Q&A: Getting to know Maria Demetra Egan, MBA, Partner
Tell us about your role at Reynders, McVeigh
I’m a Partner at the firm, and I’m also Director of Financial Advising and Shareholder Engagement. What does all that mean? I lead the advisor group alongside Carrie, and I primarily work with clients. I advise clients by managing their investments, aligning their portfolio with their values, and tackling financial planning and estate planning needs. I also manage people on the team and direct our shareholder engagement work, which complements our research process.
In my role as a partner, I’m part of the management board that steers different areas of the firm through committees. The focus on clients and colleagues hasn’t changed – and probably never will -- but the governance piece is an exciting new chapter.
How has the firm evolved since you joined?
When I joined, I was the eighth hire, and we were definitely at the bottom of the hockey-stick growth curve. I did everything from answering phones to research while training under Chat and Patrick. Over time I sought out advanced education and certifications, and I discovered that client work is where my true strengths and passions lie. I love working with clients and helping them achieve their goals. I’ve also taken on people-management responsibilities, which is equally rewarding.
Today we have 35 employees. That’s quite a difference from 15 years ago. We have distinct departments and people’s roles are more defined, yet we keep the Reynders McVeigh culture of openness and aim to support everyone’s development. This is one reason we invite every voice to our Monday investment committee table.
That might be the best part of our growth: that we’ve cultivated such a positive environment. This group understands how important our work is. We’re all driven to get our job done with the highest standard of care and keep the client experience at the heart of all of our interactions and processes. You can see it in our day-to-day work together, whether with coworkers, clients, or our investment community.
How do you approach managing people?
We are working to increase support and resources for managers, but the truth is I enjoy self-teaching and personal growth. This adds up to reading management books, Harvard Business School case studies, and a real interest in understanding how different people work, learn, and incorporate feedback. I try to understand each person’s learning and management style, then tailor my approach so they feel motivated to do their best work and help the firm grow.
What is different about the wealth management industry now?
Technology comes to mind as a major force that has transformed our industry. With more tools at our disposal than ever, the learning never really stops. I’m thankful to be at a firm that has prioritized technology adoption and education from the jump. I’m trying to incorporate AI into my daily workflow, for example, even as I know it is still nascent in use cases for my job.
By keeping the client experience and client service at the center of our philosophy, we’ve been able to stick to our research-driven, stock-picking process. We want to know what we own, where the risks lie, and how each company performs on both financial and sustainability fronts.
Tell us about a time you got out of your personal comfort zone.
One would have to be the time I ran the Chicago Marathon with my dad. He's been a lifelong runner and has done countless marathons and triathlons. I, on the other hand, am not a runner. In four months, I went from only ever cracking two miles to the full 26.2.
Being able to run a marathon with my dad was always a major goal of mine. On race day, it went well. Around mile 20, it started to hurt, but finishing that race with him is something I’ll never forget.
How does the firm handle shareholder engagement today?
For about five years we’ve steered our engagement around three steady priorities that come from client feedback and from where we believe we can have the most impact: advancing equity and fair pay practices, political spending and lobbying disclosure, and healthy supply chains. Even with the anti-ESG backlash and the recent executive orders, we remain committed to incorporating these factors into our research process. We might adjust our tactics, but the goal remains the same: limit liabilities, understand what is material, and keep strengthening our research while pushing companies toward better long-term sustainability.
What is an accomplishment you're proud of?
Seeing team members happy and fulfilled in their roles and having clients refer new people to us because they trust the work we do. Those are the achievements that matter most to me.
Name a time you left your professional comfort zone.
I think when I first started having client meetings long ago, I might have been worried if they were going to ask something I didn't know. And at this point, I accept that there's a lot that I don't know – and that’s okay. Keeping an open mind and being a lifelong learner keeps this work interesting and fulfilling.
This type of transparent communication has been key to building trust with my clients, which, at the end of the day, is what matters most.
What is a personal accomplishment you're proud of?
I’d have to say having three little girls (Nellie is 6, Sophia is 4, and Helene is 1) with my husband Brian has been incredible. Being a mom is my life’s most meaningful work – and it’s hard. I joke with friends that I’m type B now, because it’s impossible to be type A with three young kids. I thrive on discipline and structure and shifting to my kids’ chaos is a beautiful new reality.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I ran the Boston Marathon for St. Francis House and love being active and outside. I’ve been part of my Book club for close to 7 years and adore the thirteen women members and our discussions on literature and life. I served on The Boston Foundation’s advisory committee, and I stay connected to several impact-investing groups. My volunteering has ebbed a bit with three kids, but those relationships remain important. It’s been wonderful to support these groups, some for almost 15 years, and I look forward to keeping this tradition with my girls when they get older.
My husband, Brian, and I live in Brookline with our girls. We are active at our Greek Orthodox church in Watertown, and the girls attend Greek language school. My father emigrated from the Greek community in Egypt, so keeping that rich culture alive is a priority for us.
DISCLOSURE: The views expressed in this post are those of the employee interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views of Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC (“RMCM”). The information discussed reflects the employee’s role at RMCM and should not be interpreted as a solicitation or offer of advisory services. Advisory services are only provided to clients or prospective clients who have entered into a written advisory agreement with the Firm. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any security, strategy, or investment product.