. John holds multiple professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont and a master's degree in Finance from Boston College. Beyond his professional work, John is active in his community. He serves as President of the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Bennington County, focusing on expanding affordable housing in Vermont. He also coaches youth sports, including the Bridgewater Girls Softball League and Bridgewater Youth Soccer, and is involved with the Magic Mountain Alpine Club. In his personal time, John enjoys skiing, golfing, fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Caralee Kennedy is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based near the Manchester Center office in Vermont. Since joining Merrill in 2019 as a Client Associate in Saratoga Springs, she returned to her home state in 2020 to advance her career. Caralee provides guidance to executives managing concentrated stock positions or navigating significant life transitions such as retirement, inheritance, or business sales. She also offers access to Bank of America Private Bank’s trust, estate planning, credit, lending, and banking services, working collaboratively with clients' attorneys, accountants, and other professional advisors to coordinate comprehensive financial and legacy plans. Caralee holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She serves as Secretary of the Board for the Rutland Vermont NAACP and volunteers with several community organizations, including Burr and Burton Academy, JDRF, Meals on Wheels, Mettawee Community School, Spartan Race, and Tough Mudder. Caralee enjoys hiking, travel, fitness, and spending time with her family. She is originally from Southern Vermont and is active in local efforts to educate students in subjects such as science and finance.

Carl Cascella is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on helping clients develop personalized financial strategies tailored to their individual goals and adapting to changing market conditions. Carl provides clients with access to investment insights from Merrill, along with banking and lending solutions through Bank of America. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Carl earned his Bachelor's Degree from Harvard University. In addition to his professional work, he is committed to community involvement and volunteers with local organizations.

Adam Ihasz is a Senior Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor based in Manchester, Vermont. He has over 30 years of experience in finance, starting his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Forest Hills, New York. Adam’s professional background includes roles as an Investment Advisor, Institutional Trader, Portfolio Manager, and Chairman and CEO of his family-run investment advisory business. His expertise spans asset management, institutional sales trading, and alternative asset management focused on selecting disciplined hedge fund strategies uncorrelated to underlying markets. Throughout his career, Adam has worked with a range of clients, including some of the largest hedge funds, providing trading ideas and strategies centered on technical analysis, event-driven opportunities, and special situations. He holds several FINRA registrations, including Series 7, 24, 31, 53, 55, and 65, as well as the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation. Adam's education includes coursework at Long Island University. Adam lives in Danby, Vermont, with his wife Ronda and their two daughters. He maintains a fitness-oriented lifestyle and has competed in amateur bodybuilding competitions. He is also actively involved in the local community, reflecting the Merrill tradition of service. His client focus areas include family wealth management, retirement planning, college education planning, and socially responsible investing.

Rhonda Lathrop is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, leveraging her expertise to help clients pursue personalized wealth management strategies. She combines access to Merrill’s investment insights with the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America to support her clients' financial goals. Rhonda focuses on a broad range of client needs including college education planning, family wealth management, LGBT wealth planning, retirement planning, and socially responsible investing. With a background as a former entrepreneur and technology executive, Rhonda applies her problem-solving skills and experience to empower and educate clients across various stages of financial life. She works closely with diverse client demographics, including women in transition, blended families, and multiple generations. Her approach emphasizes understanding client values, family dynamics, and legacy planning through thoughtful communication and collaboration with relevant professionals. Rhonda holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and carries multiple professional designations, including Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She participates actively in professional and community organizations such as the Okemo Valley Womens Club, Catamount Trail Organization, Stratton Mountain School Race Crew, BC Alumni Vermont Chapter, and the BART Adaptive Program. Outside of work, Rhonda enjoys gardening, golfing, skiing, tennis, and spending time with her family.