Josh O'Brien carries diversified experience in the financial services industry which includes holding positions in wealth management, investment banking, and equity research.  Using this diverse skill set, Josh aims to provide targeted portfolio strategies in concert with a detailed investment plan. Josh has been recognized as a 2025 Platinum Council Advisor. The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism. 

Prior to joining the La Jolla Private Wealth Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Josh worked as an investment banking associate in the Global Energy Group at UBS in both Houston and New York City, assisting with both M&A and corporate finance needs for energy companies around the globe. Later, Josh joined Jefferies as a Senior Equity Research Associate in New York City, assisting with coverage of 30+ companies spanning across US Natural Gas, energy Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs), and US Independent Refiners. 

Josh completed an MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern Graduate School of Business, where he was president of the Langone Stern Investment Club.  He completed his undergraduate degree in Business Management from San Diego State University, where he was a member of the Varsity football team throughout his entire collegiate career and graduated following the Aztecs 2010 Poinsettia Bowl victory (SDSU's first bowl victory since 1969).  Josh is FINRA series 7 and 66 securities registered and has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® certificate and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designation. Josh also holds his California Insurance License 0H77360 Resident State: CA

Robert Palatella is a Managing Director–Investments and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager in
the Wells Fargo Advisors La Jolla office. With 40 years of experience in the securities
industry, he delivers comprehensive portfolio management to a diverse group of investors.
He has also been recognized as a Private Wealth Financial Advisor, a distinction awarded
to a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors.
Robert’s mission is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice
and portfolio management—delivered with the highest level of personal service and
professional integrity. He believes that strong, one-to-one relationships form the
cornerstone of successful wealth management. His extensive industry experience has
shown that sophisticated investors benefit from personalized attention and direct access
to their Portfolio Manager.
Bob is a longtime La Jolla resident, where he and his wife, Terry, enjoy an active life. Outside
the office, he spends his time traveling, hiking local trails, and sharpening his golf game
alongside his two sons, Matthew and Joseph. California Insurance License 0A49341 Resident State: CA

Melanie Gilmore began her financial services career in 2000 at Smith Barney in Northern California. She holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and is credentialed as an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®). She joined the UBS La Jolla office in 2004, followed by ten years at Merrill Lynch, before joining Wells Fargo Advisors as a Financial Advisor in 2017.

Trust is at the core of Melanie’s client relationships. In collaboration with La Jolla Private Wealth Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Portfolio Managers, she designs customized, goal-based retirement plans aligned with each client’s risk tolerance, time horizon, and long‑term objectives. Leveraging the vast resources of Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and affiliates, she offers access to personalized solutions in private banking, lending services, estate planning strategies, business succession and insurance.

Melanie is passionate about financial education for the next generation and serves as the Financial Advisor for the Birdrock Elementary School Foundation.

Melanie lives in La Jolla with her husband, Matt, and two children, Milo and Maci. Outside of the office she enjoys playing USTA tennis and traveling to her kids’ rowing and surfing competitions. California Insurance License 2121422 Resident State: CA

Marisa Clayton is a Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate and brings more than 20 years of experience to the La Jolla Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Marisa began her career in 1998 as a trading assistant at a small regional firm in San Diego. In 2000, she joined the UBS Financial Services / PaineWebber La Jolla office, where she obtained her FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations. Marisa became a Senior Registered Client Associate and joined Financial Advisor Michael O'Brien's business at UBS in 2003.

Providing clients with exceptional service is Marisa's primary objective. She takes a thoughtful approach to each client's individual needs and works efficiently to meet them.

Outside of the office Marisa enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, and travel. Marisa lives in La Jolla with her two daughters, Lola and Elsie.

Emily Hughey is a Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate and Assistant Vice President in Wells Fargo Advisors' La Jolla Office. With over 20 years in the securities industry, she has the experience, resources, and capabilities to provide clients with a full spectrum of administrative and operational services.

Prior to joining the La Jolla Private Wealth Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Emily worked with senior financial advisors at UBS and other distinguished financial institutions. Her passion and dedication carries forth in her exceptional client services and she is excited to be a part of the La Jolla Private Wealth Group.

Away from the office, Emily is actively involved in her community soccer leagues and enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. She is a native of San Diego and comes from a large and loving family.

Emily holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations. 

Joseph Palatella is a Private Wealth Senior Client Associate with the La Jolla Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Joseph joined the team in August 2024 and holds FINRA Series 7 and passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. He is currently pursuing the Series 66 registration.

In his role, Joseph collaborates closely with advisors to support all aspects of the client relationship, including account administration, service requests, and ongoing operational needs. He plays a key role in coordinating across internal teams to help ensure a seamless and high‑touch client experience, particularly in complex situations involving multi‑account households and trust relationships.

Joseph is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in Communications and Business in 2019. Outside of the office, he enjoys golfing, traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with friends and family.