PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

The Bixler/Carino/Conwell Group specializes in using the sophisticated tools, comprehensive research and excellent array of investment managers available at Merrill Lynch to customize optimal solutions for each client’s financial situation. Our entire team collaborates on the selection of investments, strategies, investment platforms and asset managers most appropriate for our clients. We believe in a rigorous manager selection and monitoring process, asset preservation through the use of diversification and insurance, tax efficiency, and structured retirement planning, philanthropy and estate distribution.

Michael B. Bixler, CFM - Vice President -- Financial Advisor

Mike joined Merrill Lynch in 1977 and has over 30 years experience in the securities industry and is the team’s equities and fixed income specialist. Mike is a native of Long Beach, California and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration in 1966. He later earned his Master of Science Degree in Computer Systems Management at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California in June 1972.

After Berkeley, Mike was commissioned as an Ensign and entered the Naval Aviation program at Pensacola, FL. He earned his 'Wings of Gold' and became a designated Naval Aviator at NAS Corpus Christi, TX. He was assigned to the VAW Early Warning Wing in San Diego, CA and saw duty in the Western Pacific as a Carrier Pilot. He earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was awarded the Navy Commendation medal.

Mike is currently serving his second four year appointment with the Unified Port of San Diego as Chairman representing Imperial Beach. Previously, Mike was elected Mayor of Imperial Beach twice and served in that capacity from 1990 to 1998. During that period, he was also elected Chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), President of the California of Governments (CALCOG), and President of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO).

Sally A. Bixler, CFM - Vice President -- Financial Advisor

Sally has 24 years experience in the securities industry. Since 1997 she has managed investment portfolios for clients at Merrill Lynch, and is a Certified Financial Manager (CFM). Sally has completed courses in financial and estate planning towards the Certificate of Financial Planning. Sally serves as the team’s specialist in mutual funds, income and annuity investments for high net worth clients, and donor cultivation and investment management for non-profit organizations. Previously, she managed the investment program for Peninsula Bank before they were sold to US Bank.

Sally is also a two year Director for Coronado Rotary. Sally was previously on the board of the Museum of Photographic Arts as Trustee and Treasurer and currently is a Trustee for the St. Paul's Senior Home and Services Foundation Board of Directors. Sally also just received the Women of Dedication award from the Salvation Army for her 40 years of volunteer work in San Diego. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon and a native of San Diego.

Pina Carino, First Vice President - Investments -- Financial Advisor

Pina has more than 14 years of experience providing financial and wealth management advice and services. A graduate of Arizona State University, Pina joined Merrill Lynch in 2002 after serving 9 years in the investment and securities industry at various other firms. Pina helps clients create and grow wealth, protect and preserve wealth, and prepare for the distribution of that wealth in the most tax advantaged way.

Pina focuses on helping clients increase their tax deductions and retirement savings through specialized defined benefit strategies. In addition to being the team’s mortgage and annuity champion, she has also become a portfolio manager in Merrill Lynch's elite Advisory Portfolio Program. Pina assists clients with mortgage and business lending needs, life insurance strategies and long term care insurance solutions. Recently relocated to San Diego from Phoenix, Pina has been awarded Today's Arizona Women's Who's Who in Business.

Craig Conwell, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor -- Financial Advisor

Craig is a Financial Advisor in the San Diego office who joined Merrill Lynch in 2005 after 20 years assessing risk and underwriting insurance coverages for large companies. Craig now helps individuals and business clients invest like the most sophisticated institutional investors to maximize returns and minimize risk. Craig is the team’s specialist in estate preservation and transfer using insurance and trust strategies, tax efficient investing, and individual and small business retirement planning strategies.

Craig helps clients focus on estate planning issues and works with their advisers to develop their estate plan. Craig also works with people and businesses who face unique planning challenges, like the LGBT community. Craig is a member of the GSDBA and a volunteer board member of the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation.