When can you enjoy everything you’ve worked for?

Welcome to a different kind of wealth management in San Diego – Sorrento Valley

We get you to think about money like you’ve never thought about it before

Has rolling up your sleeves, working hard, and building success always been part of your DNA? Then we believe Mercer Advisors is the wealth management firm for you.

Because we’re here to help you keep building on that success. But at the same time, we fundamentally believe there’s a point in life where the wealth-builder in you deserves to become the wealth-enjoyer of all you’ve attained.

We’re built differently

Because to us, helping you protect and grow your wealth is about much more than just your investment portfolio

Of course, a well-managed investment portfolio is the cornerstone to building wealth. And we strive to do that exceptionally well.
 
But if returns are your sole focus, those returns can quickly be offset by what happens in the other parts of your financial life. Like not preparing for major taxable events, having an incomplete estate plan, a retirement plan that’s on autopilot, or a less than ideal business succession strategy.
 
So, unlike most firms, we have expertise across financial planning, investing strategy, tax and estate planning, trust services, insurance coverage, and more. With specialists across each of these areas communicating with each other about you, and with you.

Put simply, we help oversee and connect all the dots of your financial life.

Meet our talented wealth advisors in the San Diego – Sorrento Valley area

They’re here to help you connect all your financial dots

Jeff Witt

Sr. Wealth Advisor

Jeff Witt

Jeff Witt

Sr. Wealth Advisor

CFA®, CFP®, CIPM®

jwitt@merceradvisors.com

With a career spanning over two decades, Jeff has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of finance and a commitment to helping clients navigate their wealth management needs. Jeff’s journey in the financial industry commenced in 1996 as an Equity Analyst for the investment bank, Hanifen Imhoff. Following this role, Jeff transitioned into the public sector, where he served as a Senior Financial Analyst/Economist for the City of San Diego. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in overseeing the financing for the construction of Petco Park, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. In 2005, Jeff joined Private Asset Management, Inc serving in many different roles and culminating in his appointment to President/CEO. A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, Jeff’s academic achievements reflect his dedication to intellectual pursuits. He graduated cum laude with dual degrees: a B.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Philosophy of Law.

Brandon Wissinger

Sr. Wealth Advisor

Brandon Wissinger

Brandon Wissinger

Sr. Wealth Advisor

Brandon began his wealth management career in 2009. Prior to joining Mercer Advisors, he provided comprehensive financial planning services to his high-net-worth clients as a financial planner at Yerkes Financial Advisors, a wealth advisory associate at Key Private Bank, and most recently as a financial planner at Summit Financial Strategies. Brandon’s areas of expertise include asset allocation, tax planning, cash flow management, and retirement planning. He graduated from The Ohio State University where he majored in Family Financial Management with a Financial Planning specialization. Brandon is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative.

Eric Blase

Wealth Advisor

Eric Blase

Eric Blase

Wealth Advisor

Eric possesses a profound curiosity and unwavering passion for investing and technology. Accumulating over 35 years of invaluable experience in investment, he has spent more than 12 years fostering direct client relationships. His journey led him to Mercer Advisors through the acquisition of Private Asset Management, Inc. With a degree in business and computer science from Western Washington University, Eric has consistently proven himself as an indispensable asset to the team, contributing significantly across compliance, technology, and wealth advisory domains. Continuously immersing himself in the latest developments in the economy, investment strategies, and technological advancements, Eric’s commitment to staying current is unwavering.

Michael Axelrod

Wealth Advisor

Michael Axelrod

Michael Axelrod

Wealth Advisor

Mike’s passion for his work in financial services is evidenced by his statement, “No matter how successful your career, the legacy that matters is the integrity of your relationships.” One of his keys to building successfully relationships is frequent communication, especially in difficult times. Mike holds numerous degrees including a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny college, a master’s degree from NYU, and both a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Princeton. Mike has been in the financial services industry for over 50 years, working in both equity and fixed income markets. For 40 of those years, he has served as a portfolio manager. Mike joined Mercer Advisors as part of the Private Asset Management, Inc. acquisition in 2023. He is an active supporter of the arts, including theater, dance, and music, and has served on multiple university/college arts Boards as a founder, chairman or member.

Jonas Noack

Wealth Advisor

Jonas Noack

Jonas Noack

Wealth Advisor

Jonas began his financial services career in 2018 as an Investment Analyst at Meketa Investment Group, advising multi-employer and public pensions, endowments and foundations, and corporate defined contribution plans. He also worked as a Senior Investment Analyst for the Northrop Grumman investment team, overseeing fixed income and private credit assets for the pension plan. Jonas graduated from University of the Pacific with a BS degree in business administration and earned an MS degree in finance from University of San Diego. He’s a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of San Diego. When not on an adventure with his wife and two dogs, Jonas enjoys golfing, cooking, and watching sports.

Chris Paolantonio

Wealth Advisor

Chris Paolantonio

Chris Paolantonio

Wealth Advisor

Chris began his career in financial services in 2018 and joined Mercer Advisors as an Associate Wealth Advisor in September 2023. Previously, he was an Investment Associate at Fiduciary Trust International in Radnor, Pennsylvania, focusing on portfolio management and guiding high-net-worth clients through all stages of their wealth management journey. Chris is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He resides in San Diego and enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and rooting for his hometown Philadelphia teams.

Tyler Smith

Wealth Advisor

Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith

Wealth Advisor

Tyler began his financial planning career as a financial advisor at a fee-only wealth management firm in Redondo Beach, CA, where he provided high net-worth individuals, families, and businesses with comprehensive financial planning advice. Prior to that, Tyler worked for 12 years as a partner at a technology firm where he focused on accounting, finance, and business development. He has a deep passion for helping his clients realize their best financial life and specializes in the areas of investment management, tax and estate planning, business planning, and retirement plans. Tyler is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and an active member of his local Financial Planning Association chapter. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in History and lives in San Diego, CA with his wife, Allison, and two young boys, Jackson and Henry.

Kseniya Ribeiro

Financial Planner

Kseniya Ribeiro

Kseniya Ribeiro

Financial Planner

Kseniya Ribeiro began her career in finance shortly after graduating from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in financial services. Her first role was as a relationship manager at Bank of America. In 2018, Kseniya joined Mercer Advisors to fill a client associate role at the San Diego office. Currently, she is an associate financial planning analyst, building out comprehensive financial plans for new and existing clients. Kseniya also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from Moscow Polytech University. She and her husband are raising a son and a daughter. In her free time, Kseniya enjoys traveling with her family, paddle boarding and San Diego’s amazing weather!

Maria Baylon

Sr. Client Service Specialist

Maria Baylon

Maria Baylon

Sr. Client Service Specialist

Maria began her career in financial services in 2013 at a local boutique firm and broker-dealer, where she worked with a team of financial advisors, providing administrative support and served as a liaison between clients and back-office operations. Maria joined Mercer Advisors via the Private Asset Management, Inc. (“PAM”) acquisition in August 2023. Before the acquisition, she worked with PAM for seven years as part of the Operations team. In addition to ensuring continuous and high-level client service, she and her team collaborated with the wealth advisory teams and internal departments to improve and evolve operational efficiencies. Maria enjoys working with her clients and colleagues and is passionate about offering the best service possible. Born, raised, and living in sunny San Diego, CA, she enjoys relaxing by the pool, going to the beach, paddle boarding, and spending time with her family.

Kailen Huffman

Sr. Client Service Specialist

Kailen Huffman

Kailen Huffman

Sr. Client Service Specialist

Kailen started in financial services at a Broker-Dealer firm in 2007 before switching to wealth management in 2014. Kailen joined Mercer Advisors via the Private Asset Management acquisition in August 2023. Having over 15 years of experience in the industry has allowed Kailen to provide a solid level of service and perspective. She takes pride in the ethics, respect, and personal touch she offers clients. Kailen has a degree in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management and is a Notary Public. Outside the office, Kailen enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, camping, and working on crafty projects.

David Askew

Managing Director

David Askew

David Askew

Managing Director

CFP®, CDFA®, FBS®, AEP®

daskew@merceradvisors.com

David currently manages the Southern California Mercer Advisors offices. He has a passion for educating clients and guiding them through the complexities of the planning process. David earned his MBA with an emphasis in financial psychology and behavioral finance from Creighton University and has a master’s degree in financial planning (MSFS) from the American College of Financial Services. He completed his undergraduate degree in business administration at Chapman University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. He currently holds the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Accredited Estate Planner®, and Financial Behavior Specialist designations. David is also an adjunct professor at California State University-Fullerton in the finance department.

Brendan Archibald

Regional Vice President

Brendan Archibald

Brendan Archibald

Regional Vice President

With more than eight years of experience advising high-net-worth clients, Brendan brings a fresh perspective to the financial planning process. Prior to joining Mercer Advisors, he worked as a vice-president financial advisor at late stage fintech startup and registered investment adviser Personal Capital, where he obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Brendan graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor of science degree in finance and a concentration in financial planning. He believes that money is a tool that can be used to unlock independence and flexibility, and he loves helping clients realize their vision of Economic Freedom™. In his free time, Brendan enjoys being at the beach with his wife and two daughters, surfing, biking, and hiking.

See our entire team

We’ll team you up

with one of our talented wealth advisors who’ll help you connect all your financial dots

We’ll touch base to discuss your individual needs so that we can connect you with a wealth advisor who’s right for you.




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Please Note: The achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if Mercer Advisors is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services.

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