The Russo Group at Morgan Stanley

James P. Russo, CFP^®
Managing Director
Financial Advisor
Senior Investment Management Consultant
Workplace Advisor—Equity Compensation
Lending Specialist
My natural curiosity for the economy and global markets provides focus for me to understand investments and shape client portfolios in the context of their full financial picture. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) practitioner, I bring a deep understanding of the importance and value of financial planning to every conversation. With each interaction, I engage clients and their families in conversations about various aspects of their life that may impact their finances. My advanced study of estate planning strategies, taxes, insurance, retirement income and investments leads to broad perspective on strategies which I work diligently to help effectively implement for each client.
I have held several positions over the last twenty years on Wall Street. I joined Morgan Stanley in 2006 at the corporate headquarters in New York. Several years later, I moved west to establish roots in my Wife’s hometown in the Seattle area. My passion to contribute to the success of others drives me to listen well and bring all of my knowledge and insight to every client conversation. My broad and deep understanding of the markets, the economy and politics also enables me to explain complex principles in terms, which are easily digested.
I was raised by my wonderful Parents who both worked full-time and my Grandparents who emigrated from Italy. I saw the sacrifices they all made to give my brother and me a better life then they had. We had a humble beginning and even during the leanest times my folks stressed the importance of saving and investing from a very young age. There was always an emphasis on the importance of family, education, hard work and building for the future. It is the reason I am the person I am today. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the State University of New York at Oswego. I also hold a Grande Diplome` in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute in New York City.
My amazing wife, McKenzie and I live in Kirkland. We have two bright, curious, and happy children. Three crazy dogs. Last but not least, a small flock of Golden 300 Ducks, that endlessly quack and produce magnificent eggs for us to enjoy.


Contact me: James.Russo@morganstanley.com

Born in Hawaii and raised in California, Tom has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia during his career. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, and is a CFA^® Charterholder. He worked for a number of years with a global consulting firm, and spent over a decade in European business development roles with technology companies.  Upon returning to the USA, Tom entered the financial services industry and joined Morgan Stanley in 2008.

Tom is now a Senior Vice President and Corporate Client Group Director with Morgan Stanley. He leads a team of financial advisors that focuses on the management and design of qualified retirement plans for both public and privately-held corporations. Tom also works with a select group of high net worth families to help direct their wealth management planning and investment needs.  

Tom, his wife Lidia, and their four children live in Southern California, but frequently visit Lidia’s birthplace, Budapest. A lifelong student and polyglot (he is fluent in both Spanish and Italian), Tom enjoys reading and following current events while continuing his travels.

I became fascinated with finance at a young age when I realized my family’s success in their investment endeavors. My mother’s side of the family built their wealth through the ownership and intelligent management of investment properties, hotels, and casinos. On my father’s side, my grandfather was a stock broker with a career that spanned over 48 years with Dean Witter-Morgan Stanley. He taught me the importance of owning high quality companies over the long term. I have my family to thank for teaching me the importance of investing to build wealth. For these reasons I am passionate about helping my clients to build wealth and accomplish their financial goals as well!

As a Certified Financial Planner^®, I have completed extensive training and experience requirements, and am held to rigorous ethical standards. Engaging in a goals-based wealth management approach, I take time to learn about each client. This also gives them the opportunity to get to know me and my practice. We discuss their financial experience, their family, what is important to them and what they want to achieve. Together we create a strategy that is designed to navigate today’s markets and tomorrow’s uncertainties with confidence. I provide thoughtful and clear options, and help clients maintain a long-term perspective during short-term challenges. Regardless of what stage of life we meet, I am with my clients every step of the way. I provide counsel on creating wealth, retirement cash-flows and legacy planning. My goal is to simplify the financial process and make every client feel well cared for.
A graduate of the University of Idaho, I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I have been a resident of Coeur d'Alene since my formative years, and now raise my children here with my husband, Scott. In my free time I enjoy volunteering in the community, traveling, hiking, running, yoga, reading, photography, and oenology.

I am responsible for administrating and executing our team’s recommendations, from establishing accounts and cashiering to scheduling transfers and providing online help to our clients. It is my goal to provide quick, efficient assistance with professional service and a positive attitude for our clients. As the eldest girl of nine children growing up, I have enjoyed the role of using my skills and talents to serve the group’s needs from an early age.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2008, I worked at another financial firm.

I grew up in Lithuania and moved to the U.S. at 13 years old. Outside of work I have an active church life and, in my spare time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family, friends and Peanut, my beloved bichon frise.

Hannah joined Morgan Stanley in 2023 and is now a Registered Client Service Associate with the Russo Group. She graduated from Gonzaga University with a B.S. in Economics and minors in Mathematics and Sustainable Business.

Born and raised in New York, Hannah moved to California when she was 15. From there she moved to Spokane for school, and fell in love with the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Seattle area. She moved to Seattle just prior to starting at Morgan Stanley and enjoys the new scenery, change of pace, and getting to meet new people. Hannah played lacrosse at Gonzaga and is also an active runner and tennis player. She enjoys going to the beach, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Cindy joined Morgan Stanley in 2021 after returning to her hometown of Snohomish, where her family resides, after living on the Peninsula for 10 years. During her time on the Peninsula, she worked at two local golf clubs where she held roles as both a bookkeeper and assistant golf pro.

Cindy is a proud mother of two: Breanna, a 2022 graduate of Washington State University, who works in the medical field, and Bobby, a college student and basketball player. She enjoys spending her free time traveling with her children and family, being by the ocean, and is an avid Seahawks fan.

Cindy is excited to continue learning and growing into her role with The Russo Group.