About Us

Vantage: \van-tij\ (noun) giving a strategic advantage, commanding perspective and comprehensive view

As a designated Family Wealth Director team, our mission is to provide you with advisory services that include, and extend beyond, investment management. We take pride in being able to offer our clients access to Morgan Stanley's, and other third parties', skilled staff who focus on disciplines such as wealth transfer, asset protection strategies and philanthropic services.

Our goal is to understand your vision, preferences and unique circumstances so that we can work with you to develop an overall wealth management strategy that can help meet your needs.

We're thrilled to share that our team has earned recognition as a Barron's Top  250 Private Wealth Management Team (2025). Thank you to all of our clients for their continued trust and confidence in our team.

Source: Barrons.com (Awarded April 2025). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Dec of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Financial Planning for Today and Tomorrow

Creating a financial plan and adhering to it is no easy task; it involves discipline, accountability, and consistency. However, by partnering with a team and advisor who understands the complexities of your financial infrastructure and goals can help make this process easier. We approach financial planning with a client-focused lens, working as closely as possible with you and your other professionals to build a holistic strategy that integrates all aspects of your financial life. Along with the expertise of our team members and advisors, Morgan Stanley offers a world-class suite of technology that enables us to determine the best course of action. Check out a few of these resources below to learn what kind of capabilities they provide.

    Building a Legacy Starts Today

    Wealth and estate planning is more than just your will. It is important to have a succession plan no matter your age to ensure your assets are passed down in a manner that is in line with what you want. Vantage Wealth Management is determined to help you create generational wealth and a legacy that you can be proud of. Check out the different sections below to learn more about the intricacies of estate planning and how they may help you.
    You've Been Named as Your Parent's Executor: Now What?
    If you’ve been named as your parent’s executor, you’ll find it’s a role with both emotional and administrative tasks. Here are some key guidelines.
    Why You May Need a Trust
    You can’t take it with you, but through a trust, you can define how you want your life’s work and wealth to continue to benefit the people and causes you love and care for.
    Estate Planning Essentials: 7 Key Steps
    Creating an estate plan can help protect your wealth and prevent hardship for your heirs.

    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. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

    Premium Tools To Help You Achieve Your Goals

    As a Morgan Stanley and Vantage Wealth Management client you will have access to a comprehensive suite of premium technology offerings. These range from full spectrum security to ensure your data and information is protected to extensive planning and strategy management tools that can help you make decisions. Whatever your technology needs, Morgan Stanley has a potential solution.

      Keeping You Financially Educated

      Staying on top of the markets can be a massive challenge on its own. Luckily Morgan Stanley provides a plethora of resources to help guide your thoughts and investment ideas. Check out a few of our resources below and let us know if you have any questions about the material.
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        GIC Weekly
        View the top ideas our strategists and thought leaders are talking about curated on a weekly basis.
        Read the Latest GIC Weekly Here
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        GIC: On The Markets
        Our investment team is constantly working hard to bring you ideas and recent events that may be cause for market catalysts. Read about the themes our investment committee is thinking about below.
        Check Out On The Markets Here
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        2026 Global Economic Outlook: Moderate Growth With a Range of Possibilities
        Morgan Stanley's 2026 Global Economic Outlook forecasts slowing inflation and moderate growth, with potential for upside surprise if U.S. growth is faster than expected.
        Read the Report Here
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        2026 Investment Outlook: US Stocks Shine in Spotlight of Unfavorable Conditions
        The investment landscape is becoming more favorable, particularly for risky assets. See why in Morgan Stanley Research's 2026 Investment Outlook.
        Read More Here

      Location

      3280 Peachtree Rd NE
      Suite 1900
      Atlanta, GA 30305
      US
      Direct:
      (404) 266-6849(404) 266-6849

      Meet Vantage Wealth Management

      About David A Skid

      David is a Managing Director and Financial Advisor with Vantage Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. David works in investment strategies and comprehensive financial planning for high net worth and multi-generational families encompassing retirement, estate planning, liability/risk management, and wealth transfer.

      David served as Co-Chair for Morgan Stanley’s National Financial Advisor Advisory Council from 2019-2023. The Council acts as liaison between their colleagues and Senior Management, creating an open two-way communication channel to discuss and provide feedback and insight on key initiatives and enhancements within Morgan Stanley.

      David holds a Master of Taxation and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Georgia State University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Accountancy. David is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). David is a member of the CFA® institute and the Atlanta Society of Financial Analysts.

      David has been active in the Atlanta community. He has been a member of the Jewish Federation’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, chairman of Temple Sinai’s Investment Committee for the Endowment Fund, and a member of the board of the Jewish Home Life Communities. David and his wife, Johanna, have a daughter who is a University of Georgia graduate.

      David’s Awards & Accolades:
      Barron's Top 1,500 Financial Advisors: State-by-State | 2020 – 2026

      Source: (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,200 and Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State) Barrons.com (Awarded 2020-2026). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
      Securities Agent: IN, MI, WY, VA, TX, NM, UT, MT, GA, FL, WA, NY, MO, LA, DE, CA, TN, NH, NE, ID, CO, AZ, NJ, MD, KY, HI, AL, PA, NV, NC, ME, MA, IA, SC, OH, DC, CT, AR, RI, KS, IL, MS, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
      NMLS#: 1253013

      About Benjamin Portman

      Ben is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with Vantage Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. Ben works in investment and wealth planning for high net worth and multigenerational families, helping clients minimize the time and stress of managing their wealth, encompassing retirement income, philanthropy, trust services, liability management, insurance review and wealth transfer.

      Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2008, Ben has earned the firm’s designation of Portfolio Management Director, Financial Planning Specialist, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Ben previously was a Teach for America corps member, where he taught math, science and reading. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Bucknell University and a Master of Education from Arizona State University.

      Ben is involved in his community, serving as the Advisory Board Chair for Teach for America-Metro Atlanta. Previously, Ben served as the board chair for Teach on Project and It’s the Journey. An avid cook, Ben appeared on the Food Network and previously ran a philanthropic supper club out of his home. Ben and his wife, Whitney, live in Brookwood Hills with their twin daughters and dog.
      Securities Agent: CO, AL, TN, MI, ID, OR, NM, NJ, MT, MA, UT, MO, MD, IL, IA, GA, FL, CT, AZ, VA, RI, PA, IN, SC, OH, NH, DC, CA, WA, TX, NE, DE, WY, NY, AR, ME, KS, HI, MS, NV, NC, LA, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
      NMLS#: 1275702

      About Zak Koffler

      Zak is Vice President and Financial Advisor with Vantage Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. Zak concentrates in complex investment and financial planning strategies for high net worth families.

      Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2013, Zak has earned the firm’s designation of Portfolio Manager, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and a member of the Financial Planning Association. Zak began his financial services career at UBS Wealth Management in 2009. He has a Certificate in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia and a Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Georgia State University.

      Zak is an Atlanta native and is very active in the community. He was formerly involved with the Southeast Regional Board for the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Family and Career Services, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Legacy Heritage Fund: OnBoard, SOJOURN, The Trevor Project, The Community Action Center and the Foundation for Financial Planning. Zak lives in Decatur with his son, Pax, and two dogs, Helo, and Husker.
      Securities Agent: AZ, MS, PA, OR, MA, CT, RI, ME, IL, NV, IA, GA, FL, CO, NM, MO, LA, KS, UT, SC, MT, MI, MD, VA, HI, DC, NE, WY, TX, NY, DE, CA, AR, WA, TN, NJ, NH, AL, OH, NC, KY, IN, ID; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
      NMLS#: 1416397

      About Melissa Kaufman-Lovell

      Melissa is a Senior Vice President and Group Director with Vantage Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. She began her career with the firm in 1989 and is a founding member of our team. Melissa’s extensive industry and product knowledge aid her in cultivating relationships with new and existing clients. As Group Director, she helps shape the vision of client service and business operations within our team.

      A graduate of the University of Memphis, Melissa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She lives in Brookhaven with her husband and their English Springer Spaniel, Beau. Their daughter, Celia, is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and their son, Griffin, currently attends UGA. Melissa is an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she also volunteers.

      About Joanne M. Hughes

      Joanne Hughes is a Vice President and Wealth Management Associate with Vantage Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. She began her career in the financial services industry in 1999 and has worked with our team at Morgan Stanley since 2007. In addition to consistently delivering a positive client experience, Joanne serves as a point of contact on a wide array of services, with a specific focus on implementing customized equity and fixed income portfolios.

      Joanne grew up in Toronto and graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She resides in Midtown and enjoys working out, travel and spending time with family and friends.

      About Connor Esposito

      Connor is a Senior Registered Client Service Associate, focused on enhancing the client experience and providing administrative services to our team’s clients. He began his career at Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Management Intern. Prior to his current role, he served as a Virtual Engagement Associate where he leveraged financial planning tools on behalf of Financial Advisors.

      Connor holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The University of Alabama. Outside of work, Connor enjoys reading, golfing and spending time with friends and family.

      About Susana Alvarado Jimenez

      Susana is a Senior Registered Client Service Associate focused on enhancing the client experience and delivering high-quality administrative and operational support to her team. She ensures client needs are addressed efficiently, accurately, and with care. She began her career supporting E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, where she developed a strong foundation in client service, teamwork, and follow-through.

      Susana earned her degree from St. Lawrence University, double majoring in Global Studies and Business. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her Goldendoodle.

      About Sophie Courts

      Sophie is a Registered Client Service Associate dedicated to delivering a high-quality client experience and providing operational support to the team. Sophie began her career at UBS, where she supported clients across a range of service needs and built a strong foundation in relationship management and problem-solving.

      Sophie earned her degree at Rollins College, majoring in Business Management with a minor in Economics. Outside of the office, she enjoys painting, running, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
      Wealth Management
      Global Investment Office

      Portfolio Insights

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      Ready to start a conversation? Contact Vantage Wealth Management today.
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      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.

      1Morgan 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

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      2Morgan 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 or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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      3When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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      4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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      5Morgan 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 and other legal matters.

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      6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.

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      7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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      8Morgan 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 and other legal matters.

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      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
      CRC 4665150 (8/2025)