Crystal Bright

Sawyer Sams is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of the Smith Conkin Dixon Wealth Management Group. In his role, Sawyer and his team develop personalized wealth strategies for over 500 families across more than 40 states, utilizing a comprehensive planning approach that integrates Merrill's investment and planning resources with Bank of America's banking and lending capabilities. Before joining Merrill, Sawyer worked at a smaller wealth and investment management firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he led the firm's investment committee and was responsible for asset allocation strategy and trading activities. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Furman University and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. Sawyer is a member of the CFA Society of East Tennessee. Residing in Johnson City, Tennessee, Sawyer is involved in his community through membership at First Christian Church. He enjoys spending time with his family and participates in activities such as basketball, cooking, football, and pickleball.

Alvin Gills is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Pasadena. He has served in the financial services industry since 1994 and has been with Merrill Lynch since 1998. Alvin holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Finance from Christopher Newport University and Old Dominion University in Virginia. Alvin works with individuals, families, and business owners across all stages of the business cycle, from startup to maturity. He focuses on providing thoughtful and holistic financial guidance tailored to each client's unique needs, risk tolerance, and goals. His areas of expertise include employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, liquidity management, retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Alvin emphasizes building long-term relationships by listening carefully and educating clients to help them make informed decisions appropriate for their current economic environment and personal circumstances. Outside of his advisory role, Alvin is a committed family man and the father of two adult children. He has also been involved in his community as the retired head varsity softball coach at Arcadia High School. In his personal time, Alvin enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and spending time with his dogs.

Ethan Godsey is an Investment Consultant at Fidelity, a role he has held since 2024. Prior to this, he served as a Financial Representative at Fidelity in 2024 and was an Associate Advisor at WorthWhile Wealth Council from 2021 to 2024. In his professional capacity, Ethan focuses on understanding clients' financial goals and exploring how Fidelity's services can add value to their financial landscape. Outside of his professional work, Ethan has interests that include football, golf, spending time at the lake, movies, and pets.

Sarah Newman is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments. She partners with clients to build, implement, and maintain financial plans tailored to their specific financial goals. Sarah has been with Fidelity Investments since 2018, progressing through roles including Financial Representative, Relationship Manager, and Planning Consultant before her current position. Her experience at Fidelity Investments spans several years, during which she has developed expertise in comprehensive financial planning and client relationship management. Sarah's approach focuses on understanding individual client needs to deliver personalized financial solutions. Outside of her professional work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in activities such as gardening, reading, playing board games, and visiting the beach.

Christopher Bulle is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in retirement planning and delivering personalized advice and guidance to clients. He focuses on aligning investment portfolios with clients' individual needs and long-term financial goals. His client focus areas include small business strategies, women and wealth, and sports and entertainment. Before joining Merrill Lynch in March 2020, Christopher worked in retail banking. He employs a goals-based approach to wealth management, emphasizing the importance of regularly revisiting and updating financial strategies as clients experience major life events. Christopher holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University. He has also contributed to the financial community as a former board member of the NEThub Advisory Board. Outside of his professional role, Christopher enjoys basketball, boating, cooking, football, hunting, reading, scuba diving, skiing, spending time with his family, and traveling.