

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
The Braun Elwell Group
Direct:
(206) 343-2922(206) 343-2922

Our Mission Statement
Delivering the experience, resources and personalized service needed to help affluent families address their most complex wealth management issues.
Welcome
We understand that great wealth can create complexity. Investment strategies become more sophisticated, estate planning and succession issues can loom large, and even philanthropic efforts can complicate your life. Our role is to provide access to the skills and resources required to help you meet the myriad of challenges which come with managing wealth, allowing our clients to enjoy the benefits wealth affords.
We are seasoned financial professionals with diverse talents and a common mission: we strive to meet your needs and exceed expectations, providing access to an extraordinary and comprehensive range of skills and resources required to help you preserve your wealth, advance your goals and enhance your life. Whatever your challenges and aspirations, we are committed to helping you meet your needs.
We are seasoned financial professionals with diverse talents and a common mission: we strive to meet your needs and exceed expectations, providing access to an extraordinary and comprehensive range of skills and resources required to help you preserve your wealth, advance your goals and enhance your life. Whatever your challenges and aspirations, we are committed to helping you meet your needs.
Capabilities
- Comprehensive Wealth Planning
- Investment Management
- Pre-Liquidity Planning
- Risk Management
- Philanthropy Management
- Hedging Strategies
- Corporate Stock Plans
- 10b5-(1) Programs
- Manager Selection
- Proprietary Investment Opportunities
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Consolidated Reporting
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024
Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Approach

Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.
Location
601 Union Street
Suite 5200
Seattle, WA 98101
US
Direct:
(206) 343-2922(206) 343-2922
Meet the Professionals
About Dean Braun
With over 3 decades of experience in managing assets for wealthy individuals, Dean is regarded as one of the industry’s top wealth management professionals. In 2022 he was recognized by Barron’s as one of America’s Top 100 Financial Advisors and by Forbes as one of America’s Top Wealth Advisors.
Dean is a member of Morgan Stanley's Chairman’s Club, a distinction awarded to the firm’s top Financial Advisors and holds the title of Managing Director - awarded to a select group of Morgan Stanley’s premier wealth management advisors. Dean began his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert in Seattle and has been employed by Morgan Stanley and its predecessor Smith Barney since 1989. He received his undergraduate degree in Business at the University of Washington in Seattle.
He resides with his family in Medina, WA.
Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Apr 2022) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Dec 2020 - Dec 2021
Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22
Securities Agent: AK, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, LA, MA, MT, NC, NV, NY, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297927
Dean is a member of Morgan Stanley's Chairman’s Club, a distinction awarded to the firm’s top Financial Advisors and holds the title of Managing Director - awarded to a select group of Morgan Stanley’s premier wealth management advisors. Dean began his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert in Seattle and has been employed by Morgan Stanley and its predecessor Smith Barney since 1989. He received his undergraduate degree in Business at the University of Washington in Seattle.
He resides with his family in Medina, WA.
Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Apr 2022) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Dec 2020 - Dec 2021
Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22
Securities Agent: AK, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, LA, MA, MT, NC, NV, NY, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297927
Securities Agent: CA, ID, PA, MI, LA, HI, WY, UT, TN, NV, AZ, AK, VT, OR, NY, NC, MN, WI, IL, AR, SC, FL, DE, WA, OH, NJ, MT, GA, CO, VA, NM, MA, KS, CT, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297927
NMLS#: 1297927
About Dana Elwell
Dana began her career at Morgan Stanley in 2005 and provides comprehensive financial advice to high net worth clients and family offices. She focuses on creating customized financial planning strategies for clients, thereby helping them meet their financial objectives and life goals. She plays an active role in quantitative and qualitative investment research and analysis.
Dana earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a Certified Financial Planning Option and a Minor in Accounting from the University of Idaho. She also is a Certified Financial Planner™.
Dana is a Family Wealth Director at Morgan Stanley. As a Family Wealth Director, she is committed to providing families with a truly differentiated experience. This designation is awarded to a select group of Morgan Stanley's premier wealth management advisors.
She has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Next Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2019, 2022, Forbes America's Next Gen Advisors 2022 and Forbes 2023 Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State.
A former college athlete, Dana maintains her lifelong passion for soccer and enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her family.
Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/21 - 9/30/22.
Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 2019, 2022 (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019, 2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.
Securities Agent: AK, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KS, LA, MA, MT, NC, NV, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268439
Dana earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a Certified Financial Planning Option and a Minor in Accounting from the University of Idaho. She also is a Certified Financial Planner™.
Dana is a Family Wealth Director at Morgan Stanley. As a Family Wealth Director, she is committed to providing families with a truly differentiated experience. This designation is awarded to a select group of Morgan Stanley's premier wealth management advisors.
She has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Next Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2019, 2022, Forbes America's Next Gen Advisors 2022 and Forbes 2023 Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State.
A former college athlete, Dana maintains her lifelong passion for soccer and enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her family.
Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/21 - 9/30/22.
Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 2019, 2022 (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019, 2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.
Securities Agent: AK, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KS, LA, MA, MT, NC, NV, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268439
Securities Agent: CO, WY, OR, OH, NJ, MN, MI, MA, FL, DE, SC, LA, IL, DC, GA, VA, ID, AZ, TN, NV, HI, PA, MT, CT, VT, NM, NC, CA, WA, UT, AK, WI, TX, NY, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268439
NMLS#: 1268439
About Gretchen Zickuhr
Gretchen has been a member of our team since 1997 and is our primary client support liaison, handling administrative duties ranging from new accounts, funds disbursement (checks, wires, etc.), account transfers, gifting and other functions. She is also responsible for online services and administrative support for family offices. Gretchen graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
About Michael Mazur
Michael joined Morgan Stanley in 2010. Michael's responsibilities include generating wealth planning data, investment results reporting and qualitative and quantitative investment product research. Michael earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Washington.
He's a loyal supporter of UW Husky Athletics and is an enthusiastic follower of the Seattle music scene.
He's a loyal supporter of UW Husky Athletics and is an enthusiastic follower of the Seattle music scene.
About Tim Peyton
Tim joined the team at Morgan Stanley in 2012. His responsibilities include marketing, online services, operations and account administration. Tim graduated Cum Laude from California State University Long Beach in 2010, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. He also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Seattle University.
Tim is an avid basketball fan and patiently awaits the return of the Supersonics.
Tim is an avid basketball fan and patiently awaits the return of the Supersonics.
About Katherine Gread, CFP®
Katherine joined the team at Morgan Stanley in 2016 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Major in Finance and Minors in Philosophy and Economics. Her responsibilities on the team include portfolio analytics and financial planning and retirement planning.
Katherine enjoys working out, reading, traveling, and trying new foods to pair with Sriracha. Originally from Orange County, California, Katherine now resides in Seattle.
Katherine enjoys working out, reading, traveling, and trying new foods to pair with Sriracha. Originally from Orange County, California, Katherine now resides in Seattle.
About Hayley Hamann
Hayley joined the team at Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to working at Morgan Stanley, Hayley spent the first five years of her career at TIAA, working as both a licensed retirement consultant and later a portfolio analyst for their Private Asset Management. Her responsibilities on the team include portfolio analytics and financial planning. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2016 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Economics and a Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics.
Hayley loves to ski, paddle board, try new restaurants, and spend time in the park with her two French bulldogs. She has lived in Seattle, WA for the last three years.
Hayley loves to ski, paddle board, try new restaurants, and spend time in the park with her two French bulldogs. She has lived in Seattle, WA for the last three years.
About Connor Heffernan
Connor joined the team as a Client Service Associate in 2023 but started at Morgan Stanley in 2022 as a Wealth Management Operations Associate. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Connor was a Project Manger for a Seattle based startup. He graduated from Gonzaga University in 2018 with undergraduate degrees in History and Classical Civilizations. Connor currently attends the University of Washington where he is earning his MBA at the Foster School of Business Evening Program.
Outside of the office Connor enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with his cat, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with his beagle puppy.
Outside of the office Connor enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with his cat, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with his beagle puppy.
About Marissa Williams
Marissa joined Morgan Stanley in 2022 and our team in 2023. She is a fourth generation financial professional and comes to the team fully registered with previous operations experience at both New York Life and Northwestern Mutual. In her current capacity, she is responsible for client account administration including new accounts, trading, money movement, account transfers, and advisor strategy implementation. Marissa graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Mathematics and Communication from the University of Washington.
Outside of the office, Marissa enjoys singing jazz, spending time with her family in Eastern Washington, and DIYing improvements to her 100-year-old home.
Outside of the office, Marissa enjoys singing jazz, spending time with her family in Eastern Washington, and DIYing improvements to her 100-year-old home.

Contact Dean Braun

Contact Dana Elwell
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 Jonathan Chen
Jonathan Chen is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in the San Francisco, Menlo Park, and Los Angeles area. He previously served as a Private Banker in the Pacific Northwest – Seattle, WA.
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.
Jonathan began his career in financial services in 2004 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Citigold Relationship Manager at Citibank. He also served as a Premier Client Manager and a Branch Manager at Bank of America.
Jonathan is a Bay Area native and currently resides in Union City, CA with his wife and two children. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, playing golf and watching sports.
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.
Jonathan began his career in financial services in 2004 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Citigold Relationship Manager at Citibank. He also served as a Premier Client Manager and a Branch Manager at Bank of America.
Jonathan is a Bay Area native and currently resides in Union City, CA with his wife and two children. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, playing golf and watching sports.
NMLS#: 765586
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
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Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan 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.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan 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.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)