About Me

As a co-founder of The GMA Group at Morgan Stanley, David works with select individuals, multi-generational families, physicians, and corporate executives. He focuses in comprehensive financial planning and executive compensation structures. David helps clients with complex compensation issues, tax management, and legacy planning and enjoys helping them to understand all of their options. He is dedicated as a primary Financial Advisor to his clients, helping to ensure The GMA Group is one of the first calls made after any major life event.

Bringing 15 years of wealth management experience, David is an Alternative Investments Director, Executive Financial Services Director, Financial Planning Specialist, and Insurance Planning Director. He has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Charted Retirement Planning Counselor™, and Retirement Income Certified Professional® certifications in order to serve his clients more deeply. He also holds the FINRA Series 7, 66, and 31, as well as the Life, Variable, and Health licenses. David and his team are proud to have been named as a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Team for 2024. He earned a J.D. from Wayne State University and a B.S. in Accounting from Walsh College. David is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, David currently lives in Oakland Township with his wife and five kids, ages 2 to 18. He enjoys volunteering at his kids’ events. Outside of the office, when he’s not busy attending his kids’ activities, he also enjoys running and traveling.



Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2024)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23.

https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Services Include
Securities Agent: DC, OH, WI, NE, NC, ME, ID, VT, VA, PA, NY, MN, FL, WA, TN, NV, OR, OK, MO, MI, MD, UT, IL, CA, TX, NH, ND, IN, IA, AZ, GA, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1321599
CA Insurance License #: 0M08212
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Education and Licensing
  • Bachelor of Accounting Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration
  • Juris Doctor Wayne State University
  • Michigan Law License
  • Financial Planning Specialist
  • General Securities Representative Series 7
  • Investment Adviser Representative Series 66
  • Managed Futures Funds Series 31
  • MI Resident Accident & Health Insurance Producer License
  • MI Resident Life Insurance Producer License
  • MI Resident Variable Annuities Producer License

Meet the Team

A lawyer, a doctor, a professor, a sales rep, and two new guys walks into a building with countless resources…

And while that may be the plot to the next comedy blockbuster, here at The GMA Group at Morgan Stanley it is the accumulation of life experiences that has led to decades of service across many industries. Once aggregated, this Financial Advisory team brings variety of thought and strategies well equipped to help suit you, your family, and your business.

Four members of the team are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™(CFP®), but each have a different areas of focus that they focus on together. This allows for the GMA Group to be a a full-service practice with a feedback sharing culture to better serve our clients.

    Icon Image
    Joseph Fisher, CFP®, CIMA®, CMFC®

    Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Management Director, Insurance Planning Director, Family Wealth Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist,
    Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

    Email: Joe.Fisher@morganstanley.com
    Phone: (248) 740-7149

    The GMA Group
    Icon Image
    Brian Blaker

    First Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

    Email: Brian.Blaker@morganstanley.com
    Phone: (248) 740-7168

    The GMA Group
    Icon Image
    Darsh Kumar, CFP®

    Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager, Certified Financial Planner™

    Email: Darsh.Kumar@morganstanley.com
    Phone: (248) 740-7135

    The GMA Group
    Icon Image
    Matthew Merrifield

    Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Specialist

    Email: Matthew.Merrifield@morganstanley.com
    Phone: 313-343-8425

    The GMA Group
    Icon Image
    JC Wilhelm, CFP®

    Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™,
    Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation, Portfolio Manager

    Email: JC.Wilhelm@morganstanley.com
    Phone: (248) 740-7142

    The GMA Group
    Icon Image
    Kim Vallet

    Registered Senior Client Service Associate

    Email: kim.vallet@morganstanley.com
    Phone: (248) 740-7179

    The GMA Group
    Icon Image
    Jennifer Kafoury

    Senior Client Service Associate

    Email: jennifer.kafoury@morganstanley.com
    Phone: (248) 740-7188

    The GMA Group

CORPORATE SOLUTIONS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

Morgan Stanley at Work aims to help employees thrive across three verticals: equity solutions, financial wellness, and retirement plans. We bring in corporate solutions to empower companies in their management of these programs and, ultimately, to support their employees through their financial journeys.

Our mission is to assist your company in elevating your workplace financial solutions to the next level and support your employees on their financial journeys, understanding their individual life stages and addressing their timely needs, no matter where they are in their life or career. Discover our workplace financial solutions deliver powerful tools, guidance, and education to help your company and your employees thrive.

    Icon Image
    Equity Solutions for Private Companies

    Morgan Stanley at Work's comprehensive suite of financial solutions for the private markets is designed to help companies create a culture of ownership. From the early days of a startup to preparing to go public, Morgan Stanley at Work provides the technology and services needed to manage cap tables and equity plans, generate audit-ready 409A valuations, run liquidity programs and support secondary transactions. These equity management solutions, delivered through the Shareworks platform, are complemented by a suite of workplace financial solutions to help build employee financial confidence, foster loyalty, and help companies attract and retain talent. These include:

    • Equity Administration
    • Liquidity
    • 409A Valuation
    Read more about Equity Solutions for Private Companies
    Icon Image
    Equity Solutions for Public Companies

    We help corporate clients and prospects get the most from their equity compensation benefits with cutting-edge technology that's customizable and scalable. Whether they're newly public, expanding globally or looking to evolve their equity compensation management offering, we're able to help with their end-to-end equity compensation solutions.
    Situations when public market clients may be looking for equity compensation management help include:

    • When launching a new equity plan for employees (e.g. ESPP launch, new equity type issued)
    • When going global and expanding their equity plan into new jurisdictions/countries
    • If dissatisfied with their current provider/platform
    • When there's plan-impacting action happening (e.g. merger/acquisition, going from public to private)
    • When looking for additional participant offerings to enhance their current benefits program (e.g. financial wellness, retirement planning)
    Read more about Equity Solutions for Public Companies
    Icon Image
    Retirement Solutions

    Retirement Services maintains relationships with service providers to offer an array of product solutions for retirement plans of all sizes. We also have relationships with investment-only providers who offer value-added tools and resources. Some of our services include:

    • Defined Contribution Consulting
    • Solutions-Oriented Plans
    • Fiduciary Investment Oversight
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Deferred Compensation

    With Morgan Stanley at Work, we have access to a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services and will help guide your company in picking the ones that best fit the needs of your company and employees.
    We can help review and evaluate available plan designs and informal funding strategies through a needs-based assessment, provide manager selection support and investment-related insights to help informally fund a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, and provide participants with plan education through a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

    • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
    • Portfolio Construction
    • Wealth Management Services
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Financial Wellness

    The more knowledgeable employees are in their finances, the more confident they can be in work and life. That's why we include Financial Wellness with every service we provide.
    Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and financial guidance from our professionals, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of employees and empower their financial journey at every stage, giving employees the confidence to take charge of their finances. These services include:

    • Education
    • Financial Guidance
    • Perks
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Saving and Giving

    Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Companies can show that they are committed to employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being. These services include:

    • Student Loan Repayment
    • College Savings
    • Student Loan Refinancing
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Executive Services

    While business leaders are busy driving change for a company, our Executive Services team provides specialized expertise in equity compensation so they can keep taking the company to new heights. At Morgan Stanley, we can provide a dedicated team provides concierge-level support for executives' equity compensation, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty. Some of our services include:

    • Equity Compensation Services
    • Equity Award Analysis
    • Specialized Solutions
    Learn More

A Tradition of Serving Your Financial Needs

As your Portfolio Management Director, I will work closely with you to understand your needs while maintaining the focus and discipline necessary to guide your portfolio in the most challenging market cycles. A disciplined, four-step investment process underpins the program and helps to develop a long-term perspective about building and managing wealth.
By leveraging the global resources of Morgan Stanley, I am able to monitor the events that affect your financial objectives. I also study trends and developments that shape the investment environment, drive the economy and ultimately impact your portfolio's performance. You'll find that your experience with me, training and investment philosophy offer guidance—both in ongoing portfolio management decisions and understanding investment risk while keeping your long-term goals in view.

A Focused Approach to Investments
  • Establish Financial Objectives
  • Define Investment Strategy
  • Evaluate and Select Investments
  • Ongoing Review Process
A Commitment to You
  • Personalized Portfolios
  • Comprehensive Communications
  • Client Focus
  • Asset-Based Fee

Location

101 W Big Beaver Rd
Suite 1200
Troy, MI 48084
US
Direct:
(248) 740-7101(248) 740-7101
Toll-Free:
(800) 227-1931(800) 227-1931
Fax:
(248) 740-9530(248) 740-9530

Meet My Team

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 Kristopher Johnson

Kristopher Johnson is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Michigan and Ohio.

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.
Kristopher began his career in financial services in 2008 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banking Advisor at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He also served as a Wealth Management Lending Officer and Sales Trainer at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Kristopher is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, where he received his Masters of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Rochester, Michigan with his wife. Outside of the office, Kristopher enjoys exercising, watching sports, volunteering with local organizations, and spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 630462

About Joseph V. Portera

Joseph Portera is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Michigan.

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.

Joseph began his career in financial services in 2002 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Commercial Lender and Market Director at JPMorgan Chase.

Joseph is a graduate of the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and Keller Graduate School of Business where he received a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance & Accounting.

Joseph and his family currently reside in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Outside of the office, he enjoys martial arts, skiing, tennis, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1260889
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

This is a video content

Equity Compensation

Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

  • Vesting events
  • Option expirations
  • Restricted stock units
  • Tax implications

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
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

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

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.

Tax-Smart Ways to Sell Securities

Realizing profits seems like the best part of investing, but taxes can add up. Our new analytics tool can help investors 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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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�
Article Image

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.

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.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
Article Image

The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact David R Zukowski today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

1Morgan 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.

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

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



3Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



4Morgan 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.

Back to top



5Alternative 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.

Back to top



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)