Claire O’Keefe

Partner & Head of Partner Development

Chicago

Leadership Team

Biography

Claire O’Keefe serves as Partner, Head of Partner Development, and member of the Leadership Team at Cerity Partners. She has a deep appreciation for the unique fabric of our firm which she regularly refers to as her “forever home”.

Central to Claire’s philosophy is human connection. As Head of Partner Development, she is passionate about building relationships with both current and prospective partners and colleagues who are excited by the vision of our firm, share our cultural values, and are committed to serving the best interests of clients, colleagues, and the communities in which we operate. She believes that authenticity, empathy, active listening, high emotional intelligence, and genuine curiosity, form the bedrock of effective communication and trusted relationships. In her words, “The magic of our partnership is our people.”

Cerity Partners is more than just a firm; it’s a community. A community where everyone’s voice counts, where an entrepreneurial spirit thrives, and where decisions prioritize our clients, free from external pressures.

Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Claire served as Chief Operating Officer and client advisor for two wealth management firms. In these roles, Claire’s responsibilities included strategic planning, client and colleague development, and client advisory for affluent individuals, business owners, executives, and nonprofit organizations.

Education

  • B.A. from Trinity College
  • MBA from Stony Brook University

Highlights

  • Member of Vistage International
  • Former member of the Henry Viscardi School Board of Trustees

Q & A

Q:

Why did you choose to join Cerity Partners after 15 years of experience in the wealth management industry?

I was inspired and excited by the vision of our firm – to build the first of its kind global professional services firm in wealth management, in the mold of a partnership, with the aspiration to celebrate a hundredth anniversary – the entrepreneurial and people-centric culture, and the opportunity to have the privilege of working alongside talented partners and colleagues to play a part in fulfilling that vision.

How do you describe the culture of the firm?

As one strong unified partnership, we describe the culture of our firm as being:

  • Ethically driven – always do right by clients, colleagues and the communities in which we operate;
  • Expertise focused – Cerity Partners University was developed to ensure that we are investing in the growth and development of all colleagues, particularly our next gen who will be the future leaders of our firm;
  • Entrepreneurially operated – we operate with a growth mindset, are acutely focused on finding ways to continue to enhance our client and colleague experience, and embrace the balance between valuing individuality and being one strong united partnership.

What are some of the primary reasons that talented professionals choose to join Cerity Partners?

Colleagues who join Cerity Partners share our cultural values, are excited by the vision and mission of our firm, the partnership model whereby every colleague has a voice and the ability to control their professional and economic destiny, the opportunity to work alongside highly experienced and talented colleagues and partners to deliver an exemplary client experience across every facet of wealth management, and to have a dedicated group of colleagues who lead and manage run-the-business functions.

What does success look like for you in the role of Head of Partner Development?

Success is when every colleague feels they’re an integral part of Cerity Partners, contributing meaningfully to our collective vision and enjoying the personal and professional growth that comes with it. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the stories we create, the bonds we form, and the legacy we build together.

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