

The River North Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
Our Story and Services
Our confidence is rooted in decades of proven investment strategy – many of which have been carefully developed, tested, and refined over the years.
By combining thoughtfully selected alternative investments with traditional strategies, we aim to build tax-efficient, sophisticated portfolios. Our mission is to help clients grow and preserve their wealth across generations, while staying aligned with their long-term financial goals.
Trust, integrity, and exceptional service are the foundation of everything we do. We are deeply passionate about empowering clients on their journey towards financial freedom.
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote2
- Asset Management
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote3
- Certificates of DepositFootnote4
- Corporate BondsFootnote5
- Corporate Retirement PlansFootnote6
- Corporate Investment SolutionsFootnote7
- Defined Contribution PlansFootnote8
- Endowments and FoundationsFootnote9
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote10
- Exchange Traded FundsFootnote11
- Executive Benefit ServicesFootnote12
- Financial PlanningFootnote13
- Fixed IncomeFootnote14
- Life InsuranceFootnote15
- Long-term Care InsuranceFootnote16
- Municipal BondsFootnote17
- Philanthropic ManagementFootnote18
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote19
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote20
- Retirement PlanningFootnote21
- Stock Option PlansFootnote22
- Stock Plan ServicesFootnote23
- Structured ProductsFootnote24
- SyndicateFootnote25
- Trust ServicesFootnote26
Our Approach

Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.
Location
Meet The River North Group
About Christopher C. Clark
As a father of four, Chris understands that each client’s situation is different. Thus, he works with his clients to gain a thorough understanding of their financial goals. Through a consultative process, an individualized plan will be created to help guide clients through every phase of life, including wealth accumulation, liability management, retirement planning, and trust and estate planning. Chris is intensely focused on helping clients preserve and grow their assets.
Chris considers himself the first point of contact for all his clients’ financial needs. He is keenly aware of each client’s individual situations. He will explain to his clients the relationship of risk and reward, and how it ties into their financial plan. Always accessible, Chris believes that long term client relationships are the most rewarding. His mission is to be the point person for all financial matters, while providing a roadmap to help reach the goals of his clients and their families.
Chris, his wife, and four children reside in Park Ridge, IL. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, with a degree in Finance. He enjoys volunteering at his church and children’s school. In his spare time, Chris loves to golf and cheer on his kids' many sports and activities. He is also a passionate fan of Chicago sports teams and his alma mater. Chris still can't believe his beloved Cubs won the World Series in his lifetime!
NMLS#: 1268297
About Harrison J. Kortz
Harrison collaborates with clients to formulate customized strategies delivering an array of resources aligned with their investment style and financial aspirations. His skilled focus in the Alternative Investments space allows him to deliver flexible, dynamic, and distinctive investment opportunities some of which are only available to Morgan Stanley clients. Alternative investments offer an innovative approach to portfolio diversification, allowing for versatile strategies that align with sophisticated investors’ financial goals. Harrison continuously works with clients to adapt their financial strategies to the evolving markets through a variety of innovative and traditional approaches suitable for their financial aspirations and preferences.
A high level of energy, proactivity, and commitment characterize Harrison’s approach to client service, offering a dynamic approach to investing and planning for your financial future. Harrison focuses on building client relationships based on loyalty and trust, working hard to ensure his clients receive an exceptional experience. His continued dedication to helping clients has yet again earned him national recognition in the industry as a Forbes’s Top Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for 2022.
When he’s not helping clients or in the office, Harrison can be found golfing, running alongside Lake Michigan, and chasing around his son, Wes. He is an avid basketball fan, and enjoys supporting his alma mater, Michigan State University, whenever they have a game.
Disclosures:
"Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22. "
"Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Apr 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21.
"
NMLS#: 1326758
About Scott F. Vender
Scott resides in Highland Park IL and Naples Florida serving clients in both locations. He enjoys spending his time with his wife Leslie, his three daughters and son in laws, his six grandkids and his clients.
NMLS#: 1294057
About Michael J Duffy III, CFP®
Before starting his advisory career, Mike was the Financial Planning Director for the Chicago Tower Complex where he worked with advisors and their clients to clarify their long-term objectives and take the steps necessary to reach their goals.
Mike earned a Certificate in Financial Planning from Duquesne University and graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Finance focusing on Investment Management. He is originally from Pittsburgh and currently resides in the Lincoln Park neighborhood with his wife and daughter. In his spare time, Mike enjoys cooking, golfing, Pittsburgh sports, and riding his bike along the Chicago lakefront.
About Cole Negronida
Cole collaborates with the Financial Planning team at Morgan Stanley to stay up to date on all news that may affect clients’ Financial Plans. He also works tightly with other members of the River North Group enabling him to provide clients with resources beyond their Financial Plan.
Cole joined Morgan Stanley in 2022, after graduating from Michigan State University: Eli Broad College of Business. He holds his Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. In his spare time he can be found reading non-fiction books, playing basketball and golf, fishing with his dad, and going for walks around downtown Chicago (weather permitting).
About Mollie Devins
Mollie is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Economics. She brings five years of financial services experience to her role, and is dedicated to delivering efficient and attentive support to meet your financial needs.
Outside of her professional life, Mollie enjoys playing pickleball, connecting with friends, and visiting her family in Charleston, SC.

Contact Christopher C. Clark

Contact Harrison J. Kortz

Contact Scott F. Vender
Awards and Recognition


Portfolio Insights
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
3Morgan 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
4Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
6When 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.
7Morgan 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.
8When 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.
9Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
10Morgan 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.
11An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
12When 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.
13Morgan 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.
14Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
15Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
16Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
17Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
18Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
19When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
20Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
21When 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.
22Morgan 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.
23Morgan 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.
24Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.
25Participating in a new issue/syndicate is subject to availability. IPOs are highly speculative and may not be appropriate for all investors because they lack a stock-trading history and usually involve smaller and newer companies that tend to have limited operating histories, less-experienced management teams, and fewer products or customers. Also, the offering price of an IPO reflects a negotiated estimate as to the value of the company, which may bear little relationship to the trading price of the securities, and it is not uncommon for the closing price of the shares shortly after the IPO to be well above or below the offering price.
26Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Morgan 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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