CLEARSTEAD EMPOWHER WOMAN OF THE YEAR: JENNIFER LUCAS

In the nine years that Jennifer Lucas has worked at Clearstead, it seems as though no two days have been the same — and that’s just the way she likes it.

“Every day is different here,” she says. “It’s challenging, creative work to keep everything running smoothly, and it keeps me on my toes.”

Lucas, an associate who manages all administrative staff and functions at Clearstead, and provides executive support to Clearstead’s president, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer, is an integral member of the independent investment advisor firm. In addition to her daily tasks, she also coordinates major firm events and facilitates special projects.

Recently, she was instrumental in the rollout of Clearstead’s new brand, assuming much of the rebranding marketing efforts and planning the related events for both employees and clients.

In recognition of the value Lucas brings to the firm, she was named Clearstead’s “EmpowHER Woman of the Year” for 2018. This is the second year that EmpowHER, Clearstead’s Women’s Initiative, has recognized an accomplished woman in a leadership role.

A native of Arizona, Lucas also lived in Oklahoma, where she attended Oral Roberts University, before relocating with her husband and parents to Ohio in 2007. (“I never owned a winter coat until I moved to Oklahoma,” she laughs.) Her two daughters, now 22 and 20, have grown up to become independent, career-focused women.

Lucas previously worked in the Cleveland Clinic. She says what she enjoys most about Clearstead is its close-knit atmosphere.

“It feels like one big family here; everybody pitches in. Whether you’re a financial planning consultant or 401K consultant,  everybody’s a team player,” she says. “I feel like I’m part of something. It has helped me grow not only in my administrative skills, but now I’m also a manager — so I’ve learned how to become a female manager in the male-dominated industry.”

As a working mother, Lucas mentors the women she manages as they strive to maintain a work-life balance.

In addition to her work at Clearstead, Lucas also owns a baking business, Cake Works n Sweets, which provides made-to-order cakes for special events. She often tries out new recipes on co-workers, and she says the business has helped her know what kinds of questions to ask during event planning.

In her spare time, Lucas enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, sings as part of her church’s worship team, and travels. On her bucket list is a trip to Europe.

“Clearstead has done a good job of creating opportunities for women to serve as stakeholders in the firm,” she says. “I hope that my experience and empathy help me to serve as a better role model to our team.”