‍Say Hello To

Katie Gillman

Senior Wealth Advisor

I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Chris since 2004 and have gained significant experience in providing finance and wealth management guidance to our clients. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® since 2017, I am known for my personalized, relationship-focused approach to helping clients implement financial plans tailored to their unique goals. I hold an MBA from Walsh College and a bachelor’s degree in investments from Central Michigan University. I have spent much of my career collaborating with Chris and Paul, building lasting client relationships through thoughtful service and strategic guidance.

Beyond my professional work, I am a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Chicago, and I volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana through Camp CEO and my leadership of an elementary school Scout Troop. I am passionate about connecting community, empowerment, and leadership development.

I live in Highland Park, Illinois, with my husband and our two daughters.

Why I joined ISTO…

The journey starts back in 2004. I had just moved to Chicago with a mortgage and no job (which, believe it or not, was still doable back then!). I was grateful when Chris offered me an opportunity to get a fresh start. Over the years, my path continued to cross with Paul’s, and when the chance came to form ISTO, I was excited to be part of a team that brought together Chris’s mentorship, Paul’s vision, and Karole’s operational expertise. My role evolved naturally alongside our clients’ growing need for financial planning. Getting to collaborate more closely with Kara over time was truly the icing on the ISTO cake.

How I am In Service To Others…

I see my role first and foremost as one of advocacy. I work closely with clients to anticipate their needs and guide them through life’s changes, helping to connect the dots between the various financial professionals in their lives. To do this effectively, I take time to truly understand each client, their goals, values, and concerns, so I can represent their best interests in everything from tax planning and estate strategies to education funding and insurance. The foundation of it all is their Every Dollar Plan. It’s not just a financial plan; it’s the foundation of every decision we help them make.

The Core Value I resonate most with at ISTO is…

Putting others first… always. I have a genuine, vested interest in seeing our clients achieve their dreams. They place immense trust in ISTO, and in me, to help them stay accountable and align their financial decisions with what truly matters in their lives. Serving our clients with that level of care is a responsibility I take seriously, and one I consider a true honor.