Excelsior Wealth Management Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
69 State Street
Albany NY 12207
(518) 462.8357
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Mission Statement
Rooted in the Capital Region and guided by New York State’s enduring principle of "Excelsior—ever upward", The O’Connor, Hazelton, Coleman, Barnes & Curto Team partners with high net worth individuals, families, business leaders, and dedicated professionals who aspire to build a lasting legacy. We advance generational planning with thoughtful strategy, bold vision, and steadfast stewardship—empowering every client to grow, protect, and transfer wealth that continues to rise. Through personalized advice and adaptive investment strategies, we transform financial decisions into clear, confident direction that builds enduring strength for tomorrow.
Welcome

With over 100 years of combined experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and more than $1 billion in client assets (as of 3/1/2026), we’ve helped families navigate milestones—from first homes to retirements and everything in between. Those moments remind us that every client has a story, and every goal matters. As a legacy team of long‑tenured and newly added high‑achieving advisors, we unite deep experience with fresh perspective and continued growth. Together, we deliver clear guidance and personalized strategies that support the future you envision—helping you move confidently toward the future you’re building for generations to come.

About Us
Your Wealth Partners

Our team brings together advisors who have spent decades guiding clients along with rising next‑generation talent who are shaping the future of our practice.

What we're most proud of isn't just our experience, but the relationships we've built. We take the time to get to know you—what drives you, what keeps you up at night, and what you envision for yourself and the people you care about.

Our purpose is simple: to help you feel supported, understood, and confident as you move toward the life you envision. We're excited to be part of your financial journey.

Thank you for placing your trust in us—we look forward to growing with you every step of the way.

Meet Our Team
James O'Connor,

CIMA®

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
518.462.8357
William Hazelton,

CIMA®, CPFA®

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
518.462.8386
M Burke Coleman,

CIMA®, CPWA®, CRPS™

Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
518.462.8387
Michael Barnes
First Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
518.462.8374
Brian O'Connor
Financial Advisor
518.462.8351
Matteo Curto
Financial Advisor
518.462.8350
Kristen S Dwyer
Officer, Wealth Management Client Associate
518.462.8314
Nate Stanley
Officer, Wealth Management Client Associate
518.462.8352
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Elan Schlossberg
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Peter Hekl
Wealth Strategist
Merrill
Randy Drzewicki
Wealth Management Lending Officer
NMLS #117123
Bank of America, N.A.
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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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Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™, CRPS™, and the CRPS™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®, CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst®, CPWA® and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for certification.