Marissa Mullarkey
Director of Insurance | Life Insurance Specialist | Director of Operations
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About
Dedicated operations professional with over 15 years of experience supporting high-performing executives. Successfully balanced multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, maintaining outstanding organization and composure under pressure. Proven ability to manage complex executive calendars, safeguard highly confidential financial information, and coordinate complex domestic travel logistics.
Recognized for building trusted client relationships through exceptional service, proactive communication, and meticulous attention to detail. Improved operational efficiency by streamlining workflows and ensuring projects were executed successfully from initiation through completion. Trusted for integrity and discretion, enabling executives to remain focused on strategic priorities.
Experience
Director of Insurance - Symphony Financial Northwestern Mutual - Skokie
(2024-05 - 2026-07)
- Managed a portfolio of 500+ clients, serving as the primary point of contact for insurance, policy inquiries, and relationship management.
- Coordinated complex calendars across four top-preforming advisors, internal departments, and clients with seamless operations and meeting efficiency.
- Safeguarded confidential client financial and personal information with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and regulatory compliance.
- Proactively identified client service opportunities and resolved issues before they escalated, improving client retention.
- Prepared life insurance and investment proposals collecting documentation, analyzing client information, and aligning recommendations with financial objectives.
- Prioritized time management with multiple competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment, consistently maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
- Oversaw the insurance application process from submission through policy issuance. Collaborating with underwriters, medical professionals, nurse case managers, and clients to expedite approvals.
- Partnered with marketing team to develop client engagement initiates that strengthen brand awareness and support business growth.
- Streamlined administrative workflows, by implementing new SOP's, reducing processing times and improving operational efficiency.
- Resolved complex client concerns with professionalism, empathy, sound judgement and effective problem-solving.
- Handled sensitive conversations, and confidential documents with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.
- Maintained active resident and non-resident insurance licenses for four financial advisors by coordinating with state licensing departments.
- Sustained accurate electronic records while adhering to company policies, compliance regulations, and industry standards.
- Cultivated long-term client relationships with proactive communication, responsiveness, and exceptional customer service.
Life Insurance Specialist - Goris Financial Northwestern Mutual - Skokie
(2022-01 - 2024-05)
- Executed life insurance and annuity applications from submission through policy issuance ensuring timely processing and seamless client experience.
- Monitored underwriting requirements, tracked case progress, and proactively coordinated with clients, physicians, underwriters and internal departments expediting approvals while minimizing delays.
- Provided exceptional client experience through communication and service.
- Supported 7 financial advisors by coordinating appointments, organizing casework, preparing documentation, and managing follow-up communications.
- Prepared client files, insurance illustrations, policy documents, and supporting materials for a productive meeting.
- Protected confidential financial and personal information upholding privacy regulations and compliance standards.
- Resolved client concerns by identifying effective solutions to achieve positive outcomes.
- Anticipated advisors' administrative needs by coordinating deadlines, prioritizing workflows, and supporting business growth through efficient case management.
- Consistently demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and reliability when handling sensitive financial information.
- Upheld accurate electronic records.
Director of Operations & Executive Assistant - Northwestern Mutual - Schaumburg
(2012-04 - 2022-01)
Jon Dickinson
- Managed a high-volume calendar, appointments, and complex scheduling for a top preforming advisor.
- Coordinated 25+ client meetings each week while managing internal meetings, schedule accuracy and optimal time management.
- Spearheaded a marketing initiative that generated approximately $89K in 2020 and an additional $35K in 2021.
- Coordinated complex domestic travel arrangements, itineraries, and logistics for financial advisor, with efficient scheduling and seamless execution.
- Served as the primary point of contact for clients, delivering white-glove service while fostering trusted, long-term relationships.
- Prepared executive meeting materials and partnered closely with the financial advisor to deliver organized, productive, and personalized client experiences.
- Led employee benefits administration and retirement plan enrollment using Sure Payroll and related HR systems.
- Developed and implemented standardized onboarding procedures that improved training efficiency, consistency and new employee readiness.
- Safeguarded confidential financial and personal information for more than 300 client households while ensuring compliant with company policies and industry privacy regulations.
- Improved daily operations through process enhancements, project coordination, and cross-functional collaborations across multiple business functions.
Front Desk Coordinator/ Associate Financial Advisor - Carr Group-Northwestern Mutual - Schaumburg
(2010-12 - 2012-04)
- Served as the primary point of contact for clients, financial advisors, and visitors delivering exceptional customer service, providing a professional and welcoming office environment.
- Operated a multiline phone system supporting more than 50 financial advisors and staff, with prompt professional communication.
- Coordinated incoming correspondence, internal office communications, and office supply inventory to support efficient day-to-day operations.
- Maintained secure administrative records and reinforced office security procedures.
- Partnered with leadership to improve office workflows, streamline administrative processes, and enhance operational efficiency.
Education
Business Management - Harper College Palatine, Illinois
Early Childhood Education - Northern Michigan University Marquette, Michigan

