Jill Merritt
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(630) 203-6101(630) 203-6101
Tom McGee, CFA®
Senior Vice President,
Financial Advisor,
Portfolio Management Director
Direct:
(630) 573-9757(630) 573-9757
Toll-Free:
(800) 755-9755(800) 755-9755
My Mission Statement
Our mission is to become a trusted resource for our clients by bringing a thoughtful and educational approach to every relationship. This means that we strive to be a guide for them as together we define and pursue their vision of financial success.
HELPING CLIENTS DEFINE AND PURSUE WHAT MATTERS MOST
We are an innovative and forward-thinking wealth management practice offering individualized guidance and an elevated service model to clients who wish to maximize the potential of their wealth. We help individuals, families, and business owners, both locally and around the country, understand what is available while helping them make smart, informed financial decisions.
Therefore, our mission is to become a trusted resource for our clients by bringing a thoughtful and educational approach to every relationship. This means that we strive to be a guide for them as together we define and pursue their vision of financial success.
Personal Wealth Planning
Many of our clients never anticipate the challenges and opportunities that wealth brings and feel unsure of the best next steps. We help them to accomplish their goals by acting as their personal chief financial officer—an experienced guide who helps them think through their challenges and take advantage of opportunities, while collaborating with them to determine and implement ideal solutions across all their life plans.
We focus our efforts on helping you to minimize your taxes while increasing cash flow, find and facilitate smart and tax-efficient strategies designed to help pass assets to family, protect assets from being unjustly taken, and make a difference through charitable giving.
Retirement Plan Consultations for ESOP Plan Holders
Many of our clients that either own or make decisions for businesses are looking for ways to provide meaningful benefits and services that help make their company more attractive to potential employees. In addition, they find it hard to stay abreast of the many changes in options available as well as regulatory requirements.
Our in-depth experience around the design and implementation of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) can help businesses attract, engage, and retain employees, while helping participants enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
Why Choose Us?
- Through our Collaborative Approach, we instill confidence in our clients by helping them understand their current situation and what’s ahead
- Our clients gain clarity from the Individualized Guidance we provide, knowing they have a wealth management team that will put their needs first and simplify the complex
- We help clients anticipate, prepare, and act on forward looking opportunities and challenges because of our commitment to delivering Attentive Service
Securities Agent: KY, MN, NM, OR, TX, WI, WY, WA, VA, UT, TN, SC, PA, OH, NY, NV, NE, NC, MO, MI, MA, LA, KS, IN, IL, ID, IA, GA, FL, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AK, AL, AR, DE, HI, MD, ME, MS, MT, ND, NH, NJ, OK, PR, RI, SD, VI, VT, WV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 821729
NMLS#: 821729
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
One Process with a Singular Focus: Our Clients
Our team, combined with the global resources of Morgan Stanley offers a complete package of financial services to help you create a plan to meet and maintain your financial goals. From investment planning to tax considerations, and everything in between, we find success together through helping you make your plans a reality.
Experience
As a senior wealth management professional with 30 years of experience, I strive to be a trusted advisor who helps my clients reach wise financial decisions. I focus on helping families and business owners navigate through life transitions such as a business succession, retirement, career change, divorce or a loved one’s death.
In collaboration with the global expertise and support of Morgan Stanley, I work with a limited number of clients to help develop and execute their comprehensive wealth management plans.
As a senior wealth management professional, my financial experience includes serving as Executive Director/Wealth Manager at J.P. Morgan, Managing Director/Sr. Portfolio Manager at Harris Private Bank, and Institutional Portfolio Manager at the Mercantile Bank (U.S. Bank).
I am a graduate of Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA®). I have recently served as a Board Member of the DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville Education Foundation Trustee, North Central College Board of Trustee Associate, and President and Campaign Chairperson of the Good Shepherd Church Council.
I am blessed with my wonderful family including my wife Linda and our four biological and adopted children. In my time outside the office, I volunteer with faith-based organizations while passionately following our kids’ activities and sports events, and stay active by playing softball and basketball, boating, fishing, and golfing.
In collaboration with the global expertise and support of Morgan Stanley, I work with a limited number of clients to help develop and execute their comprehensive wealth management plans.
As a senior wealth management professional, my financial experience includes serving as Executive Director/Wealth Manager at J.P. Morgan, Managing Director/Sr. Portfolio Manager at Harris Private Bank, and Institutional Portfolio Manager at the Mercantile Bank (U.S. Bank).
I am a graduate of Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA®). I have recently served as a Board Member of the DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville Education Foundation Trustee, North Central College Board of Trustee Associate, and President and Campaign Chairperson of the Good Shepherd Church Council.
I am blessed with my wonderful family including my wife Linda and our four biological and adopted children. In my time outside the office, I volunteer with faith-based organizations while passionately following our kids’ activities and sports events, and stay active by playing softball and basketball, boating, fishing, and golfing.
WHY HIRE A CFA® CHARTERHOLDER TO MANAGE YOUR WEALTH?
Your wealth manager should be on the leading edge of every facet of your financial life, anticipating your needs and helping you create an investment strategy to achieve your goals. CFA® charterholders blend intellectual curiosity and expertise to deliver premium advice. They are the difference you need.
Here’s why:
Rigor and Expertise-It takes an average of over 1,000 hours of rigorous study,
along with four years of professional experience, to earn the distinction of being called a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder.
Holistic Wealth Management-CFA® charterholders are trained to understand what drives value in all dimensions of your financial life. They have mastered more than just the art and science of securities analysis and asset allocation. They also have expert-level portfolio management skills, including the ability to integrate tax and intergenerational wealth planning.
Your Interests Come First-CFA® charterholders recognize that trust is key to building a strong client-adviser relationship and are bound by the highest ethical standards — the CFA® Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
In a complicated world, having a CFA® charterholder on your side who is confident, ready for tomorrow, and completely committed to your interests is a difference that matters™.
Copyright 2017, CFA® Institute. Reproduced and distributed with permission from CFA® Institute. All rights reserved.
Here’s why:
Rigor and Expertise-It takes an average of over 1,000 hours of rigorous study,
along with four years of professional experience, to earn the distinction of being called a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder.
Holistic Wealth Management-CFA® charterholders are trained to understand what drives value in all dimensions of your financial life. They have mastered more than just the art and science of securities analysis and asset allocation. They also have expert-level portfolio management skills, including the ability to integrate tax and intergenerational wealth planning.
Your Interests Come First-CFA® charterholders recognize that trust is key to building a strong client-adviser relationship and are bound by the highest ethical standards — the CFA® Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
In a complicated world, having a CFA® charterholder on your side who is confident, ready for tomorrow, and completely committed to your interests is a difference that matters™.
Copyright 2017, CFA® Institute. Reproduced and distributed with permission from CFA® Institute. All rights reserved.
You have meaningful goals. It's time to talk to a team that can help you reach them.
With all of the disruption in the financial markets, affluent investors are unsure what to do now. Research indicates that 72% of investors are actively considering switching their financial advisors.* How can they ensure they are working with the right person?
I invite you to get a second opinion on your current advisor's wealth management plan. We will assess any potential gaps or missed opportunities, stress test your plan and will review if the plan reflects your values and long-term goals. If you are achieving your objectives with your current plan, we will let you know and show you how your goals are being met. If your advisor is not helping you meet your goals, we will offer you an alternative vision and a new financial strategy.
Please call me at 630-573-9757 for our second opinion review. I look forward to hearing from you.
*AES Nation
I invite you to get a second opinion on your current advisor's wealth management plan. We will assess any potential gaps or missed opportunities, stress test your plan and will review if the plan reflects your values and long-term goals. If you are achieving your objectives with your current plan, we will let you know and show you how your goals are being met. If your advisor is not helping you meet your goals, we will offer you an alternative vision and a new financial strategy.
Please call me at 630-573-9757 for our second opinion review. I look forward to hearing from you.
*AES Nation
Location
2211 York Rd
Ste 100
Oak Brook, IL 60523
US
Direct:
(630) 573-9757(630) 573-9757
Toll-Free:
(800) 755-9755(800) 755-9755
Fax:
(630) 214-5979(630) 214-5979
Meet My Team
About Jill Merritt
Responsible for an extensive range of operational and administrative functions, Jill Merritt will contribute an exceptional and personalized service experience for clients of The Century Wealth Management Group. Jill will serve as the Primary point of contact for Tom McGee’s clients, ensuring requests are handled promptly, questions answered thoroughly, and details managed with precision.
Jill joined The Century Wealth Management Group after almost two years with a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management team, where she quickly became a trusted resource for both clients and advisors. She distinguished herself though her ability to learn complex processes quickly, manage client requests with care and accuracy, and coordinate seamlessly with the advisory team. Her professionalism, attention to detail and warm communication style helped strengthen client relationships and streamline daily operations.
After earning B.A. in Communications and Marketing from DePaul University, she built strong professional foundation through roles in fashion merchandising and in early childhood education as a preschool teacher. While taking time off to raise her three children, she became an NASM-certified fitness instructor and worked part time as a trainer and studio project manager.
Jill was born and raised in the western Chicago suburbs and now lives in Elmhurst. Outside the office, she enjoys getting out for early morning runs and cheering her kids on at their many sports activities.
Jill joined The Century Wealth Management Group after almost two years with a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management team, where she quickly became a trusted resource for both clients and advisors. She distinguished herself though her ability to learn complex processes quickly, manage client requests with care and accuracy, and coordinate seamlessly with the advisory team. Her professionalism, attention to detail and warm communication style helped strengthen client relationships and streamline daily operations.
After earning B.A. in Communications and Marketing from DePaul University, she built strong professional foundation through roles in fashion merchandising and in early childhood education as a preschool teacher. While taking time off to raise her three children, she became an NASM-certified fitness instructor and worked part time as a trainer and studio project manager.
Jill was born and raised in the western Chicago suburbs and now lives in Elmhurst. Outside the office, she enjoys getting out for early morning runs and cheering her kids on at their many sports activities.
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
Amy Gross, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, First Vice President
Jordan Hoerter
Private Banker
About Amy Gross
Amy Gross is a first vice president and financial planning director serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in the Chicago suburbs. She is responsible for helping financial advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.
Amy began her career in financial services in 2009 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to her current position, she worked at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse as a senior registered associate working with high-net-worth clients on an individual basis and making sure all of their financial and operational needs were met.
Amy graduated from Illinois State University and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Amy lives in Brookfield, IL with her husband Garrett, daughter Felicity, and son Emmett. Outside of work, Amy enjoys both going to and volunteering at Brookfield Zoo and is a Chicago Zoological Association Associate Board Member. She also enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places whenever she can.
Amy began her career in financial services in 2009 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to her current position, she worked at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse as a senior registered associate working with high-net-worth clients on an individual basis and making sure all of their financial and operational needs were met.
Amy graduated from Illinois State University and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Amy lives in Brookfield, IL with her husband Garrett, daughter Felicity, and son Emmett. Outside of work, Amy enjoys both going to and volunteering at Brookfield Zoo and is a Chicago Zoological Association Associate Board Member. She also enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places whenever she can.
About Jordan Hoerter
Jordan Hoerter is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.
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.
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.
NMLS#: 1445073
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and 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 matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and 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 matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Tom McGee 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), 4763067 (9/2025)
