photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
No matter your age or stage in life — financial planning should evoke one very personal question: What will my legacy be?
“Ultimately, we want to nurture every client’s experience with us,” shares Craig Miller, Managing Director of The Miller Group at Morgan Stanley. “We’re thinking about what they walk away with when they leave our office, and what legacy we want to leave with their families as well.”
FAMILY MATTERS
As they guide you to make informed decisions across all aspects of your financial life, think of The Miller Group as your family’s Chief Financial Officer. Family means everything here, and the company’s intergenerational foundation means everything to clients. It’s a level of continuity that creates confidence in the Financial strategies a client has chosen, trust in the team guiding them, and assurance their services will remain stable for years to come.
A look back: Craig joined Smith Barney, a predecessor firm to Morgan Stanley, in 1986, and has spent nearly four decades serving clients and building expertise in investment management and estate-focused planning. In addition to his leadership within the practice, Craig serves as an Alternative Investment Director, providing specialized insight into private markets and alternative investment strategies.
The practice has continued evolving into a steadfast collaborative team, centered around comprehensive wealth management and long-term relationship building. In 2018, Sutton Miller joined Morgan Stanley and later became part of The Miller Group, bringing next-generation leadership, advanced planning expertise, and a strong focus on client onboarding and digital planning capabilities. As First Vice President, Sutton also serves as an Alternative Investment Director alongside Craig, enhancing the team’s ability to evaluate and implement sophisticated alternative investment opportunities for clients.
Both Craig and Sutton feel those decades of experience, blended with modern strategies, have helped them form a truly experienced entity designed for ongoing growth.
“History matters — not because it reflects where we’ve been, but because it shapes how we serve clients today,” shares Sutton. “After nearly a decade in this business, what I value most is the trust families place in us across generations. That responsibility keeps us focused on delivering thoughtful guidance, disciplined planning, and steady leadership no matter what the markets — or life — may bring.”
Built around deep relationships that span generations — not transactions — The Miller Group has grown by developing client relationships across families, as a service wealth management team where each member contributes their knowledge and experience . By its own design, The Miller Group is naturally equipped with this intergenerational approach to help families move seamlessly through every stage of life — from wealth building to retirement and legacy planning.
RELATIONSHIP-DRIVEN SERVICES
With so much to offer — and backed by the resources of the global Morgan Stanley name — The Miller Group offers a broad investment platform, including private markets and alternative investments that support highly customized strategies. Combined with the capabilities of a leading international firm, their local service offers the personal attention of a dedicated full-service advisory team.
The company follows a holistic approach to financial planning, striking a balance between a client’s current needs and long-term goals. Their approach integrates investment management, financial planning, tax-aware strategies, estate planning, cash management, banking capabilities, liability management, and insurance solutions into a single coordinated plan designed to grow, protect, and transfer wealth across generations.
The Miller Group exceeds client expectations in wealth consulting, alternative investments, financial planning, lending products, 401(k) rollovers, corporate trust services, retirement and estate planning strategies, 529 plans, asset management, divorce financial analysis, and vital planning for education funding and individuals with special needs.
Serving Our Clients
When it comes to client philosophy, The Miller Group approaches wealth management as a long-term partnership. Built on an understanding of each client’s values, goals, and evolving financial priorities, the team strives to truly meet clients where they are. Their process is comprehensive — designed to help families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth while managing tax impact and adapting to life’s transitions.
That commitment to comprehensive planning and enduring relationships has helped the team earn recognition as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team for multiple consecutive years from 2023-2026. In addition, Craig Miller has been named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor, and Sutton Miller has been recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisor.
With strong administrative support, advisors are able to be fully focused on client planning and strategy.
Jill Hughes, Client Service Associate, joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 and became part of The Miller Group in 2024. She coordinates daily operations, ensuring client requests are handled efficiently and thoroughly. Her goal is to go the extra mile in solving problems and providing personalized service so every client interaction feels thoughtful and responsive. Team Administrator Tami Rhyne brings a diverse background in education and communication to her role supporting The Miller Group. Her unique background and communication experience help support the team’s operational efficiency and behind-the-scenes coordination. Team Administrator Alexandra “Alex” Loucas supports the team’s marketing and branding initiatives, while also serving as liaison with asset-management partners and helping execute practice management responsibilities. She approaches her role with a strong commitment to integrity, discipline, and service.
“The greatest privilege in this business is the trust families place in us — not just for their finances today, but for the future of their children and grandchildren.” Craig explains. “Our goal is to provide the kind of guidance that helps families grow, protect, and pass on what they’ve built with confidence.”
The Miller Group at Morgan Stanley is located at 100 N. Main Street, Suite 2500, in Winston-Salem, NC, 336-721-4950. You can also contact them via the website at fa.morganstanley.com/TheMillerGroup
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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 matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.
Morgan 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
Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
The Miller Group with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley at 100 N Main Street, 25th Floor Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. 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. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 5279769 03/26
2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com. Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding March of year prior to the issuance of the award.Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, seewww.SHOOKresearch.com.
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