Craig Leone, CIMA®
Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(216) 523-3104(216) 523-3104
The Leone Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(216) 523-3106(216) 523-3106
Our Mission Statement
For more than 25 years, senior executives have chosen The Leone Wealth Management Group for a simple reason. Our history in corporate finance combined with our passion for wealth management provides clients with an exemplary, distinctive experience that’s grounded in technical proficiency and traditional business practices.
Our Story and Services
Craig's financial background includes serving as a public accountant for Deloitte auditing large corporations, as well as managing finances for Invacare Corporation. This built the foundation for our understanding of capital markets. It also shaped our approach to overseeing the wealth of our clients with the same acumen offered to enterprises. In short, we manage personal wealth similar to how a chief financial officer manages corporate wealth.
Perhaps the most important aspect of our overall strategy centers on your family. Each family has unique dynamics, and the better we understand those nuances the more likely your wealth will be preserved into the future. We'll develop a contingency plan for the long-term stability of your assets in the event you're unable to manage your affairs —something everyone must be prepared for to protect their family.
ABOUT CRAIG LEONE
Began his career in financial services in 1989
at Deloitte and Touche; focused on clients'
finances across a broad spectrum of industries.
________________________
Joined Invacare as a Manager of
Finance in 1993 for the large, publicly
traded company
________________________
Joined Merrill Lynch in 1996 as a Financial
Advisor; became one of the largest
individual advisors in greater Cleveland.
He joined Morgan Stanley
as Managing Director in 2022
________________________
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Accounting from Bowling Green State
University and a MBA from Cleveland State University
________________________
Received his Certified Investment
Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
designation from the Wharton School
of Business at the University of Pennsylvania
________________________
Named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth
Advisors list in 2025
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working with senior executives
At the Leone Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, we work with successful, experienced and savvy business executives. Over the years, we have discovered several commonalities among our clients, as a result of their business backgrounds:
• They know that success depends on a combination of a sound strategy and disciplined execution.
• They believe in data, sound principles and experience.
• They understand the importance of teamwork and frequent, frank communication.
• They recognize the difference between staying the course through normal ups and downs, and making adjustments due to changing conditions.
• They appreciate the importance of a succession plan and a deep bench.
Our team's approach reflects these ideas. Everything we do – from our initial analysis through planning, implementation and evaluation – is in sync with how senior executives have managed their businesses. Clients can appreciate our approach, because it reflects the principles that made them successful. If you're a successful executive, you may feel right at home with our team.
• They know that success depends on a combination of a sound strategy and disciplined execution.
• They believe in data, sound principles and experience.
• They understand the importance of teamwork and frequent, frank communication.
• They recognize the difference between staying the course through normal ups and downs, and making adjustments due to changing conditions.
• They appreciate the importance of a succession plan and a deep bench.
Our team's approach reflects these ideas. Everything we do – from our initial analysis through planning, implementation and evaluation – is in sync with how senior executives have managed their businesses. Clients can appreciate our approach, because it reflects the principles that made them successful. If you're a successful executive, you may feel right at home with our team.
Every financial decision can make a difference
Effective wealth management is about much more than your investment portfolio. It includes a goals-based, thoughtful and comprehensive financial strategy that drives every dollar you spend, save, invest, pay in taxes, gift or bequeath. We liken our role to that of a CFO at a large organization – we strive to ensure that smart decisions involving money align with your overall strategy, drawing on the experience of other professionals as needed and adjusting to changing conditions or opportunities.
Here is a partial list of what that might entail:
• Create a strategic cash flow plan
• Help simplify daily financial needs
• Help minimize the impact of taxes
• Ensure a future plan for family wealth
• Educate all family members in wealth management
• Provide knowledgeable, thoughtful advice for every decision involving money
By working closely with you on virtually every part of your financial life, we help improve your chances of reaching your goals.
Here is a partial list of what that might entail:
• Create a strategic cash flow plan
• Help simplify daily financial needs
• Help minimize the impact of taxes
• Ensure a future plan for family wealth
• Educate all family members in wealth management
• Provide knowledgeable, thoughtful advice for every decision involving money
By working closely with you on virtually every part of your financial life, we help improve your chances of reaching your goals.
A step-by-step guide for the future
Whether in business or your personal life, you're more likely to reach any goal if you start with a comprehensive yet flexible plan. Our team has a formal, detailed "Playbook" which we use to help enhance and preserve your family wealth.
These are the steps we follow:
Assess your current financial position: A deep dive into what you own, owe and generate.
Identify your short-, medium, and long-term goals: By establishing goals, we can help mitigate risk and establish timeframes.
Specify your risk profile: Professional wealth management should help provide confidence, and reflect your preferences. Our 25 years of experience can help you better handle market cycles, and build a portfolio customized to your requirements.
Create and execute your plan: While the creation of your plan is important, it's the execution of that plan that determines the outcome. We excel here. Our disciplined approach seeks to ensure execution occurs at the beginning of the relationship and continues thereafter.
Generate "Next Man Up" tactics: At some point, your wealth becomes your family's wealth. It's crucial to establish a plan as you age.
Establish performance metrics: Within the context of your goals, how should we measure success?
Regularly communicate with you: A trusted advisor should be fully engaged with his or her client. Update strategies and tactics as your situation evolves: No-one knows what the future holds, but we must be prepared for it regardless.
Our 9 Principles of Wealth Management
1. Discipline is the key to long-term success
As a successful executive, you understand the importance of establishing goals, creating thoughtful strategies, setting benchmarks, and adjusting to evolving conditions. By removing the emotional swings that can derail a financial plan, we help you stay on track toward your goals. And our periodic reviews instill discipline into your financial life.
2. Plan for clients to outlive their ability to manage their wealth
Just like we establish contingencies for evolving economic conditions, we create a plan for changes in your health status. Our "Next Man Up" policy is a response to the growing number of clients living into their 80s, 90s and beyond.
3. A dollar is a dollar, no matter where it comes from
People think of financial advisors for investments, but we generate and preserve wealth in many ways – tax mitigation, debt management, cash flow, expenditures, etc. It's all a matter of making smart decisions.
4. The useful life of any decision may be short
Change is inevitable; when it comes, we need to be prepared, and to adjust accordingly.
5. At some point, wealth preservation is more important than wealth generation
Most of our clients don't need us to make them rich. They need us to ensure that their wealth is preserved and that their legacy is protected.
6. Managing family wealth means managing both family and wealth
It's crucial that your family members understand and buy into your wealth management strategy. We help educate and facilitate as needed.
7. There are two sides to every balance sheet, including yours
Assets and liabilities. Money coming in and money going out. For the most effective wealth management, it's shortsighted to think about one without the other.
8. There are downsides to family wealth
Wealth is like a car: treat it with care and respect and it's an amazing tool. Handle it recklessly and it can permanently damage the driver, passengers and even bystanders.
9. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason
We believe that effective financial advice depends more on what we hear from you than what we say to you.
Location
200 Public Square
Suite 2600
Cleveland, OH 44114
US
Direct:
(216) 523-3106(216) 523-3106
Meet The Leone Wealth Management Group
Mary Podwoski
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(216) 523-3106(216) 523-3106
Noah Rupp
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(216) 523-3107(216) 523-3107
About Me
For more than 25 years, Craig has worked with business and individual clients to navigate their complex financial needs. His unusual background includes experience with both sides of a client’s balance sheet.
Craig began his career with Deloitte and Touche, where he leveraged his degree in Accounting to focus on clients’ finances across a broad spectrum of industries. He later joined Invacare, managing finances for this large, publicly traded company. In 1996, he shifted to wealth management with Merrill Lynch, where he was heralded as one of the largest individual Financial Advisor in the Cleveland area. He joined Morgan Stanley as managing director in 2022 for its singular focus on wealth management.
Craig’s varied background underscores his technical approach to wealth management. He earned a BA in Accounting from Bowling Green University, then an MBA from Cleveland State University. Craig also holds the coveted Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation, which he earned from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Craig’s success speaks for itself. In 2025, he was named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes. He works primarily with business executives, who appreciate his discipline, technical approach, ability to listen and tailoring of his services to each client’s goals, preferences and risk tolerance.
Craig has been a visiting committee member and Past President of alumni for Business College at Cleveland State University.
2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Craig began his career with Deloitte and Touche, where he leveraged his degree in Accounting to focus on clients’ finances across a broad spectrum of industries. He later joined Invacare, managing finances for this large, publicly traded company. In 1996, he shifted to wealth management with Merrill Lynch, where he was heralded as one of the largest individual Financial Advisor in the Cleveland area. He joined Morgan Stanley as managing director in 2022 for its singular focus on wealth management.
Craig’s varied background underscores his technical approach to wealth management. He earned a BA in Accounting from Bowling Green University, then an MBA from Cleveland State University. Craig also holds the coveted Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation, which he earned from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Craig’s success speaks for itself. In 2025, he was named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes. He works primarily with business executives, who appreciate his discipline, technical approach, ability to listen and tailoring of his services to each client’s goals, preferences and risk tolerance.
Craig has been a visiting committee member and Past President of alumni for Business College at Cleveland State University.
2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: NV, OH, NJ, TN, WI, MN, SC, NC, PA, FL, MA, VA, CA, WV, AZ, GA, NY, AR, KY, WA, CT, TX, IN, MI, IL, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 591103
NMLS#: 591103
About Mary Podwoski
Mary has been working with clients to help them achieve their goals for more than 30 years. She is committed to the highest caliber wealth management experience for every client.
Mary began her career on Wall Street in 1987. In 1997, she returned to her Northeast Ohio roots and joined UBS Financial Services. This exposure to the retail side of wealth management helped her gain a greater understanding of capital markets and wealth management. Subsequently, she spent 14 years at Merrill Lynch providing clients with excellence, dedication and unparalleled care and service. She joined Morgan Stanley along with Craig in November 2022.
Mary earned her BA in Liberal Arts from Hillsdale College.
Mary began her career on Wall Street in 1987. In 1997, she returned to her Northeast Ohio roots and joined UBS Financial Services. This exposure to the retail side of wealth management helped her gain a greater understanding of capital markets and wealth management. Subsequently, she spent 14 years at Merrill Lynch providing clients with excellence, dedication and unparalleled care and service. She joined Morgan Stanley along with Craig in November 2022.
Mary earned her BA in Liberal Arts from Hillsdale College.
About Noah Rupp
Noah Rupp recently joined The Leone Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. He had previously completed an internship with the group gaining experience in portfolio management and learning the client experience. Noah is a proud graduate of John Carroll University gaining a double major in Finance and Financial Planning Wealth Management.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Noah grew up playing travel soccer throughout the Cleveland area. He continued his athletic pursuits as member of the John Carroll men’s soccer team. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he gained valuable industry experience through internships with UBS Financial Services in Florida and HBKS Wealth Advisors in Erie. These experiences helped deepen his understanding of the financial planning process and emphasized the importance of a client-centric approach and managing relationships.
In his free time, Noah enjoys staying active by working out, biking, and spending time outdoors. He enjoys reading and is a dedicated Cleveland sports fan – especially the Browns.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Noah grew up playing travel soccer throughout the Cleveland area. He continued his athletic pursuits as member of the John Carroll men’s soccer team. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he gained valuable industry experience through internships with UBS Financial Services in Florida and HBKS Wealth Advisors in Erie. These experiences helped deepen his understanding of the financial planning process and emphasized the importance of a client-centric approach and managing relationships.
In his free time, Noah enjoys staying active by working out, biking, and spending time outdoors. He enjoys reading and is a dedicated Cleveland sports fan – especially the Browns.
Contact Craig Leone
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
Mamta Shah
Trust Specialist
Thomas O'Brien
Planning Associate
About Tyson Abert
Tyson R. Abert is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Wisconsin, Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Senior 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.
Tyson began his career in financial services in 2004, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Business Development Manager and a Senior Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Services.
Tyson is a graduate of Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting, and Lake Forest Graduate School of Management where he received a Master of Business Administration. He and his family currently reside right outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Outside of the office, Tyson enjoys golfing, hunting, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Senior 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.
Tyson began his career in financial services in 2004, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Business Development Manager and a Senior Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Services.
Tyson is a graduate of Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting, and Lake Forest Graduate School of Management where he received a Master of Business Administration. He and his family currently reside right outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Outside of the office, Tyson enjoys golfing, hunting, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 362127
About Mamta Shah
Mamta Shah is the Trust Specialist based in Chicago, covering the Midwest Region. Morgan Stanley provides a full array of personal and institutional trust services to high net worth clients of the firm. Mamta’s responsibilities include educating Financial Advisors and their clients on the open architecture trust service model and helping them identify opportunities to leverage the trust partners on the platform.
Before joining Trust Services in 2010, she was the Wealth Analyst with the Chicago based Wealth Planning Center at Morgan Stanley. Mamta was responsible for providing information and education on a full range of income and estate tax topics and concerns.
Prior to joining the Planning Center team in 2006, Mamta was Vice President of an Independent Investment Advisory Firm. She worked closely with the clients of the firm on a variety of financial planning and investment advisory services.
Mamta obtained her bachelor’s degree from Babson College with a major in Finance/Entrepreneurship. Mamta is a licensed CPA and holds a CFP® designation, She has been in the financial services industry since 1999. She is Series 7, 63, 65 and life/health insurance licensed. She is a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society. She lives in Chicago with her family.
Before joining Trust Services in 2010, she was the Wealth Analyst with the Chicago based Wealth Planning Center at Morgan Stanley. Mamta was responsible for providing information and education on a full range of income and estate tax topics and concerns.
Prior to joining the Planning Center team in 2006, Mamta was Vice President of an Independent Investment Advisory Firm. She worked closely with the clients of the firm on a variety of financial planning and investment advisory services.
Mamta obtained her bachelor’s degree from Babson College with a major in Finance/Entrepreneurship. Mamta is a licensed CPA and holds a CFP® designation, She has been in the financial services industry since 1999. She is Series 7, 63, 65 and life/health insurance licensed. She is a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society. She lives in Chicago with her family.
About Thomas O'Brien
Thomas O’Brien is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Thomas provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Thomas is originally from Lynbrook, NY and currently resides in Lynbrook, NY.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Thomas is originally from Lynbrook, NY and currently resides in Lynbrook, NY.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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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
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Leone Wealth Management Group today.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)
