Judd started his wealth management career in 1994 when he was recruited to Merrill to become a Financial Advisor. Judd founded the Peterson Group, and, as a Senior Financial Advisor, he focuses on serving the needs of individuals, families, businesses, and non-profit institutions. Judd utilizes the resources of Merrill and Bank of America to help his clients with various needs related to wealth management planning, estate planning, philanthropic planning, family legacy planning, retirement planning, and lending. The Peterson Group and Westmoreland Group have partnered to serve clients since 2013.

Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Judd was Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer for First State Savings and Loan, which was a profitable financial institution that sold after several successful years in business.  After First State, Judd served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the newly opened Commercial State Bank, which also sold after several years for a large profit.    

Judd was born and raised in Florida, where his parents also grew up.  Judd’s father served in World War II as a P-51 Fighter Pilot on Iwo Jima flying attack missions against the Japanese mainland including Tokyo.

Judd attended the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida and received a B.S.B.A. degree in Accounting.  In addition, Judd has passed the CPA Examination.  However, Judd does not provide tax advice in his current role with Merrill. 

Judd has served as a Board Member for numerous charities, including The Union Rescue Mission Foundation, Covenant House of Florida Governing Board, House of Hope, Rotary Club, Baptist Housing, Liz’s Legacy, and Mission Poland.  Judd and his wife, Rhonda, have two daughters and eight grandchildren.
I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.