Leigh A Villers
Financial Advisor
Phone:
(304) 528-7020(304) 528-7020
The Villers Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(304) 528-7048(304) 528-7048
Toll-Free:
(800) 554-1358(800) 554-1358
Our Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
Our Story and Services
Helping you achieve financial success is our first priority. Morgan Stanley has meaningful intelligence about every major asset class and a presence in every major market, as well as investment research from some of the world’s most respected analysts. Together, we will formulate a strategy to help you achieve your most important goals and then deliver a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Our Process
We believe successful financial planning starts with understanding what matters most to you. As your wealth management team, we take the time to learn about your goals, priorities, and concerns so we can build a strategy tailored to your unique situation. Our process is designed to provide clarity, guidance, and confidence through every stage of your financial journey.
1. Getting to Know You
Every relationship begins with a conversation. We’ll take the time to understand your life, your goals, and where you are today financially. By learning what’s most important to you, we can begin building a strategy that reflects your priorities and long-term vision.
2. Reviewing Your Financial Roadmap
Once we’ve gathered a complete picture of your financial situation, we’ll present a personalized plan designed around your objectives. Together, we’ll review recommendations, discuss opportunities and potential challenges, and make sure the strategy aligns with what you want to achieve.
3. Prioritizing Goals and Next Steps
After reviewing your financial plan together, we'll discuss our analysis and recommendations and identify the actions that can have the greatest impact. We'll help prioritize your goals, establish a timeline, and create a clear path forward so you can feel confident about the next steps.
4. Implementing Your Strategy
Once we've aligned on the plan, we'll begin putting those recommendations into action. This may include adjustments to your investment strategy, tax-aware planning considerations, retirement or education funding strategies, or other financial decisions based on your unique needs. Throughout the implementation process, we'll help coordinate the details and guide you through each step to ensure the strategy is executed thoughtfully and efficiently.
5. Ongoing Guidance and Support
Your financial life will evolve over time, and your plan should evolve with it. We’ll continue to monitor progress, review your strategy regularly, and make adjustments when needed. Through ongoing communication and periodic reviews, we’ll help keep you on track and focused on what matters most.
Modern Tools, Insights & Resources
Managing your financial life shouldn't feel complicated. That's why we offer a variety of digital tools and educational resources designed to help you stay connected, informed, and organized. Whether you're monitoring your accounts, securely sharing documents, or keeping up with market insights, these resources can help make managing your finances simpler and more convenient.
Morgan Stanley Online
Stay connected to your financial life anytime, anywhere. Morgan Stanley Online provides secure access to your accounts, portfolio reporting, cash management capabilities, market insights, and important documents, all from your computer or mobile device
Learn More
Total Wealth View
Your financial life extends beyond any single account. Total Wealth View allows you to securely link accounts from other financial institutions, giving you a more complete view of your assets in one place. This broader perspective helps us provide guidance based on your overall financial picture.
Learn More
Morgan Stanley Mobile App
Your financial life doesn't stop when you're away from your desk. The Morgan Stanley Mobile App gives you secure, convenient access to your accounts and the tools you use most, all from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you're checking account balances, reviewing portfolio performance, accessing documents, or authorizing transactions, you can stay connected to your finances wherever life takes you.
Learn More
Online Security Center
Protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. The Online Security Center provides educational resources, fraud prevention tips, and security tools designed to help you stay informed and safeguard your accounts in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're looking to strengthen your online habits or learn how to recognize potential threats, these resources can help you navigate with greater confidence.
Learn More
What Should I Do With My Money?
This podcast features real-life financial questions and practical conversations with Financial Advisors, offering straightforward perspectives on topics that matter most to individuals and families.
Learn More
Thoughts on the Markets Podcast
Get timely insights on market events, economic trends, and investing topics from Morgan Stanley's leading investment professionals, delivered in a concise and easy-to-follow format.
Learn More
Morgan Stanley Insights
Stay informed with timely perspectives from Morgan Stanley on the topics shaping today's financial landscape. From market developments and economic trends to global events and investor insights, these resources are designed to deliver meaningful updates in a clear, accessible format, helping you stay connected to what matters most.
Learn MoreWhat Goes Into a Comprehensive Financial Plan?
Every client’s financial picture is different, which is why financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. We begin by understanding where you are today, what you want to accomplish and what may stand in your way.
From there, we work with you and your other trusted professionals to develop a clear, actionable plan that reflects your priorities. As your life and goals evolve, your plan can be reviewed and updated to help keep you moving forward.
A comprehensive financial plan may address the following areas:
From there, we work with you and your other trusted professionals to develop a clear, actionable plan that reflects your priorities. As your life and goals evolve, your plan can be reviewed and updated to help keep you moving forward.
A comprehensive financial plan may address the following areas:
Discovery and Goal Setting
We start by reviewing your assets, liabilities, cash flow and emergency savings. We also discuss your short-, medium- and long-term goals, which may include purchasing a home, funding education, preparing for retirement or developing estate planning strategies.
Insurance and Risk Management
Unexpected events can affect even the most carefully developed plan. We help you evaluate potential risks and consider life insurance, disability income insurance and other strategies designed to help protect your family, income and financial priorities.
Disclosure:
Life insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Disclosure:
Life insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Income Tax Management
Tax considerations can influence many areas of your financial life. We coordinate with your tax professional to help incorporate tax management strategies into your broader financial plan.
Investment and Portfolio Management
We help you develop an investment strategy aligned with your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance. The process may include asset allocation, diversification, portfolio risk management, rebalancing, and consideration of cost and tax efficiency.
Disclosures:
Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining financial market.
Rebalancing does not protect against a loss in declining financial markets. There may be a potential tax implication with a rebalancing strategy. Investors should consult with their tax advisor before implementing such a strategy.
Disclosures:
Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining financial market.
Rebalancing does not protect against a loss in declining financial markets. There may be a potential tax implication with a rebalancing strategy. Investors should consult with their tax advisor before implementing such a strategy.
Retirement Income Planning
We help you evaluate how your savings may support your needs throughout retirement. This may include reviewing potential withdrawal rates, retirement cash flow, longevity and sequence-of-return risks, as well as coordinating Social Security, pensions and annuities.
Disclosure:
Life insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Disclosure:
Life insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Estate Planning Strategies
We coordinate with your attorney to help align your financial plan with your estate planning goals. This may include reviewing beneficiary designations, wealth transfer considerations, charitable giving strategies and potential estate tax or probate complexities.
Disclosure:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.
Disclosure:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.
Making the Most of Your Financial Life
When you work with our team, you gain access to more than investment guidance. Through Morgan Stanley's broad range of resources and capabilities, we can help you stay organized, plan with confidence and make informed financial decisions throughout life's many stages. Whether you're focused on managing taxes, building a long-term plan, protecting what matters most or making everyday cash management more convenient, we're here to help connect you with solutions that align with your goals.
Total Tax 365
Taxes can have a significant impact on long-term wealth. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 helps incorporate tax-efficient strategies into your financial plan throughout the year, with the goal of improving after-tax outcomes and helping you keep more of what you've worked hard to earn.
Financial Planning
A strong financial plan serves as the foundation for important life decisions. Using Morgan Stanley's planning resources, we can help you create a personalized roadmap that reflects where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. As your life evolves, your plan can evolve with it.
Insured Solutions
Protecting your family, assets and future is an important part of any financial strategy. Through a range of insurance and risk management solutions, we can help you prepare for the unexpected and create greater financial confidence.
Unit Investment Trusts
Markets are constantly changing, creating new opportunities and challenges. Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) provide access to professionally selected investment portfolios built around specific themes, sectors and investment ideas, helping investors stay aligned with their objectives.
Preferred Savings Program
Make the most of cash that's waiting on the sidelines. The Preferred Savings Program offers a convenient way to earn a competitive rate on eligible cash balances while keeping funds accessible when you need them. It's a simple solution for helping your cash remain productive as part of your overall financial strategy.
CashPlus Brokerage Account
Designed for today's financial lifestyle, the CashPlus Brokerage Account combines cash management features with the strength of your Morgan Stanley relationship. Whether you're paying bills, moving money, making purchases or managing day-to-day finances, CashPlus provides a flexible and convenient way to stay connected to your finances.
Location
1200 Third Ave
Ste 100
Huntington, WV 25701
US
Direct:
(304) 528-7048(304) 528-7048
Toll-Free:
(800) 554-1358(800) 554-1358
Meet The Villers Group
John A Villers
Financial Advisor
Phone:
(304) 528-7048(304) 528-7048
Phone:
(304) 528-7044(304) 528-7044
Phone:
(304) 528-7043(304) 528-7043
Angela Elkins
Senior Client Service Associate
Phone:
(304) 528-7007(304) 528-7007
Kathy Whitley
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(304) 528-7040(304) 528-7040
About Leigh A Villers
Securities Agent: TN, NV, NC, NJ, NE, IL, PA, OH, FL, AZ, VA, MO, CO, SC, VT, CA, AL, KY, KS, WI, TX, NY, MD, IN, WV, MI, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
About John A Villers
Securities Agent: GA, UT, TN, SC, NE, FL, MI, LA, KY, NC, CO, NM, NJ, MD, IL, AZ, AL, NY, NV, VA, TX, KS, WA, CA, WI, VT, PA, MO, IN, WV, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1811738
NMLS#: 1811738
About Chase Villers
Chase is a Financial Advisor with The Villers Group at Morgan Stanley in Huntington, West Virginia. Chase is committed to building long-term relationships with his clients, understanding their unique needs, and crafting tailored plans that aim to address every aspect of their financial lives. Whether it's planning for retirement, managing investments, evaluating risk management strategies, or preparing for unexpected life events, Chase strives to offer guidance that can bring clarity and confidence.
His areas of focus are the creation and implementation of personal and multigenerational financial plans, investment strategies for pre-retirement accumulation of assets, followed by retirement strategies for the distribution of those same investments. He is passionate about helping clients become better stewards of their time and resources so they can live a life of purpose, focus on what matters most, and strive to experience financial confidence.
Chase holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses as well as a Life and Health Insurance license and received his B.A. Marketing degree from Saint Leo University where he also was a member of the basketball team. Prior to becoming an advisor, Chase had served The Villers Group as a client service associate since 2022. Chase is also an active member of his local church where he serves on the finance board.
Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, Chase now resides in Ironton, Ohio with his wife Tyler. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, exercising, and traveling.
NMLS#: 2807820
His areas of focus are the creation and implementation of personal and multigenerational financial plans, investment strategies for pre-retirement accumulation of assets, followed by retirement strategies for the distribution of those same investments. He is passionate about helping clients become better stewards of their time and resources so they can live a life of purpose, focus on what matters most, and strive to experience financial confidence.
Chase holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses as well as a Life and Health Insurance license and received his B.A. Marketing degree from Saint Leo University where he also was a member of the basketball team. Prior to becoming an advisor, Chase had served The Villers Group as a client service associate since 2022. Chase is also an active member of his local church where he serves on the finance board.
Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, Chase now resides in Ironton, Ohio with his wife Tyler. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, exercising, and traveling.
NMLS#: 2807820
Securities Agent: IL, MD, CA, WI, VA, NE, KS, PA, OH, AL, WV, MO, TN, NY, IN, SC, NV, NJ, NC, MI, KY, CO, TX, FL, VT, GA, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2807820
NMLS#: 2807820
About Cole Villers
Cole is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley and a member of the Villers Group, a generational team built around serving clients and families in the ways they need most. Cole’s practice is centered on helping individuals and families plan with intention, combining technical guidance with a relationship-first approach grounded in transparency, accessibility, and long-term relationships.
As part of the Villers Group, Cole focuses on retirement planning, estate planning strategies, and relationship building to help clients navigate the financial decisions that come with life’s major transitions—career changes, family milestones, caring for loved ones, and the shift from accumulating wealth to using it purposefully. He believes strong planning starts with understanding what matters most to each client, and then building a strategy designed to help support those goals while adapting as life evolves.
Cole and the Villers Group emphasize a comprehensive, family-oriented approach focused on continuity across generations. Whether working with a first-time planner or a multi-generational family, Cole prioritizes clear communication, consistent follow-through, and proactive coordination to help clients keep their plan aligned with their priorities and legacy. His goal is to be a steady resource, helping clients prepare for retirement with greater confidence, discuss estate planning strategies thoughtfully, and maintain a comprehensive strategy that aims to support both immediate needs and long-term intentions.
Cole is a graduate of Marshall University. He takes pride in building lasting relationships and partnering with clients to create plans that reflect not only financial objectives, but also the values and people behind them.
As part of the Villers Group, Cole focuses on retirement planning, estate planning strategies, and relationship building to help clients navigate the financial decisions that come with life’s major transitions—career changes, family milestones, caring for loved ones, and the shift from accumulating wealth to using it purposefully. He believes strong planning starts with understanding what matters most to each client, and then building a strategy designed to help support those goals while adapting as life evolves.
Cole and the Villers Group emphasize a comprehensive, family-oriented approach focused on continuity across generations. Whether working with a first-time planner or a multi-generational family, Cole prioritizes clear communication, consistent follow-through, and proactive coordination to help clients keep their plan aligned with their priorities and legacy. His goal is to be a steady resource, helping clients prepare for retirement with greater confidence, discuss estate planning strategies thoughtfully, and maintain a comprehensive strategy that aims to support both immediate needs and long-term intentions.
Cole is a graduate of Marshall University. He takes pride in building lasting relationships and partnering with clients to create plans that reflect not only financial objectives, but also the values and people behind them.
Securities Agent: VA, IL, AL, TN, NJ, MI, FL, SC, PA, OH, MO, TX, NY, MD, KY, KS, GA, CO, WV, VT, NV, NE, IN, CA, WI, NC, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2803954
NMLS#: 2803954
Contact Leigh A Villers
Contact John A Villers
Contact Chase Villers
Contact Cole Villers
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Villers Group today.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
