

The Southwest Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
OUR STORY
We put "legacy" in our name for a reason. We do that because for our clients, wealth isn't just about money — it's about meaning. It's about making sure what you've built lasts. That your family is cared for. That the next generation is ready for whatever the future holds.
Over the years, we've guided business owners through major liquidity events. Helped families prepare heirs to step into responsibility. Sat across from multiple generations — sometimes four at once — navigating highly-charged and complex financial decisions. While every situation is unique, our mission is always the same: to help you shape a legacy of excellence that reflects your values, your vision, and the people who matter most.
Why Clients Choose Us
We Are Seasoned and Strategic. Our team is the result of three established practices joining forces. Beyond deep experience, each advisor brings a unique perspective and skillset. The result? A blend of depth and continuity that helps deliver truly comprehensive, multigenerational guidance.
You Are Known Here. We make it a point to know you — not just your financials, but your values, your milestones, and the people who matter most to you. We remember the career you built, the college you want your grandchildren to attend, the causes you care about, and the family conversations that shaped your goals. Because to us, meaningful guidance starts with understanding what's meaningful to you. That's not an extra step. It's our starting point.
We Believe Clear Communication Builds Lasting Trust. Whether it's rebalancing your portfolio or reviewing your long-term plan, keeping you informed is our priority. We don't just tell you what we're doing — we explain why. As your financial quarterback, we also coordinate with your CPAs, estate attorneys, and other advisors to help keep your entire financial life running smoothly.
Your legacy is distinctive. Your guidance should be too.
For a thoughtful conversation about your wealth and goals, please call us at (708) 226-5457 or email us at Christina.Valtierra@morganstanley.com.
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote2
- Financial PlanningFootnote3
- Business PlanningFootnote4
- Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote5
- Divorce Financial AnalysisFootnote6
- LGBT+ Planning ServicesFootnote7
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote8
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Life InsuranceFootnote9
- AnnuitiesFootnote10
Working With Us
Together, we can help evaluate all these pieces of your financial life and uncover any potential gaps while you still have time to address them.
Holistic Retirement Planning Services
• Asset Management
• Retirement Income Strategies
• Rollovers and Lump Sum Distributions
• Pension Elections
• Employer Stock and Option Grants
• Social Security Benefits
• Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning
• Access to Lending and Banking Services
• Investment Tax Management
• Estate Planning Strategies
Location
Meet The Southwest Legacy Group
About Craig Cunningham
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Economics, Craig began his career with Morgan Stanley in 1995 — and has remained with the firm ever since. That long-standing tenure speaks not only to his long-term commitment to clients, but also his dedication to continuous professional growth. Over the years, he has evolved from a solo financial advisor into a seasoned leader, mentor, and co-founder of the Southwest Legacy Group. Along the way, he also earned Morgan Stanley’s highest designation for portfolio management, Senior Portfolio Management Director. Grounded in the belief that every dollar invested can and should reflect a client’s values, Craig leverages this designation to help clients align their portfolios with their unique vision for their retirement, family, and broader community.
Today, Craig and his team are known for delivering a truly comprehensive wealth management service that integrates investment strategy with estate planning, tax efficiency, and business succession guidance. With a deep understanding of both financial markets and family dynamics, he plays a central role in managing the team’s investment strategy, helping to bring clarity and intention to highly complex financial lives — and often acting as a central steward across generations. His investment approach is grounded in discipline, tax awareness, and long-term vision, but it is equally shaped by the priorities and aspirations of the families he serves. As a third-generation financial advisor, Craig has seen firsthand the impact that financial knowledge can have across a family’s legacy, which is why he’s passionate about equipping the next generation with the tools and perspective to carry wealth forward with purpose. Whether navigating a liquidity event, transitioning a business, or coordinating with clients’ legal and tax advisors, Craig strives to remain a thoughtful, steady presence for decades to come — helping clients protect what they’ve built and plan for the legacy they want to leave.
Outside the office, Craig has long been committed to giving back — coaching youth sports, volunteering with local service leagues, mentoring young professionals and contributing to area schools. A former member of the Family Advisor Alliance with Advocate Hospital, he long served as a passionate guide for families navigating childhood cancer diagnoses. When he’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find him golfing, mountain biking, or traveling with his wife, Melissa, and their four children.
NMLS#: 1265049
AR Insurance License #: 759856
About Me
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance, Randy played football under legendary coach Lou Holtz — an experience that continues to shape how he works today. As a Fighting Irish student-athlete with real NFL ambitions, he trained and competed at an elite level until a career-ending injury forced him to pivot. But the lessons stuck: how to lead with discipline, resilience, and a team-first mindset. How to perform under pressure. How to stay focused when the stakes are high and the plan changes. Today, those same qualities define his approach as an advisor — showing up prepared, helping protect what matters, and helping clients push toward their goals.
Randy joined Morgan Stanley in 2017, following earlier roles at E*TRADE, Stryker, and the Chicago Tribune. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the elite credentials he’s earned, including the Chartered Special Needs Consultant®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor®.
With the team, Randy works closely with business owners navigating complex transitions — whether they’re preparing for a liquidity event, planning a future leadership handoff, or simply looking to align their business strategy with their personal financial goals. He helps them think beyond the balance sheet, building strategic plans that address everything from tax exposure and cash flow to estate planning and risk management. He also advises families facing pivotal life changes, such as divorce, the care of a loved one with special needs, or the loss of a spouse. Here, he strives to bring empathy, structure, and experience to moments that often feel overwhelming. Through it all, his aim is simple but powerful: to be a resource clients can rely on for decades and generations to come.
Outside the office, Randy enjoys spending time with his wife Tracey, a special education educator , their blended family of six children, one grandchild, and two Shih Tzus. He is passionate about fitness and travel.
NMLS#: 1660217
AR Insurance License #: 18492180
About Ryan McNeely
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Ryan has dedicated his entire career to Morgan Stanley. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Ryan upholds the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, and professionalism in wealth management. This commitment to excellence and continuous learning helps ensure clients receive strategies grounded in modern strategies and a long-term perspective, helping them stay focused on what matters most: their goals and legacy.
Within the Southwest Legacy Group, Ryan collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized financial plans that align with their unique values and ambitions. He excels at translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies that address cash flow management, tax-efficient investing, risk mitigation, estate planning, and legacy preservation. His process is deeply collaborative and adaptive, helping to ensure that plans evolve alongside clients’ lives and priorities. Whether guiding a family through market volatility or helping a client prepare for generational wealth transfer, he empowers clients make thoughtful decisions that honor their goals and values at every step of their financial journey.
Outside of work, Ryan lives in New Lenox, Illinois with his wife Amanda and their three children. He enjoys an active lifestyle, including running, cycling, boating, snowboarding, and spending quality time with his family.
NMLS#: 1883136
About Kurt Lindemann
A graduate of the University of St. Francis, Kurt began his career in wealth management in 2013 as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Since then, he has earned the firm’s Portfolio Management Director designation — an advanced credential reflecting his deep experience managing customized portfolios for affluent individuals and families. Over the past decade, he has helped his clients navigate both rising markets and periods of volatility, staying focused on long-term retirement goals while adapting to shifting conditions.
Working closely with his clients and their families, Kurt crafts personalized wealth management strategies that are designed to do more than manage assets — help protect legacies, preserve lifestyles in retirement, and unlock the freedom to pursue what matters most. Whether advising on the tax-efficient execution of IRA rollovers, income distribution strategies, or legacy planning, he helps ensure every decision aligns with clients’ long-term objectives.
Fundamental to his approach is the one question every individual must face: “Will my income outlast my life, or will I outlive my income?” As much as it’s a financial puzzle, it’s also goes beyond spreadsheet and portfolios. It’s about the empowerment that comes from financial security — the ability to live every chapter of life on your own terms. That’s why Kurt is so deeply committed to understanding each client’s unique priorities and concerns. This personal understanding forms the foundation not only for customized financial plans, but also for the kind of lasting relationships that transcend decades and even generations. With a genuine desire to help clients prepare for the financial decisions that shape their future, he is dedicated to serving them through ever challenge and milestone with precision and care.
Outside the office, Kurt enjoys life in the southwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Crystal, and their two playful kittens. He loves traveling, cycling, discovering new craft beers, and catching live music whenever he can.
NMLS#: 1262174
About James K Cronin
With a commitment to deep and diverse learning, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois, a Juris Doctor from Chicago Kent College of Law, and a Master of Science in Finance from Lewis University. His multidisciplinary background provides him with a unique perspective on client portfolios, allowing him to blend analytical rigor with behavioral insights when crafting tailored financial plans. This breadth of knowledge also informs his ability to help anticipate market dynamics and structure portfolios that aim to help protect and responsibly grow wealth long-term.
As a Portfolio Manager, James applies a disciplined, research-driven process to his clients’ investment strategies. His work is rooted in strategic asset allocation and risk-aware portfolio construction, with a strong emphasis on capital preservation, income generation, and long-term total return. Drawing on his background in institutional bond trading, he also brings a nuanced understanding of fixed income markets and interest rate dynamics to help ensure thoughtful positioning across asset classes and market cycles. He believes in constructing portfolios with the client’s full balance sheet and long-term objectives in mind, whether that includes funding a multidecade retirement, meeting near-term liquidity needs, or facilitating intergenerational wealth transfer. His approach is collaborative and consultative, built on enduring relationships and a shared commitment to clarity, accountability, and open communication.
Outside the office, James enjoys exploring military history and economics through avid reading. He and his wife, Carey, live in Chicago, where they enjoy travel adventures and evenings at the theater.
NMLS#: 1264985
About Alexandria "Aleka" Lach
Aleka is a licensed Portfolio Associate (Series 7, 63, and 66), enabling her to accept unsolicited trade instructions and navigate complex operational tasks with precision and care. She’s particularly skilled in processing trust documents and facilitating estate transfers, providing clients with confidence during pivotal moments.
Known for her proactive communication style and approachable demeanor, Aleka builds strong, personal relationships that bridge the gap between planning and implementation. Her consistent and timely follow-through helps ensure that each client receives accurate support tailored to their unique goals, helping to instill both confidence and trust in our process.
Fluent in both English and Greek, Aleka brings cultural richness and a global perspective to our team. She lives locally and enjoys spending time with her family and friends—often gathered around the kitchen table or sharing stories from her annual trips to Greece.
About Kristen A. Rose
In her role as Business Development Director, Kristen is responsible for analyzing and coordinating the team's business operations while optimizing client engagement practices. She also assists with financial planning and investment strategies to support our clients' current and future wealth management objectives.
Kristen is an Iowa native and graduated from the University of Iowa. After college, Kristen moved to Chicago where she began her career in financial services. Kristen and her husband, John, reside in Frankfort, IL, with their two daughters, Kennedy, Madison and their beloved dog Charlie.
*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice
About Christina Valtierra
Prior to her role as a Client Service Associate, Christina served as a Branch Administrator at Morgan Stanley. In this capacity, she demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills, managing various operational functions that contributed to the overall efficiency of the branch. Her ability to navigate complex situations and her keen attention to detail ensured that all processes ran smoothly. Throughout her tenure, Christina has consistently exemplified a strong work ethic.
Outside of her professional life, Christina enjoys evening walks with her two yorkie dogs, traveling with her husband, shopping, and gardening.

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The Power of Partnerships
About Jordan Hoerter
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.
Jordan began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he was Vice President, Private Banker at Associated Bank.
Jordan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. He lives in Chicago, Illinois. Jordan donates his time with United Way, Emerging Leaders, Blessings in a Backpack and Junior Achievement. When not in the office, Jordan enjoys running, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with his family.
About Casey Friedman
She earned her undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Casey is originally from Wayne, N.J. and currently resides in New York, N.Y.
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