Scott Phillips

Luke Mc Donald is a Financial Advisor with The Don McDonald Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, which comprises seven members and collectively holds over 80 years of experience. He joined the team in 2023, bringing skills in effective communication, comprehensive research, and accurate work developed during his studies at Full Sail University. Luke works closely with clients to align their financial goals and personal values with their investment strategies. His areas of focus include legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, special needs planning strategies, tax minimization, and retirement income. He holds professional designations as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He earned a bachelor's degree from Full Sail University, an associate's degree from the University of Arkansas System, and completed his high school education through homeschooling. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Luke volunteers with Young Life, a local Christian ministry for high school students, and serves actively in his church. He resides in Fort Smith with his wife, Emily, and enjoys cooking and preparing coffee for family and friends in his free time.

Adam Plattner is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with clients to develop customized wealth management strategies that address their unique financial situations and priorities. Adam emphasizes a comprehensive approach that connects all aspects of a client’s financial life, adapting to changing market conditions to help pursue their most important goals. Adam holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas System. He began his career with a two-year internship at Merrill Lynch in Rogers, Arkansas, and in 2005, he joined the Plattner-Smith Group in Fort Smith alongside his mother, Sue. Adam’s areas of focus include family wealth management, legacy planning, retirement income, philanthropic and socially responsible investing, as well as specialized planning for the LGBT and women’s communities. In addition to his professional work, Adam serves on the board of Kitties and Kanines. He enjoys cooking, fishing, skiing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Dawsyn Smith is a Financial Solutions Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he partners with clients to develop personalized strategies aimed at pursuing their financial goals. He emphasizes a client-centric approach, taking the time to understand what matters most to individuals and families in order to provide tailored advice on investing, retirement planning, and saving for unforeseen expenses. Smith holds professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree and an Associate's Degree from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, studies at the University of West Florida, and a High School Diploma from South Side High School. He is committed to providing ongoing guidance to adapt to his clients’ changing financial needs.

Don Mcdonald is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He leads a team of professionals dedicated to delivering personalized wealth management strategies that address both personal and corporate financial goals. Don combines the resources of Merrill Lynch with banking convenience and lending solutions from Bank of America to create flexible strategies tailored to changing market conditions. With a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Southern Arkansas University, Don began his career at Merrill in 1989 and has since developed expertise in financial strategy and portfolio construction for high net-worth clients. He holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®. Don’s client focus spans areas such as corporate executive services, retirement planning, philanthropic planning, special needs planning, and managing new wealth. Raised on a cattle farm in Northeast Arkansas, Don applies values of hard work and integrity to his professional practice. He is active in his local Baptist church, serving as a deacon and participating in financial education ministry, and he contributes to his community through roles such as serving on the Business Advisory Council for the Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University and mentoring college business students. Outside of work, Don enjoys fishing, hunting, traveling, and woodworking.