Our Story and Services

Since 2019, K. Michele Sims & Dale Wicker have worked together to build their business and provide exceptional service to their clients. After much success together over the last three years, they are pleased to announce the official launch of their new team, The Resolute ATL Team at Morgan Stanley!

K. Michele Sims is a Vice President, Financial Advisor and Insurance Planning Director at Morgan Stanley. Prior to joining the firm in 2008, she spent 16 years as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. Her goal is to serve the needs of a limited number of affluent investors. Michele focuses on working with clients to create long-term, personalized financial plans for affluent individuals, families and business owners. In addition, she oversees the investment manager selection, portfolio design and liability management.
 
L Dale wicker is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. He started his career in the financial services industry over 20 years ago as part of the management team for Morgan Stanley. After spending the first part of his career as a service manager and then Risk Officer, Dale wanted to get back in touch with the actual heart of the business: the clients.
 
Starting as an associate with the team, Dale’s approach was to help clients realize their goals and dreams. He knows that each client’s situation is unique and is passionate about creating a plan that is tailored to their specific needs, making him more than capable to service many clients' needs. Combining forces with Michele, they are able to provide individualized service that is attentive, focused and truly World Class.

Lastly, the team has welcomed Mary Claire Stockmeyer as their Client Service Associate. Mary Claire is a graduate from The University of Georgia and is an invaluable member of the The Resolute ATL Team at Morgan Stanley.
 
To learn more about Michele, Dale & Mary Claire, please see their bios below.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

How We Work With You

Your goals, hopes and dreams are at the center of our work. That's why we'll plan to meet with you at length when you first begin working with us. We'll ask
smart questions and work closely together to understand your needs and wants. Once we fully understand your situation, we'll suggest ways to put your money to work.
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    Discovery Process
    The purpose of our Discovery Process is to take the time to fully understand you and your family. We start with a conversation to uncover your goals and understand your
    financial situation.
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    Forming Your Strategy
    Using the information obtained in the Discovery Process, we work with you to assess various scenarios and advise
    you on the strategies to help meet those goals. We consider your challenges, goals, and aspirations to create a risk-balanced strategy to map a clear path to helping
    achieve your success.
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    Implementing Your Plan
    We strategically implement your plan by applying extensive research, analysis and experience to identify
    the appropriate combination of investments to help meet
    your goals. We utilize the extensive resources available at Morgan Stanley to provide you with a holistic experience striving to meet your needs.
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    Tracking Your Progress
    We focus on developing longstanding relationships that can provide value to you and your family. We meet regularly to help ensure your plan remains current and to
    review your progress towards achieving your goals.

Deep Dive Into Planning

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We have assembled a couple financial tools that speak to our wealth management philosophy and financial planning strategy. We have provided easy links to these materials and hope you will return often to learn more about topics impacting your wealth.
LifeView Financial Goal Analysis and Financial Plan
Leveraging our vast resources, including intellectual capital, experience and dedicated service, we can work with you to create a personalized wealth strategy. Over time, we will adapt it to changing circumstances, helping you to achieve your goals and protect what is meaningful to you.
View a Sample Plan
Intelligent Risk Management
Assessing our clients' full investment needs and risks is an essential component of providing comprehensive financial advice in portfolio construction. Key features of the Portfolio Risk Platform, include broadly managing risk, identifying risk based concerns and constructing risk mitigated portfolios.
Learn More About the Portfolio Risk Platform
Total Wealth View
The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts
with your entire financial picture in mind. Completing your financial picture with Total Wealth View gives our clients the benefit of more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity
Learn More About TWV
Spending and Budgeting Tool
Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts with our Spending and Budgeting Tool. We make it easy for you and your financial advisor to oversee trends in your financial life.
Learn More Here
Tax, Trust and Estate Planning Overview
Take a look at this detailed document which includes an Executive Summary of Morgan Stanley's Wealth and Estate planning strategies, why it's impactful, as well as what we offer to our clients.
Click Here to Learn More
Mortgage & Lending
Whether it's for paying taxes, buying a home, funding for education or even creating your own business, we may be able to help. Learn more about home loans, financial solutions and much more.
Click Here to Learn More

Stay Informed

When working with us at the Resolute ATL Team at Morgan Stanley, our goal is to make sure that our clients are made aware of all that shapes our markets and the world around us. Below, we've included some helpful links to current Morgan Stanley promotions and resources, events, thoughts and analysis from the firm's best, and so much more. Take a look below and please reach out if you wish to discuss further.

Preparing the Younger Generation

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It is never too early to start saving and investing, in fact, the earlier you start the more benefits you will receive down the line because of the power of compounding. But getting started can be intimidating and challenging with complicated jargon and thousands of different options for your money. Our team wants to ensure that young people are prepared for future economic challenges and understand how to navigate them. Check out the resources below for information on the basics of investing, goal setting and budgeting, and more.
Investing: Cut the Bull - The Bear Basics of Investing
Setting clear goals for the short-term, long-term and everything in between will help you decide what trade-offs you are willing to make to prepare for the important milestones ahead. This playbook covers some of the basic principles of investing so that you can build your financial confidence and make more informed decisions about creating and managing your wealth.
Read More Here
NextGen Wealth Education Series
Check out three unique videos detailing the most important topics for Goal Setting and Budgeting, Credit and Debt Management, and Introduction to Investing. These videos demonstrate basic strategies and act as a starting point for more customized programs depending on your individual goals.
Learn More
The Millennial and Gen Z Guide to a Sweet Retirement
The power of time can help savvy young investors grow an impressive portfolio by the time they are of retirement age. As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was yesterday and the second best time is today.
Read Here

Location

3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 266-6457(404) 266-6457

Meet The Resolute ATL Team

About K. Michele Sims

K. Michele Sims is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, Lending Specialist and Insurance Planning Director at Morgan Stanley. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2008, she spent 16 years as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. Her goal is to serve the needs of a limited number of affluent investors. Michele focuses on working with clients to create long-term, personalized financial plans for affluent individuals, families and business owners. In addition, she oversees the investment manager selection, portfolio design and liability management.

Michele’s drive comes from her life motto, “She believed she could, so she did.” This passion combined with her logical skill set, helps her methodically think through each step to find a solution for each client’s unique situation. She always provides the client with the next steps - no more than 2-3 steps to not overwhelm - then helps keep them on track. This provides the client relationship with consistency and confidence.

As a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Michele’s focus is to better understand her clients by understanding their life’s goals and priorities. In addition, she holds her Series 7, 63, 65 and 31. Michele earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Goizueta Business School of Emory University and is a proud alumni.

In her free time, Michele enjoys travel, reading and spending time with her triplet niece and nephews. She donates her time to Oxford College of Emory University alumni board and the Atlanta Women’s Foundation Board. She splits her time between Atlanta and St. Simmons Island in Georgia, with her Shih Tzu.
Securities Agent: CA, VA, OH, MO, MD, SC, GA, WI, WA, TN, MI, IL, NE, CO, DE, WV, NY, TX, NJ, NC, LA, KY, AL, MA, PA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268396

About L. Dale Wicker

L Dale wicker is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. He started his career in the financial services industry over 20 years ago as part of the management team for Morgan Stanley. After spending the first part of his career as a service manager and then Risk Officer, Dale wanted to get back in touch with the actual heart of the business: the clients.
 
Dale’s approach is to help clients realize their goals and dreams. He knows that each client’s situation is unique and is passionate about creating a plan that is tailored to their specific needs.  Combining forces with Michele, they are able to provide individualized service that is attentive, focused and truly World Class.
 
What sets Dale apart is his background serving in the US Army as a Cryptologist / Linguist / code breaker. He is now an Honorably Discharged Disabled Army Veteran and his passions still lie in veteran related philanthropy.
 
Dale is a graduate from Regents College with a degree in Political Science and Asian Studies. He also holds his series 7, 63, 65, 9, 10, 24, 3, 31, is Life & Health insurance licensed and NMLS registered.

In his free time Dale loves to spend time with his lovely Bride of 27 years, Kimberly and his two children, Son Keagan and Daughter Caitlin or in his workshop. The family loves to travel and play host to the family pets Dog – Nathanial G Doggie (Thane for short) and cats Gingerbread and Cora.
Securities Agent: TX, VA, MA, NY, WA, SC, MI, CO, PA, GA, WV, MO, CA, WI, IL, FL, AL, NJ, NE, KY, TN, NC, OH, MD, LA, DE; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1913287

About Mary Claire Stockmeyer

After serving as an Intern with the team during her last semester of school, Mary Claire Stockmeyer has officially joined the team as a Client Service Associate in May of 2022. Mary Claire graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. She also holds both her Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses.

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

About Jason Taggart

Jason Taggart is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia.

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.

Jason began his career in financial services in 2002, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as an Operations Supervisor at PHH Mortgage.

Jason is a graduate of Florida State University, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with his family. Outside of the office, Jason enjoys spending time with family, attending his kids sporting events, traveling, watching college football, and coaching his daughters’ softball team.
NMLS#: 652503

About Jay Zaffos

Jay Zaffos is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.

Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.

About Cooper Ficarra

Cooper Ficarra 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. Cooper 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 Stockton University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Cooper is originally from Barnegat, NJ and currently resides in Barnegat, NJ.
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Resolute ATL Team today.
1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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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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4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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:
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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.

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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)