Goodbody & Associates is a Private Wealth Management Team at Merrill. Located in Pittsford, New York, we exclusively work with ultra-high-net-worth clients, providing the insights and acumen required to address the complexities of significant wealth.
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.
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Heather is the Senior Vice President and founding advisor of Goodbody & Associates, Private Wealth Management Team at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Rochester, New York. She focuses on advising ultra high net worth families, private foundations and endowments, closely held business with respect to merger & acquisitions, and executive benefits. She is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor professional.
Heather has been recognized by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Barron’s magazine as a participant of the Barron’s Women’s Top Financial Advisors Symposium. In 2019, Investment News, recognized her on their Women to Watch list for the financial services industry. Heather was named to the Working Mother/SHOOK Research’s “Top Wealth Adviser Moms” list, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (*Published annually Sept – Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 of current year). Additionally, she was named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2018,2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (*Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year) and named to Forbes/SHOOK “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list in 2020 and 2021 (*Published annually Feb – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 – September 30 of prior year) and Forbes/SHOOK “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list in 2022, 2023(*Published on February 4, 2022. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2021).
Heather is actively involved in the Women’s Exchange at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she has held leadership positions as rising chair, chair and chair emeritus. Over the past 10 years, she has dedicated time to mentorship in helping women and girls move forward in their careers. She often says to her mentees, “follow your passion, do what makes you happy, and listen to your inner voice. Raise your hand and take risks.”
Heather is actively involved in the community, formerly serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women. She is the Former Trustee of The Rochester Museum & Science Center, previous Advisory Board Member for the Arts Center at Nazareth College, Strategic Planning Committee Member for The Rochester Area Community Foundation, and Past Board Member, The United Way of Greater Rochester Past Board Member of The Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. She and her husband, John, live in Pittsford, NY with their two sons.
*Source: Working Mother/SHOOK Research’s “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” list, published annually Sept - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 of current year. 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 Woman Advisors” list, published annually Feb - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 - September 30 of prior year. Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes.com America’s Top Women 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. 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 Best-in-State” list, published on February 4, 2022. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2021. Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes.com. America’s Top Women 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. 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.
Marie acts as the director of operations for Goodbody & Associates, focusing on client relations, operations and account management. She has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry and holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Operations. She handles all administrative tasks for the team and our clientele, specifically helping with banking and credit related matters. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2014, Marie was a client associate at Morgan Stanley.
In her spare time she enjoys camping and making her own candles and ceramics. Marie currently lives in Rochester, New York with her husband James.
Sarah is a Private Wealth Associate for Goodbody & Associates. She joined Goodbody & Associates, Merrill Private Wealth in 2023. Her responsibilities include client relations, operations, and account management. She has over 13 years of experience in the financial industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Sarah was a Financial Center Assistant Manager at Bank of America where she was recognized for her work surrounding client care, operations and fraud protection.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Sarah and her husband, Anthony, live in Rochester, NY with their two sons, Anthony and Jack, and dog, Levi.
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.
Vic Diune
Wealth Strategist
Merrill
Michelle Neuerman
Structured Credit Executive
Bank of America, N.A.
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.
Heather A Goodbody
Working Mother/SHOOK Research's "Top Wealth Advisor Moms" 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Published annually Sept - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 of current year.
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Published annually Jan- April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” 2022, 2023 Published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30 of prior year.
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.
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
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.
Attuned to the Needs of an Exclusive Clientele
We recognize that significant wealth is different in its scale, opportunities, and challenges. We have hands on experience navigating the crossroads of wealth, helping clients make informed decisions about near term objectives and long term aspirations. We work with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, affluent families, family offices, endowments and foundations.
The hallmark of our approach is a highly tailored strategy. We begin our engagements by discerning the concerns and priorities of each client. We then devise integrated initiatives specially created to reflect a client’s distinctive circumstances. We look to channel the extensive investment and wealth management capabilities of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and the banking resources of Bank of America bringing these offerings to clients in a manner that is relevant and concise. Throughout the relationship we foster a boutique atmosphere that prioritizes personal attention and unwavering service.
A Single Source for Coordinated Strategy
When clients engage our team they not only enlist our own efforts, but those of a wider network of dedicated specialists. We spearhead integrated action across multiple disciplines of wealth. Our approach is marked by creativity and innovation.
Our team is skilled in the following areas:
Investment management
Alternative investments
Concentrated and restricted stock management
Trust and estate planning services
Credit and banking through Bank of America, N.A.
Operational assistance
Philanthropy
We invite individuals, families and institutions with sophisticated needs to discuss their goals relative to our capabilities in more detail.
*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 investment objectives will be achieved.
*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.
*CRPC® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning.
Discreet and Responsive
As committed advisors we prioritize client privacy and account integrity. We devote considerable team resources to operational soundness and accessibility. Clients not only meet with us regularly, but they speak to us whenever needs arise. Our mission is to be helpful in any context that concerns clients. We drive value by helping clients with issues regardless of complexity or simplicity.
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.
Boutique-like service with the access to the investment resources of Merrill and banking convenience of Bank of America
We combine the personalized attention and feel of a smaller firm with the power and insights of a global financial institution, creating financial strategies tailored to your unique situation.
A relentless commitment to transparency and customized strategies
As our client, know we are working in your best interests, providing goals-based financial strategies designed to anticipate and help meet your evolving financial needs.
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