My Story and Services

With more than 30 years in financial services, including over 17 years in Wealth Management, Peter brings a steady, practical approach to helping clients make confident decisions. He focuses on understanding what matters most to each client, then building a plan aligned to their goals and designed to adapt as life changes. Clients also benefit from access to Morgan Stanley's investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform, and a broad range of investment choices.
Services Include
Securities Agent: MS, CA, OR, TN, WA, FL, TX, AZ, MD, WI, SC, LA, SD, MA, KY, IL, AL, RI, OH, NJ, NC, GA, CO, AR, NY, NM; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Six-Step Process

A structured six-step client advice process provides a detailed assessment of an individual’s current situation, along with a comprehensive, prioritized plan designed to clarify purpose and support progress toward key goals.

Guidance is provided both initially and on an ongoing basis, helping clients track progress and make refinements as needed—whether due to changes in personal circumstances or shifts in market conditions.
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    Step 1: The Introduction
    Our initial meeting provides you with the opportunity to explain your situation, what you want to accomplish and what you are looking for in a financial advisor. In turn, you'll learn about our background and experience and how we typically work with clients.
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    Step 2: Your Vision
    Our second meeting is focused on your vision of the future. The more specific our understanding of your current circumstances and goals, the more efficient our analysis will be in the formulation of our recommendation for you.
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    Step 3: The Action Plan
    The purpose of our third meeting is to examine together the draft analysis we have prepared and our recommendations for implantation.
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    Step 4: The Plan in Action
    Once we have completed the final draft of your analysis, our objective is to facilitate the implementation of your investment strategy in a timely and seamless manner.
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    Step 5: Resource Orientation
    The orientation is intended to familiarize you with all of the resources available to you through us at Morgan Stanley and to determine your service expectations of us.
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    Step 6: Review
    At your periodic progress review meetings, we ask you provide us with any updates pertaining to your personal and financial life that may impact your strategy as well as feedback on our service to you. We provide you with an analysis of your performance towards your goals.

Holistic Wealth Planning

Managing wealth involves far more than managing an investment portfolio. It begins with developing a holistic, comprehensive understanding of who you are and the financial forces at work in your life. It means helping you understand and respond effectively to these forces. And, of course, it means helping you preserve and grow your assets in a way that reflects the realities of your life and the uniqueness of your long-term goals.

The six core areas of wealth planning below incorporate many of the key elements needed to develop your family's wealth management plan.
    Financial Planning
    Financial Planning helps translate your goals into a practical, organized approach to managing your day-to-day finances. It focuses on clarifying priorities, evaluating cash flow, and maintaining progress over time so you can make informed decisions with greater confidence.

    • Goals Analysis
    • Budgeting and Cash Flow
    • Debt Analysis
    • Special Circumstances
    Learn More
    Investment Planning
    Investment Planning is an ongoing process of building, implementing, and monitoring a personalized approach to help pursue your goals while managing risk. It brings structure and discipline to financial decisions and helps keep your strategy aligned with your priorities over time.

    • Economics and Business Cycles
    • Asset Allocation
    • Investment Selection
    • Tax Efficient Investing
    Learn More
    Cash Management and Lending
    Cash Management and Lending is the process of organizing liquidity, optimizing cash flow, and accessing credit in a coordinated way to support your day-to-day needs and longer-term goals. It brings structure and discipline to how cash is held, moved, and deployed—helping you stay prepared for opportunities and unexpected expenses while keeping borrowing aligned with your broader financial strategy over time.

    • Private Banking
    • Securities-Based Loans
    • Mortgages
    • Margin
    Learn More
    Retirement Planning
    Retirement Planning turns long-term goals into a clear strategy for life after work. It helps you define the lifestyle you want, understand the resources it may require, and take actionable steps to build and protect what you'll need over time.

    • Lifestyle Review
    • Retirement Income
    • Social Security and Pension Analysis
    • Healthcare
    Learn More
    Wealth Planning
    Wealth Planning helps align today's decisions with your long-term goals, values, and priorities. By taking a comprehensive view of your situation, it supports thoughtful planning to help protect what you've built and prepare for what you want your wealth to accomplish.

    • Wills and Legal Documents
    • Legacy Planning, Gifting and Uses of Trusts
    • Family Governance and Dynamics
    • Charitable Planning
    Learn More
    Executive Planning
    Executive Planning helps you navigate complex workplace benefits and compensation decisions within your broader financial picture. It supports informed choices and coordination across priorities so your plan stays aligned as your career and circumstances evolve.

    • Benefits and Incentive Compensation Analysis
    • Restricted Stock and Stock Options
    • Concentrated Position Analysis
    • Executive Stock Monetization
    Learn More
    Business Owner Planning
    Business Owner Planning helps align business and personal financial priorities to support both near-term needs and long-term goals. It provides a cohesive framework for decision-making so you can plan proactively and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

    • Business Needs
    • Cash Management, Lending and Capital Needs
    • Retirement and Benefits Assessments
    • Risk Management
    • Succession or Exit Planning
    Learn More

Media and Research

Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future.

We are firm believers of giving our clients as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
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    GIC Weekly 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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    On The Markets 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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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Listen to the Latest Episode
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    Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom
    Discover the latest trends in generative artificial intelligence and other themes shaping technology, media and telecom from this year’s TMT conference.
    Technology, Media and Telecom
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    How to Handle Volatility
    Market volatility can increase or decrease depending on where we are in the business cycle. Learn how to recognize common investing mistakes and stay focused on your long-term financial goals.
    More on Volatility
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    Financial Literacy for Any Stage of Your Life
    Financial literacy means being equipped with the knowledge to help make smart financial decisions during every stage of your life. No matter your current priorities, a strong financial literacy foundation can help you meet your goals.
    More on Financial Literacy

Client Service Team

    Carousel Associate Image
    Lucas Vernoia - Registered Client Service Associated
    Phone:
    (404) 266-5981(404) 266-5981
    Email:lucas.vernoia@morganstanley.com
    Lucas Vernoia is a Registered Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley. In his role, Lucas supports clients by delivering quality personalized service, addressing day-to-day needs, and providing access to the firm’s resources.

    Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Lucas worked at a small independent firm, where he developed a solid foundation in client service and gained valuable experience. This background has shaped his proactive approach and attention to detail in supporting both clients and his team.

    Lucas is originally from Atlanta, where he attended Dunwoody High School. He later earned his degree from Kennesaw State University.

    Outside of the office, Lucas enjoys staying active through fitness and hiking, as well as traveling and spending time with friends.

Location

3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Ste 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 365-3563(404) 365-3563

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 Jason Taggart

Jason Taggart is a Senior Private Banker | Market Manager serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia.

Senior Private Banker | Market Managers partner with Financial Advisors/ Private Wealth Advisors (collectively “Advisors”) to deliver specialized cash management and lending solutions, while strategically leading sales activity and deepening client engagement across Wealth Management markets to drive growth aligned with long-term business and client objectives.

Jason began his career in financial services in 2002 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as an Operations Supervisor at PHH Mortgage.

Jason is a graduate of Florida State University, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with his family. Outside of the office, Jason enjoys spending time with family, attending his kids sporting events, traveling, watching college football, and coaching his daughters’ softball team.
NMLS#: 652503

About Leanne DeCook

Leanne DeCook is an assistant vice president and financial planning director, serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Atlanta Buckhead Market. She is responsible for helping financial advisors with their clients’ and prospects’ financial planning needs.

Leanne began her career in financial services in 2016, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019. Prior to her current position, Leanne served as a financial advisor in the Tampa Bay Market, and most recently as a Wealth Management Associate, developing tailored long-term strategies for high-net-worth clients.

Leanne graduated from The University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in finance and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Leanne is very philanthropically involved and currently sits on the Junior Committee for Daughters Against Alzheimer’s. She is also a member of Morgan Stanley's Global Wellbeing Influencer Network, and prides herself on keeping an active and healthy lifestyle. Outside of work, Leanne enjoys boating on Lake Oconee, reading, hiking, or traveling to some place new. Leanne lives in Roswell, GA, with her husband, Brian, and their two dogs, Reymond and Leila.

DISCLOSURE:
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.

© 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
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

Ready to start a conversation? Contact Peter Martin today.
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 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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3When 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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4Morgan 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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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.

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6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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7Investors 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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8Morgan 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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9Morgan 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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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), 4763067 (9/2025)