At Northern Trust, a career isn’t just a job, it’s a journey.

From the moment someone joins us, they’re supported with opportunities to learn, build skills, grow into new roles and shape long-term careers. Our Quarter Century Club, a tradition dating back to our founder Byron L. Smith, celebrates employees who have reached remarkable milestones on that journey.

We welcomed 288 new members in 2025 – the largest-ever class of employees to reach their 25-year anniversary, joining a community of nearly 1,600 colleagues who have built decades-long careers here.

“I’m so proud that nearly 1,600 partners have been with Northern Trust for over 25 years. That longevity and institutional knowledge is just one of many elements that makes Northern Trust an incredible place to work.” – Chairman and CEO Mike O’Grady.

Learn about some of our Quarter Century Club members below.

Meet Steven Krause

After 46 years and six offices, Steven Krause, senior trust advisor on the Wealth Management team, has built a legacy of dedication and connection at Northern Trust. From Lake Bluff, Illinois to Sarasota, Florida (where he is now located), Krause’s journey is defined by his commitment to clients and colleagues.

What was your first job at Northern Trust and what do you remember about it?
I started my career at Northern Trust by being grandfathered in from The First National Bank of Lake Forest, which Northern Trust acquired. I was originally hired at the Lake Bluff office to be a lender, but in a small office of about 20 employees, I wore many hats. The close-knit environment meant everyone pitched in wherever needed.

What’s one piece of office tech or process that totally changed since you started?
Computers! Before personal computers arrived, our work was primarily done on paper ledgers. The introduction of PCs revolutionized how we worked, making everything faster and less reliant on paper.

Do you remember your first day? What surprised you the most?
I vividly remember my first day in Lake Bluff. Living on the north side of Chicago without a car, I reverse commuted on the train – no express trains, so it took over an hour each way.

It was crisp autumn day in October 1979, and I could smell burning leaves as I stepped off the train. I love that smell; it reminds me of home, which made me feel more relaxed than anxious about my first day.

I also recall being the youngest in the office (a big change from now, where I’m the oldest!). The environment was friendly and inviting.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
One of the biggest and most meaningful changes for me has been the growth and strength of our employee-led Business Resource Councils.

Back in 1996, I was co-chair of the Diversity Council, which focused on confronting prejudice, treating everyone fairly, promoting cultural understanding and educating coworkers about minority groups. I’m proud of how Northern Trust has continued to evolve, making inclusion a core part of our culture. It all stems from our partners and how we celebrate and recognize everyone.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Northern Trust?
You’ve stepped into the door of the best. Bring your “A” game every day and give as much as you want Northern Trust to give back to you.

Meet Catherine Duffy

Catherine Duffy, Ireland operations manager based in Limerick, recently celebrated her 36^th year with Northern Trust. Over the decades, she’s seen the company and industry evolve in remarkable ways, from color-coded pens to digital transformation.

What was your first job at Northern Trust and what do you remember about it?
My first role at the company was on a team handling daily bank reconciliations.

Back then, we had a color-code system: blue pen for figures that matched, red for those that didn’t and green for mysterious ones we couldn’t recognize. It was a simple way to keep things in check and definitely added some color to the workday!

Thankfully the reconciliation process has come a long way – no more color-coded pens, just streamlined systems that actually make life easier.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
For me, the biggest shift has been the digital transformation. Technology now powers nearly everything we do. It’s been incredible to watch innovation reshape how we work, communicate and create.  

Do you remember your first day? What surprised you the most?
I remember my first day so clearly. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, kind and very willing to help get me up to speed. One thing I distinctly remember was that there was a new coffee machine on the floor – everyone was gathered around trying to figure out how to use it!

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
For me, the biggest shift has been the digital transformation. Technology now powers nearly everything we do. It’s been incredible to watch innovation reshape how we work, communicate and create.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Northern Trust?
Ask loads of questions, take advantage of our internal Northern Trust University courses and get yourself a mentor who you can lean on.

Meet Bert Rebelo

Bert Rebelo, head of Asia Pacific institutional client group based in Melbourne, Australia, recently celebrated his 26th year with Northern Trust. From London to Melbourne, Bert’s journey is filled with memorable moments, global moves and a deep commitment to growth and connection.

What was your first job at the company?
I started as a business risk and compliance analyst in the London office. At the time, our team covered all of Northern Trust’s business risk and compliance efforts in London, and I was the third member to join.

What’s one piece of office tech or process that’s totally changed since you started?
I think the biggest change has been the ability to easily connect with people via Teams during COVID. I still remember the big clunky phones on everyone’s desk!

Do you remember your first day? What surprised you the most?
I came from the asset management arm of a very conservative U.K. insurance-based company. What struck me most was how approachable and friendly everyone was at Northern Trust and how the organization didn’t feel overly hierarchical. 

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
The growth of the business, especially Northern Trust Asset Management international.

One of my first tasks after joining Northern Trust Asset Management in London was helping to establish NTGIL, which is the primary legal entity based in London.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Northern Trust?
Be curious. Don’t hesitate to lean into areas of interest as opportunities arise when you extend yourself.

At Northern Trust, a career isn’t just a job, it’s a journey.

From the moment someone joins us, they’re supported with opportunities to learn, build skills, grow into new roles and shape long-term careers. Our Quarter Century Club, a tradition dating back to our founder Byron L. Smith, celebrates employees who have reached remarkable milestones on that journey.

We welcomed 288 new members in 2025 – the largest-ever class of employees to reach their 25-year anniversary, joining a community of nearly 1,600 colleagues who have built decades-long careers here.

“I’m so proud that nearly 1,600 partners have been with Northern Trust for over 25 years. That longevity and institutional knowledge is just one of many elements that makes Northern Trust an incredible place to work.” – Chairman and CEO Mike O’Grady.

Learn about some of our Quarter Century Club members below.

Meet Steven Krause

After 46 years and six offices, Steven Krause, senior trust advisor on the Wealth Management team, has built a legacy of dedication and connection at Northern Trust. From Lake Bluff, Illinois to Sarasota, Florida (where he is now located), Krause’s journey is defined by his commitment to clients and colleagues.

What was your first job at Northern Trust and what do you remember about it?
I started my career at Northern Trust by being grandfathered in from The First National Bank of Lake Forest, which Northern Trust acquired. I was originally hired at the Lake Bluff office to be a lender, but in a small office of about 20 employees, I wore many hats. The close-knit environment meant everyone pitched in wherever needed.

What’s one piece of office tech or process that totally changed since you started?
Computers! Before personal computers arrived, our work was primarily done on paper ledgers. The introduction of PCs revolutionized how we worked, making everything faster and less reliant on paper.

Do you remember your first day? What surprised you the most?
I vividly remember my first day in Lake Bluff. Living on the north side of Chicago without a car, I reverse commuted on the train – no express trains, so it took over an hour each way.

It was crisp autumn day in October 1979, and I could smell burning leaves as I stepped off the train. I love that smell; it reminds me of home, which made me feel more relaxed than anxious about my first day.

I also recall being the youngest in the office (a big change from now, where I’m the oldest!). The environment was friendly and inviting.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
One of the biggest and most meaningful changes for me has been the growth and strength of our employee-led Business Resource Councils.

Back in 1996, I was co-chair of the Diversity Council, which focused on confronting prejudice, treating everyone fairly, promoting cultural understanding and educating coworkers about minority groups. I’m proud of how Northern Trust has continued to evolve, making inclusion a core part of our culture. It all stems from our partners and how we celebrate and recognize everyone.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Northern Trust?
You’ve stepped into the door of the best. Bring your “A” game every day and give as much as you want Northern Trust to give back to you.

Meet Catherine Duffy

Catherine Duffy, Ireland operations manager based in Limerick, recently celebrated her 36^th year with Northern Trust. Over the decades, she’s seen the company and industry evolve in remarkable ways, from color-coded pens to digital transformation.

What was your first job at Northern Trust and what do you remember about it?
My first role at the company was on a team handling daily bank reconciliations.

Back then, we had a color-code system: blue pen for figures that matched, red for those that didn’t and green for mysterious ones we couldn’t recognize. It was a simple way to keep things in check and definitely added some color to the workday!

Thankfully the reconciliation process has come a long way – no more color-coded pens, just streamlined systems that actually make life easier.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
For me, the biggest shift has been the digital transformation. Technology now powers nearly everything we do. It’s been incredible to watch innovation reshape how we work, communicate and create.  

Do you remember your first day? What surprised you the most?
I remember my first day so clearly. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, kind and very willing to help get me up to speed. One thing I distinctly remember was that there was a new coffee machine on the floor – everyone was gathered around trying to figure out how to use it!

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
For me, the biggest shift has been the digital transformation. Technology now powers nearly everything we do. It’s been incredible to watch innovation reshape how we work, communicate and create.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Northern Trust?
Ask loads of questions, take advantage of our internal Northern Trust University courses and get yourself a mentor who you can lean on.

Meet Bert Rebelo

Bert Rebelo, head of Asia Pacific institutional client group based in Melbourne, Australia, recently celebrated his 26th year with Northern Trust. From London to Melbourne, Bert’s journey is filled with memorable moments, global moves and a deep commitment to growth and connection.

What was your first job at the company?
I started as a business risk and compliance analyst in the London office. At the time, our team covered all of Northern Trust’s business risk and compliance efforts in London, and I was the third member to join.

What’s one piece of office tech or process that’s totally changed since you started?
I think the biggest change has been the ability to easily connect with people via Teams during COVID. I still remember the big clunky phones on everyone’s desk!

Do you remember your first day? What surprised you the most?
I came from the asset management arm of a very conservative U.K. insurance-based company. What struck me most was how approachable and friendly everyone was at Northern Trust and how the organization didn’t feel overly hierarchical. 

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the company or industry over the years?
The growth of the business, especially Northern Trust Asset Management international.

One of my first tasks after joining Northern Trust Asset Management in London was helping to establish NTGIL, which is the primary legal entity based in London.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Northern Trust?
Be curious. Don’t hesitate to lean into areas of interest as opportunities arise when you extend yourself.