Ronald E. Thacker is currently Managing Partner/President of Americana Partners. Ron was formerly Managing Director and Regional Director for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where he led Morgan Stanley’s Central Region management team in overseeing more than 2,500 branch managers, financial advisors, and operations staff across 13 states. During his 30 years at Morgan Stanley, Ron has held various sales and wealth management positions after 5 years at Merrill Lynch. Through his experience as a highly respected financial advisor and expanding leadership roles over his 35 years in the financial industry, Ron specializes in the leadership and development of financial professionals by providing them with proven skills, tools, and resources to take their business to the next level. As a native of Wichita Falls, Ron earned his B.B.A. degree in Finance from Midwestern University. His passion for leading teams is equaled only by his dedication to his family and his community.
Ron has been married to his wife, Kim, for 35 years, and they currently reside in the Austin area. They have two adult children, Victoria and Luke, and are proud grandparents of Smith, Sawyer, Grayson, and Gwendolyn. Ron is a former Board Member of The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas and is very active in his Church and several other faith-based organizations. When Ron is not working directly with his managers and advisors or volunteering with the many community organizations he supports, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and taking trips on his Harley.
Billy is currently Managing Director/ Founding Partner of Americana Partners, LLC, and also serves as President of Americana Partners Planning Strategies, the estate planning and wealth transfer service division of Americana Partners LLC. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2009 and was an Executive Director of the Private Wealth Division after 20 plus years with UBS and Merrill Lynch. Billy graduated from Texas A&M University and has been actively serving as a board member of non-profit organizations and private companies. Billy and his wife Shelia have three adult children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hunting and grape farming at their Vineyard (Fire Oak Vineyard) in Mills County, Texas.
Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and the Firm are not affiliated companies. Investments through PKS or the Firm are: NOT FDIC INSURED, NOT BANK GUARANTEED, MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL, NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.
Melissa is currently the Executive Director of Portfolio & Platform Management for Americana Partners. Melissa was most recently a PWM Analyst in Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Division and joined Morgan Stanley in 2011. She was a Business Service Manager for the Central Texas Complex servicing Austin and the surrounding offices. Prior to working with Morgan Stanley, she worked for several years with Northwestern Mutual. Melissa currently serves on the Addepar Client Advisory Board and the Dynasty Technology Advisory Board. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri Columbia with a B.S. in Business Administration and currently holds a Certified Financial Planner™ Designation.
Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and the Firm are not affiliated companies. Investments through PKS or the Firm are: NOT FDIC INSURED, NOT BANK GUARANTEED, MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL, NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.
John has over 40 years in the financial services industry, initially starting his career as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, and then spent 21 years with Smith Barney / Morgan Stanley in numerous field management roles. In 2015, John joined Ameriprise Financial Services as the Branch Manager for the office in Austin, Texas.
John was born in Virginia, but has lived in Texas most of his life and is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a BBA in Finance. He and his wife Kim live in Austin and in his spare time he enjoys any type of auto racing and driving his classic Corvette.
