Meet the Team
Recognition
Our Approach
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Our Vision
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Meet the Team

The private wealth advisors with Merrill Private Wealth Management are rigorously trained to help meet your specialized needs with relationships based on trust and personalized service.

Michael's focus is on helping clients manage the complexity of significant wealth and liquidity events. He offers a broad range of services designed to address the needs of successful business executives and entrepreneurs. Michael’s clients look to him and the team for specialized support and careful planning in the context of their unique circumstances. Together, they harness their talents and those of Merrill Private Wealth Management to advance client goals in multiple contexts:

·         Investment management
·         Liquidity event strategies
·         Trust and estate planning services
· Access to Bank of America’s customized credit and lending
·         Philanthropy
·         Family wealth dynamics and governance

Michael and the team also have significant and unique experience in the distinct planning and financial management issues faced by families where a member has a medical disability, severe illness or special needs.

The Duckworth Haggerty group is a seventeen-person team that serves 100 core families.

Mike was named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list as a member of the Duckworth Haggerty Group (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.) Barron's named him to its 2023 "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors" list, state-by-state, his thirteenth year of recognition (*Source: The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year). Additionally, Michael also was named to Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list in 2023, his sixth year on their rankings list (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year).

Michael joined Merrill in 2008 with 15 years of experience in the private client advisory group of a large commercial bank. He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Michael is the immediate past President of the board of directors for the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. He and his wife Tracy live north of Pittsburgh with their three children.

*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

Data provided by SHOOK(R) Research, LLC. Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or
prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

*Source: The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.

The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. This is a list of the top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. Other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and 100-plus points of data provided by the advisors themselves. Rankings and recognition from Barron’s are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Michael Duckworth

Managing Director

Private Wealth Advisor

412.338.5264

Jennifer is a founding member of the Duckworth Haggerty Group. She joined Merrill in 2008 with nine years of financial and tax advisory experience at a "Big Four" accounting firm and four years' experience in the private client advisory group of a large commercial bank. She draws on this background in her focus on helping clients to preserve their wealth and transfer it to the next generation. Jennifer does not provide tax or legal advice in her role at Merrill.

Jennifer was named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list as a member of the Duckworth Haggerty Group (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022). Jennifer was named to the Working Mother/SHOOK Research’s “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” list in 2021 (*Source: Working Mother/SHOOK Research’s “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” list, published on October 12, 2021. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31, 2021) and for the sixth consecutive year to the Forbes’ “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list in 2023 (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year). Jennifer was named to the Forbes "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors" list in 2021 (*Source: Forbes "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors" list, published on March 24, 2021. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2020) and to the Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors - Best-in-State" list in both 2022 and 2023. (*Source: The Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list, published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30 of prior year).

She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in economics and received a juris doctor degree from The Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University.

Jennifer is on the Board of The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and is active with other local organizations. She and her husband share their time between Chicago and Pittsburgh.

*Named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Published on April 4, 2023. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2022.*

2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). Shook’s rankings do not reflect any client experience, endorse any advisor , indicate future performance and are available for client evaluation only. Compensation was not received from any Advisors for the study. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com.

*Source: Working Mother/SHOOK Research’s “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” list, published on October 12, 2021. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31, 2021.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. SHOOK Research considered women advisors with children living at home under 21 years of age. The ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures derived from telephone and in-person interviews and surveys: service
models, investing process, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria, such as assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Rankings and recognition from Working Mother/SHOOK Research are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Neither SHOOK nor Working Mother receives compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. SHOOK Research is a trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

*Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list, published on March 24, 2021. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2020.

Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC. The Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major
component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment
performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list, published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment
success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or
representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC..

Jennifer Haggerty

Managing Director

Private Wealth Advisor

412.338.5266

Helen joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2011, bringing with her five years of experience in financial services. She focuses primarily on helping families who are managing significant complexity in their lives and delivers a broad range of services to address their unique planning and financial management needs. Helen holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. She has also earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation.

One of Helen’s areas of focus is helping families who have a loved one with a special need or disability, delivering a broad range of services to address their planning complexities. This includes the coordination of care, funding options, benefit planning and identification of resources.

Helen was named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list as a member of the Duckworth Haggerty Group. (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022).
Helen was named to Forbes‘ list of "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors" in 2018 (*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018) and Forbes’ list of “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” in 2019 and 2022 (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Aug - Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year).

*Named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Published on April 4, 2023. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2022.*

2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). Shook’s rankings do not reflect any client experience, endorse any advisor , indicate future performance and are available for client evaluation only. Compensation was not received from any Advisors for the study. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com.

*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018.

Forbes’ “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list was developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors considered for this ranking were born in 1980 or later with a minimum of four years of relevant experience; advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance or investment outcome. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes
Media LLC. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Aug - Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors” ranking. SHOOK considered advisors born in 1983 or later with a minimum 4 years as an advisor. Advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Helen L. Sims Duerr, CFP, CAP, CRPC

Senior Vice President

Private Wealth Advisor

412.338.5271

Chris enjoys offering financial guidance, education and wealth management strategies to help families and individuals address life’s financial challenges—and to simplify and improve their lives. When he joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2008, Chris had five years of previous experience in real estate finance. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

Chris graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics. During his years at UCSB, he studied abroad at the London School of Economics.

Chris was named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list as a member of the Duckworth Haggerty Group. (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.) Chris was named to Forbes‘ list of "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors" in 2018 (*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018) and Forbes’ list of “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” in 2019 (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019). Chris also teaches financial planning as an adjunct faculty member of Duquesne University.

Chris lives in Allison Park with his wife and four daughters.

*Named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Published on April 4, 2023. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2022.*

2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). Shook’s rankings do not reflect any client experience, endorse any advisor , indicate future performance and are available for client evaluation only. Compensation was not received from any Advisors for the study. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com.

*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018.

Forbes’ “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list was developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors considered for this ranking were born in 1980 or later with a minimum of four years of relevant experience; advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined
teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative
criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance or investment outcome. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes
Media LLC. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.

Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list was developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors considered for this ranking were born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience; advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams;
joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

Chris Lattimore, CFP

Senior Vice President

Private Wealth Advisor

412.338.5267

Brad Chiesa

Senior Vice President

Private Wealth Manager

412.338.5276

Jennifer Wanchisn, CFP, ChSNC

Vice President

Private Wealth Senior Relationship Manager

412.338.5272

Kristen Davis, CIMA

Vice President

Private Wealth Senior Investment Manager

412.338.5263

Justin Lloyd, CFP, CIMA

Vice President

Private Wealth Senior Investment Manager

412.338.5269

Jonathan Adams, CRPC

Vice President

Resident Director

412.338.5274

Ashley Bodenstein, CFP

Private Wealth Relationship Manager

412.338.5279

Frances Aboushousha, CFP

Private Wealth Relationship Manager

412.338.5270

Natalie Laux

Assistant Vice President

Private Wealth Associate

412.338.5278

Robert Dolce

Officer

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

412.338.5277

Tracy C. Solan

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

412.338.5262

Carlos A Youssef

Assistant Vice President

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

412.338.5265

Jay D. Palamides

Officer

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

412.338.5268

Emily R. Jordheim

Private Wealth Client Associate

412.338.5261

Additional Resources

The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Private Wealth Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.

Jill Sovick

Wealth Management Lending Officer

Bank of America, N.A.

NMLS #444294

Enkhlen Bayar

Wealth Management Banking Specialist

Merrill

Recognition

Merrill is proud of our advisors who’ve received recognition from financial industry publications or directly from Bank of America Corporation. We believe they are setting the standard for exemplary client service.

Michael Duckworth

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2023
Published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.*

Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State" 2011 -2022
Published annually in February - March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
Published annually Jan- April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Jennifer Haggerty

Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” 2023
Published on February 2, 2023. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2022.*

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2018 - 2023
Published annually Jan- April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Working Mother/SHOOK Research's "Top Wealth Advisor Moms" 2018
Published on October 2, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018.

Click here to learn more about these awards

Strategies designed to help you achieve your goals

As a client of Merrill Private Wealth Management, you have access to services and resources ordinarily reserved for the world’s largest institutions. We work with individuals, families spanning multiple generations, business owners and executives. Using a goals-based wealth management approach, we put our clients at the center of every personalized strategy.

Our Approach

A Skilled, Experienced Team

"Your client experience will be delivered by outstanding team members who are driven to simplify and improve your life, and have access to a vast array of services.”

Michael Duckworth
Managing Director
Private Wealth Advisor

The Duckworth Haggerty Group works closely with individuals, families and institutions as they address the complex challenges of preserving, enhancing and managing their wealth. We are driven by the strongly held belief that our purposeful effort—matched with our individual and collective skills—can help clients improve the quality of their lives.

Michael Duckworth, Jennifer Haggerty, Helen Sims Duerr, and Chris Lattimore, our team's Private Wealth Advisors, are highly trained and dedicated to the delivery of innovative financial strategies often demanded by the intricacies of substantial wealth. With more than two decades of professional experience to draw upon, our advisors focus on small numbers of ultra-high-net-worth clients so they can devote the necessary time and understanding to help them manage the financial responsibilities—including retirement and tax minimization strategies—that can accompany great wealth.

Our approach is multidimensional and includes investment advice and guidance; risk management; retirement income planning services; wealth transfer, trust and estate planning services; and care coordination* for families with special needs, as well as access to Bank of America banking services.

Click here to view the article "Helping the Whole Family".

Merrill Private Wealth Management

Merrill Private Wealth Management provides tailored strategies to help meet the distinct needs of individuals and families with substantial wealth. Clients are served with a boutique-like approach by teams of rigorously trained and experienced advisors who are skilled in working with wealthy clients, their families and businesses. Clients can enjoy a caliber of resources and future-focused strategies that is typically reserved for the world's largest enterprises.

Our Philosophy

We believe your unique goals should be at the center of all of your financial decisions and form the foundation of your financial strategy. Because significant wealth requires customized goals-based financial strategies, we believe in building lasting relationships with a limited number of clients, taking the time to understand your most important priorities for today, tomorrow and your long-term future. Our philosophy celebrates collaboration. Working with a team of specialists, we draw on the resources and insights of a global financial institution to create strategies that reflect your aspirations for yourself and current and future generations of your family. Finally, we believe that while significant wealth brings complex challenges, our experience, passion and perspectives can help you simplify your life.

Simplifying Your Financial Life

The single most important determinant of your experience with us is the quality of the relationship we develop with you. Of course, you expect thoughtful, professional financial advice and guidance, and we are committed to delivering it. However, it is the information that flows from the relationship—about you, your family, your goals, dreams and concerns—that allows us to offer value-added advice and guidance developed specifically for you.

We are part of a remarkable financial services company that is distinguished by its people, thought leadership and global presence.
We work with a select client base.
We emphasize asset allocation, risk-awareness and diversification in our disciplined investment process.
We review client investment portfolios so that asset class exposure stays aligned with your long-term allocation strategy

A Wealth Management Strategy Centered on You

A thoughtful, customized wealth strategy does not come “off the shelf.” It evolves from information that we learn about you and your family.

Laying the foundation for an individualized strategy requires insight and discipline. It is more than simply selecting investment managers; it is a process. It starts with gathering information about you so that your strategy and investments reflect your values.

It is dynamic and requires steady attention so that your strategy can change as your life changes. We focus on the broad aspects of your financial life, from wealth accumulation, reservation and intergenerational transfers, to philanthropic giving and legacy strategies.

Merrill Private Wealth Management Professionals

Our rigorously trained Private Wealth Advisors and Private Wealth Associates provide clients with a direct line to all of the resources and capabilities of a truly global investment firm—in ways that are more in keeping with a small, very exclusive boutique-like firm. Concierge services, family meetings, and private seminars and events are all part of the experience.

"Our wealth management process is driven by you. Your vision of the future, your financial needs and life passions are essential ingredients."

Jennifer L. Haggerty
Managing Director
Private Wealth Advisor

Services for Families With Special Care Needs

The Duckworth Haggerty Group has experience helping high-net-worth families across the country address the issues involved in funding lifetime care and support for a child or other family member with special needs. We recognize that preserving the wealth you have accumulated is an important concern, and we can help you develop strategies designed to avoid well-intentioned but inappropriate actions that may adversely affect the long-term financial security of your family member with special needs.

We can also work with you and your family to integrate special needs concerns into your broader wealth management approach. Our aim is to offer a high-quality concierge service, acting as an intermediary between you and the services your wealth enables. Our services include:

Advice and guidance on allocating funds to provide for a client's current and future financial needs.
If appropriate, coordinating with clients' other professional advisors (including CPAs, attorneys and fiduciaries) and specialized resource providers (such as medical equipment vendors, rehabilitative health care professionals or payroll services).
Educating and assisting clients to make informed decisions on wealth preservation and legacy planning strategies.
Helping families determine eligibility for public benefits.

"We are sensitive to both the financial and emotional challenges of providing support for a loved one who has a special need or disability."

Michael D. Duckworth
Managing Director
Private Wealth Advisor

A Commitment to Service

Merrill Private Wealth Management is committed to providing a select group of clients with highly personalized one-on-one service. When you work with us, our knowledgeable, rigorously trained private wealth advisors will gain a deep understanding of your goals, help you develop a multigenerational wealth strategy, and help you update your strategy as needed. We are committed to providing you access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, and Merrill will continue to invest in client tools and new technology to enhance your overall experience as you and your private wealth advisor pursue what’s most important to you.

Our Philosophy
Client Experience
Our Approach
Care Coordination
A Commitment to Service

Create a plan that is all about you.

Merrill Personal Wealth Analysis™ can help us build and document a personalized plan, centered on your goals and focused on what you want to achieve.

Learn more

Articles

Financial Education Matters

Inheritance Styles

Fair, Equal and Equitable

Empowered

Research and Insights

The power of leverage

Your dedicated Merrill Private Wealth Management team is ready to help you pursue what’s most important to you.

Our Vision

For clients of substantial means, Merrill Private Wealth Management provides an experience that is both powerful and personal. We are dedicated to helping you pursue your goals for today while developing an approach designed to support your family members for the years to come.

Your private wealth advisor and team of specialists work with a limited number of clients, enabling them to focus their time, training and passion on helping you simplify your personal and business finances and prepare your next generation.

THE DUCKWORTH HAGGERTY GROUP Duckworth, Haggerty, Lattimore, Sims Duerr

Meet the Team

Michael Duckworth

Jennifer Haggerty

Helen L. Sims Duerr, CFP, CAP, CRPC

Chris Lattimore, CFP

Brad Chiesa

Jennifer Wanchisn, CFP, ChSNC

Kristen Davis, CIMA

Justin Lloyd, CFP, CIMA

Jonathan Adams, CRPC

Ashley Bodenstein, CFP

Frances Aboushousha, CFP

Natalie Laux

Robert Dolce

Tracy C. Solan

Carlos A Youssef

Jay D. Palamides

Emily R. Jordheim

Additional Resources

Jill Sovick

Enkhlen Bayar

Recognition

Michael Duckworth

Jennifer Haggerty

Strategies designed to help you achieve your goals

Our Approach

A Skilled, Experienced Team

Our Philosophy

Simplifying Your Financial Life

A Wealth Management Strategy Centered on You

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