Trust and Estate Team

Sharon Burghardt, CTFA joined Visions Trust Department in 2012, bringing with her more than 30 years of experience with Visions. Sharon holds a B.S. degree from Binghamton University and a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers. Sharon has been a lifelong resident of Broome County and she is devoted to building strong relationships with those she works with.

Laura Maerkl, Trust Administrator, joined the Trust Department in 2021. She’s been providing quality service to Visions members since 1999, first as a Service and Sales Representative and then as a Business Services and Development Officer. She has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Laura is also a lifelong resident of the Southern Tier.

Stephanie Haviland, Trust Administrative Assistant, joined the Trust Department in 2022, bringing with her 18 years of administrative experience with Visions and 10 years assisting the Trust Department. She has held the position of Administrative Assistant for the past 30 years. Stephanie has lived in Broome County, NY for nearly 40 years.

Kate Braddock has over 30 years of experience in fiduciary portfolio management. She oversees MTC’s model portfolio strategies in addition to providing comprehensive wealth management services to individuals, institutions, foundations, and non-profits. Kate graduated Cum Laude from the University of Vermont with a BA in Economics and she has earned her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Prior to joining MTC in 2001, she served as a portfolio manager and analyst at Janus Henderson Investors. Kate is a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Colorado, the Global Women’s Leadership Network, and the Denver Chapter of Women in ETFs.

Michael Nicolini joined Members Trust Company in 2022 and brings 15 years of experience advising individuals and families in estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary matters. Michael holds the Certified Trust Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation as well as a Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation. Prior to joining Members Trust Company, Michael worked for Bank of America Private Bank and BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

Joining Members Trust Company in 2020, Bill Comber has served in administrative, planning, and business development roles with over three years of experience in trust and estate administration. Bill graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. degree in Personal Finance, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, and holds an Accredited Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (ATFA) designation from Campbell University.