PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and your current responsibilities? How do you contribute to your firm/team’s growth and progress?
Eickhoff: As vice president of operations at Newfront, I’m the engine behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly so our advisers can shine. I lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, ensure compliance and create a seamless experience for both our team and our clients. Whether it’s refining workflows, integrating smarter tech or strengthening vendor partnerships, I’m always looking for ways to make our operations more agile and impactful.
I take pride in turning complexity into clarity. By streamlining processes and reducing friction, I help our advisers focus on what they do best: guiding clients toward retirement success. I’ve championed improvements that cut turnaround times and elevate service delivery, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
At the heart of it, I’m passionate about building a strong, scalable foundation that supports our growth and keeps us ahead of the curve. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work I do behind the scenes helps power meaningful outcomes for our clients and our team.
PLANADVISER: For people who don’t understand this space; how would you describe your job to get someone excited about pursuing something similar?
Eickhoff: I like to say I’m the behind-the-scenes engine that keeps the retirement plan machine running. At Newfront, we help companies offer 401(k) plans to their employees, and my job is to make sure those plans are easy to manage, compliant and truly valuable. It’s a mix of strategy, problem-solving and people support.
What makes it exciting? The impact. Every process I streamline or system I improve helps someone get closer to a confident retirement. That’s powerful. I didn’t set out to work in retirement plans, but I quickly fell in love with the purpose and the pace. If you’re someone who enjoys organizing chaos, building smarter systems and making a real difference, without needing to be in the spotlight, operations in this space is incredibly rewarding.
It’s meaningful work with measurable results, and there’s always something new to learn. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.
PLANADVISER: What are you most passionate about outside of the office?
Eickhoff: Outside of the office, my heart belongs to my family. Being a mom to my 3-year-old daughter is the most beautiful, humbling and transformative role I’ve ever had. She’s my daily reminder of what truly matters—her laughter, her curiosity and even her chaos fill our home with life and love. Every moment with her, whether we’re reading bedtime stories or dancing in the kitchen, grounds me in gratitude.
I’m also incredibly proud to be a wife to my husband, whose unwavering support and partnership make everything possible. Together, we’re building a life centered on love, resilience and shared dreams. These roles shape who I am and why I do what I do.
Helping others plan for retirement isn’t just a job—it’s deeply personal. I think about the families we serve, the futures we help secure, and I see my own. That connection fuels my passion and purpose every single day.