Our Story and Services

At The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, we don’t just help you build on your financial success for the decades ahead; we help you establish a true legacy of excellence for the generations that follow.

The complexities of multigenerational affluence are many. From the considerations of estate planning strategies, to the intricacies of corporate monetization events. We’ve assembled our team precisely with the nuanced needs of high-net-worth families in mind.

We are an experienced team with our roots dating back to 1983. We have diverse skillsets and perspectives. And our designations include a Director of Investments and two Family Wealth Directors — a designation held by about 5% of Morgan Stanley Advisors that speaks to our team’s expertise helping clients achieve their family mission.

Far more than our industry credentials, however, we pride ourselves on our client commitment. We never stop looking for ways to enhance the strategies and services we provide you. We collaborate closely with your accountants, attorneys, and other professionals. We make ourselves available whenever you need guidance or insight. For our team, trust is not just something forged with words, but through actions made in your best interest day after day. And ultimately, through the responsible and relentless stewardship of your family’s legacy.

For a second opinion about your current investments, or to talk about your goals, please call us at (203) 625-4897.
$4.1 Billion AUM
  • As of 12/31/2024
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Core Culture

We Are Never Done With Discovery
People change. What matters to you at 35 might seem less important at 75. That’s why we maintain a “high-touch” communication standard. Not only to answer questions, but to ask them. By making discovery an ongoing process, we’re always working toward the future you envision.
We Value Our Team Because Everyone Is Important To The Client Experience
In other words, we treat each other the way we treat you. Like family. Because of that, we’ve been a stable, coherent resource for our clients and their families year after year.
We Provide “Board Room To Kitchen Table” Guidance
Put simply, we meet you where you are. For some clients, it’s in a board room delving into the particularities of various investment vehicles. For others, it’s at the kitchen table talking about financial goals without financial jargon. Or it could be a mix of both. We adapt to your preferences, helping ensure that our services cater to your unique needs and comfort level.
We Believe In Financial Empowerment For All
Most married couples want their financial decision-making to be a joint endeavor. We are committed to facilitating a wealth management process in which both partners are actively involved. Our goal is to help foster open communication, drive consensus, and address individual concerns without sacrificing shared goals.
We Champion Next-Gen Legacies
Our team members span generations from Baby Boomer to Millennial. While we lean on our rich blend of experience, we also leverage cutting-edge financial technology and sophisticated risk strategies to help ensure that your family is prepared for whatever the future may hold.

At a Glance

Over the years, we've earned numerous industry awards and credentials. They include:

Industry Certifications
  • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) – Chieco
  • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) – Chieco, Lybarger
  • Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) – Chieco
  • Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® (CRPS®) – Mancuso
Top Morgan Stanley Designations
  • Alternative Investments Director – Chieco, Lybarger, Mancuso
  • Financial Planning Specialist – Chieco, Lybarger, Mancuso, Ruggiero
  • Family Wealth Director – Chieco, Lybarger, Mancuso
  • Lending Specialist – Chieco, Mancuso
  • Insurance Planning Director – Mancuso
  • Senior Investment Management Consultant – Chieco
  • Senior Portfolio Management Director – Chieco, Mancuso
  • Portfolio Management Director – Rubenstein
  • Portfolio Manager – Ruggiero
  • Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation – Chieco, Lybarger, Mancuso, Marment, Rubenstein, Ruggiero
  • Private Wealth Advisor – Merrill
The Range of Questions We Can Help You Answer
  • During periods of volatility, how can I strategically diversify my multi-generational wealth portfolio to optimize growth while safeguarding against risk and balancing illiquidity premiums?
  • What's the best way for my family to establish an impactful and sustainable philanthropic strategy? Are donor-advised funds, private foundations, or impact investing right me long-term?
  • "How should I navigate the increasingly complex estate planning landscape through the incorporation of trusts or family limited partnerships? What should that strategy look in order to safeguards assets, addresses liquidity needs, and upholds our family's legacy and values?
Pedigree of Excellence
  • Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2023, 2024)
  • Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams (2024)
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (Peter Chieco, 2018-2024 & Vincent Mancuso, 2018-2024)
  • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors (Chieco, 2010-2024 & Mancuso, 2022-2024)
  • The Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors (Chieco, 2017-2021)

*
2023, 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (2023, 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams
Source: Barron's (May 2024) Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's for the period from Jan 2023-Dec 2023.

2010-2024 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 2010-2024, Peter Chieco; 2022-2024, Vincent Mancuso. Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017-2021 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods:
Advisor to choose appropriate years/periods from list below:
Awarded 2021; data 6/30/17 - 6/30/20
Awarded 2020; data 6/30/16 - 6/30/19
Awarded 2019; data 6/30/15 - 6/30/18
Awarded 2018; data 6/30/15 - 6/30/17
Awarded 2017; data 9/30/14 - 9/30/16

2018-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com 2018-2024, Vincent Mancuso; and 2018-2024, Peter Chieco. Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Above & Beyond

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    Family Communication
    Over the years, we’ve noticed that many families find it uncomfortable to have open conversations around money. Even when those conversations are urgent and necessary. Maybe it’s a discussion on cash management or investment risk. Whatever it is, we’re always here to help you facilitate clear family communication around financial matters.
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    The Hard Truth
    As advisors, we feel an ethical responsibility to tell you what you NEED to hear. Always. Even if it’s not what you might want to hear. For some, that might mean having a hard conversation about a beloved luxury asset that poses too much risk to get liability insurance to cover. Or it might mean revisiting an investment strategy ahead of retirement. We are committed to transparency, and we prioritize your well-being.
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    A Support System
    Every family faces difficult moments. The passing of a loved one. A divorce. We stand by your side through it all — not just to help you answer the big questions, but also to help pick up all the little pieces. From facilitating financial arrangements to managing administrative tasks, we strive to help you through challenging times in any way we can.
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    Busy Lives
    Our clients run public and private companies. They sit on boards. They fill their retirements with travel and other passions. Bottom line, they’re busy people. Even when they have the knowledge to address their personal finances, they lack the time. It’s not uncommon for us to meet prospective clients who have no professional network, no estate plan, and severely concentrated portfolios misaligned with their risk appetites. But that’s why we’re here. We help diversify portfolios and coordinate with accountants and attorneys — all to help our clients stay focused on their careers, their family, and their passions.

Multigenerational Wealth

Family. No asset in this world is more precious. But often, no objective is more challenging than preserving a family mission. First and foremost, it requires multiple generations to all "push in the same direction" over the course of many years. And from a planning perspective, market volatility and complex regulatory landscapes demand careful foresight and constant vigilance to navigate effectively. Our team takes great pride in helping you on all fronts — as a comprehensive guardian of your legacy.

How We Help Families
  • Design tax-efficient estate plans and transfer strategies to help secure your legacy
  • Work with your legacy team of trusted tax and legal professionals to cover all of your wealth transfer needs
  • Host family meetings when necessary to facilitate discussions around multigenerational wealth preservation
  • Empower children and grandchildren with financial literacy and long-term perspectives around wealth
  • Craft charitable giving strategies that help maximize your impact and minimize your tax consequences
What Sets Our Team Apart
  • Family Wealth Directors—This designation speaks to our team's comprehensive skillset and seasoned experience helping clients achieve their family mission across three and even four generations.
  • Multigenerational Team Structure — Our advisors represent every generation from Baby Boomer to Millennial. That breadth helps foster productive conversations cross-generationally. It also means that when we say we'll be here to help your children and grandchildren carry on your legacy, we mean it.
  • Family Office Resources —With Morgan Stanley's Family Office Resources behind us, we're able to provide pinpoint resources on everything from establishing a family foundation, to managing the finances of your art collection.

*The term "Family Office Resources" is being used as a term of art and not to imply that Morgan Stanley and/or its employees are acting as a family office pursuant to Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Location

1 Fawcett Place
3rd Floor
Greenwich, CT 06830
US
Direct:
(203) 625-4897(203) 625-4897
Toll-Free:
(800) 243-5977(800) 243-5977
214 Senate Avenue
7th FL
Camp Hill, PA 17001
US
Direct:
(717) 730-1806(717) 730-1806

Meet The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group

About Peter Chieco

Peter Chieco, CFP®, CIMA®, CDFA®

Peter Chieco is a Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director, and Lending Specialist with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With leading certifications and a client-centric approach, he has guided affluent individuals and families through their complex wealth journeys for over four decades.

A graduate of Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Peter began his financial career in 1983. In 1995, he joined Smith Barney, a predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley, later co-founding The Sound Shore Group with Vincent Mancuso. Over the years, he has prioritized the development of his team members as much as his clients. He believes that when team members flourish, the entire client experience is elevated. This commitment has earned him numerous industry awards, including Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors from 2010 through 2024 and The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors from 2018 through 2024.

Throughout his career, Peter has sought to deliver highly-informed, strategic guidance to help clients address the full breadth of their wealth management needs. To bolster this commitment, he has secured various prestigious credentials, including a Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® designations. He also holds Morgan Stanley’s elite Family Wealth Director designation, which is held by about 5% of all advisors at the firm.*

As a partner of the Group that now advises on more than $4 billion in assets, Peter focuses on delivering personalized guidance and exceptional service to a wide range of affluent individuals and families.** While his client-centric approach revolves around the individual needs and aspirations of his clients, it is fueled by a commitment to help add value through innovative and cost-effective financial solutions. Having worked in this industry for multiple decades, he has steered clients through many challenging market environments, life events, and family scenarios. More than anything, he prides himself on being a trusted guide in times when his clients most need an objective resource to help keep them on track toward their goals.

Outside the office, Peter resides in Bedford Corners, NY with his wife, Rose Ann. Committed to philanthropy, Peter serves on the National Board of Directors and Executive Committee for Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, a not-for-profit charity helping patients battle a fatal blood disorder. He has testified before Congress and the FDA and is a frequent speaker about the disease. In 2022, the Invest in Others Foundation awarded him a lifetime achievement award for his charitable work. In his free time, Peter enjoys tending to his extensive organic garden and sharing the bounty with neighbors, friends, the local community center, and his growing family.


* As of 12/31/2023
** As of 12/31/2024

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.

2010-2024 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 2010-2024. Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com 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. Please refer to important criteria and methodology at the end of this material.
Securities Agent: AR, ID, TX, HI, FL, CO, PA, OR, NC, MT, AZ, WY, ME, MA, WA, SC, MO, CA, WV, DE, DC, VT, OH, MN, MD, KY, AL, NM, NH, NE, WI, VA, RI, NJ, GA, IA, TN, MI, IL, CT, UT, NY, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 175821

About Vincent Mancuso

Vincent Mancuso, CRPS®

Vincent Mancuso is a Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director, Family Wealth Director, and Lending Specialist with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With over 28 years of experience, he has devoted his entire career to guiding executives, business owners, and families through the many financial decisions that stand between them and their most important life goals.

Vincent holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Finance from Babson College. Embarking on his financial career at Solomon Brothers in 1986, he has been with Morgan Stanley (previously Smith Barney) since 1997. Later, he co-founded the Sound Shore Group with Peter Chieco. As a partner of the Group that now advises on more than $4 billion in assets, Vincent focuses on delivering personalized guidance and exceptional service to a wide range of affluent individuals and families.* In 2010, he earned the Firm’s Family Wealth Director certificate, a prestigious designation held by about 5% of all Morgan Stanley Advisors.** Over the years, Vincent has received numerous industry accolades, including Forbes' Best in State Advisor from 2018 to 2024 and a spot on Barron's list of Top 1,200 Financial Advisors in 2022 and 2024.

Working with a variety of affluent individuals and families, Vincent provides comprehensive wealth management guidance to help clients simplify their financial lives and achieve their goals. His knowledge and experience spans complex retirement planning, trust and estate planning strategies, risk and asset management, as well as lending and insurance.

Discovery is the cornerstone of Vincent’s meticulous approach because he recognizes that each client situation is too unique to fit into a preformulated strategy. Moreover, he believes that discovery shouldn’t be a one-time process, but instead should be a never-ending endeavor. Vincent’s believes that true financial success lies in an ongoing relationship, where clients are not just names on documents, but individuals and families on a journey to help realize their financial aspirations.

Vincent also currently serves on Morgan Stanley's National Financial Advisor Advisory Council (FAAC), where he collaborates with senior management on strategic initiatives for the benefit of the Firm, colleagues, and clients.

Outside of the office, Vincent is dedicated to giving back to his community. A former hockey player, he now serves on the Executive Committee of the hockey program at Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut. Additionally, Vincent serves as the Vice President of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation for the Westchester Rockland Chapter, and from 1999-2019 served as the organization’s Treasurer.


* As of 12/31/2024
** As of 20/30/2023

2022-2024 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 2010-2024. Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com 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. Please refer to important criteria and methodology at the end of this material.
Securities Agent: ME, CA, WA, NH, ID, GA, WV, MN, AZ, UT, PA, AR, WI, OH, NJ, NC, MD, FL, DE, WY, RI, OR, AL, TN, NY, MI, SC, MT, KY, CT, VA, TX, NE, MO, MA, CO, HI, IA, VT, NV, IL, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 175605

About Hal Rubenstein

Hal Rubenstein

Hal Rubenstein is a First Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Management Director with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With a career spanning four decades, he combines seasoned knowledge, experience and a research-backed approach to his management of investments.

Hal's career in finance began after earning his bachelor degree in Mass Communications from the University of Miami. He first entered the industry as an advisor at Prudential-Bache (now Wells Fargo) in 1983. In 2005, he joined Morgan Stanley, seeking to enhance his offering to clients with the resources of a global leader in wealth management. After nearly a decade at the firm, he brought his substantial experience in money management and investment strategies to The Sound Shore Group.

As a Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Management Director, Hal takes pride in equipping clients with a well-rounded approach to wealth management, tailored to their specific financial needs and personal aspirations. That's why he offers discretionary investment management services, combining both proprietary passive and active investment strategies to help his clients cover their bases and goals. That said, Hal’s commitment to his clients goes beyond numbers; he is always available to answer questions, address concerns, and help the next generation develop healthy financial habits. This deep dedication forms the bedrock of the long-lasting relationships he has cultivated over the years, with many of his clients having been with him for more than three decades.

Outside of work, Hal and his wife, Kate, have called Greenwich, CT home since 1991. Their daughter, Julie, currently works for Big Society Capital, the UK's leading social impact investors, where she also received her Master’s at the London School of Economics. Avid travelers, they visit as often as they can. In his free time, Hal enjoys getting outdoors with the family’s cockapoo, Millie. He is an avid golfer and a passionate reader of research, and he is also a member of the Millbrook Club. Committed to philanthropy, Hal is a proud supporter of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation.
Securities Agent: MT, KY, TX, NJ, NE, DE, WY, VA, DC, CO, AZ, AL, WA, VT, MN, MI, WI, SD, PA, OH, NV, MO, HI, CT, NM, NH, NC, ME, MA, CA, TN, MD, ID, FL, WV, SC, RI, OR, UT, IL, GA, IA, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1805345

About Roger Marment

Roger Marment

Roger Marment is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management and Financial Advisor with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With a career spanning wealth management, law, and entrepreneurship, Roger provides a range of knowledge and experience to help his clients address their most complex financial decisions.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, Roger earned an honors degree in law, completing his legal training at the College of Law in Chester. In 1987, he began his career as an attorney (not-practicing at Morgan Stanley) with Slaughter and May in London, England. In 1996, he established his own sports marketing company, which he ran as CEO before selling the firm to the Interpublic Group. In the wake of the sale, Roger went on to serve as Executive Vice President and Head of World Wrestling Entertainment’s international division from 2001 until 2004.

Making the transition to wealth management, Roger served as a Partner with Algonquin Advisors, an investment advisory firm in Greenwich, later joining JPMorgan Private Bank as a Senior Vice President. In 2010, Roger became a Director at Citi Private Bank in Greenwich, where he managed relationships with entrepreneurs, active and former CEOs, hedge and private equity fund principals, foundations and not-for-profit organizations. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2016.

With the Sound Shore Group, Roger focuses on addressing the comprehensive financial needs of high net worth clients and their families. For executives and entrepreneurs with concentrated stock positions, Roger helps retool their investment strategy with a nuanced approach to risk management and wealth preservation. However, his guidance goes beyond clients’ portfolios. He is also well-versed in navigating liquidity events, lending options, and inter-generational wealth transfers. Roger understands that wealth is not merely a figure on a balance sheet, but a means to help achieve cherished life goals and provide for future generations. He is committed to building lasting relationships with his clients, acting as a trusted advisor who helps them navigate the complexities of their financial landscapes and build true family legacies.

Beyond his professional life, Roger resides in Stamford, CT with wife, Ellen, and three sons: Will, Peter, and Colin. He supports his community through various philanthropic endeavors and has served on the board of Innis Arden Golf Club. In his free time, he also coaches adult and youth soccer teams.
Securities Agent: CO, FL, TN, NY, MI, IA, DC, CT, MD, SC, PA, NE, ID, CA, OR, NV, WY, WA, VT, TX, OH, MT, MA, AZ, WI, RI, NJ, MO, MN, ME, DE, UT, NC, AL, NH, IL, WV, VA, KY, HI, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 541349

About Richard A Lybarger

Richard Lybarger is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, and Family Wealth Advisor with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. For over two decades, he has been dedicated to empowering clients with comprehensive financial strategies to help them realize their most important life aspirations.

A graduate of Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, Richard first entered the financial industry in 1995. Joining Morgan Stanley two years later, he has dedicated 27 years of service to his clients at the firm. Through his career, he has been dedicated to ongoing learning and education, embodying the principle that knowledge is the key to delivering the best possible financial guidance. His pursuit of the Certified Financial Planner™ designation represents a significant milestone in this commitment, demonstrating his resolve to stay at the forefront of industry advancements and provide clients with forward-thinking financial strategies.

Rick guides his clients across a broad spectrum of needs, including retirement planning, college planning, asset allocation, cash flow management, and family wealth transfers. His approach is founded on the belief that wealth should serve a purpose beyond mere accumulation; it should empower individuals to achieve their life goals. He sees his greatest strength as his ability to listen attentively to his clients - by understanding their unique aspirations, worries, and family dynamics, he is able to build personalized wealth strategies that help them realize their most important life goals. It's this client-centered approach, enriched by years of experience, that has allowed Rick to develop deep relationships that have endured over decades, through turns in the market, and even across generations.

Outside the office, Rick values quality time with his family, including his three children: Olivia, Luke, and Sophia. Committed to education and service, Rick mentors business students at Susquehanna University and serves as a Board Member for the Susquehanna Valley Community Giving Foundation. In addition, Rick provides coaching in stress reduction, breath, meditation, and energy healing. In his free time, he enjoys enjoying hiking, skiing, and paddleboarding. In June 2024, Richard conquered new heights by climbing Mt. Baker in Washington, a testament to his determination and commitment to personal growth.
Securities Agent: OR, CA, TX, IL, GA, OH, VT, PA, NH, MI, MD, KY, DC, AL, WY, WV, WA, RI, NV, NC, LA, WI, MT, MN, MA, AZ, SC, NY, ME, HI, UT, NJ, CT, IA, VA, TN, NE, MO, ID, FL, DE, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1290531

About Kristin Alit

Kristin Alit

Kristin Alit is a First Vice President and Financial Advisor with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. For over two decades, she has served as a steadfast guide for ultra-high net worth clients, helping them navigate complex financial decisions, prepare for major life transitions, and cement their family legacies.

A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, Kristin began her financial career in 1996 at Northwestern Mutual Life. In 2005, she joined Morgan Stanley, bringing with her an intensive client-centric approach that has fostered relationships spanning two and even three generations. This underscores her belief in fostering deep connections based on trust and accountability, and her commitment to adaptability in the ever-evolving world of financial markets. She champions the concept of lifelong learning and stays at the forefront of industry advancements in order to help provide her clients with the most up-to-date and comprehensive financial guidance.

Committed to addressing the intricate needs of ultra-high net worth clients and their families, Kristin’s role extends far beyond conventional financial advisory. Along with foundational wealth management strategies such as financial planning, tax efficiency, and portfolio management — Kristin also brings added layers of knowledge and experience to her practice geared toward the unique needs of her clientele. Over the years, she has empowered clients to establish philanthropic foundations that help them make a meaningful and lasting impact on the causes they hold dear while minimizing their tax liability. And in the realm of estate planning strategies, she has helped clients build legacies that align with their family values and account for complicated family dynamics. Put simply, she is committed to being a lifelong advisor in their financial journey.

Outside the office, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, cherishing moments with her spouse, Scott, and their children, John and Gabby. She is an active member of Ladies in Finance Today (LIFT), an advocacy group for women's empowerment within the field. She is also committed to her local community, actively participating in the local Lacrosse Booster Club and volunteering at her children's school.
Securities Agent: HI, MT, CO, OH, WA, WY, SC, OR, PA, WI, VA, TN, IN, TX, UT, KY, VT, RI, WV, ID, IL, CA, GA, CT, NY, MO, NV, MD, ME, MN, MI, KS, NH, NM, NJ, NE, NC, MA, IA, FL, DE, AR, DC, AL, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2362408

About John Ruggiero

JC Ruggiero, CRPC®

JC Ruggiero is a Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Financial Planning Specialist with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With knowledge and experience spanning financial planning, alternative investments, and Next-Generation education, he helps clients build and secure their family legacies.

A graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance, JC began his career in the financial industry as part of the Wealth Advisor Associate program at Morgan Stanley. In this role, he set the foundation for his career, constructing comprehensive financial plans for clients of advisors throughout the firm’s complex. Since then, JC has earned numerous designations and certifications that speak to his investment expertise and comprehensive wealth management skillset. One of the most rigorous is his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), a designation that reflects his advanced training in retirement planning, retirement income strategies, Social Security, and other aspects related to retirement such as estate planning strategies.

At the core of JC’s practice is financial planning, a process which helps his clients create a structure for sound financial decision-making and long-term goal attainment. As a Portfolio Manager, JC is able to customize investment strategies to seamlessly align with clients’ larger financial plans. Moreover, his proficiency in alternative investments — coupled with Morgan Stanley’s world-class Alts platform — grants clients access to a range of non-correlated investment opportunities. At the end of the day, JC recognizes that for many clients, wealth has less to do with portfolio performance than with family security. That’s why he places significant emphasis on Next-Generation education and management, helping clients' and their families build lasting legacies.

Beyond his professional endeavors, JC cherishes moments with his family and is passionate about golf. Just as he is dedicated to serving his clients, he also contributes to his local community through volunteer work with Answer the Call, a nonprofit that helps widows and children of fallen New York Police Officers and Fire Fighters.
Securities Agent: CO, CT, GA, DC, WV, PA, NY, NV, NC, CA, AL, WA, TX, RI, TN, IL, ME, MA, VT, NJ, FL, AZ, VA, SC, MI, MD, IA, WY, WI, OR, NH, MN, KY, ID, HI, DE, UT, OH, NE, MT, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2115906

About Maria Merrill

Maria Merrill

Maria Merrill is a Private Wealth Advisor with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With nearly two decades of financial experience spanning wealth management and investment banking, Maria’s career has been marked by her dedication to helping entrepreneurs and affluent families achieve their financial and life goals.

After earning a bachelor of arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Wellesley College, Maria went on to earn her Master of Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Her distinguished financial career began when she joined JP Morgan Chase as an analyst in 1992. Going on to serve at several prestigious financial institutions, she joined Banque Paribas in 1994, and later Goldman Sachs as a Vice President in Leveraged Finance. In 2001, she joined The Royal Bank of Scotland and served as a Managing Director in Investment Banking. Since 2020, she has been an integral part of the Morgan Stanley team, where she brings her distinguished experience to bear as a Private Wealth Advisor.

Maria plays a pivotal role in helping her clients prepare for life milestones and achieve their financial goals. Leveraging her deep knowledge of both investment banking and wealth management, she is equipped to guide entrepreneurs and affluent families at every stage of their wealth journey. Across financial planning and investment strategy, Maria works to identify tax-efficient strategies that help her clients to preserve wealth. Additionally, she brings a distinctive focus on wealth management for professional women facing life transitions; and she prides herself on providing trustworthy, purposeful, and diligent guidance to help empower them to work toward their financial goals with confidence.

Outside the office, Maria lives with her husband, John, and their children in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, a town she has called home since the age of 9. Passionate about community involvement, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Greenwich YWCA, as well as the Board of the Greenwich Scholarship Association. Dedicated to education, she is also active with Greenwich Public Schools' Distinguished Teacher Committee. During her free time, Maria enjoys hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, often with her family and their labradoodle, Pippa. She's also an active member of Innis Arden Golf Club and Rocky Point Club.
Securities Agent: CT, HI, IA, TN, OH, DC, PA, GA, CA, WY, WV, WA, MN, MD, KY, DE, AL, TX, ME, CO, AZ, VT, UT, RI, NY, NV, MI, ID, FL, WI, VA, IL, NJ, NE, NC, MO, SC, OR, NH, MT, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2115911

About Antonio Debarros, CFA

Antonio Debarros, CFA

Antonio Debarros is a Director of Investments with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. As a Chartered Financial Analyst with nearly two decades of investment experience, Antonio oversees the team's investments.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Manhattanville College, Antonio has spent his entire career with the Sound Shore Group. He started as an intern in 2005 while earning his degree in Finance and joined full-time the following year. In addition to Series 7, 31, 66, and Insurance licenses, Antonio also holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, a globally recognized credential that attests to his advanced proficiency in financial analysis, portfolio management, and investment research. The CFA designation underscores not just his mastery of complex financial concepts and quantitative methods, but also his commitment to the highest level of professional competence and integrity in the financial industry.

As the team’s Director of Investments, Antonio’s responsibilities span the entire investment spectrum, from in-depth analysis and investment research to asset allocation decisions, investment selection, ongoing monitoring, account rebalancing, trading, and tax management. His meticulous approach is evident in the management of over a thousand discretionary accounts. While each account is founded on clients’ unique needs, goals, and risk tolerance, all are driven by Antonio’s discerning eye for market trends, his skill in executing strategic trades, and his unwavering dedication to helping maximize returns and minimize risks. While his experience in stock and fixed-income trading has been a linchpin of his success, Antonio’s approach also centers on transparency and communication. Beyond quarterly performance reviews, he makes himself available to meet with clients and thoroughly address their questions.

Outside the office, Antonio resides in North Salem, NY, with his beloved family, including his wife, Elissa, and their son, Jake. He places a high premium on quality family time, relishing moments of togetherness through travel adventures, soccer, and other outdoor activities.

About Joseph Milano

Joseph Milano

Joseph Milano is a Senior Registered Associate with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With over 16 years of industry experience, Joseph focuses on providing exceptional client service with a focus on immediate and long-term financial objectives.

A graduate of Marist College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Joseph embarked on a career that has taken him through various roles in esteemed financial institutions. From 2007 through 2019, he served in relationship management roles at JPMorgan Chase, First Niagara Bank, and KeyBank. Joining Morgan Stanley in 2019, he brings a deep understanding of the financial landscape and a suite of tools to help clients navigate the ins and outs of wealth management. He holds numerous certifications such as Series 7, 66, 63, and CT and NY Insurance Licenses.

Working in tandem with the team, Joseph’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum of financial management, from the establishment of new accounts, to meticulous handling of daily cash management. As a Financial Planning Associate, he also brings knowledge in helping the team’s clients to both address immediate needs and adapt to changing landscapes without sacrificing long-term financial goals. Diligent, creative, and meticulous, Joseph is a passionate problem-solver who leaves no stone unturned in helping get clients the support they need, when they need it. He believes that strong and enduring relationships are the bedrock of successful financial planning. Each and every day, he works toward clients’ best interests, helping them navigate their financial journeys with confidence.

Outside of the financial world, Joseph enjoys spending time with family, including his wife, Melissa, their two sons, Nathan and Kevin, and their two rescue dogs. Joseph's passions include music, sports, and cars, and he finds great satisfaction in DIY projects and repairs.

About Catherine Maguire

Catherine Maguire

Catherine Maguire is a Senior Client Service Associate with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With a financial career spanning over 35 years, she helps elevate the client experience, ensuring client needs are met with the utmost care and dedication.

Before joining the Sound Shore Group, Catherine served as a Branch Administrator, among other vital roles, with Morgan Stanley’s branch in Greenwich, CT. Over the years, she has amassed a wealth of experience helping advisors and their clients overcome a wide variety of challenges. Today, she brings the full weight of that experience to bear, anticipating and addressing clients’ needs to help them enjoy a simplified financial life.

Catherine's role as a Senior Client Service Associate encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, each integral to the success of the team and the satisfaction of its clients. Her approach places a strong emphasis on active listening, creative problem-solving, and diligent execution. Whether she is addressing client questions, running account maintenance, or managing day-to-day operations, her end goal is to maintain and enhance the client service model that has come to define the entire Sound Shore Group. She believes that relationships can only deepen through personalized service and strives to help foster relationships that run generations deep.

Outside the office, Catherine is an avid reader and walker, and traveler who enjoys spending quality time with her family.

About Claudia Byrne

Claudia Byrne

Claudia Byrne is a Senior Registered Client Service Associate with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With over 18 years of financial experience, she brings a diligent approach and dynamic skillset to her role delivering exceptional service to clients and their families.

A graduate of the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Claudia has held roles at various prestigious financial institutions. From 2008-2013, she served as a trade assistant on Société Générale’s commodities desk, focusing on cocoa, coffee, and sugar. She then transitioned to UBS in 2014, where she honed her client service skillset before finding her professional home at Morgan Stanley in 2016.

In her role, Claudia goes above and beyond to help deliver an elevated client experience. She strives to anticipate and understand her clients' needs, and find creative solutions to help them enjoy a straightforward financial life. Her responsibilities span many different facets of wealth management, from helping clients open new accounts and troubleshoot firm technology, to addressing cash management needs with precision and efficiency. To achieve this, she leverages her diverse background in retail banking, domestic and international investment banking, and commodities. At the end of the day, her goal is to be a dynamic, effective resource to help clients and her fellow team members whenever they need assistance.

Outside the office, Claudia enjoys spending time with her husband Geoff, two daughters Hailey and Emily, and their beloved dog Milo, who is the biggest football fan in the family. In her free time, she treasures travelling and exploring new places with family and friends.

About Sally Bedus

Sally Bedus

Sally Bedus is a Registered Client Service Associate with The Sound Shore Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. With experience that spans multiple facets of the financial industry, Sally has developed a keen understanding of the importance of personalized client service.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in International Trade and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Sally began her financial career in 2020 as a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual. It was during this time that she discovered her genuine enjoyment of helping individuals and their families with their financial needs. In 2021, she continued to broaden her financial experience when she joined Morgan Stanley. Coming on board with the Sound Shore Group six months later, she holds Series 7,66, and Life and Health (LAH) insurance licenses.

With the team, Sally is responsible for managing the daily operations crucial to a seamless client experience. She believes in the power of personalized support, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of clients and their families — whether through swift responsiveness to inquiries, meticulous account management, or close guidance throughout the client onboarding process. It is her attention to small details, matched by her proactive follow-up, that helps ensure no client concern falls through the cracks. At the end of the day, Sally sees her work as an extension of the unwavering dedication of The Sound Shore Group: to foster lifelong client relationships built on trust, reliability, and exceptional service.

Beyond her professional life, Sally enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, and staying active through her participation in the Nike run club. Her passion for coffee is matched only by her love of dogs.
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2Morgan 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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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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