We provide customized services supported by the broad capabilities of a global institution. Working with a limited number of clients, we are able to offer you and your family personalized attention for all aspects of your financial life, now and for future family members.
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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Steve Ruvituso has worked in financial services since 1982, providing him with extensive experience in wealth and investment management. He has significant knowledge of the fixed-income markets, having started his career in municipal bonds sales. Steve is skilled in assessing and identifying client priorities, and collaborating with the team to develop and implement customized client strategies across a range of disciplines.
Steve has enjoyed national recognition as a wealth manager. Steve was named to Barron’s “America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” in 2011 and 2013* (Published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.) and Barron’s “America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 2021 and 2022* (Published annually in February-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year).
Steve earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University. Within Merrill, Steve is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Manager who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. Senior Portfolio Managers are provided a high degree of flexibility in constructing portfolios and selecting securities. When servicing clients through the Firm’s Investment Advisory Program, a Senior Portfolio Manager may manage his strategies on a discretionary basis. After meeting certain additional requirements, a Senior Portfolio Manager may use his own strategies to manage the assets of clients working with other Merrill Advisors. The union of these qualifications with our team’s credentials & experience has allowed for the development of our defined strategies, which utilize exchange-traded funds to build comprehensive portfolios using rules-based processes to manage risk and actively adjust allocations based upon the prevailing market conditions.
After raising his 3 daughters in Westchester, New York, Steve currently maintains his primary residence in Jupiter, Florida with his wife, Christy. He enjoys spending summer’s in New York with his daughters Gabrielle, Alexandra, and Devin, as well as extended family and friends. In his free time, Steve enjoys playing golf and has active memberships at country clubs in both Florida and New York.
Steve’s philanthropic interests include The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of South Florida, Hannah’s Home, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dartmouth Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 914Cares, East Hampton Ladies Village Improvement Society, Take The Lead Thoroughbred Retirement Program, and the Whippoorwill Club Foundation. Steve is also a longtime donor to his alma maters, Regis High School and Princeton University.
Disclaimer(s):
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
*Source: The Barron’s “Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year. Advisors considered for the “America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” ranking have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience and have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Quantitative and qualitative measures used to determine the Advisor rankings include: client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement, among others. Barron’s does not receive compensation from Advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. The ranking or ratings shown here may not be representative of all client experiences because they reflect an average or sampling of the client experiences. These rankings or ratings are not indicative of any future performance or investment outcome.
*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.
Todd Stankiewicz began his financial services career in 2005 as a municipal bond trader with an institutional money manager. He then moved to a large asset management firm, where he spent two years as an investment associate, applying his knowledge of fixed income investments. Todd then worked at a national wealth management firm before joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2013.
Within the team, Todd focuses on financial strategy, quantitative analysis, portfolio construction and client outreach. He enjoys helping clients apply a disciplined investment process to pursue their long-term goals.
Todd has enjoyed national recognition as a wealth manager. Forbes listed Todd as one of America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors in 2018 (Published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018) and one of the Best in State Next Generation Wealth Advisors in 2019 (Published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019).
Todd earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University and his MBA from Quinnipiac University. He is a qualified Portfolio Manager who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm’s Investment Advisory Program, a Portfolio Manager may manage his strategies on a discretionary basis.
Todd lives with his wife, Liz, in Purchase, New York, with their two daughters, son, and their dog Bailey. He has been involved with a number of animal-based organizations, including Guiding Eyes for the Blind and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). In his free time, Todd enjoys spending time with his family and playing ice hockey and golf with his friends.
*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.
Graham Mandl started his wealth management career in 2012. In 2014, he moved to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he enjoys working closely with clients to identify and pursue their short- and long-term financial goals. Analytical by nature, he applies his knowledge of investments, estate planning services, income management and cash flow to devise integrated strategies designed to align with a client’s personal and family priorities. He works with a range of clients, including executives, entrepreneurs and professional athletes.
Graham received his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College, where he was a member of the varsity soccer team. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, he earned All State and All Metro soccer honors at Collegiate School.
Graham lives in New York City. An avid sports fan and athlete, he enjoys soccer, basketball, squash, golf and skiing. In his free time, he also likes to travel and spend time with his dog. Over the years, Graham has been a supporter of various charitable causes and community service outreach programs including Habitat for Humanity and Southside Child Development Center.
Joseph Castiglie began his financial services career in 2008 as an associate in the equity derivatives group of a large investment bank. In 2014, he joined The RSM Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Joe’s role on the team is concentrated on portfolio construction & management, portfolio strategy & analysis, trading & position management, and interfacing with firm management to meet compliance and regulatory deliverables. Overall, Joe applies his quantitative skills to integrate data and research into a disciplined portfolio management process that enhances the client experience. Joe has diverse product knowledge within equities, fixed income, derivatives, & exchange-traded funds.
Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and management from the University at Albany, State University of New York. Joe holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. He is a regular member of the CFA Institute® and New York CFA® Society.
Joe lives in Oyster Bay, New York with his wife Maria and their three sons. Joe is active in the Chaminade High School and the University at Albany Alumni associations, and supports a number of charitable organizations, including the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
Julie Ackerman has worked in financial services since 1993. She has extensive experience assisting ultra-high-net-worth clients and is integral to team operations and account administration. Julie worked at asset management and wealth management firms before joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2013.
Julie assists clients with a range of needs. She supports the team through stock/option exercises, access to banking and lending services through Bank of America, N.A., client inquiries, and coordination with clients’ external tax and legal advisors. Julie relishes the chance to help clients, from complex initiatives to day-to-day tasks. Dedicated and responsive, she prides herself on working through issues and keeping clients apprised of her progress.
A long-time resident of White Plains, Julie participates in the White Plains Corporate Recreational Softball League and supports a number of breast cancer awareness events.
Ally Ruvituso began her financial services career in 2016 as an associate with Merrill Private Wealth Management. There, she provided attentive and knowledgeable service and support for her advisor team and high-network clients. In 2018, she joined the RS group where she enjoys working closely with clients to deliver a customized, consistent experience to assist clients in areas that go beyond investment management. She focuses on existing client relationships and new business development.
Ally earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Loyola University Maryland.
Ally lives in New York City with her husband. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. As an active member of her community, she has supported various charitable causes and outreach programs. Recently, she has acted as a volunteer and participant in the Special Olympics’ Over the Edge program.
Shawn began his career in finance in 2015 at Morgan Stanley. He joined the RSM Group at Merrill in 2018 as an advisor in his role focused on planning and business development. Shawn enjoys working with families, athletes, and business owners to create wealth management plans focused on preserving and growing wealth.
Prior to entering the financial industry, Shawn received his Bachelor’s degree in 2009 from Liberty University and his Master’s in business administration in 2011. In 2010, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the MLB Draft and spent 6 years as a professional baseball player, including time with the NY Mets.
Shawn comes from a baseball family. His Father, Tim, played in the MLB for 10 seasons and has worked in the NY Mets organization for 23 years. Tim was a member of the 1986 World Series Championship team.
Shawn is active in both the Palm Beach and Fairfield County communities, supporting the Fairfield County Sports Commission in Fairfield Connecticut, volunteering time at Hannah’s Home of South Florida, and serving as a board member of FCA in Palm Beach County. Shawn lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida with his wife, Julie and their three daughters and enjoys golf, tennis, and traveling.
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.
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.
Catering to the Needs of a Select Group of Families
We are privileged to work with clients who have achieved extraordinary success. We help them navigate critical junctures in their financial lives, applying the skills, resources and acumen of our collective team.
We work with a diverse clientele, many of whom are senior executives, entrepreneurs and family offices. Because we exclusively advise ultra-affluent clients, we are intimately familiar with the nuances that significant wealth can entail. We focus our efforts on a limited number of clients, looking to serve them with an intensity and intimacy that underscore their importance to us.
Many of our client relationships span decades and involve multiple generations of families. Referrals constitute the crux of our business, and client satisfaction is paramount to our success.
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.
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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