Our Team at Morgan Stanley Sarasota Branch

About Todd Sacks

Todd is an Executive Director and Sarasota Market Manager for the Southwest Florida Market within the Southeast Region. Previously based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, he served as part of the leadership team for the Coastal New Jersey and New York Metro Region. The Southeast Region includes branch offices across twelve states and represents a diverse business mix supported by highly skilled Financial Advisors, managers, and support professionals.

A former Financial Advisor, Todd is committed to delivering an exemplary level of knowledge, support, and service to clients, and to being a trusted resource and role model for colleagues across the firm and market.

Todd brings 34 years of industry experience. He began his career as a Financial Advisor before transitioning into leadership, subsequently serving in roles including Branch Coach, Management Training Associate (M.T.A.) at the National Training Center, Sales Manager, Branch Manager, and Market Executive/Manager. He was named one of On Wall Street’s Top Branch Managers each year from 2012 through 2018 (the most recent list) and was recognized among the Top 10 in 2016.

Todd and his wife, Donna, have been together for 34 years and are the proud parents of two adult children, Harley and Vanessa, both of whom have pursued careers in financial services.

Originally from New Jersey, Todd long hoped to return to Florida, where he attended and graduated from the University of Miami and began his career. Outside of work, he enjoys staying involved in the local community through civic and charitable organizations, spending time with his family, and getting outdoors—whether it’s an occasional match of tennis, a day of fishing, or making time to improve his golf game.

About Stephanie Nilsen

Stephanie Nilsen is a First Vice President and Sr. Risk Officer of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in the Southwest Florida Market.

As the Sr. Risk Officer, Stephanie is responsible for a wide variety of supervisory, compliance and risk functions related to the market.  In conjunction with the Market Executive and other Risk Officers, Stephanie has accountability for maintaining a consistent control environment through adherence of business ethics and practices and adherence to all applicable Federal, State and Local laws, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management policies and other regulations.  Along with her colleagues she is responsible for leading and maintaining good internal audits, for regularly communicating policies to the market and for working closely with our regional risk team, our legal and compliance teams, audit and Sr. Management, when necessary. 

Stephanie has been in the business for 30 years, 22 of which have been in risk and service management.  She has been with Morgan Stanley for 14 of those years with 10 in the Southwest Florida Market.  Stephanie was formerly a Business Service Officer in the Palm Beach market.   Prior to Morgan Stanley, Stephanie worked in various areas of bond brokerage, bank brokerage supervision and RIA supervision at the branch, complex and regional level. 

Stephanie has a B.A degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has twin daughters, Anne and Emma, and in her spare time they can usually be found shopping, riding bikes or spending time with their extended family.

About Remy Bartlett

Remy Bartlett is an Vice President and Market Business Officer with Morgan Stanley’s Southwest Florida Market. He began his career in financial services as an intern while still in college. In the decade since, he has held a number of roles in Compliance, Supervision, and Management. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Florida State University, as well as the Series 7, 66, 9/10, 24, and 4 licenses.

Remy was born and raised in Bradenton, FL and attended Manatee High School. He currently lives in River Club with his wife Brittany and their dog, a German Short Haired Pointer named Tally. Outside of the office, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and watching baseball, football, and hockey.

About Brian Francis

Brian Francis is a Risk Officer for the Southwest Florida Market. Brian has been with Morgan Stanley since 2024 and in the financial services industry since 2012. Being a Massachusetts native originally, Brian moved to Florida with his wife in 2020. Prior to moving to Florida, he was also a Risk Officer in the Silicon Valley Market in California.

Brian received his degree in HR Management from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and his MBA from Suffolk University. He holds his Series 7, 9, 10, 24, and 66 Licenses.

Brian lives in Estero, FL with his wife and is a big Boston sports fan, an avid traveler, a team trivia champion, and has been known to sing a karaoke song or two.

About Jill Bruenning

Jill is a Vice President and Business Service Officer in the Sarasota, FL Sub-Market, bringing over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She began her career as a Client Service Associate and was promoted to the Business Service Officer role in 2013. Jill holds her Series 7, 66, 9, and 10 Licenses.

Originally from Wisconsin, Jill resides in Sarasota with her husband, Pat. She cherishes spending quality time with her three step-children, their spouses and eight grandchildren. In her leisure time, Jill enjoys traveling, reading, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

About Ashley Wilks

Ashley is one of the Risk Officers for the Southwest Florida Market based in the Sarasota Sub- Complex. Ashley has been with Morgan Stanley since 2004 and in the financial services industry since 1997. Being a Florida native originally, Ashley moved back to Florida with her husband in 2022 and joined the Sarasota team. Prior to moving, she was a Business Service Officer in the Alabama Complex.

Ashley received her degree in Marketing from Florida State University. She holds her Series 6, 7, 9, 10, and 66 Licenses.

Ashley lives in Parrish, FL with her husband and enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, watching sunsets, and playing trivia.

About Brooke M. Mish

Brooke began her career in the financial services industry in 1997 with CoreStates Bank, now Wells Fargo, in Philadelphia. While working her way through college as a retail banker, she transitioned to the investment sector in 2002. In 2014, Brooke joined Morgan Stanley and relocated to Florida in 2017 to advance her career as part of the Southwest Florida leadership team.

Brooke takes pride in her servant leadership approach, focusing on strong leadership, talent development, and the ability to anticipate and drive change.

Brooke holds series 7/63/65, 9/10 licenses and is also insurance licensed. She graduated with honors from Albright College in Reading, PA, with a B.S. in Business Administration. A passionate Philadelphia sports fan and self-proclaimed foodie, Brooke has a unique connection to her hometown, having attended K-12, college, and worked on the same street.

In addition to her professional achievements, Brooke is an advocate for youth organizations and is particularly involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She inspires her daughter, peers, and inner-city youth to reach their full potential, while serving as an ambassador for Morgan Stanley and a commander of service excellence

About Mary Schoff

Mary has been the Branch Administrator for the Sarasota branch and Sub-Complex for over 20 years. Prior to that Mary had roles in Operations prior to moving over to the Sales side of the business. Mary joined a legacy firm of Morgan Stanley (Smith Barney) in 2000. Mary began her career in the Financial Services Industry in 1982. She holds her Series 7, 9, 10, 31, 63 and 65 Licenses.

Mary resides in Sarasota with her husband Tom. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with Family and Friends, especially her Grandchildren.

About Matthew Giresi

Having more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Matthew brings a risk balanced and service-oriented approach to wealth management.  He joined Morgan Stanley in 2012 as Client Service Associate. In 2013 he joined the Service Management team and then became a Risk Officer in 2015.  In 2017, Matthew became a Financial Advisor in the Sarasota office and has since continued his professional journey in 2025 when he took on the role of Branch Manager of the Bradenton Office of Morgan Stanley while still providing his clients with top service and sound advice.

He is a former member of the Florida Army National Guard and a proud native Floridian.  When he is not in the office, he enjoys spending time working on whatever car, boat, or motorcycle happens to be in his workshop, camping, hiking, boating, and/or fishing with his wife Jennifer and their daughter Gwen. The Giresi family shares their home with two dogs Iris and Cooper, Gwen’s cat Perry, and their 4 chickens named Miss Featherton, Cluckers, Little, and Taco.

About John Letourneau

John originally hails from the New England area but relocated to Sarasota County in the mid 1990s. Since then, he has been actively involved in the local community serving on numerous civic and charitable organizations boards. In his role as branch manager of the Venice office he helps promote the Morgan Stanley brand throughout south Sarasota county including expanding the Wellen Park community where he now resides. John is actively involved with the Venice Chamber of Commerce representing Morgan Stanley as the premier financial services company in the community. Please reach out to John with any questions or comments regarding Morgan Stanley.

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Branch Address

2 North Tamiami Trail
Ste 1100
Sarasota, FL 34236
US
Branch:
(941) 365-3900(941) 365-3900
Toll-Free:
(800) 237-9441(800) 237-9441
Fax:
(941) 951-2513(941) 951-2513
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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Tax laws are complex and are subject to change. 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. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Alternative 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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5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability 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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7Morgan 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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8Tax laws are complex and are subject to change. 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. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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9Morgan 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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10Morgan 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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Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce (M/F/Disability/Vet).

The investments and products listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments or products, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or product will depend upon an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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