About Us

David is a financial advisor who concentrates in comprehensive wealth planning for corporate executives, business owners, and private families. His core focus lies in assisting clients with cash-flow and estate planning strategies, investment management, and guidance through significant liquidity events. He is well versed at navigating business transactions and brings robust experience when sitting at the dealmaking table. His biggest passion is empowering his clients by putting himself in their shoes, leading with quantitative insights, and providing outside-the-box ideas that lead to innovation and problem-solving.

David joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 after spending over 16 years at UBS. He earned a B.A. from the University of Georgia and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®). He speaks frequently on financial planning strategy, has been quoted in Barron's, and has previously taught a financial fundamentals course at Stanford University's School of Medicine. His experience allows him to quickly evaluate a client's situation and customize solutions that meet their objectives.

Beyond the office, David is actively involved in his community and a proud philanthropist. He is a committee member for The Shepard Spinal Center in Atlanta, a not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for people with spine and brain injuries. He is also an active participant for PowHer, a financial literacy program targeted towards educating middle school girls, along with being a Make-A-Wish Grantor. An avid outdoorsman, David can often be found golfing, playing racket sports, or fly-fishing along his favorite rivers in north Georgia. He resides in Atlanta with his wife, Aly, and daughters Kennedy and Murray.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NV, CO, SC, MO, MA, LA, CA, OH, NH, GA, DC, PA, AR, UT, TX, SD, MS, IN, RI, OK, NC, MD, AL, OR, NE, MI, NY, AZ, WI, WA, VA, TN, IL, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1388004
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Helping You Navigate the Challenges Facing Your Business

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As a business owner, you have to face a seemingly never ending list of challenges and obstacles, all while maintaining the vision you've set out to achieve. It can be easy to lose track of your goals and stumble on these short-term problems. By teaming up with myself and Morgan Stanley, we can help you navigate the complicated landscape that faces your business. Check out some of the resources below for information about how we support business owners at Morgan Stanley.

2025 M&A Outlook: Four Trends Driving a Rebound

A favorable regulatory environment and almost $3 trillion in uncommitted capital are among key factors that could lead to a comeback for mergers and acquisitions.

Read the Report Here
Private Market Liqudity and Secondary Transactions

Listen in as Kevin Swan, Head of Private Market Ecosystem and Emiley Jellie, Head of Private Company Liquidity discuss a range of issues private companies may want to consider when running a liquidity event.

Tips for Running Structured Liquidity Events
Workplace Financial Solutions

Check out the new Morgan Stanley at Work website. Learn about the expanded workplace financial benefits that make it even easier to discover the right solution for employees. Explore the site today.

Financial Benefits for Modern Teams
Family Legacies

Successful family businesses establish a shared mission and succession plan to endure for generations to come. Check out the article below for tips to reinforce your family business.

Building a Family Enterprise That Lasts
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    GIC Weekly

    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.

    Read this Week's Report
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    On the Markets

    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.

    Read on the Markets Here
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    2025 Global Macroeconomic Outlook

    Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

    Read the Report Here
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    2025 Investment Outlook

    A stable global economy is likely to benefit equity and fixed-income markets, though increased uncertainty around U.S. tariffs and immigration policy could jeopardize markets' recent gains.

    Read More Here
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    2025 M&A Outlook

    A favorable regulatory environment and almost $3 trillion in uncommitted capital are among key factors that could lead to a comeback for mergers and acquisitions.

    Read More Here
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    Trump Tariffs: What's Next for Investors?

    In a move that has deeply shaken markets, the Trump administration announced a 10% universal tariff (effective April 5, 2025), more than tripling the current effective rate of 3%, and plans to levy country-by-country "reciprocal" tariffs (effective April 9, 2025).

    Read More Here

Client Service Team

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    Michelle Chapman - Vice President, Group Director
    Phone:
    (404) 266-6350(404) 266-6350
    Email:Michelle.Chapman@morganstanley.com
    Michelle has been in the financial services industry over 15 years. She began her career in 2006 with UBS Financial Services. In her role as a Client Service Associate she obtained her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. During her time with UBS she supported teams in both Wealth Management and Private Wealth Management and acted as a CSA Coach. In 2015, Michelle moved to Morgan Stanley as a Senior Registered Associate.

    As Group Director, Michelle acts as lead administrator for The Piedmont Group, which she joined in 2016. Her role focuses on the client experience, service initiatives, and practice management. Additionally, she is active in implementing new processes to improve efficiency. In 2020 she was named a member of the National Service Advisory (NSA) Council, which acts as a two-way feedback channel between the branch service organization, Senior Management and Home Office.

    Michelle graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Journalism. A Northwest Indiana native, she moved south with the hope of never again shoveling a foot of snow off her car before being able to drive. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Paul, and their dog Ivy. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking, golfing, and Chicago Bears football.

Location

3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 266-6500(404) 266-6500
Toll-Free:
(800) 688-6002(800) 688-6002
Fax:
(404) 264-6314(404) 264-6314

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Brian Ford

Brian Ford is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Brian Ford began his career in financial services in 2006, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Regional Private Banker at Wells Fargo, as well as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial.

Brian is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Management. He and his family reside in Cumming, Georgia. Outside of the office, Brian dedicates his time to developing future leaders in youth athletics, serving as a Coach on his children’s baseball teams. When not on the field, he also enjoys running, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 687710

About Jay Zaffos

Jay Zaffos is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.

Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

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

Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.

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.

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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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact David Mills today.
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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.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan 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.

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3Morgan 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.
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 and other legal matters.

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4Products 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.

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5When 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.

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6Morgan 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

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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
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)