John Williams

At Pier 42 Advisors, we understand that successful wealth planning is about more than just plugging numbers into a formula and generating a generic plan. Instead, it’s about taking the time to understand your specific needs and the “why” behind your motivations. Our goal is to serve as your trusted partner by working alongside you to incorporate your values, emotions, concerns and motivations into a tailored financial plan to guide your actions. By focusing primarily on building relationships, trust and understanding, we are better able to help you achieve your version of financial success, whatever that may be.

With over 18 years of experience in financial planning, estate management, and investment advisory services, I founded Vineyard Wealth Group to help families, individuals, and non-profits navigate their financial journeys with confidence. My approach combines personalized planning, trusted advice, and innovative strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals and values, with a particular emphasis on Social Security analysis and decision-making as a cornerstone of financial success. Prior to starting Vineyard Wealth Group, I spent nearly 14 years at Charles Schwab, managing a $15 billion complex with over 30 employees, and served as a Senior Financial Advisor at Martha's Vineyard Investment Advisors. These experiences honed my ability to deliver comprehensive and collaborative wealth management solutions. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, I bring advanced expertise in asset management, estate planning, tax strategies, and Social Security planning, along with credentials as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist® and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor®. My Six Sigma Black Belt certification further reflects my commitment to efficiency and excellence in service delivery. Beyond the numbers, I’m deeply invested in my community. I serve on the board of the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA, actively support local initiatives, and completed the 2023 Boston Marathon, raising over $8,000 for the Doug Flutie Jr. Autism Foundation. Let’s connect and explore how I can help you achieve financial clarity, optimize your Social Security decisions, and enjoy lasting peace of mind.

I grew up watching my parents pour everything they had into building small businesses from the ground up. Their work ethic was unmatched. But despite all their success, true financial security always seemed just out of reach. The missing piece? A cohesive plan to tie it all together. That stuck with me. It’s why I chose this path - to help people like my parents turn years of hard work into lasting peace of mind. It’s work that’s deeply meaningful to me, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I partner with clients to turn complex financial questions into clear, actionable strategies—especially around retirement timing, income planning, and tax efficiency. The goal isn’t just to create a plan, but to help you make confident decisions at every stage of life. Whether you are mid-career, nearing retirement, or just looking for a clearer path forward, I offer calm, objective guidance to help you move ahead with confidence. I especially enjoy working with Gen X professionals who are feeling the pressure of catching up—and are ready to take action. If you’re motivated to close the gap and build a secure, flexible future, we’re probably a strong fit.

Mary Sanchez is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works closely with her family members, including her mother, father, and uncle, focusing on serving divorced individuals, business owners, and highly compensated executives. The team operates out of South Florida, including Miami and Marco Island, as well as Wellesley, Massachusetts. The McKee Group, with over 70 years of combined experience, specializes in wealth management services that encompass retirement income planning, college education planning, wealth preservation, tax minimization strategies, risk management, and liability management. Mary and her team employ sophisticated modeling tools to develop financial strategies tailored to the creation, preservation, and transfer of wealth, emphasizing enduring client relationships and comprehensive personal assistance. Mary holds a Bachelor's Degree from Connecticut College and maintains the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She is an active member of the Junior League of Miami and serves as Co-Chair of the Women Who Make A Difference fundraiser for the organization. Outside of her professional commitments, Mary enjoys biking, boating, golfing, racquetball, scuba diving, skiing, swimming, tennis, yoga, and spending time with her family.

James Simpkins is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With 20 years of experience on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and a decade at Merrill, he utilizes his extensive industry background to help clients navigate financial markets and pursue their long-term goals. His areas of expertise include legacy planning, liquidity management, retirement income, portfolio management, and values-based investing, among others. James works closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies based on their individual objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. James holds a Bachelor's Degree from Colgate University and maintains professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Beyond his professional work, he is involved with the Marthas Vineyard Boys and Girls Club and enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Alec Mc Leod is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the Hyannis office. He works with clients to develop personalized wealth management strategies that align with their specific financial goals and positions. Alec's approach includes creating flexible financial plans that adapt to changing market conditions and leveraging the investment insights of Merrill alongside the banking and lending services of Bank of America. With four years of experience in the financial services industry at Merrill, Alec specializes in investment portfolios and financial planning. His expertise covers areas such as college education planning, retirement planning, tax minimization strategies, and divorce transition planning. Alec holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Alec graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics, focusing on Finance. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys fishing, football, hiking, pickleball, racquetball, and spending time with his family.