F. J. PHILLIPS: SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR, KILBORN PHILLIPS & ASSOCIATES, MERRILL LYNCH WEALTH MANAGEMENT

At a young age, F.J. Phillips witnessed the devastating effects that can result from a lack of financial planning, and he takes a personal interest in each of his clients to make sure that doesn’t happen to them. Phillips joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1997, and his expertise in comprehensive, multi-generational wealth management and retirement planning helps him make a difference in clients’ financial lives by prompting them to understand opportunities and risks. Phillips’s ability to simplify complicated financial strategies allows his clients to make informed decisions. “By getting to the heart of what wealth means for each family, we can help them better understand the implications of their financial choices,” he says.

Phillips earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in finance. Phillips volunteers extensively, serving as Board Chair and team leader for the nonprofit Care for Friends in Chicago. He’s held several leadership positions at Church of the Holy Comforter in Kenilworth and this summer will co-lead his 11th youth group trip to Appalachia to rehab houses. “These experiences of leadership have shaped my sense of accountability to others while helping me focus on driving outcomes with impact and purpose,” he says.

Phillips resides in Wilmette with his wife, Carrie, and their two sons, Everett and George.

For more information, visit fa.ml.com/kilborn-phillips.