The Runkle Group at Morgan Stanley

With a financial services career that began in 1983, Bob Runkle brings more than four decades of experience to the individual, multigenerational, corporate, and institutional clients he serves. Over the course of his career, Bob has earned recognition from several leading industry publications. Barron’s named Bob to its prestigious list of Top 1,500 Financial Advisors in 2026 and Top 1,200 Financial Advisors in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The Financial Times recognized Bob as one of the Top 400 Financial Advisors in America in 2013, 2015, and 2020. He has also been named to Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. In addition, Bob and The Runkle Group were recognized as one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Bob is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley. In addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, he helps clients pursue their financial objectives by developing and managing personalized and defined investment strategies. These strategies may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Morgan Stanley model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. Bob also holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst^® designation, awarded by the Investments & Wealth Institute™.

Bob is a graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design. He is actively involved in the community, with current board affiliations including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Central Alabama Red Cross, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. His past board service includes Saint James School, The Family Sunshine Center, and The Samaritan Counseling Center.

Bob and his wife, Susan, have three children — Mary, Robert, and Katherine — and five grandchildren.








2026 Barron's Top 1,500 Financial Advisors: State-by-State
Source: barrons.com (Awarded Mar 2026) Data compiled by Barron's for the period Oct 2024-Sept 2025.

2021, 2023, 2024, 2025 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2021, 2023-2025) Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021, 2023-2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2026) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Securities Agent: CT, NH, TX, NV, PA, NJ, NE, HI, GA, AL, KS, NC, KY, FL, DC, CO, AZ, NY, SC, OR, MO, IL, CA, WV, OH, IN, WA, VA, LA, TN, DE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 510864

Robert began his financial services career in 2011 on The Runkle Group Team. He works closely with individuals, families, and multigenerational households to provide a seamless wealth management experience. His primary team duties include preparing investment proposals, reviewing clients’ investment portfolios, and engaging with clients. With thoughtful and attentive service, Robert enjoys helping clients pursue their long-term wealth management goals.

Robert was named to Forbes “America’s Top Next Generation Wealth Advisors” list for 2017 and 2018. In 2019 and 2025, Robert was named to Forbes “Best in State Top Next Generation Wealth Advisor’s” list. Also, Robert has been part of back to back Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams (2023-2026) awarded to the Runkle Group.

Robert earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Upon graduation, he traveled to Hamburg, Germany, where he completed an Internship with BDO AG in forensic accounting. Robert is a member of various community organizations, including the German American Cultural Foundation and the Alabama Germany Partnership. Robert and his wife Emily reside in Atlanta, Georgia along with their daughter, Charlotte. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, reading and traveling.





2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2026) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017, 2018 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & 2019 and 2025 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors) Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2019 and 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in March of the year the award was issued.

Securities Agent: CT, NC, GA, WA, NE, IL, DE, TX, NH, MO, CO, WV, TN, NY, LA, KY, KS, HI, DC, AZ, CA, VA, PA, OH, NJ, IN, NV, FL, AL, SC, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative NMLS#: 1031973

Mary is a Financial Advisor with The Runkle Group at Morgan Stanley. She works closely with individuals, families, and multigenerational households to help deliver a personalized and seamless wealth management experience. In collaboration with the team, Mary helps clients align their investment strategies, financial planning, and wealth transfer objectives with their families’ evolving needs. She is committed to building long-term relationships grounded in trust, responsiveness, and exceptional service.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Mary practiced law, with experience in the securities industry as well as medical malpractice defense. Her legal background provides a valuable perspective when working with clients and their families on complex financial matters.

Mary earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in 2005 and went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2008. Following law school, she began her legal career at Shearman & Sterling LLP in New York City. In 2011, she returned to Atlanta, Georgia, where she joined Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP. She later moved to Augusta, Georgia, and joined Hull Barrett, PC, while her husband, Jeff, completed his orthopedic residency. Mary is not practicing law at Morgan Stanley.

Mary and Jeff reside in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, with their two children, Caroline and Franklin. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and painting.

2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2026) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Securities Agent: NC, LA, DE, TN, NY, MO, FL, TX, CO, OR, AZ, PA, NE, HI, GA, CT, IN, IL, CA, VA, KY, KS, AL, WA, SC, OH, NV, NJ, NH, DC, WV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative NMLS#: 1871023

Christine began her financial services career in 1995 and brings nearly three decades of experience to her role. Known for her professionalism, resourcefulness, and personable approach, she is committed to delivering exceptional client service and helping ensure clients’ needs are handled with care, accuracy, and efficiency.

Christine focuses on account administration, client relations, administrative support, and account maintenance, with particular expertise in supporting institutional clients. Her dedication and commitment to excellence have earned her recognition as one of the few Client Service Associates to achieve VP level, reflecting her strong work ethic and meaningful contributions to the team.

Outside of work, Christine enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She and her husband Robert have two children, Dalton and Elizabeth, and make their home in Montgomery, Alabama.

Beth brings energy, organization, and a client-focused approach to her role with the team. She supports a wide range of responsibilities, including coordinating marketing efforts, preparing quarterly client reports, carrying out administrative procedures, and assisting with day-to-day client service needs. Known for her efficiency and approachable style, Beth is often a helpful first point of contact for clients, working to answer questions and help resolve concerns with care and professionalism.

Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and investment management, as well as a master’s degree in tax accounting, from the University of Alabama. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for the detail-oriented work she does on behalf of clients and the team.

Beth is a member of the Alabama Society of CPAs, although she does not provide tax advice in her role at Morgan Stanley. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Patrick and their two daughters. They reside in Montgomery, Alabama.

Kerri Ann recently graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management with a Master of Science in Finance in May of 2026 and holds BBAs in Finance and Risk Management/Insurance from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. She has a background in wealth management, banking, and other financial services. Through her academic and professional internship experiences, Kerri Ann has developed strong communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.

She is excited to support our clients in a variety of service and operational responsibilities with the goal of delivering a seamless and organized client experience. Outside of the office, Kerri Ann enjoys following college sports, traveling, fitness, and spending time with family and friends.