Houston Market Office

Gary Burgess is a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management overseeing the Houston Post Oak Market. The Market is comprised of three branch offices with 145 financial advisors, 75 support staff, 4 private bankers, a dedicated Technology Trainer and a 10 member management team. The Market oversees $56 billion in client assets and generates $355 million in annual revenue. (A/O 10/15/2025.)

A veteran in the wealth management industry, Gary has over 25 years’ experience working with financial advisors and their teams to strategically grow their practices and better serve their clients. At the core of his business model is a strong, experienced management team, working in concert to ensure their Financial Advisors have access to the tools and resources they need to effectively run their practices and serve their clients.

Gary began his career in Wealth Management in 1986 as a cold caller. After 8 years as an advisor, he was encouraged to transition into management and completed the Leadership Development Program at Smith Barney. In the years since, he has led some of the most successful branches and markets at the Firm. Over the years, Gary has made supporting his people his top priority. Whether helping them resolve market issues or connecting them with internal or external resources, Gary believes his primary role as a manager is to create a positive, entrepreneurial environment and to remove obstacles so that his Financial Advisors can more efficiently run their practices and better serve their clients.

Consistently a top recruiter, Gary believes that retaining his advisors and adding a select few of the best advisors in the market each year enables him to grow the Market while maintaining its strong culture. Committed to the success everyone in the Market, Gary’s main objective is to see each member of his Market grow professionally and attain their personal goals.

Gary is a native Texan who has spent most of his life in Houston. After leading offices in Dallas, Minneapolis and Chicago for 14 years, Gary was ecstatic to return home for his dream job, leading the Houston Post Oak Market in July 2014. An avid Texas Longhorns fan, Gary is a Longhorn Foundation member, season ticket holder, and rarely misses a game. Gary is married to Angela Burgess, Executive Director of RaiseUp Families and President/CEO of Broad Oaks Consulting. He has two adult sons he is fortunate to see and spend time with often.

Being involved in and giving back to the community is important to both Gary and Angela personally. He carries that same passion for giving back into his Market. Partnering with the Firm, Market employees and their families are often provided with opportunities to give their time and financial resources to worthy local organizations like the Houston Food Bank, KIPP Schools, Target Hunger, AVDA, Memorial Park Conservancy, and others. Caring for his family, his entire Market Team, their clients, and our community bring Gary personal and professional fulfillment.

As a Market Manager, Stefanie Gorres is responsible for driving growth in the Houston Post Oak Market and helping every Financial Advisor in her branches realize his or her full potential. She is committed to cultivating a positive atmosphere that promotes peer-to-peer idea exchange, team building and the strategic connections required to satisfy the sophisticated needs of our clients. She is also a passionate advocate for women in business and financial services. In 2021, Stefanie was one of eighteen individuals across Morgan Stanley Wealth Management to be named a Morgan Stanley MAKER.

Stefanie joined Morgan Stanley in Arizona in 2006 and has held positions as a Complex Manager Assistant, Branch Service Manager, Complex Business Service Officer, Associate Complex Manager and Market Manager before taking on her current role in Texas. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Stefanie worked at AIG where she managed a team that was responsible for writing compliance policies and procedures for all broker dealers under the AIG Advisor Group umbrella.

Stefanie earned her B.S. in Business Finance from Minnesota State University at Mankato. She began her financial services career at Ameriprise Financial where she started on the service and trading queue before transitioning to institutional compliance. There, she and two others developed a patented personal trading monitoring system. She then moved to the retail side of the business where she performed high-profile fraud investigations and branch exams as a Senior Compliance Examiner. Her background in risk, compliance and operations gives her a well-rounded vision of all the different components of the financial services industry.

Originally from Minnesota, Stefanie relocated to Arizona in 2005 and most recently moved with her family to Houston, Texas. One of the greatest gifts Stefanie has been given is being a mom to a toddler boy. A dedicated runner, she has run the Boston Marathon twice. In Stefanie’s spare time, she enjoys staying active outdoors and is a volunteer through the CASA program.

Mark has been with Morgan Stanley since 2011. He began his career in the Melbourne, Australia office before transferring to the Houston Post Oak Market in 2015, where he served as First Vice President and Senior Risk Officer. In this role, he was responsible for supervisory oversight and managing the risk and operational aspects of the market.

In 2024, Mark was promoted to Senior Vice President and Associate Market Manager at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. In this position, he is committed to delivering first-class client experience. Mark’s passion lies in assisting advisors as they grow their business and walking alongside them in their pursuit of success.

Academically, Mark holds three university degrees: a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Commerce (with majors in Statistics and Finance), and a Bachelor of Sports Science. He is also registered with FINRA and holds Series 7, 9, 10, 66, and 3 licenses.

After relocating from Australia in 2015, Mark and his wife Sarah, along with their three children, Eve, Marcus, and Curtis, fulfilled their lifelong dream of living in Houston. As a family, they share a deep passion for giving back to the community that has given them more than they could have imagined.

That commitment led Sarah and Mark to co-found M.O.R.E. Possibilities, a nonprofit in Fort Bend County that provides programs and community opportunities at no cost for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. By removing financial barriers, M.O.R.E. Possibilities ensures that every participant can enjoy fulfilling opportunities, build friendships, and experience inclusion. Their hope is not only to advocate for adults with IDD, but also to provide families with resources and a strong support network, helping each participant thrive and be fully part of the greater community.

The values of M.O.R.E. Possibilities - kindness, respect, acceptance, and inclusion, permeates every aspect of Mark's life, including his leadership at Morgan Stanley. He applies these principles to his work with advisors cultivating trust, strengthening, partnerships, and empowering growth while ensuring an exceptional standard of service.

Outside of work and community involvement, Mark is a former Mr. Australia runner-up in bodybuilding. He continues to enjoy fitness, working out, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while living the American dream with his family.

Christa M. Burgett is the current Market Business Service Officer in Morgan Stanley’s Houston Post Oak Market. Christa began her career with Salomon Smith Barney as a receptionist and has held a variety of roles in the finance industry. Through the various mergers and firm name changes, Christa spent time as a Registered Client Service Associate, Senior Assistant Operations Manager, and Operations Manager before transitioning to her current role.

Christa graduated from Harding University with a degree in Business Administration.

Outside of work, Christa enjoys spending time with her family, attending her children’s sporting events, and staying active.

Brent E. Lilly is a dedicated and accomplished professional, recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to service. With an impressive career spanning over 24 years in the finance industry, Brent currently serves as a Senior Risk Officer and First Vice President at Morgan Stanley. He has been a valued member of the Morgan Stanley team for the past 10 years, where he consistently demonstrates his expertise and dedication to delivering superior results.

Brent's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. These qualifications have equipped him with a solid foundation in finance and business administration, enabling him to make sound decisions and provide strategic guidance to his clients and colleagues.

Prior to his tenure at Morgan Stanley, Brent spent 15 successful years at Merrill Lynch, where he held the role of Associate Administrative Manager. During this time, he also served as a senior financial advisor for 10 years and as a financial planning specialist for one year. Brent's extensive experience at Merrill Lynch allowed him to develop strong expertise in financial planning and management, earning him the reputation of a trusted advisor and leader.

Brent's leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, where he prioritizes the well-being and growth of his team members. He values individuals and strives to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Brent's integrity, sound business judgment, and ability to inspire others have consistently driven superior results throughout his career.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Brent is an active member of the community. He is a dedicated participant in Giving Back activities and is proud to be associated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Additionally, Brent is a decorated combat veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps for 29 years. He participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned a combat action ribbon and Bronze Star for his exemplary service and bravery.

In his personal life, Brent cherishes spending quality time with his family and remains committed to personal and professional growth. He values staying active and continuously seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and skill set.

Brent E. Lilly's remarkable journey, combined with his unwavering dedication to leadership, service, and personal growth, make him an exceptional professional and esteemed member of the community. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Brent now resides in Manvel, TX, with his wife Erica.

Ansel Bodelson serves as the Business Development Manager for the market where he partners with market leadership and advisors to drive growth, deliver innovative solutions, and support the achievement of both market and firmwide goals. In this role, he helps identify opportunities, streamline collaboration, and connect teams with firm capabilities that enhance client outcomes.

Ansel began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2019 as a Client Service Associate before transitioning to the Financial Advisor role in 2021. Ansel joined the Houston markets as Business Development Manager in May of 2025.

Passionate about giving back, Ansel has been actively involved in community service and firm initiatives. He currently serves on the Education Committee for Morgan Stanley’s Investment Solutions Diversity and Inclusion Council and previously served on the board of Resolve, a violence prevention organization dedicated to ending violence in our communities. His commitment to fostering inclusion and building safer, more supportive environments reflects his belief in leadership that drives positive impact.

Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ansel studied political theory in New York City before embarking on his career in finance. Outside of work, Ansel is passionate about travel—having explored six of the world’s seven continents—and enjoys spending time outdoors, whether skiing, hiking, or discovering new landscapes. Ansel lives in the Houston Heights with his partner and their dog.