Patricia Barksdale Headshot Image
Patricia Barksdale
,
Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
51 John F Kennedy Pkwy
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973.912.3027
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I measure my performance by how well clients can perform in their lives-given my ability to make them comfortable with the strategy I've developed on their behalf. 
Profile

Patricia has spent the majority of her 40-year career at Merrill – serving ambitious individuals she describes as “fascinating and inspiring.” Many clients are well-known track-and-field athletes, directors, writers, Broadway actors and successful women in media and entertainment. Patricia also assists generations of extended families for whom her care, consideration and consistent attention are at the heart of each trusted relationship.

Rather than make assumptions about clients, Patricia makes time – to ask questions, as part of a thoughtful, planning-based approach that continues over time. “What’s important to you? Who are you responsible for? What are your fears – about investing and life? And what’s on your bucket list? Do you want to go back to school, take a course, travel the world, send your child to college or leave a legacy?”

Only after having meaningful dialogue does Patricia encourage “dollars and cents” discussions. She recognizes that clients are driven by life events they often cannot control.  For this reason, she helps clients plan and prepare for circumstances they anticipate and those they don’t. Providing emotional and personal guidance whenever possible, she feels the greatest reward helping clients address their life’s greatest challenges – the loss a loved one, illness, divorce, or a career change.

When it comes to investing, Patricia is equity-driven – given the long-term performance of the markets and the long-term philosophy she shares with clients. In building each client’s portfolio, she typically includes growth and income-oriented investments – and in some cases, alternative investments* she deems attractive, affordable and likely to offer reduced volatility. In all cases, her decisions are based on a client’s risk tolerance, investment timeline, liquidity needs, overall investment goals and other personal preferences.

A graduate of Kean University with dual degrees in Finance and Economics, Patricia also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM designation through the College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. She also completed the Merrill Financial Advisors Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

Patricia is a member of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, former board member for Kean University Foundation, where she was Chair of Board Development, former Kean University College of Business and Public Management advisory board member and formally served on the New Jersey Theatre Alliance Board. She was named one of the 2007 Women of Influence in Finance, Honoree of the Women's History Celebration by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, recipient of the 2014 Kean University Distinguished Alumni Award, 2017 David Brady Award** recipient and 2018 Kean University Women of Achievement Honoree. An avid sports fan, Patricia enjoys going to the theater, playing golf, listening to music, and is a strong advocate for teaching financial education with various organizations.  

*Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s objectives will be achieved.

**Bank of America Corporation’s David Brady Community Service Award is named for David Brady, a Merrill financial advisor who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He was highly respected for putting the client first and giving back to his community. The award that bears his name was created in 2007 and seeks to honor individuals within Bank of America Corporation Global Wealth & Investment Management who continue to emulate David’s ethos.

Recognition
David Brady Award, 2017
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About Me
Welcome

My mission, first and foremost, is to understand you and what matters most to you. Armed with that information I can ask thoughtful questions -- listening carefully, then understanding in detail where your wealth stands today and where you'd like it to be tomorrow. I help you design and implement a personalized plan intended to help you and your family pursue financial goals while helping manage investment risk. My approach is to focus on potential solutions that can help turn goals into reality.

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We take the time to listen and learn about you and your family before creating strategies that aim to meet your needs, goals and best interests now and in the future
About Merrill

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

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Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Patricia Barksdale is registered to do business in AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV.