PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

The Vannatta Group makes it our goal to add value through a strong client-advisor relationship and by providing each client with access to the best financial resources available in the marketplace. Our team focuses on helping a select group of high net worth individuals and retirees to manage all aspects of their financial lives. From implementing tax-efficient strategies for concentrated stock positions to retirement and educational planning, we work with our clients to develop a plan to grow and preserve their wealth. We initiate our planning-based discussion around your financial needs, your short and long-term objectives, your time horizons and your risk tolerance. By customizing a wealth management plan for you, we are looking to maximize your potential for achieving your financial goals. We often partner with your tax and legal advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies that will optimize your financial situation. Once your wealth management plan has been implemented, we will periodically review your plan's progress with you to make certain that its strategy remains aligned with your overall financial needs. By having a plan and a process in place we will be less effected by extraneous event driven decisions. We embrace the concept of Total Merrill in our ability to deliver an unmatched breadth of both proprietary and non-proprietary products and services to our clients. We have access to a wide range of Merrill Lynch specialists whose experience can be drawn upon to customize a solution that meets your unique financial objectives.

Paul Vannatta has a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Designation. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Finance and studied International Business & Economics at Cologne University, Germany. Paul will help organize and manage your retirement plan. He is co-chair for the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure. Also, he is on the board and the fundraising chair for the Charleston Stage Company. Paul lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife Jenn and two children, Gianna & Anthony.

Courtney Zalinski helps individuals, families and small businesses achieve their financial goals by following a disciplined process. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 2006, Courtney worked in Manhattan for five years, first as an Investment Banking Analyst with SunTrust Bank and then with First Albany Capital in their Equity Research & Trading Division. Courtney is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team.

Kathi McDermott has worked in the financial services industry since 1996 and joined Merrill Lynch in 1998. She has experience owning her own business and running a Non-Profit organization. She handles all your banking needs such as checking, web bill pay, wire transfers and any statement or account balance information. She will also assist you with the opening of your accounts and will be there to answer your questions. Kathi lives in Mt. Pleasant with her son Jamie and is very actively involved with St. Andrews Episcopal Church.