Carl R Pierson Jr., CFP®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(757) 493-2134(757) 493-2134
Atlantic Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley
Carl R Pierson Jr., CFP®Christopher H Russi, CRPS®Kate Geremia, CFP®Kristine Salvador, CFP®Craig PerezDanica Cabonce
Direct:
(757) 493-2100(757) 493-2100
Toll-Free:
(800) 622-3430(800) 622-3430
Industry Award WinnerOur Mission Statement
The Atlantic Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley is dedicated to serving individuals and institutions working toward their financial legacy. Our mission is to provide wealth planning solutions that simplify our clients' lives by being their primary financial resource.
About the Atlantic Legacy Group:
Founded in 2007, the Atlantic Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley, Virginia Beach, was established by founding members Carl Pierson and Christopher Russi who recognized that a team-based approach would allow each member to focus on their individual strengths within the financial services industry.
In addition, the team adheres to a "goal-oriented" approach to wealth management that begins with a clear understanding of each client's financial objectives and results in the development of smart, tailored strategies designed to meet them.
Whatever your financial goal is to grow your wealth, preserve it or pass it on to others, you can count on us to help you with a strategy that is:
- Personal: Highly individualized and committed to helping you achieve financial success
- Flexible: Responsive to changes in your life and your priorities over time
- Comprehensive: Covering a broad array of investment products and services, with preferred benefits tied to your valued status with us
If you are interested in working with us, feel free to download and fill out the Financial Planning Questionaire located in the Our Approach tab, and Contact Us using the button above.
A Guide to Our Website Tabs:
- Our Approach maps out our initial process to build your plan
- Financial Focus contains regularly rotating content to assist readers
- Financial Planning highlights aspects of our approach to working with clients
- Quarterly Newsletter and Research houses team-created content and more
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Our Approach
Helping achieve financial independence starts with a well-structured wealth management plan, a disciplined investment philosophy, and a disciplined process executed with care and consistency. Our four-step approach offers a clear framework for developing and implementing personalized strategies tailored to help you reach your unique financial goals.
Step 1 - Discovery
During the discovery discussion, we will ask many questions to understand what matters most to you—from your goals and passions to your concerns. Our conversation will also explore your personal values, key relationships, details about your current investment portfolio, preferred method of communication, and the other professional advisors you currently work with. Capturing this information allows us to map out a long-term strategy that helps ensure virtually every facet of your financial situation works together effectively. Feel free to fill out a copy of the form below and return it to us.
Client Financial Planning Questionnaire FormStep 2 - Analysis and Recommendation
Based on our dialogue, we will analyze your personal and financial information, assess risks, and identify any potential threats to your financial well-being. We will then present appropriate investment options designed to work together to help grow your portfolio and achieve your financial goals. In addition, we may offer a range of wealth management recommendations, which often include cash flow strategies, risk management solutions, and estate, trust and philanthropic planning strategies.
Step 3 - Implementation
Once approved, we will work closely with you to help ensure all elements are well-integrated and aligned. When appropriate, we may recommend seeking distinctive guidance on complex issues such as estate planning or tax minimization strategies. Whatever the approach, we remain committed to helping keep your strategy on track and aligned with your long-term goals.
Step 4 - Reviewing Objectives
Ongoing communication is a vital part of our relationship, and we remain committed to staying attuned to your evolving financial needs. Your financial documents serve as the foundation for our regular meetings, where we review your portfolio—either at your request or when there is a change in your circumstances. Our goal is to ensure your assets remain aligned with your current situation and long-term objectives. When appropriate, we will recommend adjustments to your strategy to reflect life changes and help keep your plan on track.
Financial Focus: Liability and Risk Management
The Atlantic Legacy Group continuously monitors client needs, current events, and market conditions to identify timely topics that support our clients and help guide investment decisions. The Financial Focus tab provides resources our team is prioritizing right now. These materials are selected to align with your financial journey and are updated regularly, please check back often for the latest information.
This season’s focus is Liability and Risk Management. For the months of August and September, we’ll be looking at ways to help protect your financial plan by thoughtfully managing debt, insurance needs, and potential risks that could affect your family, assets, or long-term goals. Some strategies to consider include reviewing existing liabilities, evaluating whether your insurance needs remain aligned with your current situation, maintaining appropriate liquidity for unexpected events, or coordinating risk management considerations across your broader wealth plan. These strategies and others may be worth exploring based on your goals, your family circumstances, and the level of protection and flexibility you’d like to maintain. If you have questions about liability management or risk planning, we welcome a conversation.
This season’s focus is Liability and Risk Management. For the months of August and September, we’ll be looking at ways to help protect your financial plan by thoughtfully managing debt, insurance needs, and potential risks that could affect your family, assets, or long-term goals. Some strategies to consider include reviewing existing liabilities, evaluating whether your insurance needs remain aligned with your current situation, maintaining appropriate liquidity for unexpected events, or coordinating risk management considerations across your broader wealth plan. These strategies and others may be worth exploring based on your goals, your family circumstances, and the level of protection and flexibility you’d like to maintain. If you have questions about liability management or risk planning, we welcome a conversation.
Protecting Yourself from the Unexpected (Article)
Explore assorted resources and timely topics to help you stay informed. This “Protecting Yourself from the Unexpected” article will delve into practical considerations around preparing for life’s uncertainties.
Read More
Managing Risk
Managing risk is a core part of investing. Understanding how market moves can affect outcomes, and how diversification and other portfolio choices can change the level of risk you’re taking.
Learn More
Protecting Yourself from the Unexpected (Video)
A video version of the above item. Watch below:
Learn More
Planning for Loved Ones with Special Needs
Planning for a loved one with special needs requires thoughtful coordination across financial, legal and caregiving considerations. A well-structured plan can help support long-term care needs while preserving eligibility for important benefits and providing greater confidence for the future.
Learn More
Portfolio Risk Platform (Presentation)
A comprehensive risk platform can help clients better understand the factors influencing their portfolios, from market volatility to concentration and liquidity considerations. By turning complex risk data into actionable insights, it supports more informed conversations around aligning investments with long-term goals.
Learn More
How Affluent Families Can Plan for Hidden Risks
Affluent families often face risks that extend beyond market movements, including wealth transfer challenges, liability exposure, family governance issues and unexpected life events. Proactive planning can help identify these hidden risks and create strategies designed to protect both financial assets and family priorities.
Learn More
June/July 2026 Focus: Legacy and Estate Planning
This document carries information on many items related to Legacy and Estate Planning. Feel free to read the contents and let us know if you have any questions.
Read MoreFinancial Planning
We believe success in achieving important financial goals starts with a comprehensive wealth strategy. We will help you define what is most important to you and then formulate the strategies that are suited for your needs, whether you are accumulating wealth or investing for income, solidifying your retirement plan or devising a distribution approach that meets your lifestyle and legacy goals.
We believe that identifying financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each client’s situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. We follow a disciplined process that enables us to work with you to craft a solution that helps to meet your individual financial needs:
• Develop a thorough understanding of your financial goals and objectives
• Review and analyze your current financial situation
• Identify and tailor solutions that can help you meet your individual needs
• Implement your customized strategy, including personalized services and benefits
• Review your strategy, meeting periodically to discuss your goals and needs
We believe that identifying financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each client’s situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. We follow a disciplined process that enables us to work with you to craft a solution that helps to meet your individual financial needs:
• Develop a thorough understanding of your financial goals and objectives
• Review and analyze your current financial situation
• Identify and tailor solutions that can help you meet your individual needs
• Implement your customized strategy, including personalized services and benefits
• Review your strategy, meeting periodically to discuss your goals and needs
Start Saving Smarter with 529 Plans
There are several options available to help you prepare for this important milestone, including 529 plans, which have revolutionized the way families invest for college and other qualified education expenses. These plans offer a significant degree of flexibility and control and provide benefits that other education savings programs don’t offer.
Learn More"Investing 101" Brochure
Whether you have been an investor for years or just planting the first seeds of your investment career it is important to have a good understanding of how your various financial assets fit together. To that end, our team has put together "Investing 101" to explain some of the core principles of financial planning and portfolio construction. Let us know if you would like to discuss this material in more detail.
Learn MoreWashington Update
The rise of digital currencies, beginning nearly two decades ago, has hit a critical juncture as the interests of private stakeholders, public markets and policymakers converge. The public policy tipping point comes as the executive branch and legislature make notable strides in developing a legal and regulatory framework governing the use of digital currencies broadly.
Learn MoreUS Policy Pulse: America, Iran and the Midterm Elections
This report, authored by Monica Guerra, Daniel Kohen, and Kyle Kerr, dives into the economic and market impacts of the war in Iran. This story continuously develops with each passing day, please reach out if you have any questions.
Learn MoreIs an IRA Charitable Distribution Right for You?
An IRA charitable distribution—also know as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)—allows individuals age 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to a qualified charity to help reduce their taxable income.
Learn MoreThe Atlantic Legacy Group: Quarterly Newsletter and Research
Each quarter, we provide a comprehensive summary of updates on our practice through our Newsletter. Here, you may find those Newsletters, past Viewpoints from our team, and a selection of Morgan Stanley Research pieces.
Physical AI: The Morgan Stanley Robot Almanac
Read Morgan Stanley's comprehensive guide to the world of Physical AI in our inaugural edition of the Robot Almanac.
Learn MoreEconomic Outlook for July 2026
Read our Economic Outlook where we cover the beginning of Q3 2026 and what we're observing as the year continues.
Full Report HereMARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER
In the Spring Edition of the Atlantic Legacy Group's Quarterly Newsletter, we discuss the ongoing tax season, the Iran conflict's effects on the market, the newest Market Insights, and some exciting updates from our team.
Learn MoreDECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
Welcome you to the inaugural edition of the Atlantic Legacy Group's Quarterly Newsletter. In this and future editions, you can look forward to insightful articles from each of our team members, each focusing on their respective areas of experience. We hope you find this newsletter both informative and useful in staying connected with our team and managing your accounts.
Read Full Newsletter HereNOVEMBER 2025 VIEWPOINT
It just won’t stop.
Markets hit all-time highs again in October as measured by the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index. Last
month’s drivers include a strong showing in corporate earnings (JPMorgan, Weekly Market Recap, 10/27/25),
a dovish Fed which lowered rates as expected and continued optimism around the “AI” theme. All this
despite one of the longest U.S. Government shutdowns in history, the start of a possible softening in labor...
Read Full Report HereMarkets hit all-time highs again in October as measured by the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index. Last
month’s drivers include a strong showing in corporate earnings (JPMorgan, Weekly Market Recap, 10/27/25),
a dovish Fed which lowered rates as expected and continued optimism around the “AI” theme. All this
despite one of the longest U.S. Government shutdowns in history, the start of a possible softening in labor...
OCTOBER 2025 VIEWPOINT
We have turned the corner into the last quarter of the year. For some it may be hard to believe we are
already here, but when looking at just some of the headlines of the year (“Liberation Day” and tariffs,
Artificial Intelligence, The Big Beautiful Bill, Russia/Ukraine, U.S. missile strike on IRAN, Charlie Kirk assassination, and most recently the U.S. Federal Reserve) it may be hard to believe we still have three more...
Read Full Report Herealready here, but when looking at just some of the headlines of the year (“Liberation Day” and tariffs,
Artificial Intelligence, The Big Beautiful Bill, Russia/Ukraine, U.S. missile strike on IRAN, Charlie Kirk assassination, and most recently the U.S. Federal Reserve) it may be hard to believe we still have three more...
SEPTEMBER 2025 VIEWPOINT
Can this continue?
August came and went without much fanfare nor disappointment. Earnings for the second quarter of the
year dominated the headlines throughout the month as concerns remained high as to whether the effect of
tariffs would dampen the mood. They did not. Earnings were “uniformly strong across all sectors…(JP
Morgan, Review of the markets over August 2025, Sept 01, 2025) ” as most companies beat revenue and EPS...
Read Full Report HereAugust came and went without much fanfare nor disappointment. Earnings for the second quarter of the
year dominated the headlines throughout the month as concerns remained high as to whether the effect of
tariffs would dampen the mood. They did not. Earnings were “uniformly strong across all sectors…(JP
Morgan, Review of the markets over August 2025, Sept 01, 2025) ” as most companies beat revenue and EPS...
AUGUST 2025 VIEWPOINT
What a difference three months can make.
April 2nd, 2025 was the day the Trump Administration announced its “Tariff Liberation Day.” The aftermath
of the announcement saw extreme concern from investors and the U.S. equity market dropped nearly 20% when it bottomed on April 7th (Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index). We can’t say for certain, but at the time we feel few would have thought then that in such a short period of time we would not only have rebounded but appreciated as well by close to 10% by the end of July. What a difference three months can make...
Read Full Report HereApril 2nd, 2025 was the day the Trump Administration announced its “Tariff Liberation Day.” The aftermath
of the announcement saw extreme concern from investors and the U.S. equity market dropped nearly 20% when it bottomed on April 7th (Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index). We can’t say for certain, but at the time we feel few would have thought then that in such a short period of time we would not only have rebounded but appreciated as well by close to 10% by the end of July. What a difference three months can make...
JULY 2025 VIEWPOINT
Halfway through
June ended the first half of the year with a strong performance from both equities and fixed income. The S&P 500 was up over 5% for the year and bonds were up close to 4%. Given the headlines so far this year which
saw, Bills being passed through Congress, geo-political events, and tariffs; we will gladly accept the current
performance numbers. The debate for the rest of the year and 2026 continues, and for good reason.
Read Full Report HereJune ended the first half of the year with a strong performance from both equities and fixed income. The S&P 500 was up over 5% for the year and bonds were up close to 4%. Given the headlines so far this year which
saw, Bills being passed through Congress, geo-political events, and tariffs; we will gladly accept the current
performance numbers. The debate for the rest of the year and 2026 continues, and for good reason.
JUNE 2025 VIEWPOINT
Is it over?
May ended up being a fantastic Month for equity markets as the double-digit drop experienced by US
markets in April continue to fade like a bad dream. The Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index posted a return of
close to 6% for May which brought major indexes back to levels where the market first started the
year. Economic indicators posted strong results in May, “…trade deficit plummeted in April, signaling
economic…growth. The Atlanta Fed GDPNOW Model has Q2 at a 3.8% for now. Inflation also slowed sharply with...
Read Full Report HereMay ended up being a fantastic Month for equity markets as the double-digit drop experienced by US
markets in April continue to fade like a bad dream. The Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index posted a return of
close to 6% for May which brought major indexes back to levels where the market first started the
year. Economic indicators posted strong results in May, “…trade deficit plummeted in April, signaling
economic…growth. The Atlanta Fed GDPNOW Model has Q2 at a 3.8% for now. Inflation also slowed sharply with...
MAY 2025 VIEWPOINT
And we’re right back where we started.
To say that April was a volatile month would be the understatement of the year. Upon the announcement of
new tariffs by the Trump administration on the so called “Liberation Day,” markets saw drawdowns as low as
~14% as the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 index traded from 5600 to close to 4800. However, the market
rebounded within weeks as most of the tariffs were walked back and indexes regained a good portion of
their losses. As of Month-end, the Dow Jones Industrial Index was down 4.3%, S&P 500 Index down 5.1% and...
Read Full Report HereTo say that April was a volatile month would be the understatement of the year. Upon the announcement of
new tariffs by the Trump administration on the so called “Liberation Day,” markets saw drawdowns as low as
~14% as the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 index traded from 5600 to close to 4800. However, the market
rebounded within weeks as most of the tariffs were walked back and indexes regained a good portion of
their losses. As of Month-end, the Dow Jones Industrial Index was down 4.3%, S&P 500 Index down 5.1% and...
APRIL 2025 VIEWPOINT
Tariffs
The U.S. market’s performance was drastically affected by what we are deeming the word of the year;
”tariffs.” The Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 index was down 5.6% in March, which is the worst monthly
performance since December 2022. The NASDAQ felt even more pain down 8.1% while the Dow Jones
Industrial Index got away with only a 4.1% drop. New President. New Administration. New market...
Read Full Report HereThe U.S. market’s performance was drastically affected by what we are deeming the word of the year;
”tariffs.” The Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 index was down 5.6% in March, which is the worst monthly
performance since December 2022. The NASDAQ felt even more pain down 8.1% while the Dow Jones
Industrial Index got away with only a 4.1% drop. New President. New Administration. New market...
MARCH 2025 VIEWPOINT
Volatility anyone?
February had its dose of volatility as concerns over the economy brought down consumer confidence and spending resulting in a 1.42% decline in the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 index. As of the end of February, the index remained in positive territory albeit just slightly. U.S. mid and small size company stocks did not fare as well, but international markets have been surprisingly positive. Strength in markets outside U.S. borders have become so cheap that the disparity to the U.S. has made them a reasonable consideration for long-term...
Read Full Report HereFebruary had its dose of volatility as concerns over the economy brought down consumer confidence and spending resulting in a 1.42% decline in the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 index. As of the end of February, the index remained in positive territory albeit just slightly. U.S. mid and small size company stocks did not fare as well, but international markets have been surprisingly positive. Strength in markets outside U.S. borders have become so cheap that the disparity to the U.S. has made them a reasonable consideration for long-term...
Location
222 Central Park Ave Twn Ctr 18fl
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
US
Direct:
(757) 493-2100(757) 493-2100
Toll-Free:
(800) 622-3430(800) 622-3430
Meet Atlantic Legacy Group
Christopher H Russi, CRPS®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(757) 493-2131(757) 493-2131
Kate Geremia, CFP®
Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
Phone:
(757) 493-2140(757) 493-2140
Kristine Salvador, CFP®
Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
Phone:
(757) 493-2111(757) 493-2111
Craig Perez
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(757) 493-2146(757) 493-2146
Danica Cabonce
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(757) 493-2103(757) 493-2103
About Carl R Pierson Jr.
Carl has been employed in the securities industry since 1997. Prior to 1997, Carl earned a Bachelor's Degree with concentrations in Marketing and Finance from Old Dominion University. He started with Prudential Securities upon earning his degree and moved to Smith Barney, now Morgan Stanley, in 2004. Carl has earned a designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and focuses on providing financial planning and portfolio management services for The Atlantic Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley.
Carl lives with his wife Cheryl, and their three children, Lauren, Lindsay, and Nicholas, near Sandbridge in Virginia Beach.
Carl lives with his wife Cheryl, and their three children, Lauren, Lindsay, and Nicholas, near Sandbridge in Virginia Beach.
Securities Agent: UT, MO, IL, TX, KS, KY, TN, NM, MD, MA, DE, AR, VI, IA, SC, OH, NY, WI, SD, OK, NV, CT, AZ, RI, CO, DC, AK, WA, VA, NJ, IN, FL, CA, AL, PA, NC, ME, LA, GA, WV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282441
NMLS#: 1282441
About Christopher H Russi
Chris graduated from Ohio University in 1995 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a concentration in both Finance and International Business. Chris has been with Morgan Stanley and it's predecessors since the beginning of his career, over 30 years ago. He maintains both a Financial Planning Specialist title from Morgan Stanley and a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist designation from the College for Financial Planning. Chris focuses on non-core investments, corporate retirement plans, and client communication for The Atlantic Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley.
Chris lives in Chesapeake with his wife Kimberlee and their two children, Erin and Aiden.
Chris lives in Chesapeake with his wife Kimberlee and their two children, Erin and Aiden.
Securities Agent: OH, KY, VI, OK, GA, AK, NV, DC, NY, NC, MA, IA, CT, TX, SC, NM, IL, DE, WI, WA, SD, MO, IN, CO, AZ, UT, MD, LA, FL, AL, WV, AR, VA, KS, CA, TN, RI, PA, NJ, ME; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1275603
NMLS#: 1275603
About Kate Geremia, CFP®
Kate graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology before pursing a career in financial services. She began her career at Morgan Stanley in 2019 as a Wealth Advisor Associate and joined the Atlantic Legacy Group in 2022 as the team's financial planner. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Kate specializes in developing comprehensive financial plans tailored to each client's unique needs and objectives. She works closely with clients to create personalized strategies designed to help them build, preserve, and transfer wealth with confidence.
Kate is a tidewater native who resides in Virginia Beach with her husband Antonio, and their pets Chester and Remi. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Kate is a tidewater native who resides in Virginia Beach with her husband Antonio, and their pets Chester and Remi. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Securities Agent: WA, DE, KY, WV, WI, SD, NY, IN, IL, SC, RI, NM, PA, GA, VI, NC, MO, IA, OK, OH, NV, LA, AR, AL, UT, ME, AK, MD, TN, MA, FL, CT, CO, CA, AZ, VA, NJ, KS, DC, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2293471
NMLS#: 2293471
About Kristine Salvador
Kristine is an alumna of Old Dominion University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Management. Upon graduation, Kristine started with Morgan Stanley and now works as a Financial Advisor with her Certified Financial Planner® designation.
Kristine is an active member of her church and enjoys all outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. She has volunteered her time at the Foodbank, Relay for Life, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband, Dave.
Kristine is an active member of her church and enjoys all outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. She has volunteered her time at the Foodbank, Relay for Life, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband, Dave.
Securities Agent: NJ, SD, IN, TX, SC, PA, MD, IA, AZ, WV, NY, NV, CA, TN, NC, MO, MI, GA, CO, WA, KS, AR, AK, RI, FL, DC, VA, KY, CT, VI, UT, OK, NM, IL, HI, WI, OH, ME, MA, LA, DE, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Craig Perez
Craig graduated from Old Dominion University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting. Craig started with Morgan Stanley and The Atlantic Legacy Group as an intern in September of 2021; officially joining the team in April of 2022, becoming a Registered Associate shortly after.
Craig focuses on assisting in analyzing the financial markets with the teams Portfolio Manager Carl Pierson, as well as assisting clients in their administrative needs.
Craig focuses on assisting in analyzing the financial markets with the teams Portfolio Manager Carl Pierson, as well as assisting clients in their administrative needs.
About Danica Cabonce
Danica Cabonce is a Registered Client Service Associate at the Atlantic Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley, where she is dedicated to delivering exceptional client experience built on trust, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Prior to joining the firm, Danica built a strong foundation in client-facing roles that emphasized relationship management, proactive support, and strategic problem-solving. Danica has maintained her investment registrations since 2017, demonstrating nearly a decade of industry experience providing comprehensive guidance within regulatory standards. Moreover, she earned a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University, further strengthening her foundation in financial principles, leadership, and analytical decision-making. Her background in sales and service has given her a deep appreciation for relationship-building while keeping client’s unique priorities at the forefront.
Outside of the office, Danica is an avid traveler who enjoys discovering diverse cultures and regional cuisines. She values quality time with her family, and together they love exploring outdoor activities.
Outside of the office, Danica is an avid traveler who enjoys discovering diverse cultures and regional cuisines. She values quality time with her family, and together they love exploring outdoor activities.
Contact Carl R Pierson Jr.
Contact Christopher H Russi
Contact Kate Geremia, CFP®
Contact Kristine Salvador
Hear From Our Clients
We are retired and had reached the point where managing our investment was becoming too difficult. We needed an Advisor to manage our assets. Over the recent years we tried four different “Investment Advisors”, who claimed to be able to manage our assets but in reality did not. In speaking with friends they highly recommended Chris and The Atlantic Legacy Group. Chris and his associates actually do the managing. This relieves us of all the angst, We get to sleep at night without worry.
Howard
Verified ClientNovember 12, 2025
I was not confident in my ability to grasp the full picture of investing and budgeting our money in our retirement years. The team assisted us in consolidating and simplifying our many accounts and engaged in a process to establish a clear budget. The team exemplifies their mission to create meaningful relationships that are focused on client success. When I call with a question or request, I do not get any “representative,” but a team member who knows me and responds quickly to my needs.
Linda
Verified ClientNovember 12, 2025
Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication. No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented. Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
5285589 3/2026
Awards and Recognition
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
2024, 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2024, 2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Wealth Management
From Our Team
MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Atlantic Legacy Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
1Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
4Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
8When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
1Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
4Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
8When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication. No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented. Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
