My Story and Services

Saving for retirement is one of the most important things a person can do in their life. That’s exactly why I have chosen to devote my career to Corporate Retirement Services. I have the incredible opportunity to influence the lives of so many more people than the average financial advisor through the corporate retirement plans myself and my team oversee.

My first job out of college was with a record-keeping company, which gave me critical insights around retirement plan design; insights that I rely on to this day. As one of less than 200 Corporate Retirement Directors at Morgan Stanley, my focus is on building the right plans, and working tirelessly to improve the numbers around: plan participation, education & enrollment, management engagement, matching/profit sharing, etc. Through our efforts we have been able to improve the retirement experience of literally thousands of plan participants over time because the plans continue to increase in value.

Our companies know that our core values and beliefs shape everything we do …

• We believe in building trust and credibility through our knowledge, experience and our accessibility to the companies we serve.
• We believe in leveraging the full suite of tools and resources of Morgan Stanley’s top tier corporate retirement platform to provide an uncompromising level of engagement and support.
• We believe if we perform as expected, we, in turn, make a significant contribution to the culture of the companies we serve.

As successful as our team has been in serving our companies and their employees, in many ways we feel as though our work is just beginning. Please reach out to us if you…

• Are a Plan Sponsor
• Have a role in overseeing your company plan
• Know of a company that might be dissatisfied with the corporate retirement services they are receiving
• Are a goal-oriented individual investor who would appreciate the advice of someone who offers institutional-level investment insights to many top private and public companies

We would like to have the opportunity to demonstrate to you what success really looks like.

Thank you!
Services Include
Securities Agent: VA, CA, MA, MO, LA, ID, OR, HI, FL, NY, MI, TN, WA, OH, MN, AZ, CO, AL, NV, MS, TX, IL, DE, NM; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1433333
CA Insurance License #: OF92858
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

From My Desk

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools and resources are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies and publications that we offer our clients.
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    GIC Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read The Latest Report
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    Guide to Selecting a Fiduciary
    Not all fiduciaries are created equal. See how Morgan Stanley at Work can help alleviate the administrative burden associated with fiduciary responsibilities and make your life a little easier.
    Read The Guide Here
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read The Latest Report
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    Becoming a Fiduciary
    Fiduciary responsibilities can be a full-time job, however, you don’t have to do it alone. Get familiar with your role as a plan sponsor fiduciary responsibilities and choices you can make to manage those responsibilities while protecting yourself and your business.
    What It Means To Be A Fiduciary
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    The Morgan Stanley Minute
    Explore our 1-minute investment insights videos, in this on-going series, from our firm's leading thinkers. Discover current investment trends and topics like green bonds, active investment, monetizing small businesses, cybercrime and more.
    Morgan Stanley Minute
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    Creating a Fiduciary Audit File
    The decision to offer a workplace retirement plan also comes with fiduciary responsibility. At first glance, fiduciary responsibilities may appear intimidating, but they don’t have to be. Understanding what a fiduciary is – and what you’re responsible for as a fiduciary – is step one.
    Managing Your Fiduciary Obligations
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Check Out The Latest Episode
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    Fiduciary Audit File Checklist
    A fiduciary audit file is an organized file of essential documents that are part of your retirement plan. Morgan Stanley prepared the following checklist to help you compile and keep your Fiduciary Audit File up-to-date and to assist with periodic reviews of your plan.
    View The Checklist Here
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    529 Plans: Secure 2.0 Audiocast
    Jen Tierney, Head of 529 Plans, joins Chris Stack from SavingforCollege.com to discuss how recent legislation has created more flexibility for families investing in 529 plans.
    Listen Now
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    Investing for Future Education Expenses
    Access to higher education remains essential to more opportunities for a better paying job, career and lifestyle. You should start saving now and take advantage of years of potential tax-free compounding through a vehicle like 529 plans.
    Learn More Here

Awards and Designations

Thanks to her unwavering commitment to helping clients and families achieve their investment goals, Kathy has been awarded the following industry awards and recognitions:
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    Financial Wellness Director
    Kathy earned the Financial Wellness Director designation for her ability to demonstrate her commitment to providing holistic financial guidance.
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    Qualified Financial Plan Consultant (QPFC)
    The QPFC program requires an understanding of general retirement planning concepts, terminology, distinctive features of qualified plans and the role of retirement plan professionals. QPFC is for financial professionals who sell, advise, market or support qualified retirement plans. Kathy demonstrates proficiency in plan administration, compliance, investment, fiduciary, and ethics issues.
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    Corporate Retirement Director
    The Corporate Retirement Director program is an exclusive program for Financial Advisors committed to meeting the demanding needs of today’s plan sponsors. To earn the distinguished designation of Corporate Retirement Director (CRD), Financial Advisors must meet the following criteria:

    • Identified by Morgan Stanley as retirement-focused Financial Advisors.
    • Achieved stringent requirements with regard to number and size of retirement plans serviced
    • Have a proven track record working with corporate and institutional clients
    • Hold an external retirement-focused designation with ongoing continuing education requirements.

    Only approximately 2 percent of the firm’s Financial Advisors hold this designation, and Kathy is proud to be included in this esteemed group of professionals.
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    Certified 401(k) Professional®
    Kathy holds a Certified 401(k) Professional® Designation which represents the pinnacle of achievement for a professional Retirement Plan Advisor, recognizing a combination of substantial practical retirement plan management experience, and the completion of a comprehensive and highly specialized educational program.

Education & Associations

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    Education
    • B.A. Political Science - University of San Francisco

    • Honors: Miriam Davies Scholar - University of San Francisco
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    Current Associations
    • University of San Francisco – Corporate Recruiter Mentor

    • SF Foundation
    InvestWrite - Student Essay Competition Judge
    SIMFA Invest It Forward – Virtual Local Classroom
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    Former Associations
    • Chamber of Commerce: Leadership San Francisco Signature Program

    • Pacific Community Ventures – Volunteer Advisor

    • Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Education Committee

    • St. Paul’s School: Former Parent Teacher Board – Treasurer

    • Sacred Heart Cathedral High School – Crab Feed Committee Member
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    Memberships
    • Investments & Wealth Institute

    • Women in Pensions Network (WiPN)

    • National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA)

    • International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)

Upcoming Firm Events

We hope you will join us for this upcoming event.

AI Revolution: The Breakthrough, the Buzz and a Blueprint for the Future

We invite you to watch the replay from our thought-provoking conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) with James Dyett, OpenAI's Head of Enterprise & Strategic Sales, Keith Weiss, Morgan Stanley's Head of U.S. Software Research Jeff McMillan, Morgan Stanley's Head of Firmwide Artificial Intelligence, recorded on Monday, March 24.

CRC4303146 03/2025
Online

Additional Replays

Client Service Team

Location

555 California St, 35th
Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
US
Direct:
(415) 984-6608(415) 984-6608
Fax:
(415) 984-6596(415) 984-6596

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 Jeff Spence

Jeff Spence is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Jeff began his career in financial services in 2004, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 as a Private Banking Vice President. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as a Branch Manager at Bank of America.

Jeff is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside, where he received a Bachelors in Business Administration. He lives in Oakland, CA with his wife, Sherie. Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys riding his motorcycle in the East Bay mountains of California, and traveling the world with his wife enjoying new experiences.
NMLS#: 637529
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

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
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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 Kathy S. Prestigiacomo today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1When 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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2When 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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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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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5Products 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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6Morgan 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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7Morgan 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.

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8When 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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9The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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10Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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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 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)