Heather Harshman

Paula McDonell is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 1989, she has provided personalized financial guidance to individuals, families, and businesses, assisting them in growing and preserving their wealth. Paula is a partner of the Caso, McDonell & Associates team, which has been recognized among Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" for multiple years, reflecting their commitment to client-focused service. Her expertise encompasses college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, retirement income, socially responsible and ESG investing, and portfolio management for defined contribution plans, among other areas. Paula holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). She completed an Accredited Certificate Program from the College for Financial Planning. Paula’s career has included assignments in South Florida, Princeton, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois, before returning to South Florida in 2002 to establish a professional partnership with Phil Caso. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, boating, camping, skiing, woodworking, and supporting theatre and the arts. She values family deeply as a wife, mother, and grandmother.