Meet the People

Diane began her career with New York Life in 1975. She specialized in employee and executive benefit planning for the first 15 years of her career and then because of her desire to help people, pursued her real passion. She is President of D.H. Gould Company, focusing on introspective estate and financial planning. Diane approaches her financial planning practice as an educator. A lifelong learner and teacher, Diane serves multiple generations in creating a holistic plan that incorporates their financial, retirement, estate, philanthropic, and special needs, allowing them to realize their dreams and legacies. She is a member of Nautilus and Eagle Strategies, unique subsidiaries of New York Life, which provide services for affluent, and high net-worth individuals and their families. She has been actively involved in working with families with special needs.

Diane graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors of Science in Education. She has earned her CLU^® (Chartered Life Underwriter), ChFC^® (Chartered Financial Consultant), and Masters of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. She also earned her CAP^® (Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy) from the College and was in the first graduating class in 2004 for that designation. She has also completed additional designations –the Chartered Special Needs Consultant^® (ChSNC^®) and the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP). She remains active with the College, recently completing three terms on the Alumni Advisory Board co-chairing the Student Retention and Experience Committee, currently sitting on the Advisory Board for the CAP^® program, and has been appointed as a member of the Financial Advisory Board of the city of Rockville.

Diane is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table and has been a consistent qualifier for other industry and Company awards. In her free time, Diane loves to engage in adult coloring and other crafts, cooking for family and friends, and reading.

The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry.

Marilyn Forrester became an agent of New York Life in 2021, working in retirement and estate planning. Her strong background in finance, combined with her experience helping people achieve personal wellness goals, give Marilyn a unique set of skills and a desire to help people achieve their financial goals.

Marilyn spent 8 years in London, earning a B.A. in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from Richmond College.

She began her career in finance, entering the Goldman Sachs’ graduate program as a Global Equity Operations Analyst within the German market. Marilyn later joined Eurohypo AG as a Senior Loan Administrator, managing the administration of a portfolio of loans, including some of the most recognizable properties, including Canary Wharf HSBC.

Marilyn relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana and associated with Smith Barney as a financial adviser. She took time off to raise her two sons, now teenagers.

Marilyn continues to advance her knowledge in the financial field by taking graduate level courses and training. When she’s not studying or guiding others on their personal financial or fitness journeys, Marilyn enjoys playing on her trivia team, attending Washington National Opera performances at the Kennedy Center, and contributing to the improvement committee for the City of Rockville, MD.

Mindy enjoys being part of a strong team that uplifts, prioritizes, and protects our clients and their loved ones. She manages and organizes administrative, operational, and account services, as well as elevates client care that allows for peace of mind.

Before joining D.H. Gould Company and working with Diane in 2016, Mindy specialized in client and agent support in field services with New York Life. She studied Business at the University of Delaware, where she was impactful in a variety of professional and cultural organizations. Having helped lead meaningful philanthropic and engagement efforts with Habitat for Humanity and Operation Smile, she continues to be passionate in empowering the well-being of people and communities.

In her free time, Mindy loves reading, playing tennis, and exploring nature.

Ilisa is an extremely passionate and valued staff member who attributes her success with her desire to connect and protect.

Ilisa was raised in the Washington, DC metro area. She started her college experience at the University of Colorado and received her B. A. from The New School University in New York City where she fell in love with Spanish language and culture and received a degree in Spanish and General Studies. After graduating in 2008, Ilisa spent the following 6 years immersing herself in a new culture and language in Guanajuato, Mexico.

After returning back to the States, Ilisa was determined to use her Spanish fluency to help others in their native language. Ilisa started at New York Life in 2013.

William (BG) Groff IV is an experienced financial advisor and has partnered with DH Gould for several years. Bringing with him more than 15 years of industry experience and leadership, BG’s approach utilizes an interpersonal connection with clients to get to the root of what dictates their financial decisions. This innovative approach focuses on collaborating with business, family, and individual clients to help give them an in-depth understanding of how all their financial instruments can work together.

With a comprehensive background in investments, insurance, financial planning¹ and the practical application of behavioral finance, BG applies a variety of techniques to solve client needs. He frequently presents to large groups across the country on a variety of topics regarding both personal and business planning. BG’s main objective is for his clients to have the peace of mind in life. BG earned a degree in Business Finance from Gettysburg College.

BG and his wife, Laurie, live with their two children in Baltimore County, Maryland. In their spare time, they enjoy travel, golf, and scuba diving.