The Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley

John Vessa is a Managing Director Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley in New York City who has been with the firm for over 3 decades. John also is a founding partner of The Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley. As a designated Family Wealth Director, John is one of a select few financial advisors recognized by Morgan Stanley for their experience and knowledge in providing wealth advisory services to some of the firm’s most affluent private clients and corporate executives. John is a member of Morgan Stanley’s 2024 prestigious Chairman’s Club, an elite group composed of the Firm’s top Financial Advisors.

Along with Wealth Management, John's team focuses on asset management for SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) trust accounts. With almost 20 years of experience, over 130 SPACs and tens of billions of SPAC trust fund assets managed, John’s team has become a preferred provider in this space.

John has been named to Forbes Magazine’s annual list of America’s Best in State Wealth Advisors (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018), Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020), the Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors (2020), Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams 2024, Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams 2022, 2023 and 2024 as well as Forbes Best In State Wealth Management Teams 2023, 2024 and 2025.

After beginning his career as a Certified Public Accountant at Arthur Anderson & Co., Inc. (however, does not perform this function at Morgan Stanley), John served as VP Finance for BJK&E advertising agency (now part of the Interpublic Group). John is a Certified Investment Management Analyst SM through IMCA and the Wharton School of Business as well as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™. A native New Yorker, John currently resides on Long Island where he and his wife have been involved in a variety of community and charitable activities. When not counseling clients, John enjoys travel, golf, music and sports.






Award Disclosures:
2018, 2019, 2022, 2021, 2022, 2023, 204-24 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2023 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Mar 2023) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Sept 2021 - Sept 2022.

2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Mar 2024) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Sept 2022 - Sept 2023.

2020, 2021, 2022 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 2020, 2021, 2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2020 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com (Awarded Apr 2020) Data compiled by the Financial Times based on time period from 6/30/16 - 6/30/19.

2024 2023 & 2022 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Nov 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/24.

2025, 2024 & 2023 Forbes America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/24.

Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams 2024 Source: Barron's - Awarded May 2024. Data compiled by Barron's for the time period from Jan 2023 - Dec 2023.

Jeff Di Napoli is an Executive Director, Financial Advisor, and International Client Advisor with The Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley. Jeff is based out of Morgan Stanley’s Park Avenue Plaza office in New York City where he is managing partner of The Harbor Group, a group of 11 financial professionals with combined experience over 100 years.

Jeff and his team develop customized wealth management solutions for C suite executives, families, entrepreneurs, foundations and endowments. As a member of the Estate Planning Council of NYC Jeff is focused on staying current with wealth preservation and transfer strategies. He is a strong advocate of tailored solutions and creates long term plans for clients to help reach their goals while identifying near term global tactical opportunities. The Harbor Group manages equity, fixed income and alternative investment portfolios in excess of $4.5 billion, as of December 31, 2024.
Jeff attended Providence College and after graduation he traveled to the West Coast where he began his career in Finance. Ultimately moving back to NYC where he started his family and joined Smith Barney. Jeff continues to stay involved with Providence College as a board member on the school’s Wall Street Alumni Council and at the Big East basketball tournament cheering for his team. He is very dedicated to community service. The causes closest to his heart include initiatives towards Parkinson’s research in honor of his mother, who has battled the disease for over thirty years, and serving on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Applied Human Dynamics, an organization created in 1957 to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jeff and his wife live in Larchmont, NY, with their three boys. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys golfing, skiing and recreating meals from his favorite restaurants.

A highly regarded professional, Jeff is consistently named as one of the top financial advisors in America by Forbes and has received multiple national and state recognitions for his accomplishments:
· 2024 Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams
· 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors
· 2025, 2024 & 2023 Forbes Best In State Wealth Management Teams
· 2024, 2023 & 2022 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams
· 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 Forbes Top Next Gen Wealth Advisors




Areas of Focus:
1. Retirement/Retirement Planning
2. Estate Planning strategies
3. Liquidity Risk Management
4. Family Financial Advisor/Wealth Management
5. Family Wealth Planning
6. Philanthropy Strategies/Philanthropic Management
7. International Advising
8. High Net Worth Investing
9. Charitable Planning


Award Disclosures:
2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2022 & 2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (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 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.

2024, 2023 & 2022 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Nov 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/24.

2025, 2024 & 2023 Forbes America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/24.

Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams 2024 Source: Barron's - Awarded May 2024. Data compiled by Barron's for the time period from Jan 2023 - Dec 2023.

Corey is a Financial Advisor with The Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley in Manhattan, New York. He joined in 2007, supporting the team to help maintain client relationships and facilitate trade executions for high net worth families in various individual securities such as equities, fixed income, options, futures and commodities.

In 2016, Corey assumed a role in Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Advisory Associate program, where he developed comprehensive financial plans for clients of advisors across his branch as well as the Harbor Group. After the program, in 2018, he transitioned into a Financial Advisor role. Together with his partners and team members in The Harbor Group, Corey provides personal and customized strategies that help enable clients to reach their financial goals. He also works with multi-generational families to help educate younger generations as they begin to build and grow their wealth. Notably, Corey was recently named to Morgan Stanley’s 2021 Pacesetter’s Club.

Corey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware while also holding a series 7, 3, 63, 65 and insurance license. In the years that Corey has grown with the group, he has also grown his family and is now happily raising two boys with his wife in Pleasantville, New York.

Areas of Focus:
1. Retirement/ Retirement Planning
2. Estate Planning Strategies
3. Liquidity Risk Management
4. Family Financial Advisor/Wealth Management
5. Family Wealth Planning
6. Philanthropy Strategies/Philanthropic Management
7. International Investing
8. High Net Worth Investing
9. Charitable Planning

As a Financial Advisor for The Harbor Group, Rich provides personalized wealth advisory services to affluent private clients, C-suite executives, corporations, foundations, and endowments. His practice includes multi-generational families, businesses, family offices and nonprofits. Rich focuses on investment management and portfolio construction via a customized investment process that considers each client’s unique goals and risk tolerance.

Rich began his career at Cantor Fitzgerald, a global financial services firm. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Towson University. He also completed the Financial Planning Program from New York University’s School of Professional Studies. He holds Series 7, 63, 65 as well as Life, Health, and Variable Annuities licenses.

Rich resides on Long Island with his wife and daughter, commuting to New York City on the LIRR. In his free time, he enjoys travel, exercise, golf, and sports. He is an avid fan of NY sports teams, specifically: Rangers, Giants, Yankees, and Knicks. From Spring through Fall, he thoroughly enjoys time spent tending to his family’s vegetable garden.

Fitzroy is a Financial Advisor with The Harbor Group at Morgan
Stanley focusing on financial planning and strategy. Prior to
joining The Harbor Group in 2023, Fitzroy was a member of the
Morgan Stanley’s 5th Avenue Complex Wealth Advisory team
concentrating in planning and analysis.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Fitzroy immigrated to America at
the young age of 17 to seek better opportunities. Graduating as
salutatorian from a Bronx, New York high school, Fitzroy went
on to earn a business degree at Stony Brook University. Upon
graduation, Fitzroy was offered an assistant manager's role at a
country club in New Rochelle, New York, where he had also
caddied while in college. Fitzroy, proved to be a natural leader,
and spent the next 11 years working tirelessly to ensure that
the operations ran smoothly, and guests had unforgettable
experiences. Fitzroy takes the same attitude towards his clients,
providing clarity and confidence in their financial lives.

While working at the country club, he also owned and operated
a residential cleaning business for seven years before pursuing a
career in finance. Fitzroy has become known for his work ethic,
dedication to providing excellent service, and a willingness to
embrace new challenges.

Outside of work, Fitzroy enjoys spending his free time playing
golf, cooking, entertaining loved ones, taking vacations, and
watching insightful documentaries.

Janice began her career over 35 years ago at the World Financial Center, where she developed a passion for helping guide clients through all market conditions with confidence. A seasoned financial processional, Janice focuses on comprehensive financial planning, helping individuals and families achieve their long-term goals. Known for her ability to provide clarity and reassurance, she has built long lasting relationships with her clients by prioritizing their financial well-being.

Outside of work, Janice enjoys exploring new destinations through travel and is an avid Performing Arts enthusiast, often attending performances that inspire her appreciation for the arts.

Iraida, First Vice President and Group Director for the Harbor Group, has been a dedicated member of the team for 26 years. Iraida’s story is real life success story seizing every bit of opportunity the firm offered her to advance. Growing up the daughter of a single parent, raised in the Bronx she was taught that hard work and perseverance would be the only way to rise as a Latino female in the world of finance.

For several years Iraida served as the Treasurer for the Women of Woodlawn, an organization focused of making the community a better place. This was achieved by obtaining grants to launch educational initiatives as well as beautification projects.

As Group Director, she oversees all administrative items, monitors all accounts and has constant communication with clients. She graduated from Hunter College with a BA in Sociology. She currently lives in the Edgemont section of Scarsdale with her husband and daughter.

She holds series 7, 63, 66, 3, 9 & 10 licenses as well as being NYS insurance licensed. She is also a Certified Financial Planner ^®.

Drawing on more than 20 years of industry experience, Katie is the Director of Business Strategy with The Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley. Katie engages with clients, management, advisors and advisory professionals to help identify potential investment opportunities and assist with the formulation and implementation of strategic initiatives to meet specific client needs. Katie has served in a variety of business development and leadership roles and dedicates herself to providing clients with confidence.

Katie’s experience in the financial services industry has given her the knowledge regarding comprehensive financial plans, investment manager selection, portfolio analysis, and sound investment strategies that reflect the personal and financial objectives of each individual, family or institution. Katie is committed to building long-term relationships with clients as well as consistently delivering an exceptional client experience.

Katie received her MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University with a specialization in Finance and a dual BA degree from the University of Michigan in Organizational Studies and Communications. Katie also holds FINRA Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. Hailing from Westchester County and Manhattan, Katie now resides in Connecticut with her husband and baby boy. She is an active member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and enjoys volunteering with the American Heart Association. Favorite leisure activities include CrossFit, tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Diana spearheads the team’s investment management program
by conducting research and due diligence across equities, fixed
income, mutual funds, separately managed accounts,
structured products, and alternative investments. This includes
leading the team’s portfolio management and investment
manager analysis as well as creating customized strategies that
are tailored to specific client needs.
Prior to joining the team, Diana was an Investment Analyst
within Credit Suisse’s Private Banking & Wealth Management
division, where she helped her Financial Advisors manage both
their Equity and Master Limited Partnerships portfolios. She also
held prior roles within Mergers & Acquisitions and Structured
Products.
Diana was a nationally ranked tennis player who trained and
competed both domestically and internationally. She lives in
New York City and continues to be an avid tennis player.
She graduated from Boston University’s School of Management in 2011, where she majored in Finance and holds the Series 7 and 66
licenses.

Dawn, who has been in the financial services industry for over thre decades, interfaces with our diverse set of clientele, seamlessly and efficiently managing all operational and administrative aspects of the many client requests that come her way. Her eye for detail, organizational skills, and proactive work ethic are integral to the team dynamic, and with over two decades of experience with Morgan Stanley and its predecessors. She will also be a vital source of insight with regards to each client’s unique financial picture. She holds the Series 7/63/65 and Series 9/10 licenses, and has been a registered securities representative since 1994.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Dawn worked at Prudential Securities as a branch facilitator and resource for financial advisors and clients. In this branch management capacity, she served as a liaison between not only the branch and Prudential, but also between the clients and the firm.

Dawn is married and has two children, Harrison and Allison. She is a native New Yorker with strong ties in the community. Her hobbies include taking full advantage of all New York has to offer and volunteering in her free time within her community.

Frank Powers joined The Harbor Group in January 2025 as a Group Director. Prior to joining The Harbor Group, he was a Business Service Officer managing operations within Morgan Stanley’s Fifth Avenue Wealth Management market since 2022. Frank started his career and spent 13 years with asset manager Neuberger Berman in various roles including providing operational and trading support for Neuberger Berman’s International Equities team in both EMEA and Emerging Markets. Frank then spent several years as a compliance officer at Pinebridge Investments in the Investment and Trade Compliance department providing day to day Investment guideline oversight to institutional clients in the public securities markets. He received a BS in Business Administration from Fordham University concentrating in finance with a minor in economics. Frank also holds FINRA series 9, 10, 7 & 66 licenses.

Frank considers himself an avid D-I-Yer having put many hours into ‘improving’ on his 1922 built home in White Plains which he shares with his wife, Nina, and 2 young children, Antonio and Elena.