Mr. Don McDonald ’89
Sr. VP/Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch
Don began his career at Merrill Lynch in May of 1989 immediately after graduating at SAU. He leads his team in managing over $1 billion in assets. His team’s focus is developing financial strategies and portfolio construction for high net-worth clients across the country. From 2018 – 2021, Forbes named The Don McDonald Group as one of the Top 500 Advisors across the U.S. In 2019 & 2020, Don was named to Financial Times Top 401 Retirement Advisors. In 2015-17, Don was named to the Barron’s Top 1200 Advisors in the nation and in 2015 was ranked first in the state. Don was also named in the Top 400 Financial Advisors in the United States by The Financial Times in 2014 and the Top 100 Wirehouse Advisors in 2016.
Growing up on a cattle farm in Northeast Arkansas taught Don the value of hard work and the virtue of being responsible. He demonstrates those character traits today through personal integrity and straightforward advice. Don and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of three children. Outside of the office, Don enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Don is also active in the financial education ministry at his church and is currently serving on the Deaf Pathway Global board.
