Meet Our Leadership Team
Our team of professionals is led by Mary E. Gilligan, Esq., who has decades of planning and wealth management experience. Our close-knit team provides deep knowledge, unique investment insights, and a high level of service. We foster a culture of teamwork and seamlessly integrate the talents and perspectives of the appropriate estate attorney, accountant, investment managers, and other professionals through proactive oversight and effective communication.
Mary E. Gilligan, Esq.
CEO & CIO
Since founding MG Financial in 1996, Mary has built a collaborative, entrepreneurial team-based approach to wealth management tailored to the unique needs of first-generation wealth creators. Her vision has been to deliver personalized services that address the complex financial lives of entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners. From the beginning, she has focused on building long-term, multi-generational relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and strategic insight. Mary leads a team of professionals who customize every aspect of a client’s financial strategy—from planning and implementation to ongoing refinement. Her philosophy centers on understanding each client’s full financial picture—business, personal, and family—and aligning financial strategies with life priorities. Her leadership ensures clients benefit from the sophistication of a family office, with effective strategies that evolve alongside changing goals and economic conditions.
In her free time, Mary enjoys gardening, skiing, woodworking, horseback riding, ballroom dancing, and is a hopeful golfer.
Favorite Place: Anywhere I am with family, be it my front porch, Vermont, or Venice.
Katie E. Chilson
Senior Vice President | Client Services
Senior Advisor
Katie brings deep expertise in estate planning, client relationship management, and alternative investments to her role leading client services. She plays a central role in developing and implementing long-term strategies tailored to each client’s evolving goals. Known for her proactive approach, Katie anticipates client needs and adapts to evolving personal objectives and market conditions. She guides the team in maintaining the highest standards of service while integrating new technologies and processes to better serve clients and their families. Katie also oversees the implementation of alternative investments, including private equity, leveraged buyouts, venture capital, and hedge funds.
In her free time, Katie enjoys reading historical fiction novels, baking, listening to music, and watching cooking/baking shows.
Favorite Sound: The gentle lapping of waves against the side of a boat.
Carol A. Thomas
Senior Vice President | Operations
Carol leads the operations team with a focus on safeguarding client assets and ensuring secure, accurate reporting. Her understanding of personal and business financial needs, as well as private equity and venture investments, led to the development of a comprehensive reporting system that gives clients instant access to both summary and detailed financial views. Clients rely on Carol not only for day-to-day operational excellence, but also for her ability to manage complex, time-sensitive projects in personal and business matters. Her attention to detail and analytical approach not only saves clients significant time and resources, but also provides the peace of mind that their financial matters are handled with precision and care.
In her free time, Carol enjoys watching New England Patriots games, sailing in Boston Harbor, traveling with family, and skiing in New England.
Bucket List Item: Competing on Survivor!
Sarah J. Long
Chief Growth Officer
Sarah brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to growth at the firm, combining deep expertise with a passion for operational excellence. As Chief Growth Officer, she leads initiatives that enhance client relationships, expand firm visibility, and drive long-term value. She supports the firm’s strategic plan development and business operations, ensuring growth is aligned with the firm’s mission and values and built for sustainability.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid runner, amateur watercolor painter, dedicated Boston sports fan, and concertgoer.
Bucket List Item: Travel to at least six of the seven continents (Antarctica optional).
Joseph P. Thomas
Manager | Client Services
Associate Advisor
Joseph’s experience across all aspects of MG Financial’s services allows him to work closely with clients while seamlessly coordinating with the wider team. His analytical mindset and ability to present complex information in a straightforward manner make him a key contributor to the firm’s collaborative approach. Clients value his responsiveness and insight, knowing their needs are handled efficiently and thoughtfully.
In his free time, Joseph enjoys sailing, spending time with friends and family, walking his dog with his wife, snowboarding, and working on his house.
Bucket List Item: Teaching his wife to snowboard or ski.
Michael Thomas, MBA
Operations Manager | Research Analyst
As a member of the investment committee, Michael provides in-depth investment and manager research. His passion for investing and understanding of the financial markets allows him to work with clients at their chosen level of interest, whether from a generalist’s viewpoint or through a much deeper dive. Additionally, as Operations Manager, he works closely with Carol to oversee the operations team in managing reconciliation workflow, report generation, and special projects.
In his free time, Michael enjoys cooking and is always looking for something new to make.
Favorite Book: The Name of the Wind or The Way of Kings — it’s a real toss-up!
