Marie Gilmour O'Keefe’s career path has been anything but conventional. Her entry into the financial services sector came through a winding route that began in the world of food service and hospitality. The pivot from hospitality to financial services came when her mother-in-law’s financial advisor inquired about people looking for job opportunities, she suggested that Marie’s husband might be a fit. To which he responded—“I hate people, but you should talk to my wife”— which led to a meeting that ultimately set the stage for Marie's new career path.

Marie had early exposure to financial services through her father, who transitioned from being a preacher to a career in financial services. Although Marie initially had little interest in following her father’s footsteps, her perspective changed as she approached a new phase of her life. Her father’s influence, combined with her own experiences and evolving interests, led her to reconsider this career path. Marie has been a financial advisor for the last 12 years.

Her family also played a significant role in shaping her approach to finance. Growing up in a household where her mother faced challenges in securing credit and her father was an immigrant navigating financial systems, Marie learned the importance of financial literacy and management from an early age. These early lessons on saving, credit, and financial planning laid a solid foundation for her eventual career in financial services.

One of Marie's greatest joys comes from working with her older clients, particularly those in their 50s and 60s, who often face uncertainties about retirement. Many clients come to her unsure if they’ve saved enough or worried about their financial future. Marie loves sitting down with them, crafting financial plans, and showing them that they’re on the right track. For her, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the relief and excitement on a client's face when they realize, “Yes, I can retire comfortably.”

Marie also enjoys working with younger clients, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the challenges of saving money, particularly when balancing expenses like daycare and other family costs. For these clients, Marie takes pride in showing them that even small changes can make a big difference over time. By helping them plan for the future, she provides reassurance that they’re on the right path, despite the financial pressures they might feel in the present.

While Marie loves the day-to-day work of financial planning, some of her most profound experiences have come from supporting clients through difficult times—particularly when a loved one passes away. One story that stands out for Marie involves a client who passed away from breast cancer. The client’s husband, overwhelmed and grieving, turned to Marie for guidance. She was able to pull up detailed notes from previous meetings, where they had discussed what the couple would do if one of them passed away. Thanks to Marie's planning, the husband was able to follow through on his late wife’s wishes for their children.

“It was only a million dollars,” Marie reflects, “but being able to help him ensure everything she dreamed for their kids would happen—it was incredibly rewarding.”

One of the reasons Marie feels financial professionals should join NAIFA is because of the association’s active role in lobbying for issues impacting insurance and financial services. From advocating for the preservation of favorable tax codes to supporting the broader community of financial professionals and their clients, NAIFA is deeply involved in shaping the policies that affect your business and your clients. Even if you're not heavily into advocacy or only occasionally participate in events like trips to Washington, D.C., Marie emphasizes the importance of staying informed and engaged with what's happening in the industry.

Marie’s story is rooted in her early fascination with politics, a passion that was ignited by her mother’s work for a Congressman. “My minor is political science, and I always said I wanted to go into politics and make a difference,” she shares. Being a first-generation American, with her father hailing from Northern Ireland, Marie felt a deep desire to impact society positively.

Her interest in government and advocacy led her to participate in NAIFA’s 2023 Women’s Fly-In. This opportunity allowed her to visit Washington, D.C., and engage in meaningful discussions on Capitol Hill. "That's where I really started to learn about what NAIFA was," Marie explains. The experience reignited her passion for advocacy and opened her eyes to the broader influence she could have within the financial services industry.

Marie’s commitment to NAIFA deepened when she saw the impact of her involvement firsthand. Meeting with representatives and discussing issues that mattered to her community gave her a sense of purpose that went beyond the confines of her office. "I don't think I'd want to be a Congressperson anymore…," she reflects. "I'd rather advocate for my local community by going up and talking to [legislators]."

Her journey with NAIFA is a testament to the power of involvement and the importance of advocacy in shaping the future of the financial industry. As she continues to grow within the organization, one thing is clear, Marie is no longer just a member—she's a dedicated advocate, ready to make a difference.

Marie acknowledges that the direct impact of her political advocacy on her business is still evolving. However, she finds immense value in the conversations and connections it sparks with her clients. When discussing taxes, elections, or legislation, she can provide firsthand insights from her meetings with lawmakers. "Every time I've come back from D.C., and I'm talking to high-net-worth clients, I can say, 'Well, actually, I got to talk to someone about this,'" she shares. This unique perspective not only informs her clients but also strengthens her relationship with them.

Marie sees her advocacy as more than just a professional obligation—it's a form of public relations for her business. While it may not always attract new clients, it reinforces the trust and confidence her current clients have in her. "I'm doing this for our community to make it better," she says, emphasizing the broader impact of her work.

When asked what she would say to fellow NAIFA members who may be hesitant about getting involved in advocacy, Marie's response is clear: "If you don't get involved, then you're kind of stating that you don't care what happens." She encourages others to at least attend a few events to see the value firsthand. For Marie, advocacy is not just about politics—it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of her clients and community.

As Marie looks to the future, she remains optimistic about the role advocacy will play in her career. Her involvement with NAIFA has not only enriched her professional life but also allowed her to make a meaningful impact on her community. With her passion for advocacy and commitment to her clients, Marie Gilmour O'Keefe is a shining example of how financial advisors can use their influence to create positive change.

Marie O’Keefe is a financial advisor with the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank, Milwaukee, WI. marieokeefe.nm.com