Merrill hired Lisa in 1991, recognizing the strength of her character shaped by her extensive business experience. Her early career was driven by determination, and she continues to apply that same commitment to serving her clients today. Lisa was drawn to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management because she understood the vital importance of financial literacy. She recognized that acquiring knowledge would benefit both her and the clients she serves. The most rewarding moments in her career have been those where she has empowered individuals with financial insight and strength. Today, Lisa is a seasoned financial advisor, leveraging her extensive knowledge and innovative perspectives to assist active and retired high-net-worth clients across generations and geographical locations. Her entrepreneurial spirit informs her practical approach, enabling clients to “see around corners” and plan for both likely and unlikely scenarios. As a Senior Portfolio Advisor, Lisa manages discretionary investment strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs, while also selecting from a diverse array of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios and third-party investment strategies to create optimal solutions. Lisa is highly credentialed, having completed advanced industry training at the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. She also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation from the College for Financial Planning. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lisa is dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting fellow financial professionals. She serves on the leadership committee of the Merrill Lynch Women’s Exchange, where she oversees the Mentor Program that connects mentors and mentees throughout the firm to foster personal and professional growth. Lisa is also active in various philanthropic endeavors, including the Upstate Foundation and The CNY Community Foundation. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Alfred University. She and her husband, Robert, a managing partner at a prominent Syracuse law firm, have raised three competitive ski racer children. A lifelong resident of Central New York, Lisa enjoys golfing and boating in the summer, and skiing and traveling in the winter. In the evenings, she loves to unwind by taking long walks with her family and their beloved French bulldog, Rocky.
**\*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.**
Over twenty-five years of experience with helping individuals, families and companies succeed in the financial world has taught me some important basic pillars upon which I structure my business. I understand every client is different, the importance of applying team research and resources to deliver exceptional customer service, and while dollars and cents are important, my success is best measured by the satisfaction of my clients.
In the financial world, one size certainly does not fit all. My successful business relationships vary widely, and include active and retired individuals, business owners, professors, administrators, sport professionals and corporate executives. In my experience, our most successful client relationships are crafted first by my ability to fully grasp each individual client's attitudes, ambitions and goals. Next, we apply Merrill research tools to craft an investment management strategy geared for the individual client. This process may take some time and communication, but in the long run it has been proven to be a key to financial success.
Customer service is critical to my business model, and my clients will tell you this is an area where my team absolutely excels. My awesome Wealth Management Client Associate, Kimberly Biggs, is prepared to assist clients, and with the combined strength of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America, N.A. behind us, rest assured we can bring the right people to the table in almost any situation. Our resources include knowledgeable and experienced global trust, insurance, credit and lending specialists. In addition, we often coordinate with clients' CPAs, attorneys, other service professionals to develop critical aligned tax minimization, estate planning services and liability management strategies.
My team and I have a heartfelt desire to help people in this challenging financial environment, and we express that desire daily. Clients often express anxiety and concerns about things like the political climate, an end to the bull market, and whether they're properly positioned to begin a work-optional retirement. Others face multiple challenges – saving for college and retirement, paying high taxes and maintaining their lifestyle. I try to live and work as a "straight shooter," and don't always tell clients what they want to hear. Instead, we may employ strategies from "tough love" discussions to rein in spending during retirement to advising clients to take care of their needs first.
My successful business model can be summarized in a simple formula: Understand client needs and apply professional team resources to reach and exceed goals.
*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofAS") and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.
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.
