The Virany Brown Group at Morgan Stanley

Ms. Virany is a Senior Vice President and has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (formerly Legg Mason Wood Walker) for over thirty years. In that time she has acquired the Certified Financial Planner (CFP^®), Portfolio Management Director and Senior Investment Management Consultant designations. She was graduated from Chatham College with a B.A. in Economics. Before joining her mother, Nancy T. Brown, in the practice, Mrs. Virany was a chef and Certified Cook. After Nancy’s retirement in 2010, Barbara’s son, Derek M. Brown, joined her in 2011 to form the Virany-Brown Group at Morgan Stanley.

Mrs. Virany follows one investment theory: the client’s goals are the only determining factor in an investment strategy. The Virany-Brown Group first listens to clients’ goals, both tangible and intangible. They then create a fluid plan for each client to work toward said goals. The team combines their talents to approach each client’s goals from an investment, tax-sensitive and practical perspective. We know that life can take unexpected turns, thus create plans that are fluid and flexible. We strive to keep all of the advisors of our clients involved in the conversation, whether this means adding the attorney for estate planning or the accountant for tax planning. We strive to build the team around our clients, with all of us participating in serving the needs at any given time.

Mrs. Virany consistently serves her community. In the past, she has been on the Southminster Presbyterian Church Endowment Committee, Boards of Directors for Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center, Peters Township Business and Professional Women and the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce. She has also been involved with Family Promise of SW PA, Southminster Presbyterian Church Food Bank, a variety of Chatham University programs, St. Clair Hospital Foundation and St. Clair Hospital Auxiliary, Thomas Youth League, Peters Township School District, South Hills Chatham Alumnae Group, coached youth soccer through the YMCA and has assisted with a Cub Scouts of America den.

Ms. Virany’s personal interests revolve around cooking, paddle tennis, pickleball and waterfall hunting. She is a native of Pittsburgh with three sons, one daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, two cats, one housekeeper, and a partridge in a pear tree. She would someday like to play shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but would settle for watching one of her sons from box seats.

Mr. Brown began his Financial Advisor career in 2010 with Smith Barney and later became a Morgan Stanley employee after the merger. In his career as a Financial Advisor, Derek has learned that each client’s situation is unique. He and his team customize client portfolios to match the unique characteristics of each client’s needs.

Derek earned the Certified Portfolio Manager Designation (CPM^®) from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He is also a member of the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, an organization that sets standards for excellence in the field of portfolio Management. He is also Series 7, Series 66, and Series 31 licensed.

Derek lives with his wife Monica and their daughters Arianna and Priscilla in Upper St. Clair. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing golf and skiing.