The Hansberger Group

In 2022, Jim was ranked as the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Georgia by both Barron's and Forbes.

Jim has been in the wealth management industry for 50 years, and with Morgan Stanley for over 40 years. He has been a member of the Chairman Council since inception, a distinction awarded to an elite group of the firm’s top Financial Advisors. Jim is the founder of The Hansberger Group at Morgan Stanley, a comprehensive wealth management platform with a proprietary investment management unit embedded within.

Jim is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and has been married to his wife, Lyn, since 1968. They have two children, Yancey and Jim, Jr. and seven grandchildren. A member of Cherokee Town and Country Club, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and the Gridiron Secret Society, Jim also is quite active in his community. Jim and his wife, Lyn, established The Hansberger Scholarships at the University of Georgia to ensure there are no financial barriers to deserving student admission and success. They also funded the James C. (Jim) and Lyn Hansberger classroom at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, a 90 seat undergraduate and graduate classroom for higher learning. He is the author of Nice Guys Finish Rich and A Guide to Excellence in Investing: The 100 Most Important Principles. He is a past Distinguished Practitioner/Lecturer at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business.

From 2002 to 2024, Jim was recognized as one of the top financial advisors in the U.S. investment industry by various national organizations and leading trade publications. He was also cited in 2004-2024 by Barron’s as one of the “Top 100 Financial Advisors”. For many years, he has been awarded the honor as the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Georgia most recently in 2022. An experienced marathon runner with two Boston marathons to his credit, Jim and his wife were featured in a special prime-time “CNN Presents” entitled “The Fountain of Youth”.

INTERESTS: Family, Philanthropy, Physical Fitness, Traveling, and Reading

Jim’s Awards & Accolades:
Barron's | Top 100 Financial Advisors | 2004 – 2009, 2014 – 2024
Barron's | Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State | 2004 – 2024
Forbes Magazine | America's Top Wealth Advisors | 2004 – 2021, 2023 - 2024
Forbes Magazine | Best-In-State Wealth Advisors | 2017 – 2024
Financial Times’ | Top 400 Financial Advisers | 2013 – 2019
Registered Representative's | Top 100 Wirehouse Advisors in America | 2009

2004-2009,2014-2022 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2004-2009,2014-2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Dec of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2004-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2004-2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2004-2021 Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2004-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of the year the award was issued.

​2017-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2013-2019 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com (Awarded 2013-2019) Data compiled by Financial Times based on a 12-month period.

Morty practiced as a Certified Public Accountant (not practicing at Morgan Stanley) for 15 years prior to joining The Hansberger Group in 2001. He is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Morty is also Series 7 (Securities), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent Law), and Georgia Insurance (Accident, and Sickness, Life, Variable Annuity and Variable Life) licensed. Morty received a Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1985. He formerly served as the Treasurer of The Standard Club and Temple Sinai Endowment Fund.

As a partner of The Hansberger Group, Morty’s role involves creating and implementing financial & estate planning strategies, cash flow management, and asset allocation for The Hansberger Group’s clients. He spends the majority of his time helping clients navigate their financial lives by proactively speaking with them and developing plans prior to financial decisions being made. His 35 years as a CPA and over 20 years with The Hansberger Group allows him to give a holistic approach to planning.

In his spare time, Morty enjoys playing golf, tennis, snow skiing, and scuba diving.

“I believe my greatest strength is my ability to listen to clients and develop a comprehensive and customized financial plan for the entire family.” -ML

Ross joined Morgan Stanley in 2004, and holds both the Chartered Financial Analyst^® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Valdosta State University and the Certified Portfolio Manager designation from Columbia University.

Ross spends the majority of his time in the areas of investment research and portfolio management. Facts, assumptions and narratives dominate all investment frameworks, and his goal is to determine what he believes to be the significant success factors for each investment and to thoughtfully assess both the probability and magnitude of an investment’s risk and reward. To that end, Ross’s daily focus is to search for and to assimilate the information he believes to be important regarding an investment from a wide array of sources, including institutional research, trade publications, investor conferences, company filings, and academic studies. In practice, this requires a great deal of time spent reading, likely averaging 30-40 hours per week. He also engages with analysts, industry participants and our network of investor contacts to discuss nuances of an investment thesis and periodically visits companies to observe and to ask questions of employees and customers and/or users of the product or service provided by the business. Ultimately, all of this effort is intended to benefit our clients, with whom Ross values the privilege of interfacing on a daily basis via discussion of our investment philosophy and its role as the foundation of the financial plan that we have established to help meet their objectives.

Originally from Southeast Georgia, Ross resides in Atlanta with his wife, Sarah, his daughter, Sydney, and his son, Sam. He enjoys fishing, skiing, and volunteering, with a focus on conservation. Ross is a member of the board of directors of The Orianne Society.

“I believe all of life comes down to the intelligent management of risks. This is my focus every day.” -RC

After graduation from The University of Alabama in 2008 with a business degree from The Manderson School of Business, and a highly successful college career as quarterback of the University of Alabama football team, John Parker went on to have a four-year career in the National Football League with the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has been in the financial services industry since his final year in his professional football career in 2012.

John Parker serves on the board of the Alabama A Club Educational and Charitable Foundation and is a member of The Monday Morning Quarterback Club which raises over 1 million dollars a year to support local children’s charities. He also enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, Tyler, and two sons, Parks and Peyton.

John Parker focuses on representing clients and their families through our comprehensive approach. With the belief that both performance and relationship must equally work together for a successful experience, he truly understands virtually all aspects of our clients’ lives.

“I have seen many great teams. The teams that separate themselves from the others have the ability to work towards a common goal by utilizing the strengths of great individuals. I want to find what truly matters the most in the lives of my clients and work to deliver on these goals that we help define and maintain.” -JPW

John Parker's Awards & Accolades:
Forbes Magazine | America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State | 2022

​Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22.

NMLS 1581672

Nick joined The Hansberger Group in February 2016. He is a dual degree graduate from Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business with highest honors and the School of Architecture. Nick earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance concentration and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he worked as a healthcare consultant and interned for The Hansberger Group in 2014. Nick is Series 7 and Series 66 licensed.

As a Portfolio Management Associate Director, Nick is the captain of the team's investment committee and focuses on the analysis, research, and decision making across the team’s three proprietary equity strategies. He aims to identify new investment opportunities in important emerging industries while concentrating on companies that are challenging the status quo with novel business models, insights, and technologies.

For over three years, Nick has volunteered for Project Gift, a program designed to connect the joy of giving through the individual endeavor and achievement of elementary school children.

Nick enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, salsa dancing with his wife, and spending time with his labradoodle, Jax.

“My work ethic and passion for investment management drives me every day to find new opportunities for our team and our clients.” -NV

Robert joined The Hansberger Group in 2016 and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2011. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst^® designation and graduated from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

As a member of The Hansberger Group’s Investment Team, Robert’s role primarily involves research, portfolio management, and trading responsibilities for the group’s equity and fixed income strategies. He loves to read and spends much of his time seeking new ideas and creative opportunities in the healthcare, energy, and industrials sectors, as well as the corporate and municipal bond markets. Beyond these research responsibilities, he also spends significant time with clients. His goal is to deepen personal relationships with clients by broadening their understanding of our investment philosophy and how it is implemented to accomplish their unique objectives.

Outside of work, Robert is very active with the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. He serves on the charity’s Advisory Council and was previously President of its young professionals group, the Red Shoe Society. Other than volunteering, he enjoys cooking, fitness, and anything outdoors. He lives in Decatur with his wife, Heather.

“I believe my greatest strength is my analytical ability – combining diligent work, the resources available to me, and plenty of creativity to find optimal solutions to complex problems.” -RM

Ashley joined The Hansberger Group in August 2017 shortly after graduating from the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance as well as a minor in Consumer Economics. Ashley holds her Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.

While earning her degree, Ashley worked full-time for four years developing professional experience in the consumer goods and customer service industries, earning several accolades recognizing her dedication. Throughout her collegiate years, Ashley was a devoted member of the Women in Business and Women in Finance societies within the Terry College.

As a member of The Hansberger Group’s service team, Ashley enhances the client experience on a daily basis by providing exceptional customer service and prompt assistance to help satisfy client needs. She is heavily involved with the client onboarding process and develops deep relationships with every client she services. Ashley opens new accounts, facilitates transactional items, provides online support, and assists the advisors in daily business practices. Within The Hansberger Group, she is actively involved with the team’s marketing initiatives and contributes to client management across the book of business, while also coaching fellow team members.

Born and raised in North Gwinnett, Georgia, Ashley enjoys watching and attending local sports teams’ events, including the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs football team. In her spare time, she also enjoys playing slow pitch softball, practicing yoga, and playing with her Jack Russell.

“Experiencing personal hardship within my family as a result of the Great Recession inspired me to pursue finance and further ignited my passion for wanting to help others. I believe those core desires, along with my determination, drive me to meet the goals and expectations of our team and our clients.” -AS

Katie joined The Hansberger Group in 2018. She graduated from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia magna cum laude, with high honors, and earned dual degrees in Finance and Economics, as well as a certificate in Legal Studies. Katie holds her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, as well as her Georgia Insurance (Accident and Sickness, Life, Variable Annuity and Variable Life) license. She began her career in the financial services industry at Capricorn Wealth Management in London, England, and subsequently earned a position as a Director of Investment Operations at Northwestern Mutual. Immediately prior to joining The Hansberger Group, Katie worked on the regional management team at Morgan Stanley.

As the Chief of Staff, Katie develops and spearheads team initiatives and serves as the liaison between the team and senior management. She is the integrator connecting the various work streams throughout the team, and is the primary aide-de-camp to senior partner Jim Hansberger. Katie is a member of the team’s Operating Committee, and she chairs the marketing committee. She is also an active member of the new business committee.

Katie has been an active volunteer with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for many years, where she has coordinated and participated in several events for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. She is an avid supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and the ALS Association. Katie is a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Marietta, GA.

In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her two year old daughter, Kennedy, and her husband, Brendan. She is passionate about travelling both domestically and internationally, baking, snowboarding, and is an emphatic food aficionado.

“I find great satisfaction from being approached with a problem, whether that be from a client or a colleague, and executing the solution to perfection. Making our practice run more effectively and efficiently is my goal every single day when I walk into this office.” -KD

John Britt (JB) joined The Hansberger Group in June 2018. He is Series 7 and Series 66 licensed. Prior to joining The Hansberger Group, John Britt was an analyst at Morgan Stanley. John Britt graduated from Auburn University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He was a student athlete playing rugby for Auburn, and went on to lead the team in 2013 to a Southeastern Conference Championship.

His primary role is supporting the investment management team with trading, performance reporting, and market research. He is also responsible for preparing reports for upcoming client meetings in regards to allocation maps, model performance, and custom account group performance.

Outside the office, John Britt enjoys spending time with his twin brother, weightlifting, and playing rugby.

“I believe my greatest strength is my ability to look at things with a holistic approach. Being disciplined with my work, fitness, and building relationships, I am able to provide greater value to our team and our clients.” - JB

Joe joined The Hansberger Group in April 2022 after graduating from the Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama, where he received Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance and Marketing, as well as a Master’s Degree in Economics. Joe participated as a member of the Alabama football team, which won the National Championship during their 2020 season.

Joe holds his Series 7 & Series 66 licenses and is a Registered Client Service Associate for The Hansberger Group, providing assistance to clients while also housekeeping important client information. Before joining the team, Joe spent his summer after graduation in Montana, and developed interpersonal and retail skills which can be applied to various industries. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Joe volunteered at Carpenter’s Hands, a charitable organization which builds handicapped ramps and fixes homes that are deemed unsafe.

In his free time, Joe is an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys watching baseball, basketball, and football at all levels.

“Throughout my experiences, I have learned a key trait to life: adaptability. In a world that changes constantly, I pride myself on being able to excel in many different environments. This is what builds the foundation for learning and working with others.” -JD

Andrew joined The Hansberger Group in December 2024, after graduating from Southern Methodist University in May 2024, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Cox School of Business. During the summer of 2023, he interned at Chatham Capital Group, a registered investment adviser in Savannah, GA, where he performed financial analysis and financial planning work.

As a Client Relationship Analyst, Andrew focuses on providing investment research and operational support to the portfolio management team.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys fishing, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Atlanta Braves.

“My passion for investments and strong interest in the ever-changing markets drive me to learn something new every day and contribute to the success of client portfolio strategies.” -AM

Gianluca, ‘John’, is a Private Wealth Management Client Service Associate with The Hansberger Group at Morgan Stanley. Gianluca is an alumnus of New York University, holding bachelor’s degrees in politics, Latin American studies, and a master’s degree in comparative politics/international relations. Gianluca is a US Army veteran, with specializations in finance and military intelligence.

Gianluca holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations, and throughout his 20+ years of experience he has served as a Registered Representative, Stock Plan Financial Services Representative, and Executive Services Relationship Manager with E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley.

In his spare time, Gianluca enjoys travelling, reading, cooking, and supporting Saint Luke’s in the Field, The Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation, NYU, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

“Life’s chapters offer abundance and adversity. Experience fortifies the path ahead. I aspire to build rewarding relationships supporting our clients’ aspirational growth.” -GS