This summer, we’re proud to celebrate an incredible milestone: Mary Kilcarr’s 30th anniversary with FMP! Over three decades, Mary has helped shape the firm’s growth while building a meaningful and impactful career of her own, enjoying the twists and turns of FMP’s roadmap along the way! She reflected on her past 30 years with FMP and shared some words of wisdom.

Describe your time at FMP in three words. 

My three words would be Life-Shaping, Supportive, and Exciting. FMP has played a huge role in both my personal and professional life. I truly wouldn’t have many of my personal and professional successes without FMP. Over the years, we’ve continuously adapted and collaborated to help each other grow, and the work has always stayed fast-paced, energizing, and anything but dull.

What’s your favorite FMP memory?

There are just too many to count and too many good ones to choose just one. From company outings to baseball, hockey, and soccer games, to holiday parties, staff meetings, and offsites, there have been so many memorable moments over the years. The Arlington scavenger hunt was absolutely hysterical, and of course there were endless baked goods along the way. How can anyone pick just one favorite memory?

 What advice would you give yourself on your first day at FMP?

To be true to me and what genuinely makes me happy both in life and in my career. Explore and follow where your skills and opportunities lead you, knowing that each of us has our own unique path. Always work hard to be a good teammate and employee. The job is never really “done,” which means there is always something new to learn, ways to grow, and opportunities to improve.

What element of FMP’s culture have you most appreciated?

From a work perspective, one element of FMP’s culture I’ve especially appreciated is the opportunity for lateral career movement. Being able to work across a wide variety of projects and functions has been both rewarding and valuable to my professional growth. It has allowed me to continuously learn, expand my skills, and build a well-rounded career.

What are you most proud of in your 30 years at FMP?

I think I’m most proud of helping build and support a wonderful company while successfully navigating so much change along the way — all while raising a family. Over 30 years, FMP has continually evolved, and I’m proud to have grown alongside it through different roles, challenges, and opportunities. Like many people approaching retirement, I also take pride in having built a meaningful career while maintaining the balance and priorities that mattered most in my personal life.

Zoe Nerantzis joined FMP as a Consultant in May 2021 and works with the National Science Foundation team by supporting NSF’s learning and development branch. Zoe is from Rockville, Maryland and can generally be found reading fantasy novels, working out in her basement, or rooting for the Washington Football team.  

Jen Long joined FMP as a Consultant in September of 2024. She earned a B.S. in Finance & Marketing from The University of Pittsburgh. Jen has experience in strategic communications, program management, and marketing. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, cheering on her two kids at the hockey rink, or on a walk with her hound dog.