The wife of Talley late founding partner, Bob Talley, Mary Ruth has been in varying positions since 1990. She was the gubernatorial appointee as a New Jersey Commissioner World Trade Committee Chair for the Delaware River Port Authority for more than eight years and traveled extensively promoting the ports of Philadelphia. Mary Ruth and her husband, Bob, served as members of the Woodbury Old City Restoration Committee Board of Trustees for many years since its inception. Mary Ruth was a member of the Board of Managers of Seaman’s Church Institute in Philadelphia for 20 years. This is a multi-facetted outreach mission that serves all seafarers who use the Delaware river ports.

She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, was married for more than 45 years, raised three children and with her husband, completed major restoration projects for two New Jersey historical site homes. In her spare time, Mary Ruth enjoys entertaining friends, spending time with her family and going to Philadelphia museums and concerts.