Our Story and Services

The Keene Group at Morgan Stanley offers world class service to our clients. We offer 85+ combined years of industry experience while striving to build long lasting relationships. Our experiences help create innovative strategies designed to achieve the wide-range of goals of our clients. With the Keene Group you’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices. Integrity, transparency, and professional ethics are a fundamental part of our business. We focus our time and efforts on deeply understanding our clients individual needs and developing an actionable plan that our clients can trust will help meet their goals. The trust that is placed in us is returned through our dedication to give you time back in doing what matters most to you.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Modern Tools For Modern Clients

We provide our clients with some of the most comprehensive digital tools in the industry. Additionally, the firm strives to ensure that the platforms our clients use are safe, fast and flexible. Here are a few technologies we have to offer our clients.
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    Morgan Stanley Online & Mobile App
    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About MSO
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More About Total Wealth View
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    Goals Based Planning
    Working with us, paired with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our planning technology in reaching your financial goals.
    Learn About Our Planning Tools
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    Financial Management Tools
    Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can link you non-Morgan Stanley accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place.
    Learn More About Financial Management Tools
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows for easy sharing and convenient access to life’s most important documents from wills and deeds to financial statements and tax fillings. Easily manage your encrypted financial records all in one place.
    Learn More About Digital Vault
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    eDelivery
    eDelivery, allows you to securely save, print, send, and receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. Currently, documents available through eDelivery include statements, trade confirmations and prospectuses, general correspondence, selected Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approved tax documents, syndicate offerings, shareholder communications, and portfolio reports.
    Learn More More About eDelivery
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    eSign
    eSign is a digital, paperless alternative to the traditional means of obtaining signatures from clients on paperwork.

    There is no registration process for you to begin using eSign — all you need is a valid email address and phone number.

    The eSign Portal allows branch personnel to create and send forms to clients for their electronic signature, track the status of packages that have been sent, and take action on forms that clients have signed electronically and returned.
    eSign Video

Our Investment Process

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    Financial Planning
    How will I achieve my financial goals?
    We get to know your financial situation, understand your goals and risk tolerance, and together build a holistic plan.
    ▪ What can you afford to spend?
    ▪ Retirement planning
    ▪ Education planning
    ▪ Life/long-term-care insurance
    ▪ Trust and estate service
    ▪ Philanthropy management
    ▪ Tax-efficient investment strategies
    ▪ Lending/cash management
    ▪ Succession planning
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    Investment Management
    How Should I be invested?
    Your plan helps us construct your investment strategy and asset allocation, tailored to your goals and risk tolerance.
    ▪ Asset allocation
    ▪ Portfolio construction
    ▪ Investment analysis
    ▪ Manager selection
    ▪ Risk management
    ▪ Liquidity planning
    ▪ Alternative investment selection
    ▪ Impact investment selection
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    Monitoring
    Am I on track to reach my goals?
    Continuously revisit your plan and investments to ensure progress toward goals— “what has changed?”
    ▪ Regularly scheduled meetings
    ▪ Regular “catch-up” sessions
    ▪ Portfolio reviews
    ▪ Budget/spending tracking
    ▪ Tax-efficient investing
    ▪ Contribution (IRA, 529) deadline reminders
    ▪ Year-end planning
    ▪ Wealth plan adjustments due to changes in your life
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    And Much More
    Who can I trust to help me make decisions?
    The Keene Group is your trusted confidant, here to help you with planning for major financial and life decisions.
    ▪ Significant purchases
    ▪ Helping children and other family members
    ▪ Life transitions
    ▪ Work with tax and legal advisors to help achieve financial goals
    ▪ Referrals to other professionals
    ▪ Continuity of wealth plans over generations

Investment Advisory Overview

Our Advisory solutions and services leverage resources from across the firm to provide access to advice and investment manager analysis while bringing clients a personalized perspective.

Key Benefits:
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    Customized Solutions
    Strategic and tactical asset allocation advice, manager analysis and portfolio construction capabilities.
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    Holistic Reporting
    Quarterly and annual reporting that tracks investment goals across Morgan Stanley and external accounts.
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    Exclusive Access
    Separately managed accounts and exclusive firm discretionary product offerings.
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    Trading Benefits
    Cutting-edge electronic trading infrastructure and enhanced pricing due to scale.
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    Tax Management Services
    Tax-smart resources and strategies including, wash sale avoidance, tax loss harvesting, tax-efficient trading and liquidating, concentrated positions.
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    Comprehensive Due Diligence
    Third-party manager due diligence, including.
    comprehensive quantitative and qualitative tools used for all manager assessments.
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    Donor Advised Funds
    Tax-advantaged vehicles for charitable giving, including the Morgan Stanley GIFT fund.

Giving Back

The Huntsville Learning Center's Inaugural Golf Tournament
Tom and Pennie had the honor of sponsoring the Huntsville Learning Center’s Inaugural Golf Tournament. They entered two teams made up of 8 women golfers (Pennie included) and had a great afternoon. Their matching shirts were a hit. They didn’t win but were named “best-dressed” and “most-spirited!”

This worthy organization serves at-risk children from K-8th grades in our community by giving the extracurricular support they need to succeed in school, build meaningful lives and careers for themselves. They would love for anyone to take a tour of their facility!
Global Volunteer Month -- Manna House
When our community thrives, we all prosper! Our team at Morgan Stanley witnessed a special time when we volunteered at Manna House during Global Volunteer Month this past June. This organization does an incredible job providing for those in need.

Location

305 Church Street SW
Suite 720
Huntsville, AL 35801
US
Direct:
(256) 690-5801(256) 690-5801

Meet The Keene Group

About Me

Pennie is a Senior Vice President - Wealth Management and has 38 years of experience in the investment advisory and financial planning industry. Pennie obtained her Bachelor of Arts Mass Communications, Journalism and Business at the university of South Florida. Pennie began her career working in newspaper, television, and public relations before transitioning into a career in the investment advisory and financial planning industry.

Pennie prepares customized financial plans for our clients which are monitored and reviewed to help keep clients on track for their goals. She has been preparing financial plans long before formal plans were in place, originally using a yellow legal pad. Pennie treats her clients like family and helps them with any situation that might arise. Through her multi generation planning-based practice, Pennie and her team offer sound investment advice to help clients grow their assets. Life insurance, long-term care insurance, estate planning strategy, and lending solutions are also an important part of the full financial services that Pennie and her team offer. As a leader in financial planning in her practice, Pennie likes to say, “we don’t make a move forward without a plan in place”. Pennie was named one of the top Women Wealth Advisors by Forbes in 2020 and 2021 and Best in State Wealth Advisors in Alabama for 2021.

Outside of work, her interests include her faith, family, friends, and travel. She loves balancing life with husband Tom as well as being in the financial services industry with him.

In her community, Pennie is a volunteer at the Junior League of Huntsville since 1990, Huntsville Symphony Guild since 2006, Lincoln Village Ministry, Village of Promise, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Huntsville Art Museum and Westminster Christian Academy.

Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Apr 2020) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/18 - 9/30/19.

Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Mar 2021) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/19 - 9/30/20.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
​Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2021) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20.
Securities Agent: CA, NM, AL, VA, MI, OR, OH, MS, LA, IN, FL, RI, AZ, MO, WI, TX, PA, CO, NV, MA, WA, TN, SC, NY, AR, WV, NC, NJ, KS, DE, DC, IL, OK, MD, KY, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2274466

About Tom Keene

Tom is a Vice President and Wealth Management Analyst with 33 years of experience in the investment advisory industry. He works with individuals to help ensure that their retirement plans stay on track with their financial goals. Tom creates Strategic Asset Allocation investment models for our clients. He also helps develop and modify our team’s overall investment strategy.

Prior to joining his wife Pennie in the financial services industry, Tom enjoyed a 16-year+ broadcasting career in television and radio. His interests include his faith, family, soccer, and golf.

About Liz Giles Calvert

Liz is a Registered Client Service Associate (CSA) at Morgan Stanley, and has been supporting client needs and managing their daily requests for the past three years. She graduated from Samford University in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, double majoring in Finance and Management. Liz holds several designations including the SIE, Series 7, Series 66, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and is a Financial Planning Specialist.

During her college years, Liz gained valuable industry experience through internships at Huntsville Utilities and the Urology Centers of Alabama, where she worked in various finance and accounting roles. Known for her strong time management skills and dedication to client satisfaction, Liz brings a valuable blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise to her role.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys pursuing hobbies such as pickleball, reading, painting, and baking, reflecting her diverse interests and commitment to personal growth.

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

About Debbie Booth

Debbie Booth is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida.

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.

Debbie began her career in financial services in 1987 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2010 as a Senior Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she held many roles including Wealth Management Banker, Banking Center Manager, and Retail Mortgage Manager at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.

Debbie and her family reside in Gulf Breeze, Florida. She is an active member of the community by volunteering her time with March of Dimes, Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity and Manna Food Bank. When not in the office, she enjoys watching football, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
NMLS#: 801310

About DeMario Hopkins

DeMario Hopkins is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida.

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.

DeMario began his career in financial services in 2007, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Vice President Business Banking Officer at BBVA Compass and PNC Financial.

DeMario is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration concentrating in Finance. He currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama with family. Outside of the office, DeMario enjoys mentoring, traveling, spending time with his family, and reading motivational/self-help books.
NMLS#: 1196779

About Brandon Marsh

Brandon Marsh, CPWA® is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Alabama, Arkansas, and the Florida Panhandle. Brandon is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Brandon began his career in financial services as a financial analyst upon graduating from college and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. His career in the financial services industry spans more than 21 years, during which time he has held roles in various aspects of the industry, including fixed income, asset liability, portfolio management, and derivative experience. Brandon’s scope of experience lends delivering guidance and skilled focus to clients on a variety of areas of financial planning concerns.

Brandon holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration. As a FINRA registered representative, he holds Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Brandon has earned a CPWA (Certified Private Wealth Advisor) designation, awarded by the Investments & Wealth Institute. Brandon lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Hayley and two sons Paul and Walton. He enjoys time spent with family, fishing with his boys, coaching sports teams, and scouts.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Keene Group today.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)