Jacqui Skiffington

PLANADVISER: Where do you hope to take your career in the retirement industry in coming years?

Skiffington: I see a tremendous future in the retirement industry, especially for women. At Strategic Retirement Partners, I aim to continue my journey by bringing in exceptional talent from outside our industry and equipping them with the skills and opportunities to become future leaders. We have the unique opportunity to shape the future of retirement savings, ensuring it is inclusive and effective for all.

One of my primary goals is to address the coverage gap in retirement savings. By proactively collaborating on solutions within the industry, we can avoid the need for government intervention. I believe that by attracting and nurturing new talent, we can better serve the diverse needs of our clients and create a more robust and equitable retirement system. I am committed to being a voice in our industry by advocating for new approaches that will help us meet the challenges ahead. My focus is on fostering a culture of growth and excellence at SRP, ensuring that we not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our clients and their employees.

PLANADVISER: How did you end up in the retirement advisory industry?

Skiffington: I like to say that I was born into this industry! My mother, Deane Mayerhofer, has been a leader in financial services before I was born. Strategic Retirement Partners was formed when I graduated from college, and I knew that to truly be an asset to the firm, I needed to gain experience outside of it first. I spent years working in operations and sales, honing my skills and appreciation for processes and pipeline management.

When my mentor, Jeff Cullen, recruited me to work at SRP, I was thrilled to join the team and start on my journey in the retirement advisory field. I started on the operations side of the business as a relationship manager. It was here that I quickly grew to love SRP’s “secret sauce”: the people, processes and technology that make our firm unique.

I then transitioned into a sales-based role as the director of business development, which allowed me to combine my passion for sales and operations. Today, my role at SRP perfectly blends these two passions, enabling me to contribute to our firm’s growth and success while continuing to maintain close connections while leading a team of 25 people.

PLANADVISER: What have you done that you are most proud of?

Skiffington: My proudest career accomplishment is becoming the first officer of the company (outside of Deane Mayerhofer and Jeff Cullen). As the vice president of business operations at Strategic Retirement Partners, I oversee daily operations, ensuring that our business processes run smoothly and efficiently. In this role, I am responsible for executing strategic initiatives, optimizing operational efficiencies and ensuring that our teams meet firmwide goals. I have been able to drive significant improvements to our internal operations, which has contributed to SRP’s growth. This achievement is particularly meaningful to me because it reflects the trust and confidence that our advisers and the team has in my abilities and dedication to the firm’s mission.

Outside of work, I am most proud of being a mom. I am incredibly fortunate to work at a company that has redefined “work-life balance” and embraces “work-life integration.” I am forever grateful to the women who paved the way for my generation, making it possible to have both a fulfilling family life and a successful career.