Welcome

The Dennard & Taylor Team combines our own talents and experience with the vast resources of a global financial services firm to help address the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families, their businesses and philanthropic enterprises. We take a holistic approach that is grounded in investment strategy but covers virtually every aspect of your financial life: risk management, liabilities, trusts and estate structures, and even family dynamics and lifestyle management issues. Our team works with a select number of clients so that we can dedicate the time, attention and resources each situation demands and is entitled to receive.

We are proud to share that we were recognized as #13 on Forbes' 2026 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2026) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/24-3/31/25.

Capabilities
  • Pre-Liquidity Planning
  • Portfolio Management
  • Cash Management & LendingFootnote1
  • Alternative InvestmentsFootnote2
  • Private Investments
  • Hedging Strategies
  • Proprietary Investment Opportunities
  • Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote3
  • Tax, Trust & Estate AdvisoryFootnote4
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Philanthropy Management
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 300 teams specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $1.2 trillion in AUM
  • Comprising 26% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2025
  • 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, September 2025

Source: Barron's (Awarded March 2025) This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's for the period Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on an algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the assessment of Barron's and 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.

Creative thinking. Serious execution.

We bring an energetic, idea-driven approach to private wealth management, grounded in real-world experience across industries. We embrace complex problems, and we are always searching for innovative and holistic solutions to service our clients' every need. We strive to support confident decision making by providing creative recommendations that are thoughtful, timely, and aligned with your long-term outcomes and desires.
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    A team mindset that says “yes”
    We’re always excited to work through a new opportunity. You can expect a white-glove service level throughout your relationship with us, which is centered around responsiveness, transparency, and a systematic expectation of finding solutions to the most complex issues and challenges.
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    Perspective shaped beyond finance
    Our experience spans trust planning, institutional investing, business consulting, politics, commercial real estate analysis, investment banking, marketing and consumer trends, and hospitality. That range helps us connect the dots across our service model, market trends, business realities, and human behavior. Our goal is to make our advice both relatable and practical.
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    Ideas informed by current events
    We pay close attention to current events, trends, and products because timing and context matter, especially in the ultra-high net worth space. Our goal is not to chase headlines. We aim to utilize all of our specialized resources within private wealth and beyond to create awareness of risks or opportunities, which translates into clear choices for your goals.
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    Confident, proactive recommendations
    Our style is direct and proactive, while considering every facet of what we offer. When we see an opportunity or a gap, we will bring it to you with a clear rationale, trade-offs, and next steps. If you prefer more engaged cadence and a steady flow of ideas, you’ll feel at home here.
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    Access and connectivity that expands your world
    With our team, we have constant, exclusive access to global thought leaders’ ideas, experiences, and connections that you may not see elsewhere, including curated events that are both enjoyable and genuinely useful. Over time, our team’s relationship with you broadens what’s possible for you, not just manages what you already have.
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    Built to grow with you
    As your life and balance sheet evolve, your strategy should be refined too. We focus on building a relationship that can scale, integrating planning, investments, and priorities as new goals, liquidity events, or family considerations emerge over time.

Private wealth planning for ultra-high net worth individuals, built around your personal profile and legacy

We deeply understand that ultra-high net worth individuals often manage opportunity and complexity at the same time. Our team helps clients connect the dots across business cash flow, personal goals, taxes, long-term legacy planning, and much more, all while deploying a high-touch level of service that alleviates the stress of big decisions. Our work starts with what immediately matters most, then builds into a coordinated plan that can adapt as your company, liquidity, and family needs evolve over time.
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    Tax planning for founders, generationally wealthy families, and large scale liquidity events
    We help our ultra-high net worth clients evaluate and execute customized, tax-aware strategies throughout the year, not only at year-end or filing time. Planning can include coordinating investment decisions with expected cash needs, reviewing and tactically executing on opportunities to manage gains and losses, reviewing tax efficient trust and estate strategies, aligning charitable giving with broader tax goals when appropriate, and beyond.
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    Philanthropy planning that reflects your values and goals
    Ultra-high net worth individuals want their giving to be intentional, measurable, and easy to sustain. Our team can help clarify your philanthropic priorities, evaluate giving vehicles, and coordinate a plan that fits alongside your investment strategy and generational goals. For clients who want structure and flexibility, our proprietary donor-advised fund offerings are a practical way to organize giving over time and maximize the tax benefits of charitable giving, as well.
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    Trust and estate planning coordination
    As our clients’ wealth grows, planning often shifts from accumulation to protection and transfer. Therefore, we work with our clients and their external strategic partners to ensure key decisions stay aligned, including trust and estate planning, tax strategy, philanthropy, long-term legacy intentions, and so much more. For families with the most complex needs, corporate trustee and trust administration solutions may also be part of the conversation, and we have a wide range of exclusive, strategic partners to engage in those situations.
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    Concentrated stock planning
    Founder and generational wealth can sometimes be heavily tied to a single company or position. Our team helps clients evaluate concentration risk, liquidity needs, and tax considerations, then explores creative diversification approaches that fit our clients’ timelines and goals. Planning can also include scenario analysis around future sales, gifting, and charitable strategies.
    Discuss diversification and risk management
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    Lending and liquidity strategies
    We aim to keep capital working while maintaining access to liquidity for opportunities, taxes, or major purchases. We can help evaluate lending approaches that complement our clients’ investment strategy and goals, including strategies designed to provide flexibility while keeping your investment strategy and risk profile in view. Our specialized ultra-high net worth lending team aims to deliver high-end, tailored solutions with the most competitive pricing in the private wealth industry.
    Talk through liquidity options
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    Family wealth planning and multigenerational coordination
    Business success or large scale liquidity events can change family dynamics quickly. We plan for practical realities that come with earning and growing wealth, including aligning decision-makers, preparing the Next-Gen, and creating a framework for long-term stewardship. When appropriate, we will engage clients and their external strategic partners to explore family office-style resources, solutions, and education.
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    Investment strategy built around planning
    Complex portfolios need to do more than pursue returns - they need to support lifestyle spending, future private investments, philanthropic commitments, and long-term, generational goals. We build a custom investment approach around your objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs, then monitor the progress as circumstances evolve. We utilize the most cutting-edge risk assessment and planning tools to ensure that every opportunity is evaluated and considered in every custom investment proposal.
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    Dennard & Taylor Team recognized on Forbes' 2024-2026 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    The Dennard & Taylor Team was recognized on Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list in 2024, 2025, & 2026.

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2024, 2025, 2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
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    Jed Dennard & Rodney Taylor recognized on Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List
    Jed Dennard was recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Rodney Taylor was recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in 2024, 2025, & 2026.

    Source: Forbes.com awarded 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026. Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
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    CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst (Jed Dennard & Nathan Harries)
    A globally recognized professional designation that measures and certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management and security analysis. CFA charter holders wield an extensive body of knowledge in investing and global financial markets, placing clients’ interests above their own, dedicating themselves to helping achieve the best possible outcomes for investors.

Location

3280 Peachtree Road NE
Ste 2000
Atlanta, GA 30305
US

Meet Dennard & Taylor Team

About James Dennard

Jed earned his BBA from the University of Georgia. Upon graduating, Jed worked in Equity Research with Deutsche Morgan Grenfell and Paine Webber before earning his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a Jenrette Fellow. Following graduate school, Jed worked with Bessemer Trust before joining Morgan Stanley PWM in 2006. In 2007, he received the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He also received the Family Wealth Director designation from Morgan Stanley in 2018.
Securities Agent: VA, OH, NC, AR, VT, OR, MD, CT, CO, WY, WV, UT, NE, MO, PA, NH, MI, IL, ID, CA, LA, GA, FL, AL, NV, KY, HI, TX, SC, NJ, MS, SD, RI, NY, KS, DC, AZ, TN, OK, MN, MA, DE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1364402

About Rodney Taylor

After earning his BA from the University of Georgia, Rodney joined the Capital Markets team at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. He later moved to Dallas, TX to run southwestern U.S. operations for Taylor & Company, a Management Consulting firm focused in the financial services industry. Rodney earned his MBA from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in 2015 before moving home to Atlanta to join Morgan Stanley PWM.
Securities Agent: CA, AR, PA, NY, NC, MI, ID, DE, WV, RI, MS, MD, HI, UT, OK, OH, NV, NE, WY, IL, DC, AZ, VA, KY, TX, MO, AL, VT, KS, FL, SD, TN, SC, MN, MA, LA, GA, CT, OR, NJ, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1589608

About Nathan Harries

Nathan Harries is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Exit Planning Advisor who brings an institutional investing perspective to the needs of affluent individuals and families. He began his career as a Goldman Sachs management and strategy analyst and moved on to Quadrant Real Estate Advisors, where he was responsible for loan origination and asset management of private debt investments across the United States. In addition to his contributions to client portfolio construction, Nathan focuses on business development, including his work with the younger members of the team’s multigenerational client families.

Experience:
• Joined Morgan Stanley in 2022
• Quadrant Real Estate Advisors, 2018 - 2022
• Goldman Sachs, Analyst, Securities Division, 2017 - 2018
• B.A. in Economics and Spanish, Colgate University (Graduated Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude and was a member of the men’s basketball team.)
Securities Agent: AZ, GA, UT, SC, OK, NY, CO, MO, KY, TN, PA, NE, ID, CA, VA, NV, NC, FL, MS, MA, VT, OR, KS, IL, DC, AL, TX, MN, WY, OH, MI, MD, DE, RI, CT, AR, WV, SD, NJ, LA, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2403747

About Mary Topping

Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Computer Science from the Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After graduating, she moved to Atlanta, GA to pursue a career as an in-house Marketing Logistics Coordinator for the largest HeadStart data tracking company, ChildPlus Software. Realizing that marketing may not be her forever calling, she accepted a position as the receptionist at Morgan Stanley, which quickly led to accepting a support staff role with a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management team. After three years with the wealth management team, she joined the Dennard & Taylor Team in PWM. Mary currently holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses. She is also the communications chair for Women in Wealth of Atlanta.

Mary resides in Buckhead Village with her husband, Daniel, and her Siberian Husky, Marley. In her free time, you can find her playing golf, taking a Barry's class, or in the kitchen attempting one of Ina Garten's recipes.

About Whitney Rife

Whitney Rife brings more than 15 years of industry experience to the team, supporting the creation, implementation, and ongoing management of highly customized investment portfolios for ultra-high net worth families. She also plays a key role in the administration of client accounts and is dedicated to delivering an exceptional client service experience.

Whitney joined Morgan Stanley in 2007. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a Benefits Operations Manager at Hewitt Associates from 2004 to 2007. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and holds her Series 7, 66, and 31 licenses.

A lifelong Metro Atlanta native, Whitney enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying involved in the local community.

About Anna Paris

Anna graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance. Upon graduation, she joined Truist Securities in the Investment Banking division on the Healthcare Coverage Team. At Truist, Anna worked on a variety of M&A, capital markets, and financing transactions within Healthcare Services sector. After her time in investment banking, Anna transitioned to PWM in order to build lasting relationships and help people find innovative ways to manage their wealth. Anna passed Level I of the CFA in 2026.

Anna is a proud lifetime Atlantan that enjoys frequenting old favorite spots and discovering new ones across the city with her husband, Jack. In her free time, you will find Anna working on one of her many hobbies such as needlepoint, woodturning, or sewing. On the weekends, Anna can usually be found at Lake Keowee in South Carolina with her family.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Managing Significant Wealth

  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Cash Management & Lending
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
  • Business Services
From Vision to Structure: Architecting a Family Office
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From Vision to Structure: Architecting a Family Office

Families build more than wealth?they build institutions meant to last. As success brings greater opportunity and complexity, discover how a cohesive family office structure can help align decision-making and preserve values across generations.

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.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values
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Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values

The renowned NFL wide receiver shares insights on aligning your investments with your values.

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 | The Pyramid of Giving: When to Say Yes. How to Say No.
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Listen | The Pyramid of Giving: When to Say Yes. How to Say No.

You can support the people and causes you care about, while also turning down requests when you feel you have done enough. Tune in for tips and hear from Katherine Lorenz, President of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, who shares her story.
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

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2Alternative 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.

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3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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4Morgan 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.

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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.

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 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.

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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4677197 (7/2025)