Rancho Santa Fe Branch Office

Justin Steers, Branch Manager for the Morgan Stanley Rancho Santa Fe office, has been in the Wealth Management industry for 30 years. Previously with UBS for over 20 years, Justin’s accomplishments range from becoming a successful Financial Advisor, Private Wealth Advisor, Branch Manager, and Complex Manager. He has led teams in California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Georgia, Florida, and previously managed the UBS Wealth Management business in North County San Diego. Justin found his passion in mentoring others to deliver financial education and tailored services that help clients create balance and reach their own dreams and goals. He has been recognized by UBS six times, either individually or as part of the field leadership team, to its prestigious Leadership Council.

Justin’s track record of growing every office he has managed signifies his success in creating impact for both clients and employees. He is a collaborative leader who assists teams to develop practices focused on the client, instilling in them his philosophy of servant leadership. He also believes strongly in giving back to the community. Justin has served many charitable organizations across the U.S. and currently sits as a Board Member of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad. He respects that struggling families and underprivileged kids often need help to see accessible possibilities for their own lives.

Justin enjoys the outdoors, golf, and his lifelong passion of the electric guitar. Justin and his wife Jolie have two teenage daughters, Taylor and Paige, who love travelling, dance, and spending time at the beach in San Diego.

Dennis is a San Diego native and is new to the financial industry. Dennis attended California State Long Beach State with a BA in Sociology. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Dennis worked as a Planning Manager and Sr. Category Buyer for experiential attraction and fashion retail companies. His success was defined by his hard work, attention to detail, and relentless focus on employees and clients. Dennis enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and staying active. Dennis and his wife Katelyn have two young kids, Nash and Ruby, who keep them busy year-round with baseball, jiu-jitsu, and soccer.

Stephany Horn is a Risk Officer for the San Diego Market. Prior to joining the San Diego Market, Stephany worked as a Senior Registered Associate in the Arizona Market. She is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. Stephany enjoys hiking, live music and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.

As a Risk Officer, Denise protects the interests of clients, Financial Advisors and the firm. While much of her role is to identify policy adherence, Denise has the unique ability to apply critical thinking that transforms compliance policy into solutions for real world scenarios. A big part of her job is to liaise with Legal, Compliance and Risk divisions to monitor client suitability, sales practice conduct, business ethics and vulnerable client matters.

Denise also works with Financial Advisors to establish best practices to ensure that clients are receiving the Morgan Stanley Standard of Care. Before joining Morgan Stanley as a Risk Officer in 2017, she started her career in the Financial Services industry at Merrill Lynch in Carlsbad in 2008. From there she moved to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2011, where she held the position of Branch Liaison in their Rancho Bernardo location.

Denise was born and raised in New York where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. In 1994, she moved to Southern California and in her early career was as an animator for Disney Feature Animation and Warner Brothers Animation studios.

Denise spends her free time with her daughters, Zoe and Cassidy or hiking with her partner, Paul and their dog, Snoopy. She still enjoys drawing and carries a sketch book with her wherever she goes. Denise is very active in the community and volunteers for Fill A Belly Carlsbad, Happy To Help San Marcos, Feeding America, and is a member of Toastmasters International.

Russ Gallen is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in California.

Russ began his career in financial services in 2001, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch.

Russ received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University. He currently resides in Solana Beach, CA.

Outside of the office, Russ remains active by playing a variety of sports, such as golf and tennis, amongst many others. He also enjoys watching professional and college basketball and football, as well as traveling to new destinations.

Michael Mackowiak is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Southern California.

Michael began his career in financial services in 2008 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Premier Banker at Wells Fargo Bank.

Michael and his family currently reside in Chula Vista, California. Outside of the office, he enjoys watching soccer and baseball, traveling, and spending time with his family.