Steward Partners adds foothold in Florida with $320M ex-Merrill team

Steward Partners is strengthening its profile in Florida as it welcomes a women-led practice from Merrill Lynch.

The employee-owned independent financial services firm announced its expansion into Naples, Florida, through a new partnership with Coastal 360 Capital Advisors.

The collaboration unveiled Tuesday adds over $320 million in assets under management and two advisors to Steward Partners’ growing portfolio.

The Naples office is the Steward Partners’ first location in the city, complementing existing footholds in Clearwater, Sarasota, and Winter Park.

Leading the Coastal 360 Capital Advisors team, Alicia Fuller brings an expertise in generational, estate, and retirement planning built up over 40 years of industry experience from her tenure at Merrill Lynch.

Recognized among the state’s best wealth advisors as well as the top women advisors nationwide over the past four years, she began her career as a chartered accountant in 1984 before transitioning to financial advising in 1990.

"I am beyond thrilled by the opportunity to begin this new chapter of my career with the incredible team at Steward Partners," Fuller said in a statement. "From the moment I first spoke with Steward Partners it was clear that they share the same dedication to client service as me and my team; to above all else do what's right for the client."

Jeff Gonyo, senior divisional president, southern division, and head of recruiting at Steward Partners, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition.

"The depth of knowledge that Alicia has gained through over 40 years in the industry is incredibly noteworthy, and we are excited to welcome the Coastal 360 Capital Advisors team to Steward Partners," Gonyo said.

Joining Fuller at Steward Partners are Courtney Shrewsberry as vice president and wealth manager, and Christina Sanchez as vice president and client administrative manager.

Steward Partners’ expansion in Florida builds on two deals in Virginia and Ohio announced last month, which collectively added nearly $500 million to the firm’s book.