Atlanta Financial Advisor Receives 2011 Anti-Defamation League’s Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award

Michael J. Merlin, CFP®, has been honored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) with the prestigious Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award. The award was established in 1995 to honor leaders who have shown an outstanding commitment to the policies and activities of the ADL. Merlin was recognized at a ceremony held during the recent Spring ADL National Leadership Meeting in Washington, D.C.
            Merlin, a senior vice president and family wealth director at Merlin Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Atlanta, has been a financial advisor since 1998. He is also active within his community and currently serves on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations including the ADL Southeast and National Commission, Jewish Family and Career Services, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.

            “Receiving the Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award means that, to this point, ‘I’ve done good,’ but now it’s time to go even further,” stated Merlin who believes getting involved first-hand will make a difference within a community. “It’s time to reach and make that extra solicitation call, or visit with just one more school who might benefit from No Place for Hate or anti-bullying curriculums. My passion for ADL’s mission has never been stronger."

            Merlin credits getting involved with ADL through his mentor and former business partner, Jerry Horowitz, who as a long-time supporter and National Commissioner for the League, insisted that he get involved seven years ago. It did not take Merlin long to compile his own list of “good” reasons to stay involved with ADL.

            “Since its inception, the Ginsberg Award has been presented to some of the Anti-Defamation League’s best and brightest young leaders," stated ADL's National Director Abraham H. Foxman. "It is always a thrill for me to participate in the award ceremony. But the most exciting aspect for me has been the lasting effects of this award, the countless ways in which its recipients have used it to nurture their current involvement in the League."

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, a global leader in wealth management, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, cash management, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services. Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 42 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

About Merlin Wealth Management GroupMerlin Wealth Management Group is a wealth management firm under Morgan Stanley Smith Barney based in Atlanta, Ga. Led by Michael J. Merlin, the group’s consultative approach seeks to understand its client’s vision, preferences and unique circumstances prior to formulating wealth strategies to meet those needs. Members of the Merlin Wealth Management Group bring a combined total of 39 years of experience meeting the needs of high-net-worth individuals, their families and businesses. For more information, visit http://fa.smithbarney.com/mwmg/ .