Robert Palatella is a Managing Director-Investments and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager in the Wells Fargo Advisors La Jolla office. Having worked in the securities industry for 30 years, Robert provides comprehensive portfolio management to a diversified group of investors. Robert has been recognized as a Platinum Council Advisor. The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

Robert’s primary objective is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and portfolio management – delivered with the highest level of personal service and professional integrity. Robert believes that a one-to-one relationship with his clients is the cornerstone of his success. He believes his extensive experience in the securities industry has demonstrated that sophisticated investors require personalized and local access to their Portfolio Manager.
CA Insurance License Number: 0A49341 & Resident State CA

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.  In 2022-2023 Josh was recognized as a Platinum Council Advisor (previously known as Premier Advisor), a distinction reserved for the firm's top producers as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on either of the past two years, and professionalism. Additional criteria, including length of service, may also be used to determine recipients.

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 series 7 and series 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, CA Resident

Michael O'Brien is a Managing Director - Investments and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager.  Having worked in the securities industry since 1984, Michael provides comprehensive portfolio management to a diversified group of both institutional and individual investors.  In 2023 Michael qualified as a Private Wealth Management Advisor. The Private Wealth Financial Advisor (PWFA) title is held by a select group of advisors within the firm and recognizes their success working with ultra-high-net-worth clients. PWFAs are focused on managing the complex, multidimensional wealth management needs of individuals, families, foundations, and institutions with the goal of preserving and growing wealth for current and future generations.


Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2011, Michael was a Senior Vice President-Investments and Senior Portfolio Manager for UBS Financial Services, his employer of 13 years.  Michael holds a BS from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from Santa Clara University.  He is also Series 3, Series 7, Series 8 and Series 66 securities registered.  Michael also maintains a CA Insurance License number 0A34478, resident state CA. 

Away from the office, Michael also enjoys reading, biking, travel, and gold.  Michael and his wife, Georgette are residents of Del Mar and have two children Joshua and Jennifer.

I am a dedicated Financial Advisor specializing in wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families. With 20 years of experience, I provide comprehensive retirement planning, tailored investment advice, and strategic guidance during volatile market conditions. Leveraging the vast resources of Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and affiliates I offer access to personalized solutions in private banking, lending services, estate planning strategies, and business succession.

I am passionate about teaching younger generations the importance of saving, budgeting, and the basics of investing. I meet with my clients’ children and have visited local classrooms to share this knowledge. Additionally, I serve as the financial advisor for the Birdrock Elementary School Foundation.

I hold FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations, as well as the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designations. Additionally, I am a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™.

Originally from Northern California, I reside in La Jolla with my husband Matt - owner of Taco Surf in Pacific Beach - and our two children, Milo (14) and Maci (11). We enjoy trips to Palm Springs, cooking family dinners, and traveling for our kids’ rowing competitions. I also play tennis and enjoy competing in USTA tournaments throughout San Diego.

 The use of the CDFA designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or it's Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or it's associates are acting as experts in this field. 

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 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 is FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 securities registered.

Joseph Palatella joins our team as a Senior Client Associate, bringing a strong background in research, analytics, and administrative support. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Joseph is very driven about delivering high-quality service to our clients.  Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, golf, traveling and cheering on the Alabama football team. Roll Tide!