The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley

Lewis A. Metzger is a Managing Director, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director, Senior Portfolio Management Director, and Senior Investment Management Consultant who heads The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. Lewis and his team work with a limited number of individuals and their families, providing the finest personalized family wealth management services available, including access to our team's private banking group, asset management, and estate and financial planning strategies.

2024 - 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
2018 – 2024 Forbes, America’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
2009 – 2024 Barron’s, America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors
2012 – 2023 Texas Monthly “FIVE STAR: Wealth Manager” Award

Lewis is among the select few financial advisors recognized with the designation of Family Wealth Director, which demonstrates that he successfully completed a rigorous program that trains advisors on delivering the highest possible standards of experience and extensive range of knowledge in wealth planning and investment advice to the most affluent clients.

Lewis received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Alabama. He also graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Commerce & Business Administration. A proponent of education, he serves on several community boards including The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet and has served on the boards of the Spring Branch School District Education Foundation and the St. Francis Episcopal Day School. He is a Cornerstone Lifetime Member of the Houston Methodist Hospital – The Society for Leading Medicine.

Lewis grew up in Mobile, Alabama. With the help of his father, he purchased his first NYSE stock at the age of 12. For more than 40 years, he has lived in Houston, Texas. He is married to Peggy; they have two grown children and two grandsons. An avid sportsman and conservationist, he holds life memberships with the Safari Club International, Houston Safari Club, Shikar-Safari Club International and the Coastal Conservation Association. He actively supports wildlife conservation with a focus on African animals. He financed and his family participated in the largest relocation of African giraffes ever attempted and successfully completed. He funded and has actively taken part in the translocation of giraffe and elephants to safer habits and attaching satellite GPS tracking collars to rhinos, lions, buffalo, giraffe, and elephants. Three of the Metzger wildlife conservation projects are available on YouTube: “Giraffe Conservation Metzger Foundation,” “14 Giraffes, 4 Rhinos & 7 Lions,“ and “Metzger Conservation Elephants Giraffe.” He is a board member of the Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance. He also owns and operates the Wolf Springs Ranch, located in Round Top, Texas.



2024-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2024-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018 – 2024 Forbes, America’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2009 – 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 2009 – 2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2012 – 2023 Texas Monthly “FIVE STAR: Wealth Manager” Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012 – 2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2012 Award - 10/16/2011 through 05/16/2012
2013 Award - 10/16/2012 through 05/16/2013
2014 Award - 10/16/2013 through 05/16/2014
2015 Award - 10/16/2014 through 05/16/2015
2016 Award - 10/16/2015 through 05/16/2016
2017 Award - 10/24/2016 through 05/24/2017
2018 Award - 10/27/2017 through 05/21/2018
2019 Award - 10/15/2018 through 04/26/2019
2020 Award - 09/30/2019 through 04/17/2020
2021 Award - 09/14/2020 through 04/30/2021
2022 Award - 09/20/2021 through 04/8/2022
2023 Award -10/10/2022 through 05/05/2023

Bill graduated from Harvard University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and is a graduate of the Financial Services Program at Wharton University. Bill began his financial services career in sales and management with Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York in 1969. Bill joined Rotan Mosle in 1979 as President of Rotan Mosle Insurance and later became Director of Sales and Marketing and was a member of the Management Committee and served on the Board of Directors. Rotan Mosle merged into Paine Webber in 1988 and Bill became National Sales Manager for Paine Webber in New York. Bill began working with individual clients in 1989 at Paine Webber. In 1993, he moved to Smith Barney as a Senior Vice President. Bill joined Morgan Stanley in 2005 as a Senior Vice President.

Austin Stewart, First Vice President and a Financial Advisor with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley, has over a decade of financial services experience. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2019, Austin spent eight years at Invesco Investment Management where he worked as a consultant partnering with Financial Advisors on investments, financial education, and practice management. Prior to that, he was in construction management where he oversaw infrastructure projects in Houston, Texas and Benghazi, Libya.

Austin has a passion for education and received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from the University of Houston. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and holds FINRA licenses Series 6, 7, and 66 along with a General Lines of Life, Accident and Health Insurance license. He is also a member of the Portfolio Management Institute (PMI), a society of Morgan Stanley investment management consultants dedicated to the highest ethical and greatest commitment to client service.

When he’s not helping clients improve their financial lives, Austin spends his free time with his family and friends while staying active outdoors. In addition to traveling, playing golf and seeing live music, Austin enjoys hunting and fishing as well as actively supporting wildlife conservation. He serves on the board of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and has participated in one of the largest and most successful African giraffe relocations ever attempted. He and his wife, Michelle, have two young boys, James and Michael that love to spend time at their family ranch in Round Top, TX.

Gary Miller C(k)P^® is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He offers over 28 years of combined financial services experience. Gary has decades of experience in private wealth management, helping individuals achieve their financial goals, whatever they may be.

Gary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his C(k)P^®, Certified 401(k) Professional^® Designation from The Retirement Advisor University in collaboration with the UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education. A successful former restaurateur, Gary owned a UK-based chain of Tex-Mex restaurants which he sold in 1995.

Gary is committed to helping his clients preserve and grow their wealth by providing comprehensive wealth management strategies. He has extensive knowledge of retirement plans with experience in helping companies manage their fiduciary responsibilities, restructure their 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) or pension plans, eliminating conflicts of interest, lowering costs, reducing retirement plan committee members' and Trustees' liabilities while increasing services.

Gary resides in Houston with his wife, Neda, his three daughters and two sons. On weekends, he enjoys fishing, cooking, and playing backgammon.

Mikel R. Ham, CFA, is a First Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Financial Advisor with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley, where he has 25 years of experience and service at the firm. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he worked as an Economist with a consulting firm in Los Angeles, California. Mikel has also served as a volunteer Treasurer for the Houston Economics Club.

Mikel earned a PhD and MA in Economics from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and a MA and BS from the University of Houston. He is also a CFA Charterholder. Mikel holds FINRA licenses 3, 7, 8, 9, 31,63, and 65, along with a General Lines of Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License.

Mikel offers comprehensive financial advice to individuals and business owners based on developing a deep understanding of his clients’ objectives and risk tolerance which helps them make informed decisions about growing and preserving their assets and estates. The markets and world events are continually changing—presenting risks, but also investment opportunities. By fully accessing the thought leadership and investment choices available through Morgan Stanley, he strives to bring fresh ideas and solutions to his clients to help them stay focused on achieving their financial goals. Mikel's commitment to his clients is to always act with integrity, competence, dignity, and in an ethical manner.

Mikel was born in Houston, Texas and currently resides in the Lake Houston area near Kingwood, TX with his wife Holly and their 2 children, Nikolas and Elizabeth. Their Bichon Frise, named Charlamagne, or “Charlie,” is also an enthusiastic participant in many family activities. Outside the office, Mikel enjoys snow skiing and camping with his family. Fishing is also a passion—saltwater fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast during the summer months and fly fishing in the many cool rivers in Vermont. When back indoors, he’s usually occupied reading several books, playing chess with his son, or catching up on the latest developments in numismatics.

Dominic Cellitti is a Wealth Advisor, First Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He's been with Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms since 1988.

Dominic graduated Cum Laude from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance in 1988. In the spring of 2004, he received a Master’s of Science degree in Financial Planning. Using the resources of the American College, Dominic became a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner in 2001 after three years of course work. As a CFP practitioner, he has experience in investment planning, income tax planning, estate planning related issues, retirement planning, and insurance issues.

Dominic works closely with a small number of wealthy families, foundations and businesses. His objective is to help achieve and maximize his client’s financial position through extensive knowledge of a wide range of financial products and services. Since Dominic enjoys philanthropy, he has written a number of published articles on philanthropic topics. His network of personal and professional contacts has been an asset to his growing client base.

Dominic enjoys his involvement in charitable activities such as the 4th Wall Theatre and New Avenues to Independence. In his spare time, his hobbies include collecting and creating art, racing his bike, reading business related books, taking his therapy dog to medical centers, and showing his Golden Retriever in confirmation dog shows.

Jonathan Cole is a Financial Advisor, Vice President, and Insurance Planning Director with the Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He’s an experienced investment professional who brings a disciplined and personalized approach to managing portfolios and investments for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and executives. In addition to focusing on individuals, Jonathan has experience working with non-profit and endowment organizations. He understands the trends of today. Leveraging his extensive education and Morgan Stanley’s vast resources, Jonathan identifies opportunities that align with his client's values. His goal is to empower clients to be confident in their financial decisions through education and knowledge.

Jonathan is committed to helping his clients preserve and grow their wealth by providing comprehensive wealth management strategies. He is focused on creating and delivering strategies tailored to all aspects of their finances, including cash management, lending, investing, and wealth transfer. By creating financial strategies and providing thoughtful advice, Jonathan has developed a successful practice built on trusting relationships. His favorite part of the business is gaining an understanding of his client’s goals.

Previously, Jonathan was an entrepreneur with a proven track record of business success. His first business was acquired in early 2016. Following his venture, Jonathan became a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in 2016 to pursue his interest in managing investments and supporting like-minded individuals to grow their portfolios. He has also attained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®) designation. The CFA^® charter is a globally recognized credential for investment analysis competence and integrity and portfolio management.

Jonathan is an active member of the Baylor Alumni Network, Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation, Houston Black Leadership Institute, and CFA Society of Houston. He resides in Houston, Texas and is an avid international traveler and outdoorsman. He has an interest in the local food scene and is extremely passionate about sponsoring micro-entrepreneurship and promoting financial literacy around the world.

Education:
• MBA with a concentration in Finance from Baylor University
• MS in Information Systems from Baylor University
• Series 7
• Series 66

Professional Designations:
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^®)


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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

• 20+ years of financial services experience
• BS degree from the University of Baltimore
• Personal: Married; Scott, attorney
• Two daughters: Sophia and Chloe

Paula joined Morgan Stanley in 2015. She has 30 years of industry experience and has attained her Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and completed her Master of Business Administration in Finance from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Working with The Metzger Group, Paula uses the experience she’s gained over the years in the client service area and takes personal interest in helping clients and their families.

Paula, a native Houstonian, moved to Dallas 12 years ago and resides in North Dallas with her husband and pup named Lafayette. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community and spends time with her grandchildren.

- 9+ years of financial services experience
- Licensed since 2014
- Personal: One daughter, three sons

Mario is a Registered Client Service Associate with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He helps shape the future of service by modernizing the client experience through an elevated model. Mario truly cares about our clients and works hard to help them simplify and manage aspects of their financial life. He strives to provide every client we serve with a first class customer experience.

Mario cultivates and enhances new and existing client relationships through active communication, processing client requests, resolving inquiries, and making sure key information and documentation remains current. He helps run our business with an eye on each administrative detail and finds the issues that need to be addressed. He is a fantastic partner within our group.

Mario majored in Finance at the University of Houston. He graduated in 2020 with his Bachelor in Business Administration. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2021, Mario worked at Goldman Sachs. He holds the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Mario is from Beirut, Lebanon. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteering for non-profit organizations and taking road trips to visit and explore new cities. Mario also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Michelle is a Registered Client Service Associate with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. She helps shape the future of service by modernizing the client experience through an elevated model. Michelle truly cares about our clients and works hard to help them simplify and manage aspects of their financial life. She strives to provide every client we serve with a first-class customer experience.

Michelle cultivates and enhances new and existing client relationships through active communication, processing client requests, resolving inquiries, and making sure key information and documentation remains current. She helps run our business with an eye on each administrative detail and finds the issues that need to be addressed. She is a fantastic partner within our group.

Michelle majored in International Business and Spanish at The Ohio State University. She graduated in 2019 with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of the Arts. Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2020, Michelle has acquired her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Michelle is from Columbus, OH. Outside of work, she enjoys running, playing sand volleyball, and volunteering. Michelle also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Alvin is a Registered Client Service Associate (CSA) with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He helps shape the future of our service with his desire to be thorough, efficient, personable, and effective. Alvin is modernizing the client experience through our technology and is elevating our client experience. He truly cares about our clients and works hard to help them simplify and manage aspects of their financial life. He strives to provide every client we serve with a world class customer experience.

Alvin cultivates and enhances new and existing client relationships through active communication, processing client requests, resolving inquiries, and making sure key information and documentation remains current. He helps run our business with an eye on each administrative detail and finds the issues that need to be addressed. He is a fantastic partner within our group.

Alvin majored in Finance at LSU. He graduated in 2020 with his Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Minor in Internal Auditing. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2024, Alvin worked at Deloitte. He has acquired his Series 66 and Series 7 licenses.

Alvin grew up in Ville Platte, LA. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, sports and being outside. He also likes spending quality time with family and friends.