The WSM Group at Morgan Stanley

After starting in banking, Mark has been with Morgan Stanley for over 35 years. From the beginning, Mark has helped guide families and small businesses through their financial journey by putting clients first and sincerely caring about their future. He is part of the successful team, The WSM Group at Morgan Stanley, which is dedicated to building and enhancing long term relationships.

With his extensive knowledge and experience, Mark and his team work with clients to develop a comprehensive financial plan, while providing a high level of personalized service. Our clients become more than just business relationships. We provide a standard of care and a custom approach in the services we provide.This demonstrates our unyielding belief that your financial advisor should know you as a person, not just a number.

Mark graduated with an Accounting degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and an MBA from West Virginia University. He later obtained membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (per industry regulations, Mark does not provide tax or legal advice). He holds both the Certified Financial Planner(TM) and Senior Investment Management Consultant designations.

Born in West Virginia and raised in Pennsylvania, Mark resides in Greensburg, PA with his wife, Dani. He is the proud father of two accomplished daughters, Emma Kate and Amanda. Outside of the office, Mark is an avid sports fan who enjoys golf, coaching youth soccer and volunteering for projects through his local church.

For Ken, wealth management is a family affair. His original motivation for joining the industry in 1992 was, in part, a desire to follow in the footsteps of his eldest sister, who is also a Financial Advisor. Since then, Ken has dedicated himself to bettering the lives of investors and their families.

By way of background, Ken began his career in financial services with Bill Few Associates, a Pittsburgh-based wealth management firm. After spending several years with Merrill Lynch as an Advisor and Branch Manager, Ken joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 with a practice focused on family wealth, small business retirement plans and asset protection strategies.

As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP^®) and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC^®), it should come as no surprise that Ken’s wealth management approach puts a strong emphasis on holistic planning. Before an investment strategy can be designed and implemented, a thorough discussion about one’s beliefs, values, and short- and long-term goals must occur. That imperative discussion then translates into a financial plan, which serves as the “blueprints” for the creation of a custom-tailored portfolio.

Ken is a native of Grove City, Pennsylvania, and earned B.A. degrees in both Financial Planning and Economics from Grove City College. He resides in Plum Borough with his wife of 25 years, Diane and their four children, Lydia, Lila, Max and Marco. Ken spends his free time attending his children’s various sporting events, golfing, running, camping and coaching youth sports. He recently served as treasurer of the St. John the Baptist Athletics Association and currently volunteers regularly at the Pittsburgh Food Pantry.

Shannon is an advisor with over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2017, Shannon was a wholesaler for Federated Hermes, a Pittsburgh-based asset manager. Although Shannon worked closely with elite financial services industry professionals, she, herself, did not have the opportunity to assist individuals and families with their investing and financial planning needs. This desire to better the lives of hard-working investors was her primary reason for transitioning into her current role as a Financial Advisor.

As a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA^®), Shannon’s approach to wealth management is both technical and comprehensive. Following a thorough discussion and evaluation of one’s short- and long-term financial goals, she leverages her in-depth experience with investment vehicles to research, select and implement solutions that are custom-tailored to her clients’ specific needs. Her strong emphasis on holistic planning is evidenced within her clients’ unique financial plans.

Shannon received her B.A. degrees in Finance and Investment Management from Duquesne University. She is a Pittsburgh native, and currently resides in North Strabane with her husband, Marc, their two children, Lyla and Cameron, and their dog, Mia. Active in her community, she is involved in the local Women’s Business Network, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member in Morgan Stanley's Diversity and Inclusion Council. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys traveling, exercising, camping, hiking, golfing and spending time with her family and friends.

Lydia is an advisor with over five years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Lydia was a Personal Banker for KeyBank, where she strived to help clients reach financial wellness. Lydia started her career with Morgan Stanley in 2021 as a Client Service Associate. In this role, Lydia was able to obtain her securities licenses, meet clients’ administrative needs, and deepen her knowledge in Financial Planning and Advising. In 2024, Lydia was promoted to a Financial Advisor within the WSM Group and is enjoying meeting with clients to help them achieve their financial goals.

Although Lydia is originally from Pittsburgh, she received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa. She currently resides in Apollo, PA with her husband Derek and her dog, Sox. In her spare time, you can find Lydia reading a book, taking a fitness class, or boating along the Allegheny river.

An experienced client service professional since 1990, Pam strives to deliver exceptional service to a select group of clients for the WSM Group.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2001, she worked for Paine Webber as a Client Service Associate. 

A lifelong Pennsylvania native, Pam currently resides in Mt. Pleasant, PA and has for the last two decades.  She has one son, TJ, who lives in Boston, MA.  Away from the office, Pam enjoys traveling and photography. 

Since 2011, Barbara has been focusing on delivering an exceptional level of personalized service for the team's clients.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she worked for Highmark, a health insurance firm, focusing on system modifications as a Lead Business Analyst.  Barbara's areas of focus include:  client service, administrative duties, etc. 

For over four decades, Barbara has called the Pittsburgh area home and attended Penn State University.  She currently resides in Monroeville, PA with her husband, Jim, and they have 2 sons, 2 daughters and 4 granddaughters.  When away from the office, Barb enjoys traveling, puzzles, reading and walking on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail.

Dylan is an integral member of the WSM Group. He focuses in working with clients to help meet their administrative needs, while supporting the teams’ relationships on an ongoing basis. Dylan maintains a service model and open lines of regular communication necessary to support our clients’ everyday needs.

He is a recent graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in Conflict and Resolution Studies. During his time at the University, he held several leadership positions for multiple clubs and organizations. He was a brother of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, a member of the men’s basketball team, and Co-Founder/President of the Special Olympics Club.

Dylan currently resides in Bloomfield, PA. Outside of work, he is an avid sports fan who loves cheering on the Steelers, playing basketball, working out, and spending time with his 5 siblings.