Keith Kitagawa joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2020 and has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Keith is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certificant.  He provides comprehensive financial advice, utilizing strategies and appropriate solutions based upon the clients time horizon, liquidity needs, and overall investment goals, while accounting for overall fees.  He provides holistic and comprehensive advice for high net worth individuals and corporate executives, and works with these individuals to help them navigate such complexities such as executive compensation planning (ex: advising on the timing of exercising Incentive Stock Options, educating clients how Section 1202/QSBS treatment can affect taxes paid, whether to elect 83b elections, and other equity compensation topics), all while advising on other advanced retirement, estate planning, and charitable giving matters.Keith works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives who are realizing liquidity events. He leverages the internal resources and services of Bank of America’s consumer, commercial and investment banks, as well as the Merrill enterprise, to help maximize the opportunity for success.  His comprehensive advice helps prepare the client for an exit both personally and financially, while he works with external partners to help ensure the business itself is prepared for an exit. This coordinated and comprehensive planning advice helps these owners and executives maximize their desired financial outcomes, and helps ensure that not only will they realize a successful sale, but they will also realize a successful exit.Keith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, and his Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA Anderson. Prior to beginning his career in financial services, Keith served five years of active duty as a submarine officer in the United States Navy, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander before leaving military service.Keith follows the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve.  He currently serves as the Chair of the Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Kroc Center in San Diego, and serves as a US Naval Academy Blue & Gold Officer for local high schools.  In addition, he is the President of the San Diego Chapter of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association.