Alexander J. Melarkey, CPA

Alexander John (AJ) Melarkey is a Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager at Oak Family Advisors, LLC.

AJ earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2018, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the Bronze Tablet Award, which recognizes the university's top 3% of graduates. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Illinois. While working full-time, AJ earned his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, with concentrations in Economics and Strategy.

AJ began his career at Deloitte, advising clients on global financial and tax planning before transitioning to the firm's consulting practice, where he supported operational improvement initiatives for the federal government. He later joined McDonald's Corporation, holding finance and strategy roles across the organization. During his tenure, AJ played a key role in revenue growth management for the company's delivery business, helping drive record sales growth. Most recently, he worked in Financial Planning & Analysis, focusing on identifying efficiencies and optimizing costs across operations.

Since joining Oak Family Advisors in 2026, AJ has managed client portfolios, conducted investment research, and enhanced the firm's technology and analytics capabilities. He continues to pursue advanced professional certifications in investment management and financial planning.

AJ and his wife, Madison, live in the Chicago suburbs. Outside of work, they enjoy traveling, cheering on the Chicago Bears, and spoiling their dog, Guinness.