Chris Mensi
Financial Advisor,
Portfolio Manager,
Financial Planning Specialist,
Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation
Direct:
(225) 237-3142(225) 237-3142
My Mission Statement
Help people enjoy life by reducing their stress about money.
My Story and Services
Chris Mensi is a Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley. He joined the firm in 2020 after a successful 12-year career in the educational non-profit sector. Recognized for his dedication to client success, Chris was named to Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Pacesetter Club in 2023 and 2024.
Chris employs a planning-first approach to wealth management, beginning with comprehensive discussions of his clients' financial situations and goals. This process results in customized financial plans tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. With a passion for philanthropy, Chris focuses in helping individuals and organizations with their philanthropic goals and charitable giving.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Chris held several leadership roles in non-profit development. As Director of Development for the LSU Foundation, he played a pivotal role in building and launching the $1.5 billion Fierce for the Future Capital Campaign. He also oversaw investment advisors and managed endowments exceeding $10 million.
A proud graduate of Mississippi State University, Chris earned dual degrees in International Business (Economics and Spanish) and an MBA. He served eight years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003.
Chris' greatest love is his family. He and his wife Megan are the proud parents of three daughters. He is an avid fisherman and woodworker, and enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. Chris and his family are active members of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, and is a member of the Men of Mercy.
Chris employs a planning-first approach to wealth management, beginning with comprehensive discussions of his clients' financial situations and goals. This process results in customized financial plans tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. With a passion for philanthropy, Chris focuses in helping individuals and organizations with their philanthropic goals and charitable giving.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Chris held several leadership roles in non-profit development. As Director of Development for the LSU Foundation, he played a pivotal role in building and launching the $1.5 billion Fierce for the Future Capital Campaign. He also oversaw investment advisors and managed endowments exceeding $10 million.
A proud graduate of Mississippi State University, Chris earned dual degrees in International Business (Economics and Spanish) and an MBA. He served eight years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003.
Chris' greatest love is his family. He and his wife Megan are the proud parents of three daughters. He is an avid fisherman and woodworker, and enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. Chris and his family are active members of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, and is a member of the Men of Mercy.
Services Include
- Retirement PlanningFootnote1
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Wealth ManagementFootnote2
- Philanthropic ManagementFootnote3
- Endowments and FoundationsFootnote4
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote5
- Business PlanningFootnote6
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote7
- Trust AccountsFootnote8
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote9
- Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
Securities Agent: MO, AL, VA, NY, CO, GA, AR, OK, DC, OR, TN, OH, UT, KY, NC, MD, KS, CT, IL, AZ, LA, HI, FL, CA, TX, SC, MS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2097565
NMLS#: 2097565
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Philanthropy Management
Chris brings over 15 years of nonprofit expertise to support the charitable goals and needs of individuals, families, corporate and private foundations, and nonprofit clients.
In collaboration with Morgan Stanley's Philanthropy Management Team, Chris is able to offer a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
Some include:
ADVISORY SERVICES
• Identifying effective and strategic giving options.
• Researching charities to help identify ones that complement your philanthropic aims and operate efficiently.
• Conducting philanthropic meetings and retreats to discuss family values, grant-making strategies and charitable goals.
• Supporting your organization’s fundraising efforts and delivering strategic advice, guidance, and education to your board.
GIVING ASSISTANCE
• Offering insight and support for private foundations, donor-advised funds, and other charitable vehicles to scale the impact of your giving.
• Educating you on methods of tracking the effectiveness of your philanthropy.
• Keeping you informed on emerging trends in philanthropy.
• Assisting your organization with the development of grant-making policies, procedures and guidelines to establish a more efficient giving framework.
CONNECTIONS
• Establishing philanthropic giving circles, which extend the impact of individual efforts.
• Identifying board positions and assisting you through the protocol of
becoming a board member.
• Working with you and your outside advisors to create grant agreements and
negotiate the terms of your gift.
• Connecting you to nonprofit leadership and industry experts.
• Sourcing collaborative opportunities for you to partner with other organizations to leverage and scale your impact.
In collaboration with Morgan Stanley's Philanthropy Management Team, Chris is able to offer a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
Some include:
ADVISORY SERVICES
• Identifying effective and strategic giving options.
• Researching charities to help identify ones that complement your philanthropic aims and operate efficiently.
• Conducting philanthropic meetings and retreats to discuss family values, grant-making strategies and charitable goals.
• Supporting your organization’s fundraising efforts and delivering strategic advice, guidance, and education to your board.
GIVING ASSISTANCE
• Offering insight and support for private foundations, donor-advised funds, and other charitable vehicles to scale the impact of your giving.
• Educating you on methods of tracking the effectiveness of your philanthropy.
• Keeping you informed on emerging trends in philanthropy.
• Assisting your organization with the development of grant-making policies, procedures and guidelines to establish a more efficient giving framework.
CONNECTIONS
• Establishing philanthropic giving circles, which extend the impact of individual efforts.
• Identifying board positions and assisting you through the protocol of
becoming a board member.
• Working with you and your outside advisors to create grant agreements and
negotiate the terms of your gift.
• Connecting you to nonprofit leadership and industry experts.
• Sourcing collaborative opportunities for you to partner with other organizations to leverage and scale your impact.
Family Owned Businesses
As a third generation member of his family's business, Chris understands the unique needs and concerns that business owners and their families face daily.
Chris helps business owners look beyond their income to identify risks and tax efficient ways to invest & increase their business' value.
- Retirement/succession planning
- Tax Planning
- 401k, Simple IRA, 403b, defined comp, profit sharing
- Cash Management and Lending Solutions
- Insurance
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Chris helps business owners look beyond their income to identify risks and tax efficient ways to invest & increase their business' value.
- Retirement/succession planning
- Tax Planning
- 401k, Simple IRA, 403b, defined comp, profit sharing
- Cash Management and Lending Solutions
- Insurance
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Goals-Based Wealth Management
Our approach to financial planning focuses on what is most meaningful to you. Whether meeting with you for the first time or reviewing your progress and life goals, this is our priority.
Leveraging our vast resources—including intellectual capital, experience and dedicated personal service—we can work with you to create a personalized wealth strategy. Our 4-step approach to Wealth Management is formal, yet flexible. Over time, we can adapt to changing circumstances while helping you seek to achieve—and protect—your goals.
Leveraging our vast resources—including intellectual capital, experience and dedicated personal service—we can work with you to create a personalized wealth strategy. Our 4-step approach to Wealth Management is formal, yet flexible. Over time, we can adapt to changing circumstances while helping you seek to achieve—and protect—your goals.
Step 1: Discover
Our relationship begins with a thorough understanding of you - your needs, your lifestyle and family, and your goals for the future. We learn about the values that shape your decisions and identify unique circumstances.
Step 2: Create
In this step, we utilize a wide array of financial planning tools to develop a personalized and detailed plan to help you seek to achieve and protect the outcomes you envision.
Step 3: Act
Here, we’ll present a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to achieve your goals. Upon your approval, we’ll set into motion a course of action that strives to align your investments with your values and vision.
Step 4: Adjust
There is a reason it is called Financial Planning. A strong financial plan requires constant vigilance and flexibility as life evolves. We will help you monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Location
400 Convention St
Ste 400
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
US
Direct:
(225) 237-3142(225) 237-3142
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
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
Tax-Smart Ways to Sell Securities
How investors can tap their portfolios in tax-savvy ways.
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
Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Chris Mensi today.
1When 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
3Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
4Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
7Alternative 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.
8Morgan 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.
9When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
3Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
4Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
7Alternative 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.
8Morgan 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.
9When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)
