The DESIGN Group at Morgan Stanley

I began my career in wealth management in 1998, driven by a genuine desire to help people succeed. Over time, that motivation evolved into a deeper commitment to helping families steward wealth with wisdom, intention, and purpose. While I was initially drawn to the analytical and business side of economics, it was the relationship-centered work of advising families—walking alongside them through growth, transition, and uncertainty—that ultimately shaped my career.

Throughout my journey, I have been influenced by mentors who challenged me to rethink traditional definitions of success. I learned that lasting success is not measured solely by financial outcomes, but by the strength of relationships, clarity of values, and the legacy a family leaves behind. This perspective continues to guide my work and informs how I help families think about wealth as a long-term responsibility rather than a short-term achievement.

In 2011, my partners and I founded The DESIGN Group with a clear focus: helping families align their finances with their values. Our planning philosophy is grounded in timeless principles and disciplined decision-making designed to endure market cycles, life transitions, and generational change. I believe that when families clearly articulate what matters most, their financial decisions become more confident, resilient, and aligned.

As a husband to my wife, Tracie, and a father to Camden, Chase, and Kennedy, I understand the responsibility of leadership within a family. My personal experiences reinforce my conviction that wealth is most meaningful when it strengthens family unity, helps prepare future generations, and enables generosity.

I am deeply grateful for the relationships that have shaped my journey. Serving families is a privilege I approach with humility and care, while helping them design a legacy that endures.

For nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of guiding ultra-high-net-worth families as they navigate the complex intersection of wealth, family, and legacy.

My path began at the University of Georgia and continued through an MBA from Georgia State University, where I concentrated in financial planning. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Morgan Stanley Family Wealth Director—a designation awarded to a select group of advisors with deep expertise in complex wealth strategies—I bring a disciplined, multigenerational perspective to every relationship. My focus is serving families with significant wealth who want clarity, confidence, and an advisor who understands both the technical and emotional dimensions of stewardship.

My approach centers on values-based financial planning—because your values, not your balance sheet, should serve as the lighthouse for every decision. I help families uncover what matters most to them, and then build a strategy that aligns their financial resources with those deeply held priorities. Whether the goal is protecting a spouse, preparing children for inheritance, transitioning a business, structuring trusts, or creating meaningful philanthropic impact, I work to help ensure the planning reflects the family’s purpose and aspirations. Wealth should empower a family, not overwhelm it, and my role is to simplify complexity so clients can focus on what truly matters.

I connect families to the full capabilities of Morgan Stanley’s Family Office Resources, including estate planning specialists, tax strategists, philanthropic advisors, and family governance experts. Together, we help families build structures that endure, legacies that inspire, and plans that honor both the past and the future. My commitment is to walk alongside each family as an advisor you can trust, helping them use their wealth with intention, clarity, and lasting impact.

For more than three decades, I have served as a trusted Financial Advisor to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. Guided by a values-driven approach, I help clients clarify what matters most, build multigenerational wealth strategies, and create enduring legacies grounded in their family values and core beliefs.

My approach to wealth management begins with a holistic understanding of each client’s life, to help ensure financial decisions support both long-term goals and the legacy they seek to create. I believe sound financial planning begins with a clear understanding of family priorities and how to help prepare future generations to carry them forward.

A significant focus of my practice is family foundations. I help families navigate the dynamics and opportunities these entities create, from establishing a foundation to managing it effectively over time. Drawing on my experience with my own family’s charitable foundation, I work with clients to align philanthropic goals with family values and spiritual principles.

Beyond my professional practice, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I have held leadership roles with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the Vestry, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF-GA), now Breakthrough T1D as a Board Member and Gala Co-Chair, the Lupus Foundation of Georgia as Board Chair, and Cherokee Town & Country Club as President. In 2023, my wife, Chris, and I were honored with the JDRF Living and Giving Award. We are the proud parents to a son and a daughter, who are the center of my life, and have lived in Atlanta since 1990.

I began my career in NYC in 1988, serving in Corporate Trust for Manufacturers Hanover Bank and as the Assistant Treasurer/CFO for a public biotech company. Outside of work, I enjoy golf, tennis, and travel, as well as spending time with family and friends at our vacation home in Highlands, North Carolina.

Securities Agent: LA, CO, MA, MN, MD, CA, GA, KY, DE, IN, VA, TX, OH, TN, AR, NY, NH, OR, SC, WI, MT, MI, WA, PA, MO, NC, FL, AL, NE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1262336

JDRF Living and Giving Award is not an investment advisory or brokerage award. As such, criteria associated with financial services including, but not limited to, industry experience, client retention, assets under management, investment performance, revenue, quality of advice or client experience are not factors for consideration.

For the past 54 years, I have worked in a variety of capacities within the financial services industry. I began my career in 1972 with C&S National Bank (later NationsBank and Bank of America), where I held multiple roles, including Senior Vice President & Team Leader in the Private Bank and City Manager of Atlanta’s Professional & Executive Banking Group. In 2001, I joined The Robinson Humphrey Company (now Morgan Stanley).

I am a native of Atlanta, as were my parents and grandparents. I graduated from the Westminster Schools in Atlanta and from Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I have a daughter, also named Susan.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in the nonprofit community, supporting organizations such as the March of Dimes, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Junior League of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Steeplechase. I am a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and Shakerag Hunt Club. I was honored to be recognized as Salem College’s Alumna Volunteer of the Year in 2012. From 2013 to 2016, I served as a Director on the Board of the Rotary Club of Buckhead. In 2015, I was elected to the Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees, where I served as Chair of the Finance Committee until June 2022.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at my family’s home in the North Georgia mountains near Lakemont, Georgia.


NMLS#: 1279406

As a dedicated financial advisor in the wealth management industry for nearly a decade, I find purpose in empowering high-net-worth families to steward their wealth in alignment with their values.

My journey began at Kennesaw State University, where I earned a degree in Finance. In continuing my pursuit of excellence, I earned my Certified Financial Planner™ designation from Emory University. This additional education and experience equip me to serve highly compensated executives, elite professionals in the business of sports and entertainment, as well as visionary business owners who aspire to leave an enduring legacy.

My approach to financial stewardship relies upon a profound understanding of each family's unique needs and aspirations. I prioritize meaningful discovery sessions that dive into the personal values and philanthropic goals that guide my clients. With a focus on multi-generational planning, I design comprehensive financial strategies that not only optimize tax-efficient investments, but also prioritize impactful estate planning strategies. The aim is to ensure wealth is not merely preserved but leveraged to foster generosity and create lasting familial legacy and impact.

Relationships with my clients are at the heart of my practice. I recognize that financial planning is a dynamic endeavor, requiring regular engagement and adaptation. Through collaboration, I provide insights and adjustments to keep clients’ financial plans aligned with evolving family objectives. My mission is to guide families in not just managing wealth, but in thoughtfully cultivating a legacy characterized by stewardship, purpose, and generosity that inspires future generations.

Outside of the wealth management practice, my life is centered within family & community. Together with my wife, Lindsay, and our daughter, Alice, we actively engage with our community as neighbors in the Grant Park community, and members of Ansley Golf Club. Our faith is also central to our lives, and we embrace the fellowship found at Trinity Anglican Church. We dedicate our efforts as donors and volunteers for The Atlanta Mission, International Justice Mission, and Untold where our aim is to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. I'm also particularly proud to serve as an educator of financial literacy to the young ladies at Genesis Academy through the PowHer program. We are also avid Atlanta Braves fans, and you can often find us in the stands along the first base foul line.

Nearly a decade ago, I was the clinical director of an outpatient physical therapy practice before fate led to an opportunity to completely change my career path. I took the leap from medicine to finance and entered the industry as a financial advisor with The DESIGN Group.

Today, as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA^®), I advise business owners through the full arc of exit planning—pre-liquidity strategy, transition and sale, and post-sale estate planning strategies, legacy, and philanthropic planning. I also hold the Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation (WA-EC) designation. For my corporate executives and other high-level professionals, providing clarity and advice on their nuanced compensation plans is paramount.

Wealth should empower a family, never overwhelm it. My role is to help distill financial complexity into clarity, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your relationships, your legacy, and the life you wish to lead.

At the heart of my approach is values-based financial planning—because your values, not merely your balance sheet, should serve as the lighthouse for every decision. Whether the goal is protecting a spouse’s future, preparing the next generation for responsible stewardship, transitioning a family business, or structuring trusts designed to endure for generations, I work to help ensure that every element of the plan reflects the family’s priorities and long-term vision.

Through Morgan Stanley’s Family Office Resources, as well as our external relationships, we work closely with trusted advisors—such as estate planning specialists, tax strategists, philanthropic advisors, and family governance experts. Together, we build resilient structures that help to endure across generations and bolster the legacy you wish to leave.

Lastly, I’d be remiss to not mention the most important parts of my own world. My incredible wife, Lauren, and I got married in 2020, and in the subsequent five years I had the honor of becoming a father to our three amazing daughters Morgan, Piper, Lily, and our golden retriever Cooper. We currently live in the Ashford Park area of Brookhaven.

As a Wealth Management Associate of The DESIGN Group at Morgan Stanley, I play a pivotal role in helping our clients manage various aspects of their financial lives. I am most excited about helping make an impact on future generations as I interact and build relationships with our clients today.

Growing up, I knew I wanted to pursue a profession that would not only help people, but could have a meaningful impact on the quality of their lives. I wanted to serve others, provide guidance, and offer a safe place to share fears and concerns. I also wanted to help people manage financial stress, as this was something I struggled with first-hand.

Through my life experiences, I discovered my true passion — combining my desire to help others with my interest in finance and investing. I attended Georgia Southern University, and then began my career at E*TRADE Financial, where I became immersed in learning the ins-and-outs of the financial services industry. I developed a clear picture of how I could help people pursue their personal definition of financial freedom. And I learned that while life is unpredictable, there are steps individuals can take now that seek to prepare for future hardships, overcome challenges and achieve both short- and long-term goals.

As a Registered Client Service Associate, I am the Operations Lead for The DESIGN Group at Morgan Stanley, helping to ensure first-class client service. Since joining the DESIGN Group, I went on to earn my Certified Financial Planner (CFP^®) designation and now also focus on portfolio implementation and cash-flow planning.

Prior to making a complete career transition in joining The DESIGN Group, I was a 5th grade teacher.
I always knew I wanted a job where I could help people. I felt that I had made an impact in teaching, while also desiring to make a change and transition into something that aligned more closely with who I was becoming as a person. I had recently taken up an interest in finance and investing and wanted to work somewhere where I could explore this interest, continue to learn, and pass on my knowledge to help others. At heart, I am a people person who values personal relationships, and this is the primary element that drew me to The DESIGN Group.

I graduated from Kennesaw State University and currently live in Atlanta. Outside of the office, I enjoy working out and spending time with loved ones.

Originally from Durham, NC, I earned my MBA from American University’s Kogod School of Business with a concentration in Finance and Alternative Investments, alongside a certificate in Sustainability Management. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where I majored in Political Science and International Relations. My academic journey has always been driven by a desire to understand systems – whether global, economic, or individual – and how they can be better leveraged to create meaningful impact. Ultimately, leading me to wealth management and the work we do here at the DESIGN Group.

Prior to joining the team while in graduate school, I interned with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Washington, D.C., where I supported initiatives tied to portfolio strategy, alternative investment integration, client segmentation, and business development. Gaining hands on experience in high-touch client service and data-driven decision making. I’m passionate about providing clients with access to opportunities and ensuring that our work has meaningful impact on the individuals and families that we serve.

I’m enjoying getting to know the city, discovering new neighborhoods and restaurants, and building community. Outside of work, I’m a devoted Duke basketball fan, and I love spending time with friends and family, travelling, and exploring new experiences.

As a Registered Client Service Associate of The DESIGN Group at Morgan Stanley, I support the ongoing management of high-net-worth client relationships. I oversee cash-flow planning, account administration, and client-facing logistics to maintain operational integrity and first-class client service.

Before joining The DESIGN Group, I served as a Virtual Engagement Associate at Morgan Stanley, where I worked closely with financial advisors and clients on a variety of complex financial planning needs. In that role, I also served as head of the Philanthropy Committee, an opportunity that aligned closely with my interest in charitable giving and long-term impact — values that strongly mirror the philanthropic focus of our team and the clients the DESIGN Group serves.

I am a graduate of the University of Georgia, where I earned degrees in Economics, Marketing, and International Business through the Terry College of Business. During my time at UGA, I studied abroad at the University of Oxford, an experience that sparked a lasting interest in understanding how people and financial systems connect across the world.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and trying new workout classes around Atlanta. I also enjoy traveling, singing, and (slowly but surely) learning to play the piano. I am a devoted Georgia Bulldog fan and can usually be found keeping up with the Dawgs and cheering them on whenever possible.

As a Client Service Associate with The DESIGN group at Morgan Stanley, I am dedicated to walking alongside our clients, helping ensure their values and vision endure through the generations. Over the past five years, I have specialized in financial services and equity compensation at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, gaining invaluable experience that has prepared me for my current role. I earned my degree in Finance from Georgia Southern University, which laid the groundwork for my career in financial services and a passion for helping others.

Growing up in the vibrant state of Georgia, I developed a love for community and the simple pleasures of life. My husband and I enjoy traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time outdoors with our dog. On weekends, you can find me on the tennis court or cheering for Atlanta's sports teams (Go Braves!).