
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley

Our Mission Statement
Bringing leading edge, private wealth solutions to Silicon Valley executives for over 20 years.
Our Story
We see the American dream in action every day. Based in Menlo Park, ground zero of the new economy, we serve an impressive group of hard-working, high-achieving people. We have extensive experience working with public company executives, venture capital and private equity partners, founders and early employees, and entrepreneurs. All of our clients are creating great opportunities for themselves and their families, and some have achieved considerable financial success. They have reached a point where they need help making informed decisions about the complex financial issues in their lives, and putting those decisions into action.
That’s where we come in. Combining our experience with the global capabilities of Morgan Stanley, we supply the insight, information and resources needed to help you and your family address your challenges and work toward your goals. We listen closely, put your interests first and work hard to provide you with thoughtful advice and an outstanding service experience. We will always be respectful of the fact that it’s your money and your future. We are here to provide the help and guidance needed to live the life you want to lead.
That’s where we come in. Combining our experience with the global capabilities of Morgan Stanley, we supply the insight, information and resources needed to help you and your family address your challenges and work toward your goals. We listen closely, put your interests first and work hard to provide you with thoughtful advice and an outstanding service experience. We will always be respectful of the fact that it’s your money and your future. We are here to provide the help and guidance needed to live the life you want to lead.
Our Goals
- Simplify your financial affairs and be confident in investing
- Access the intellectual capital of one of the largest investment firms in the globe
- Create a holistic wealth management plan that helps achieve your financial objectives
- Focus on tax efficient investments strategies
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024
Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Location
2775 Sand Hill Road
Suite 120
Menlo Park, CA 94025
US
Meet Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley
About Matthew Sheehan
Matt Sheehan is a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley’s Menlo Park office. He joined Morgan Stanley in 1999 and became part the firm's Private Wealth Management Group in 2015, showcasing him as one of the top 300 advisors. Matt is one of a select few advisors to earn the “Family Wealth Director” designation, given to those who have had extensive experience and education in assisting high net worth families manage their financial and estate planning affairs. He is a Senior Portfolio Management Director, enabling him to offer portfolio services directly to his clients, rather than relying on third-party managers.
Matt holds an Economics degree from Loyola Marymount University and sits on his alma mater's Board of Regents, remaining involved in LMU's community relations, fundraising, alumni, and student engagement. He is also an active Advisor Steering Committee Member at the Catholic Community Foundation. Matt lives in Redwood City with his wife, Paula, and his kids, Natalie and Lucas.
Matt holds an Economics degree from Loyola Marymount University and sits on his alma mater's Board of Regents, remaining involved in LMU's community relations, fundraising, alumni, and student engagement. He is also an active Advisor Steering Committee Member at the Catholic Community Foundation. Matt lives in Redwood City with his wife, Paula, and his kids, Natalie and Lucas.
Securities Agent: MD, MA, OR, CT, CO, CA, AL, OK, AZ, OH, NY, NV, NM, NJ, NH, AK, NE, NC, MT, MO, MN, MI, PA, WY, WI, WA, VT, VI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, KY, KS, IN, IL, ID, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290550
CA Insurance License #: 0D04590
NMLS#: 1290550
CA Insurance License #: 0D04590
About Daniel J Gieseke
Dan Gieseke joined Morgan Stanley in 2007. He holds the Senior Portfolio Manager designation, which allows him to offer portfolio services directly to his clients, rather than relying on third-party managers. Dan prides himself on having a personal approach, freeing his clients to think about giving back to their communities with their time, talent, and treasure.
Dan is actively involved in leading men's Bible study, youth sports, and local homeless outreach. He holds a BA in Business/Economics from Wheaton College (IL), where he was a member of the Track & Field Team and competed in the triple jump event. Dan currently lives in Redwood City with his wife and three children.
Dan is actively involved in leading men's Bible study, youth sports, and local homeless outreach. He holds a BA in Business/Economics from Wheaton College (IL), where he was a member of the Track & Field Team and competed in the triple jump event. Dan currently lives in Redwood City with his wife and three children.
Securities Agent: OK, WI, NJ, KY, ID, NY, MA, SC, MT, WY, WA, UT, PA, TN, SD, KS, OH, OR, GA, CO, CT, CA, AZ, NC, MO, NV, MI, MN, TX, VT, VA, NM, MD, NH, IN, AL, DE, FL, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1261796
CA Insurance License #: 0H06601
NMLS#: 1261796
CA Insurance License #: 0H06601
About Alex Oberle
Early in my life, I developed a habit of working hard to accomplish my goals. Like most kids growing up, I had the dream of playing professional baseball. While I did not reach my dream, I was fortunate to earn a Division I baseball scholarship to attend South Dakota State University. Before going to South Dakota State, I worked part-time at In-N-Out Burger, attended school full-time at a local Junior College, and practiced baseball for 3-4 hours a day. Needless to say, this intense schedule helped me develop the traits needed to manage my business in today's fast-paced environment.
After completing my MBA in 2012, I joined Morgan Stanley's Menlo Park office. I've spent my entire career focused on helping successful Silicon Valley founders, executives, and entrepreneurs with their wealth management needs. Most of the wealth in the valley is generated from equity compensation, and my focus is helping these clients strategize how to diversify and what structures or entities optimize their net earnings. My goal is to develop long-lasting, personal relationships with a select group of families and their kids, and help them implement effective investment strategies to navigate the capital markets, focus on tax-efficient investing, and advise them on all aspects of their financial life.
My team, Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley, consists of 4 advisors and 5 associates. We built a generational team with the focus on being able to help the parents, kids, and grandkids for many decades. What differentiates me and my team is our laser focus on the client experience, ensuring we're involved in every financial decision, and aligning our clients with the best resources within Morgan Stanley.
Our team, Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley at Morgan Stanley uses a collaborative approach that allows us to best serve our client's needs. We have four financial advisors and five administrative associates.
After completing my MBA in 2012, I joined Morgan Stanley's Menlo Park office. I've spent my entire career focused on helping successful Silicon Valley founders, executives, and entrepreneurs with their wealth management needs. Most of the wealth in the valley is generated from equity compensation, and my focus is helping these clients strategize how to diversify and what structures or entities optimize their net earnings. My goal is to develop long-lasting, personal relationships with a select group of families and their kids, and help them implement effective investment strategies to navigate the capital markets, focus on tax-efficient investing, and advise them on all aspects of their financial life.
My team, Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley, consists of 4 advisors and 5 associates. We built a generational team with the focus on being able to help the parents, kids, and grandkids for many decades. What differentiates me and my team is our laser focus on the client experience, ensuring we're involved in every financial decision, and aligning our clients with the best resources within Morgan Stanley.
Our team, Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley at Morgan Stanley uses a collaborative approach that allows us to best serve our client's needs. We have four financial advisors and five administrative associates.
Securities Agent: IL, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1393565
CA Insurance License #: 0I22661
NMLS#: 1393565
CA Insurance License #: 0I22661
About Seth Novosel
Seth Novosel began his career at Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Management Intern in 2019 and joined the Cornerstone Group full-time in 2022. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he was an Enterprise Sales Representative at Amazon Web Services, working with AWS’s largest enterprise customers in Southern California and Arizona. Through working with executives, founders, and business leaders at AWS he understands the high-level of trust required to build strong professional relationships and he strives to build that trust with each of his clients. Seth holds the Financial Planning Specialist and Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation designations, certifying him to advise clients on how to incorporate equity compensation to their financial plan. Seth earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Southern California. Seth lives in Redwood City and is an active member of the USC community in the Bay Area. He serves on the USC Marshall School of Business Bay Area Alumni Board of Advisors as the Chapter President.
Securities Agent: WI, WA, MA, VA, NV, CO, MD, FL, UT, SC, PA, OR, OH, NC, AZ, MO, MN, MI, IL, GA, CT, TN, RI, NY, CA, TX, NJ, HI, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Dana Kern
Dana Kern joined Morgan Stanley in 2013. She holds a BS in International Business and Finance from Grand Valley State University, as well as her Series 7 and 66 licenses. Dana focuses on all client service aspects for our clients. Dana lives in Redwood City with her boyfriend and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys taking Pilates and ballet classes.
About Kate Kircher
Kate Kircher joined Morgan Stanley in 2020 and prior to that she interned in 2019. Kate focuses on all client service aspects, 10b5 plans, and corporate equity settlement, as well as processing LifeView planning for clients. She holds a BS in Psychology and Communication from Santa Clara University, where she also played Division 1 soccer. She enjoys going on runs and trying new restaurants. She currently lives in San Francisco with her cream retriever puppy, Camper.
About Karina Diaz-Swanson
Karina Diaz-Swanson joined Morgan Stanley in 2019 and has 10 years of experience in the Wealth Management industry. She holds a BS in Political Science from San Jose State University and focuses on all aspects of client service needs for our clients. Karina lives in Newark with her husband and two daughters. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family.
About Patrick Heslip
Patrick Heslip joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. He plays a key role in client onboarding, ensuring a smooth and easy transition for every new relationship. He has a strong commitment to providing excellent service for clients every day needs. Patrick graduated from UC San Diego with a Joint Degree in Economics and Mathematics and a minor in Business. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Patrick maintains close ties to his community and family. He enjoys hiking, golfing, and always looking for new places to explore.

Contact Matthew Sheehan

Contact Daniel J Gieseke

Contact Alex Oberle
Awards and Recognition
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Forbes America's Top Wealth Management Teams

2022-2024 Forbes America's Top Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year the award was issued.

Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams

2024-2025 Barron's Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams, Barron's Top 50 Private Wealth Management Teams, Barron's Top 50 Private Wealth Advisory Teams) Source: Barrons.com (Awarded April 2024-2025). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Dec of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

2022-2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State

2022-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State) Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2022-2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

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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
You Work Hard, Make Your 401(k) Plan Work Harder
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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
Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
1Morgan 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
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates and their employees (including Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors) are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any statements contained herein should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their personal tax advisor or attorney for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving personal trusts and estate planning.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan 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
Awards Disclosures
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
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates and their employees (including Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors) are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any statements contained herein should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their personal tax advisor or attorney for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving personal trusts and estate planning.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan 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
Awards Disclosures
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)