Share about your role at EQ.
I am the Manager of Client Services and Operations for EQ’s Wisconsin-based operations. In my role, I provide leadership to all team members based in our Milwaukee office. I have the unique opportunity to lead our transfer agency support functions and oversee risk management, facilities, recruiting, IT and human resources. It is a diverse role and one which allows me to draw upon my nearly 30 years of work experience in this industry.
Joining EQ at a pivot point in its expansion into the Milwaukee market and leading the development of the location was a once-in-a-career opportunity.
What is something special about your location?
Milwaukee is a dynamic, rapidly growing city on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. The name Milwaukee is of Native American origin and translates to “the good land.” It is indeed good land — with a wonderful combination of arts, leisure and dining that rival any other sizable city in the U.S., but small enough where you can be anywhere within minutes.
What has happened in your career so far?
Prior to joining EQ, I spent my entire career with a large U.S.-based super regional banking institution. During my tenure, the duties and responsibilities of my various positions exposed me to a wide array of complex situations and management experiences. I have had the good fortune of being able to work in support of all facets of the wealth management and investment servicing industry, developing detailed knowledge of both the institutional and retail trust servicing business.
My proudest career accomplishments have been associated with growing and developing talent. The most fulfilling moments of my career have been seeing those that have worked for me achieve their personal and professional career development objectives.
What do you love about your work?
From the moment I started with EQ, I have appreciated the warm welcome that my peers and colleagues have given me. After more than a quarter of a century with one organization, I was unsure what to expect heading into this new chapter of my career. Thankfully, the transition has been seamless, and that is in large part due to the wonderful teammates I have had the privilege of working alongside. I thoroughly enjoy the close-knit family dynamic that we have here at EQ and the relationships that I have been able to develop are truly special. The camaraderie and friendships that you build as being part of a dynamic organization, like EQ, are what makes the work so enjoyable.
What is your biggest EQ achievement?
It is so hard to zero in on just one as there are many. I certainly take great pride in being directly responsible for the growth of our Milwaukee office — from being the first team member to having more than 100 team members today. I have also enjoyed seeing so many of those who I have hired advance their careers in the organization over these past two years. I also take great pride in having led a project to further our global expansion by standing up a new U.S. client servicing hub in Bangalore, India, this past year. However, being recognized as a Milwaukee “Top Workplace” in only our second year in this market has been my proudest moment since joining EQ.
What are you looking forward to in the future at EQ?
Undoubtedly, 2020 was the most challenging year of my entire career. Exactly one year ago, I was working with our IT, risk management and facilities teams on a plan to migrate more than team members working in office to working from home. As we packed everyone up and successfully got them working remotely, I knew in those very moments that life was going to change dramatically for everyone.
As we get closer to a return to what will be the new normal, I look forward to seeing the team in person once again. The camaraderie and support that employees develop when in-person together is truly special and I look forward to having those connections return again.
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I am an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. I love spending long summer days out on a boat in the Northwoods and putting my waders on and fly fishing the streams and rivers across the beautiful state of Wisconsin. I have three daughters, two in college and one in high school, and I am finding that I am getting increasingly more free time to pursue my passion for the waters and woods of the upper Midwest.