John Milia, CFP
Senior Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director – Investments
Phone: 949.253.4238
Email: John.S.Milia@WellsFargo.com
John works with the team to design and maintain individualized investment plans for successful clients, helping them address their short- and long-term goals according to their personal lifetime objectives. He works in conjunction with clients’ tax and legal advisors to develop an integrated approach to their overall investment plans. Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2002, John worked at KPMG Peat Marwick and has also served as the CFO of both private and publicly traded companies. Through his diverse career experience, he has gained the perspective to advise clients on a wide range of challenges, such as setting up retirement plans, addressing business succession and preparing for wealth transfer.
John has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. He graduated magna cum laude from Lehigh University with a BS in economics and an emphasis in accounting. He lives in Lake Forest with his wife, Kelly, and outside the office he enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach.
John was ranked #24 on Forbes’ list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for Southern California in 2024. He was also included on this list from 2018-2023.*
*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/2020. 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19. 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18. 2018 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/16 - 6/30/17. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment
John has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. He graduated magna cum laude from Lehigh University with a BS in economics and an emphasis in accounting. He lives in Lake Forest with his wife, Kelly, and outside the office he enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach.
John was ranked #24 on Forbes’ list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for Southern California in 2024. He was also included on this list from 2018-2023.*
*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/2020. 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19. 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18. 2018 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/16 - 6/30/17. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment
Horacio Choi, CFP
Senior Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director – Investments
Phone: 949.253.4483
Email: Horacio.Choi@WellsFargo.com
Horacio focuses on building customized wealth and investment plans that reflect his clients’ preferences and requirements as they work toward their financial goals. During more than 25 years at Wells Fargo, Horacio has gained extensive and broad-based experience in addressing a broad range of client situations. In addition, he recognizes the value of a team structure and appreciates the specialized knowledge of his professional colleagues when seeking out their expertise on behalf of his clients.
Horacio has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. He graduated with a BA in business administration with an emphasis in personal financial planning and investment management from California State University, Fullerton. Horacio lives in Tustin with his wife, Kimberly, and their children: Nathaniel, Nicholas, and Natalie. Outside the office, he enjoys supporting his kids’ sports activities and playing volleyball and hockey. As a family, they enjoy camping and cruising.
Horacio was ranked #42 on Forbes’ list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for Southern California in 2024. He was also included on this list in 2022 and 2023.*
*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment
Horacio has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. He graduated with a BA in business administration with an emphasis in personal financial planning and investment management from California State University, Fullerton. Horacio lives in Tustin with his wife, Kimberly, and their children: Nathaniel, Nicholas, and Natalie. Outside the office, he enjoys supporting his kids’ sports activities and playing volleyball and hockey. As a family, they enjoy camping and cruising.
Horacio was ranked #42 on Forbes’ list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for Southern California in 2024. He was also included on this list in 2022 and 2023.*
*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment
Aaron Waites
Senior Financial Advisor
Senior Vice President – Investments
Phone: 949.253.4263
Email: Aaron.T.Waites@WellsFargo.com
Aaron works with successful clients to develop customized wealth plans and implement solutions based on his thorough understanding of their personal values, wealth transfer goals and vision for their legacy. He has an extensive background providing wealth planning services to a variety of clients, offering specific experience addressing the unique needs of business owners and real estate investors.
Aaron joined Wells Fargo & Co. in 2017 after working as an estate, tax and business planning attorney (not currently practicing). In this role, he advised clients in estate planning and administration with a focus on implementing complex estate planning strategies to minimize estate and income tax, provide asset protection, facilitate charitable giving and preserve positive family dynamics. He uses this specialized knowledge to offer valuable perspective to his clients today.
Aaron joined Wells Fargo & Co. in 2017 after working as an estate, tax and business planning attorney (not currently practicing). In this role, he advised clients in estate planning and administration with a focus on implementing complex estate planning strategies to minimize estate and income tax, provide asset protection, facilitate charitable giving and preserve positive family dynamics. He uses this specialized knowledge to offer valuable perspective to his clients today.
Sang Hwang
Senior Registered Client Associate
Phone: 949.253.4496
Email: Sang.P.Hwang@WellsFargo.com
Sang builds and maintains trusted client relationships by taking a prompt, personalized and proactive approach to managing clients’ service needs, including updating and managing the details of their wealth plan. He works diligently on the front lines and behind the scenes to deliver exceptional client service.
Sang earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, Irvine and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. He lives in Irvine with his wife, Lin, and their two children Hunter and Hailey. In his free time, he loves to go fishing with his family and friends.
Sang earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, Irvine and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. He lives in Irvine with his wife, Lin, and their two children Hunter and Hailey. In his free time, he loves to go fishing with his family and friends.
Richard Kim
Senior Registered Client Associate
Phone: 949.253.4236
Email: Richard.B.Kim@WellsFargo.com
Richard is often the first person our clients call when they have a question or need account assistance. His attention to detail, combined with his investment knowledge and understanding of the financial industry, make him a respected go-to client resource and an integral part of our team since joining in 2005.
Richard graduated from the University of California, Irvine and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. When Richard and his wife, Caroline, are not chauffeuring their kids between baseball and basketball practices, he enjoys watching Dodgers’ and Lakers’ games.
Richard graduated from the University of California, Irvine and holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. When Richard and his wife, Caroline, are not chauffeuring their kids between baseball and basketball practices, he enjoys watching Dodgers’ and Lakers’ games.
Kelley Bonucci
Senior Registered Client Associate
Phone: 949.253.4408
Email: Kelley.Bonucci@WellsFargo.com
Kelley assists clients with a full scope of services, including onboarding, monetary transactions, and service inquiries. Her administrative and operational responsibilities are wide ranging: she establishes new accounts, coordinates online services, maintains records and reports, and addresses client needs with precision and efficiency.
After receiving her BA from Cal Poly Pomona, she worked at Crowell, Weeden & Co. as a Sales Assistant before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2013, and she holds the Series 7, 66, 9 and 10 registrations, as well as Life and Disability Insurance licenses. Kelley lives in Altaloma with her husband, son, and two dogs. Outside the office, she enjoys scuba diving and attending country music concerts.
After receiving her BA from Cal Poly Pomona, she worked at Crowell, Weeden & Co. as a Sales Assistant before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2013, and she holds the Series 7, 66, 9 and 10 registrations, as well as Life and Disability Insurance licenses. Kelley lives in Altaloma with her husband, son, and two dogs. Outside the office, she enjoys scuba diving and attending country music concerts.
Merrianne Tocco, MBA
Senior Registered Client Associate
Vice President
Phone: 949.253.4278
Email: Merrianne.Tocco@WellsFargo.com
Merrianne is dedicated to creating an exemplary client service experience by seeking out and implementing practices tailored specifically for each client. She began her career at Banc of America/Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor specializing in client retention and later joined Wells Fargo Private Bank as a Wealth Analyst before transitioning to the team at Wells Fargo Advisors in 2021.
Merrianne earned a BS and BA from the University of Southern California and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. In addition, she holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. Merrianne lives in Laguna Niguel with her husband, their young daughter, Evie, and a cadre of cats.
Merrianne earned a BS and BA from the University of Southern California and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. In addition, she holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations and Life and Disability Insurance licenses. Merrianne lives in Laguna Niguel with her husband, their young daughter, Evie, and a cadre of cats.