Jonathan Burkan
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Alternative Investments Director
Phone:
(212) 271-0636(212) 271-0636
The BLT Park Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(212) 271-0636(212) 271-0636
Our Mission Statement
An experienced team of professionals who craft comprehensive wealth management solutions for an elite group of clients
About Us
The BLT Park Avenue Group is a team of Alternative Investment Directors with over 75 years of industry experience providing tailored financial advice to help our clients meet their personal and financial objectives. We offer a family environment designed to streamline the complexities of investing for a select group of affluent individuals, business owners, and corporate executives and attorneys. We do this by providing comprehensive advisory services, dedicated wealth management planning, experience in estate planning strategies, and multigenerational wealth transfer strategies. Our holistic approach enables our team to build strong relationships based on personal integrity, professional competence, and mutual trust.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
In the Press
The BLT Park Avenue Group prioritizes keeping you informed on everything finance. Take a look to see how we have engaged with our clients and the public about significant updates in the financial industry and their impact.
Tax Reform Legislation's Impact on Charitable Giving
Jonathan was featured on Fox Business to provide insight on the impact of the tax reform legislation on charitable giving.
Watch the video
Stock Market Corrections: What to Know
In late 2018, stock market indexes such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 experienced significant volatility due to international trade wars involving the U.S. Fox Business invited Jonathan on to offer clarity for stockholders, and how to properly respond to volatility.
Watch the videoAlternatives Deep Dive
At Morgan Stanley, we provide individuals and institutions access to world-class alternative investment strategies spanning private equity, real assets, private credit, hedge funds and digital assets. These strategies may deliver differentiated sources of return relative to traditional equity and fixed income investments, as well as offer potential for tax efficiency.
Real Estate Investing for All
On this episode, residential real estate investor Lisa Phillips talks about her journey from foreclosure to investment consultant. Then, Carla sits down with Ryan Williams, Founder and Executive Chairman of Cadre, to talk about how his fintech company is working to democratize real estate investment.
Full Podcast
Is There Still Strength in the U.S. Housing Market?
As homebuilders’ confidence in new construction increases, will home sales follow? Jay Bacow and Jim Egan, Co-Heads of U.S. Securitized Products Research, discuss.
Full Podcast
6 Opportunities in Alternative Strategies
In the current environment, strategies that worked before may not be effective. Alternative investments could play a valuable role in your portfolio.
Learn more
Gold vs Silver: 4 Key Differences You Should Know
Learn more
Morgan Stanley Private Markets Transaction Desk
Watch NowTools & Resources
Morgan Stanley's suite of Modern Wealth Management Tools allows us as advisors to offer more customized and comprehensive advice than anywhere else. These tools' ease of use allows for better and more well-rounded advice to be given, while also providing clients with the ability to manage their everyday finances in a simple, fast, and effective way.
Morgan Stanley Online
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity. Features include paperless documents, bill pay and secure account management.
Click to learn more
Total Wealth View
With Total Wealth View, you can view all your investments together – whether they are held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere. When you add your external 401(k), as well as your checking, savings and brokerage accounts to this portal, all your assets will be in one place, providing a current and comprehensive view of your wealth.
Click to learn more
Thoughts on the Market
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Listen to the latest episode
Alternative Investments
Based on your suitability and personal circumstances, you may be able to use alternative investments to reduce volatility, enhance returns, manage taxes and earn more income while maintaining a goals-based approach for your asset allocation.
Click to learn moreGiving Back
United States Holocaust Memorial Council
Since 1980, the council was established to lead the commemoration of the Holocaust, and to inspire citizens to confront hatred, and promote human dignity. Located on the National Mall, the museum runs onsite and traveling exhibitions, in addition to educational outreach for teachers and students.
Holocaust Museum New York Next Generation
The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York is committed to the mission of educating diverse visitors about Jewish life before, during and after the Holocaust. The Museum protects the historical record, and serves to teach and challenge visitors of the dangers of intolerance, and to let lessons of the past guide them to build towards a world worthy of their futures.
Hebrew Language Academy Charter School
Since its opening in 2009, the Hebrew Language Academy Charter School (HLA) is the founding school in the Hebrew Public network of schools. HLA has been recognized as a "Reward School" by the New York State Department of Education for its students' academic growth, offering a rigorous academic curriculum, in addition to Modern Hebrew studies that lead to high level of language fluency.
American Technion Society New York Metro Innovators
The American Technion Society supports the growth and success of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, investing in the research, education and innovation efforts that benefit the State of Israel and the global good. With presences on three continents, the Technion has been a pioneer in science and technology education, emphasizing the importance of diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds. The New York Metro Innovators are a group of young professions who are aspiring leaders in their field, have a broad network, and a strong interest in Israel and philanthropy
Location
399 Park Ave
23rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
US
Direct:
(212) 271-0636(212) 271-0636
Meet The BLT Park Avenue Group
Phone:
(212) 271-0651(212) 271-0651
Amanda Alicka
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(212) 271-0496(212) 271-0496
Cheryl Ann Beekie
Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(212) 893-6401(212) 893-6401
Martin Berishaj
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(212) 893-7607(212) 893-7607
About Jonathan Burkan
Jonathan Burkan has worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, he worked at UBS and Merrill Lynch. While at Merrill Lynch, he was chosen to run the Financial Advisor program for their largest office in the country.
Since March 2019, Jonathan serves on the board of the US Holocaust Memorial council board of trustees in Washington, DC. In addition to his appointment to the board, Jonathan is a member of the Museum’s Audit Committee. He has also served on the board of the Harriet Tubman Charter School in the South Bronx, where he was the chairman of the Audit Committee. Jonathan is a member of the University Club of New York, where he also served on the Audit Committee. In addition, he served as a past-president of his condo board.
Jonathan received his MBA in Finance from Vanderbilt University and BA in Government from Skidmore College. He lives in Westchester with his family and is involved in several different Jewish philanthropic organizations. He served as the dinner co-chair for the 2018 and 2019 National Young Israel Gala. Jonathan has appeared on Fox Business News and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.
Since March 2019, Jonathan serves on the board of the US Holocaust Memorial council board of trustees in Washington, DC. In addition to his appointment to the board, Jonathan is a member of the Museum’s Audit Committee. He has also served on the board of the Harriet Tubman Charter School in the South Bronx, where he was the chairman of the Audit Committee. Jonathan is a member of the University Club of New York, where he also served on the Audit Committee. In addition, he served as a past-president of his condo board.
Jonathan received his MBA in Finance from Vanderbilt University and BA in Government from Skidmore College. He lives in Westchester with his family and is involved in several different Jewish philanthropic organizations. He served as the dinner co-chair for the 2018 and 2019 National Young Israel Gala. Jonathan has appeared on Fox Business News and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.
Securities Agent: ME, MD, IL, PR, RI, CT, CA, AL, WY, UT, OR, NV, NJ, MO, PA, VT, CO, OH, MN, MI, DC, VA, TN, SC, FL, DE, AZ, MA, HI, GA, TX, NY, NH, NC, MT, ID, WV, WA, OK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1552207
NMLS#: 1552207
About Frank Laezza
Frank was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He is a graduate of St John’s University (‘86), with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Frank previously worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert as well as Lehman Brothers before pursuing an opportunity to join Smith Barney in 1990. He has remained with the firm throughout its conversion to Morgan Stanley. With over 30 years of experience as a fully licensed investment professional, Frank implements wealth management strategies for clients by concentrating on portfolio management. He focuses on retirement planning, general investment advice, wealth transfer planning / inheritance, and income planning strategies.
Securities Agent: DE, TX, NJ, MA, FL, SC, NY, MI, IL, PA, OK, AL, MT, MO, ID, CT, VT, VA, PR, NV, AZ, OH, NC, MN, ME, GA, CO, WV, WA, UT, HI, DC, WY, RI, OR, NH, CA, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1255507
NMLS#: 1255507
About Amanda Alicka
Amanda is a Registered Client Service Associate with the BLT Park Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley. She’s responsible for managing client communications as well as supporting operational and administrative duties. She prides herself on providing excellent client service.
Amanda graduated Cum Laude from Baruch College in 2023. She received her BBA in International Business with minors in French and Marketing. She is a Charles H. Falk scholarship recipient, awarded to distinguished International Business students. She continued her linguistic studies on a semester exchange in Paris, France broadening her horizons and adaptability. Prior to joining the group, Amanda interned at One Equity Partners, a middle market PE firm.
She is a native New Yorker from the Bronx who frequents city parks and the Botanical Gardens. Some of her hobbies include travel and trying new restaurants.
Amanda graduated Cum Laude from Baruch College in 2023. She received her BBA in International Business with minors in French and Marketing. She is a Charles H. Falk scholarship recipient, awarded to distinguished International Business students. She continued her linguistic studies on a semester exchange in Paris, France broadening her horizons and adaptability. Prior to joining the group, Amanda interned at One Equity Partners, a middle market PE firm.
She is a native New Yorker from the Bronx who frequents city parks and the Botanical Gardens. Some of her hobbies include travel and trying new restaurants.
About Cheryl Ann Beekie
Cheryl brings over 38 years of experience in financial services to the BLT Park Avenue Group. Cheryl began her career at a predecessor company in Institutional Equity Sales where she supported a team of advisors covering both Institutions and High Net Worth individuals, many of whom were executives in finance. Today as a Vice President- Wealth Management Associate the BLT Park Avenue Group clients benefit from her years of varied experience. Our clients can depend on Cheryl to address numerous operational and trade related issues. Cheryl has her series 7 and 66 licenses.
About Martin Berishaj
Martin Berishaj grew up in Chappaqua, New York, where he currently resides. He graduated from Syracuse University with a double major in Finance and Business Analytics. Martin began his career at Equitable Advisors, where he developed a strong foundation in client service and gained valuable experience supporting clients’ financial needs.
Today, he serves as a point of contact for The BLT Park Avenue Group, handling client service and supporting investment research to help address client objectives and deliver a high-quality experience. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active through fitness. He is also an avid New York Knicks fan.
Today, he serves as a point of contact for The BLT Park Avenue Group, handling client service and supporting investment research to help address client objectives and deliver a high-quality experience. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active through fitness. He is also an avid New York Knicks fan.
Contact Jonathan Burkan
Contact Frank Laezza
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
Article Image
Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
Article Image
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The BLT Park Avenue Group today.
1Alternative 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Investors 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.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Investors 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.
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)
