THE MONARCH GROUP has been named one of Forbes Magazine Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for the third consecutive year (2025).*

Our clients are affluent individuals and families who want a guiding hand as they navigate the unique issues associated with attempting to grow and keep multi-generational wealth.

Thanks to the trust that clients put in our team, we manage more than $1.9 billion as of November, 30, 2024.

We would be honored to speak with you and your family if you are looking for financial advice.


*Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/23-3/31/24.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheckLink Opens in New Tab.*

What it's like to be a client of The Monarch Group

We believe our consistent and proactive communication differentiates us.

Regular Communication
The cornerstone of our practice is communication. We strive to provide a quarterly conversation with each client. This communication is conducted by phone, in-person or by video conference. Our goal is to anticipate the needs of our clients by staying in close contact.

Comprehensive Planning
We provide a comprehensive retirement plan to each client which is updated and reviewed with the client on average every 10 months. The purpose is to help assure a smooth glidepath before and through retirement.

Our Investment Philosophy
• As a rule, we do not own exotic holdings. If we cannot explain it to a client in five minutes, then we most likely will not own it in our portfolios.
• We will invest in holdings that can be easily liquidated
• We do not own securities that involve a contract (such as an annuity or structured product)
• We prefer our holdings to generate an income stream through dividends or interest
• We avoid owning proprietary Morgan Stanley products

Our Investment Process
We manage client portfolios using custom investment models that we have “back-tested” over many years of market conditions as well as “stress-tested” against past crisis events. Our investment ideas and implementation are controlled by our team on a discretionary basis.

The enduring relationship with our clients has been our top priority and the most important factor in how we measure our success.

    Our Goal-Oriented Investment Process

    An effective investment portfolio should be carefully constructed around what you want your money to accomplish for you and your family. We use a methodical approach to customizing your investment portfolio to help ensure that it supports your near and long-term financial goals. Then, going forward, all of our investment decisions—from financial strategies to asset allocation to security selection — are intended to reflect these objectives and help bring you closer to achieving them.
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      1. Discover
      • Understand your financial goals, challenges, and preferences
      • Gather documentation
      • Open dialogues with your accountant and attorney, if required
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      2. Propose
      • Develop a personalized Financial Plan
      • Design an Investment Portfolio
      • Create a schedule for briefings and reviews
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      3. Implement
      • Initiate your Financial Plan
      • Phase in the Investment recommendations
      • Enroll in selected services
      • Review forthcoming client statements
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      4. Monitor
      • Evaluate progress according to your plan
      • Adjust the plan and Investments when needed
      • Update you, your accountant and your attorney of notable developments
      • Help you navigate timely options and opportunities

    AWARDS

      Georgia - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024
      Awarded to The Monarch Group
      Georgia - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2023
      Awarded to The Monarch Group
      Georgia - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Advisors 2023
      Awarded to George A. Bird
      Awarded to John P. Kennedy
      Georgia - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Advisors 2022
      Awarded to George A. Bird
      Awarded to John P. Kennedy
      Disclosures
      Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
      Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/22-3/31/23.


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

    Certifications

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      Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
      George A. Bird
      William R. Thompson
      Randall L. Hiers

      This certification indicates that the Advisor has met the CFP Board's extensive training and experience requirements. They also commit to upholding the Board's ethical standards, which requires them to prioritize their clients' best interests.
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      Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)
      George A. Bird

      This certification, offered and recognized by the Investments & Wealth Institute, indicates that an Advisors has the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to build better quality investment portfolios.
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      Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®)
      John P. Kennedy

      The CPM designation provides a deeper understanding of fundamental security analysis, asset allocation and portfolio management. The program covers three areas: Valuation Analysis, Portfolio Construction and Risk Management.
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      Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA)
      Randall L. Hiers

      Advisors who have this certification have completed an intensive course on wealth transfers, federal taxation, retirement planning, and planning for financial and medical end-of-life needs for domestic partners.

    Location

    3280 Peachtree Rd NE
    Suite 1900
    Atlanta, GA 30305
    US
    Direct:
    (404) 266-6060(404) 266-6060

    Meet The Monarch Group

    About George Bird

    George Bird is a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley and has been with the firm for over 30 years. George is a Board CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) and the founding partner of the Monarch Group. His practice focuses on complex portfolio management and financial planning for affluent families and individuals, family businesses, estates, foundations and trust assets, as well as corporate cash management.

    George is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Investment Management Analyst Program and is a CERTIFIED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ANALYST (CIMA®).

    In 2024, George ranked 8th in the state of Georgia on Forbes Magazine’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisor list. This marked the sixth consecutive year George was named to the Forbes list. In 2018, George was named as a Senior Portfolio Management Director with Morgan Stanley. He is a member of the firm’s President’s Club (2012-2023), a distinction awarded to the top level of Morgan Stanley’s Financial Advisors. George was also named to the 2023 Atlanta Five Star Wealth Managers list in Atlanta Magazine.

    In addition, George served on the Board of Directors of Summit Industries, a 92-year-old manufacturing company located in Atlanta (2009-2019). He also served on the executive, audit and compensation committees for the company.

    George is registered in 39 states and holds numerous financial licenses including the Series 7, 63, and 65. He is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association® (IMCA) and the Financial Planning Association® (FPA).

    George and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 28 years and have two daughters. They are active members of St. Philips Cathedral and are engaged in numerous community activities. Outside of the office, George enjoys traveling, and playing golf and tennis.


    2019-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

    2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
    Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2023) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
    2023 Award - 11/14/22 - 5/31/23
    Securities Agent: CO, CA, WV, TX, MS, MO, AZ, OH, MT, ID, AR, NC, LA, VT, PA, OK, IL, WA, OR, NY, MN, GA, FL, TN, RI, ME, MA, KY, IN, DC, AL, SC, NV, MD, CT, VA, NJ, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1380604

    About John P Kennedy

    As a co-founder and managing partner of the Monarch Group, John offers his clients a broad range of financial services and strategies in addition to investment management, including estate planning, trust services, retirement planning, education planning, generational wealth transfer, tax planning and more.

    John has been a financial advisor for more than 30 years. He has continually pursued opportunities to improve his ability to construct and execute on client investment strategies. Since 1995, he’s been a member of Morgan Stanley’s Portfolio Management Program, and in 2012 he earned the CERTIFIED PORTFOLIO MANAGER (CPM®) designation from Columbia University’s Certified Portfolio Manager program.

    John was recently ranked 13th in the state of Georgia on Forbes’ Atlanta (High Net Worth) 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. In 2021, John was promoted to Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and has been named to Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club (2017-2024) and Master’s Club (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016), a distinction awarded to the top level of Morgan Stanley’s Financial Advisors. He graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. in Finance.

    John and his wife, Amie, have three children (Grace, Callie and Jack). Grace recently graduated from Auburn and works in the financial industry in Atlanta. Callie is a senior at Auburn and Jack is in 7th grade at Wesleyan in Peachtree Corners. John and Amie are active members of Buckhead Church. In his free time, John enjoys coaching his son Jack’s youth sports teams, along with golfing, fishing, and exercising.


    2019-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2024). 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: AR, MT, MI, ID, VT, VA, TX, MS, AZ, OR, OK, CA, AL, WA, NJ, KY, GA, CO, TN, SC, RI, PA, OH, LA, CT, WV, NY, MO, MA, IN, IL, FL, DC, NV, NC, MN, ME, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1380644

    About William R. Thompson

    William is a Vice President and Financial Advisor, he has been with The Monarch Group for 12 years. William provides financial counsel and guidance to families and individuals going through important transitions in life where making the right decisions are vital. He takes complex situations with difficult choices and presents them in a simple manner for his clients.

    William is a member of Morgan Stanley’s 2023, 2024 and 2025 Pacesetter’s club which is a global recognition for Financial Advisors who, early in their career, have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first-class client service.

    William and his wife, Beth, have two girls, Blair and Lanny. He loves to snow ski, play golf, and enjoys learning about and making cocktails. Beth and William met while they were studying abroad in Barcelona during college and have been married for 11 years. They live in Brookhaven with their Weimaraner rescue, Sunny.

    William a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®), received his MBA from the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech and a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
    Securities Agent: CA, DC, HI, OR, MS, KY, VT, RI, NJ, MD, IL, ID, TX, TN, MT, MA, MI, AL, SC, OH, CO, WA, VA, MO, MN, ME, FL, CT, AZ, WV, NY, OK, NC, LA, GA, AR, PA, NV, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1312703

    About Randall L. Hiers

    Randy focuses on comprehensive financial planning, goals-based asset allocation and portfolio management. He works closely with clients to develop and implement appropriate retirement and income distribution strategies. As part of the baby boomer generation, Randy is personally invested in helping address the growing concerns of these individuals, and he enjoys serving a diverse client base from all backgrounds and circumstances.

    After graduating from Emory University with a B.B.A. in Accounting, Randy began his career as an auditor with an international accounting firm and soon became a Certified Public Accountant (however, he does not perform this function at Morgan Stanley). Subsequently, he served as the controller for the executive training facility of a large Fortune 100 telecommunications company and later built his own tax and business consulting practice, which he managed for more than 16 years. He joined the firm in 2007, bringing his extensive knowledge of tax and accounting issues to the team. Randy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) and holds the Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor Designation.

    Outside the office, Randy enjoys music, charity work, classic cars, traveling and fitness.
    Securities Agent: OH, KY, TN, MN, IL, VA, RI, OR, MO, ME, DC, AL, ID, MD, CO, VT, SC, IN, GA, WA, AR, PA, OK, NC, MA, FL, AZ, TX, NV, MS, CT, CA, NY, NJ, MI, LA, WV, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1255687

    About Elizabeth Baker

    Elizabeth focuses on providing exemplary client service and administrative support for the team. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2004 and has 21 years of experience in a variety of roles within the financial services industry. She previously worked as a Business Service Manager at the Morgan Stanley Buckhead complex. Elizabeth holds the Series 3, 7, 9, 10, 63 and 65 licenses, and she graduated from Rhodes College with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Music.

    Elizabeth and her husband, Brandon, live in Smyrna with their two young daughters. When she was growing up, her family ran an amusement park in West Virginia, which fostered a love for thrill rides. It’s now a family tradition to visit different parks with Brandon and their daughters each year.

    About Nina Shawl

    Nina joined Morgan Stanley in 2022 when she made the decision to take the leap of faith in changing her career to the financial services industry. Her background includes over 15 years of experience in the real estate closing industry as the director of a national law firm. Her primary goal is to ensure that each client continues to receive the highest level of exceptional customer service. She believes her skills in executive, operational and client relation services are essential in contributing to the team’s success.

    Nina holds the SIE, series 7 and the series 66 allowing her to become fully registered the year she joined the firm. She currently resides in Sandy Springs and loves traveling, cooking and spending quality time with friends and family.

    About Leanne Imhof

    Leanne joined The Monarch Group in 2024 with eight years of industry experience. She has been with Morgan Stanley since 2019, previously as a Financial Advisor in Tampa, FL, where her group was named as one of Forbes 2023 Best in State Wealth Management Teams. Leanne graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree of science in Finance, and earned her executive certificate in Financial Planning from the University of Tampa. She holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as her Georgia Insurance (Accident and Sickness, Life, Variable Annuity and Variable Life) license.

    As a Wealth Management Associate, Leanne interfaces with our clients daily. Through client management skills and market and product knowledge, she partners with team members to address the specific needs of high-net-worth clients to cultivate existing client relationships and network to build new ones. Leanne is also responsible for navigating the firm's policies, procedures, and digital capabilities that allow her to interact with her team of Wealth Advisors and new and existing clients.

    Leanne currently sits on the Junior Committee for Daughter’s Against Alzheimer’s. As part of Morgan Stanley's Global Wellbeing Influencer Network, Leanne prides herself on keeping an active and healthy lifestyle.

    Leanne enjoys reading, boating, attending sporting events, and hiking. She resides in Roswell, GA with her fiancé, Brian, and their two dogs, Reymond, and Leila.
    Securities Agent: WV, WA, VT, VA, TX, TN, SC, RI, PA, OR, OK, OH, NY, NV, NM, NJ, NH, UT, ND, NC, MS, WI, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, KS, IN, IL, ID, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, NE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

    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
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    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
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    Financial Wellness

    Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
    • Reduce employee stress,
    • Improve retention and engagement, and
    • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
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    In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
    Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Monarch Group today.
    Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
    Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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    3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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    4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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    5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

    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

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    6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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    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 DisclosuresLink Opens in New Tab
    CRC 6491812 (04/2024)